Thursday, July 31, 2014

Give me a C...C...you got your C you got your C, give me an A...A...oh never mind. Cauliflower mash

Who doesn't love mashed potatoes. But sometimes, they can get to starchy or we add too many condiments to them and the calories add up. Or maybe you have a child that loves mashed potatoes but won't eat any vegetables. And you might be saying..."Dani, a potato IS a vegetable" and you would be correct. But most of the time, a potato is classified nutritionally as a starchy food. 
So back to your kids not eating 'vegetables'! Especially something that looks like a big, fuzzy, plant. From all the children I ever kept (around 1,000 to brag a little), children are visual eaters. They like to see what they eat. And as adults we do the same, we have just trained our brains to see something and automatically know we don't like it. But as a child, they are just learning how to do that. If my mom had showed me a cauliflower and told me I was going to eat it and like it, I would have told her no. It's not that appealing to the eye. But my cleaver husband has come up with a way for us to eat them. And it's a good thing because the nutritional value of a cauliflower is amazing. 
Nutrition Facts: Cauliflower
Amount Per 1 head medium (5-6" dia.) (588 g)
            Calories 146               % Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.6 g                     2%
Saturated fat 0.4 g             2%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.1 g
Trans fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg              0%
Sodium 176 mg              7%
Potassium 1,758 mg         50%
Total Carbohydrate 29 g      9%
Dietary fiber 12 g               48%
Sugar 11 g
Protein 11 g                      22%
Vitamin A 0%    Vitamin C 47%
Calcium 12%        Iron 13%
Vitamin D 0%   Vitamin B-6 55%
Vitamin B-12 0%   Magnesium 22%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FeedbackSources include: USDA

See! For the whole cauliflower it's only 146 calories! And the amount of protein and vitamin C you get from just one blows my mind. 

So on to the part you really want to know. How to turn a cauliflower into 'mashed potatoes'!  Again, I will show you step by step in pictures and then at the end, list all the ingredients you will need/want for this. 


Take a large stock pot and fill it about a little over half way with water. Place your steamer in the pot. You want the bottom of your steamer and the water to touch. If you have added to much water, just dump a little out. Place the pot on the stove and turn the stove to high. The you take a cutting board and a shark knife and cut off the stem of the cauliflower. 



You then cut the cauliflower into large pieces, as shown below. 


After the water comes to a boil, you put the cut up cauliflower into the steamer part of the pot and cover it with a lid. 




It will start to steam and making a boiling, rattling sound. This is completely normal. Take the lid off after 3-5 minutes and with a fork, start to mash them a little. You are mainly trying to just break up the pieces so they can start to form into a mashed potato look alike. 



Put the lid back on after you have done a simple mashing around. After 10 minutes it is ready. With a pot holder, take out the steamer part that holds you cauliflower and place the cauliflower into a large enough bowl. 

(as you can tell, my husband doesn't follow the rules and use a pot holder, but please do so to avoid burning yourself) 



This is what our steamer looks like. We got it from Bed, Bath and Beyond. 


You can then add all the extra ingredients you like. Because cauliflower is so good for you, we dont feel as guilty adding a little butter or cheese or sometimes, even BACON!!!! Mmmmmm...bacon! Just add whatever you like (or your children like) and mash it all around with a fork. Just keep stirring until you have the same kind of texture as potatoes. 

This is what we used that night. Every time we change it up. Sometimes he will add a laughing cow cheese and that is amazing. 







And that is pretty much it. It really is simple to make. And again, you can make it how ever you want it. Or the way your children will eat. I have learned to not let them watch you when you make it. If they don't know what it is, they usually will at least try it. Especially if they see cheese and bacon staring them in the face. 
That evening we made it with steak ka-bobs. 




So the ingredients you will need no matter what you add to it is:
Large pot with matching lid
Steamer
Cutting board
Sharp Knife
1 head of Cauliflower 
Pot holder
Large bowl for mixing 
Fork

And then anything you want to add: butter, cheese, bacon, laughing cow cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, cream cheese, etc. 



I should receive my Quest Protein Chips in the mail tonight so be on the look out for my post on them tomorrow. 
As well as I take on the new Lay's Potato Chip flavors and post on them next week! 
(you must sing the next part to the Tune of the Shots song)  
Chips, chips, chips, chips, chips, chips
chips, chips, chips, chips, chips
chips, chips, chips, chips, chips
EVERYBODY
:) :) :) :) :) 



Congratulations to Jennifer Crecelius for winning the 3D fiber lash mascara! Good luck next time to all of those who purchased! You can still purchase whatever you like at my website. You don't have to buy from a party. You simple go there and at the top, click Shop Younique and your ready to purchase. Or you can be on the look out for my next party where who knows what I'll give away! 



Wednesday, July 30, 2014

On Wednesday's we wear pink!

This, my blog friends, is a post about a few special girls that blessed me with their presence on my very special wedding day!


They are from left to right...
Abigail Davenport, Kristen Lewis, Tiffany Weddel, myself, Kara Smith, Angie Talbert and Heather Wu


Let me tell you a little bit about each of them!

Let's start with my matron of honor...my big sis...Kara Smith!

 Gorgeous right! I met Kara on June 29, 1985. Well I don't remember meeting her, but she remembers the day she met me. I changed her whole world. We have always been close. We are far enough apart that we are close enough to remain friends. If you have a sister, you understand there is this bond that never goes away. No matter how long you haven't seen each other or talk to one another. She and my husband are so much alike it's scary. When they get around one another, you are surely going to laugh. My sister is the best. She would go to bat for me every time. She is one of my best friends and was always a 2nd mom to me. It's in her nature to take care of me (except all those times Tim broke her heart and she would come home crying...then it was my turn. (for the record, she married Tim and they have a beautiful life) )and I wouldn't want it any other way. I love you Kara for being you and keeping me safe and always making me laugh.


Let's move on over to my "other big sis", Tiffany Weddel.

I met Tiffany through a mutual friend at the time in 2005. She was pregnant and was looking for a nanny and I was looking for a job, so I became the nanny she needed. At first, it was a job. But something between Tiffany and I clicked. I was the little sister she never had and she was the friend I had always wanted. Tiffany is something else. She's wild and crazy and is an incredible business women. She's extremely loyal and would take care of you in the drop of a hat. She is the type that if she found out someone was talking s**t about you, she would fight them if it came down to it. And trust me, you don't want to take her on. After her first went to school, I stopped working for her for a little bit but our friendship stayed strong. Then she got pregnant with twins and asked me to come back full time so of course I did! I share the god-mother role of the twins with Heather, an honor I was so shocked to be given. I love you Tiffany. I don't get to see you as much anymore due to scheduling but when I do, it's like no time has past. You will always be my adopted older sister and a part of my family.  


Speaking of Heather, let me introduce you to her.
Mrs. Heather Wu.

I met Heather about a month after I met Tiffany. She was pregnant with her 2nd boy. This was November and she was due in December. I didn't see Heather again till after Tiffany's first was born, in January 2006. Heather would come over to Tiffany's house a couple of times and I always thought how kind she was. I didn't really get to know Heather till a few years later. But let me tell you, Heather is the most sweetest person in the world. She always has a kind word to say. I have only ever seen her get mad a few times but even then, she had this calming to her. She's fun, energetic and is Tiffany's best friend. Where there's one, there's both. I would keep her boys, Max and Owen a few nights a week. She became this friend over night and my wedding would have not been the same without her. She's always there for me. She calls me Noodle, still to the day. I am going to be 60 years old one day and she will still be calling me Noodle. (she got noodle from Dan Dan Noodles, it just got shortened to noodle). I love you Heather and I will always have a friend in you, no matter where life takes us.


Let's move on to Bobby's sister, Angie Talbert.

Angie is actually the first Lewis I hit it off with. I met her at Hurricane Harbor one day when Bobby and I went when we first started dating in 2004.  I automatically fell in love with her. She's spunky, and full of life. She's dramatic and can sing and is the most bubbly person I know. Besides her mother, I have never heard anyone talk longer on the phone. But the whole time she's happy and full of character. I would be exhausted if I was her. She's beautiful and has had more hair changes than anyone I know.  She's energetic and always has a kind word to say. I always get complimented when I am around her. It's like she knows when I don't feel pretty, because it's those times she always tells me something about me is pretty. I love that about Angie. She's an amazing sister in law and a wonderful best friend of mine. Angie, I am super blessed that Bobby has a sister I can love so much and loves me back.


Mrs. Abigail Davenport

I met Abby through church. Well kind of. Her and her husband Luke moved here from Houston so she could finish dental hygienist school. Abby played softball through college so when they joined the church and joined the Sunday school, they put together a co-ed team. I at the time did not go to Tyler Street on a regular bases so I didn't met Abby till the first softball game. They needed a girl and since I played for so long, I said I would play. We automatically hit it off. I knew when I met her, she was going to be one of my good friends. We honestly don't have much in common, but I think that's what keeps our friendship so strong. Abby is one of the most naturally beautiful women I know. She's a hunter and a cook. She will wake up at 5am, go hut a hog, kill it and clean it, is in church all by 10am. She's amazing. I always love what Abby is cooking. I know my husband wishes I was more like Abby but sorry...I am not a hunter nor do I like to cook. I am very sad now because recently Abby had a baby girl and they decided to move back to Houston to be with family. I do not blame her but for selfish reasons, I want her here with me. I love you Abigail and thank you for an amazing friendship and amazing food. Your cornbread to this day is my all time favorite!  
oh and I miss you


Last but not least...Kristen Lewis

What can I say about Kristen. Holy moly I love this girl. She's funny and has the biggest sense of humor. When she get's mad, she lets you know. She's honest and opinionated but she also has one of the biggest hearts I know. I really didn't get to know Kristen till I went on vacation with her and the Lewis' the summer of '05. But ever since then, we have been great friends. She married Bobby's brother, Billy in 2006. Kristen is my Prosecco friend. We love drinking bubbly together. I always have a good time with Kristen. We think alike and act alike. She's just funnier and louder than me. Kristen is a very giving person. She doesn't take crap from no one and isn't afraid to voice her feelings. I love everything about Kristen. I can tell her anything and I know its safe. She never criticizes me for my decisions or tells me I'm doing something wrong. She believes people make their own mistakes and shouldn't be judge based on it (I am like that too. What you do is up to you. I am not the ruler of the Earth). Kristen, I love you and I love that our friendship has turned into something so incredibly strong. You are good for me because you help keep me honest.


Wait...I am missing something.


Oh that's right...what is a wedding without your flower girls. These 2 are as much my girls then the ones featured above.

Campbell Jade Weddel

Remember how I told you I kept Tiffany's oldest. Well meet her...This is Campbell and she's my girl. I love everything about her. I was there the day she was born and I hopefully will be there all the other important days of her life, if I am lucky enough. Besides my bridesmaids, Campbell was the first decision I made in my wedding. I knew she had to be my flower girl. She was and is a big part of why I want children. She's spunky and sassy and everything girly. I don't get to see Campbell much but I always love when I do. I love seeing where she is in life and about all the things she is learning. She's super smart and bright and full of life. I can't wait to see what Campbell becomes one day. Whatever it is, it's going to be fabulous!
I love you sweet Cami!


My other flower girl, I have already introduced to you here, but let me again have you meet Landry Kate Smith!

You talk about one of the biggest joys in my life. The day my sister had Landry, it changed my world forever. I love everything about Landry. She's funny and so sweet. Her personality is through the roof and she is so smart. She's this tiny sponge that I sometimes have to be careful around. When ever we go out to eat, she makes sure that what I am eating is gluten free. She will even ask me on the menu what can I eat. She knows I love wine and that she can't have any yet until she's an adult. (I am such a wonderful influence on this child!) Landry is my heart and I can't wait to see all the little things she accomplishes in life.
I love you Lou!




I want to give a shout out to Mrs. Becca Egger for taking my wonderful wedding photos. If you ever need a photographer, she's the women! She's amazing at capturing the small things that you will love later. And she's amazing with children. She has a spunky attitude so it transpires onto the children. They love Becca and so will you and so do I! Here is her blog if you want more info!



Thank you to you 6 for making my day that much better. I love you all. You are all so different and bring so much happiness to me.
God bless you for putting up with me  :)







Today is the last day in the giveaway. Don't let this chance pass you by. Head on over to my Younique party for your change to win a free 3D fiber lash mascara!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Newest Addiction

Have you ever heard of Quest Nutrition? Yes...No...Maybe? Well if you haven't, you need too. I am a candy whore...I love candy, especially candy bars. But being gluten free and trying to stay as healthy as I can be, candy bars do not get bought at my household. That is where Quest comes into play. Up until recently, they only made protein bars and 2 kinds of pasta. It's a husband and wife team and she came up with them in her own kitchen. She made them from her husband as a healthy alternative, not realizing she created something so wonderfully delicious. Now, every where I go, I see Quest bars. And the best part about them is that they are Gluten Free. Everything they sell is. I always feel safe buying their products.
 
 
I have mentioned them before in a previous blog post, but nothing to the extreme. My husband turned me on to them. They come in 16 different flavors and all have between 20 to 21 grams of Protein. They net 3-6 grams of carbs and all have a high amount of Fiber. Their motto is to Cheat Clean because that's what it feels like you are doing. Eating a candy bar that is almost perfect for you. I never feel guilty and always feel full.
 
 
 
 
Here are the flavors they come in:
 
Lemon Cream Pie
 
Banana Nut Muffin
 
 
Chocolate Peanut Butter
 
 
Apple Pie
 
Mixed Berry Bliss
 
White Chocolate Raspberry
 
 
Peanut Butter & Jelly
 
 
Coconut Cashew
 
 
Strawberry Cheesecake
 
 
Double Chocolate Chunk
 
Peanut Butter Supreme
Vanilla Almond Crunch
 
 
Chocolate Brownie
 
Cinnamon Roll
 
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
 
Cookies and Cream
 
 
My 3 favorites that Bobby and I keep stocked at the house are Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Cinnamon Roll. The only 3 I am not a fan of are Lemon Cream Pie (because I am not a lemon flavor fan), Chocolate Peanut Butter (because I don't like the combination of chocolate and peanut butter) and White Chocolate Raspberry (because I am not a white chocolate fan).
 
 
 
They also have their version of a Reese's Peanut Butter cup's that my husband keeps stock in our fridge. He loves them and has one cup once a day. So he goes through like 4 packages in 1 week!


 
 
 
There is also their pasta. I have not tried it so I cant tell you much about it. I also haven't been able to find it in stores so this most likely is to be purchased online. (if you have seen it at a store, please tell me)
 
 
 
 
So on to the best news I received last week, well the 2nd best news I received but one is a secret and will be revealed at a much later date when I get permission. I follow Quest on Instagram (you should too because they show you fun and easy recipes that you can do with your Quest bars!) and I noticed that they were having something new come out. I actually guessed before it was confirmed but boy was I super excited. Everyone knows how much I love chips and now...I can Crunch Clean!
 
That's right! Protein chips. Sour cream and cheese, Sea salt and BBQ! I was able to preorder them last Tuesday and instead of just ordering like 1 bag each, I ordered 1 box of each! Needless to say my house is going to be overloaded on Quest Protein Chips come Thursday!!!!!!! I will get back to you on how they taste but if I was a betting women, I would bet they taste amazing.
 
 
 
So here are few of my own Instagram photos featuring Quest Bars.
 
On national donut day I made my own donut. I took the cookies and cream and formed it into a donut shape and baked it at 350* for about 8 minutes. And then I made my own frosting with birthday cake protein powder and water! And of course what donut is not complete without sprinkles!
 
So each week Quest goes through all the photos that are posted to their page and pick out about 9 best ones for that week. Well being the creative genius I am, I found a way to have Bullet hold one in his mouth and I captioned it
"My very own Cookies and Cream Monster"
 
Needless to say Quest loved it and featured it that week. And put him smack dab in the middle! Thanks Bullet for getting mom and dad a free box of Quest bars!
 
 
 
My favorite way I like to eat Quest bars, besides just ripping the packaging off and going to town...is taking the chocolate chip cookie dough, cutting it into a little rolled up pieces and baking them at 350* for about 5 mins and adding them to my popcorn! Holy moly its amazing! Sometimes I add a handful of dark chocolate chips to melt on my popcorn as well.
 
These are the kinds of recipes Quest shows you on their Instagram page. You should go follow them. They are amazing. And maybe you could win your own box of Quest bars.
You can also purchase all the bars and chips and cravings and pasta you could ever want at http://www.questnutrition.com/ 
 
 
Don't forget about the 3D fiber last giveaway. Such an amazing deal. It just takes buying one item to automatically get entered into the drawing. You have till July 30th at midnight. Good Luck!