Thursday, November 5, 2009

Nikki Beach Menu - Cabo

Here's the menu from Nikki Beach in Cabo San Lucas... Yummy!! I've been 'googling' these recipes to have my own 'Nikki Beach Night'

http://www.loscabosguide.com/menus/nikkibeach.htm

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I'm back!!

Sorry I haven't been blogging for awhile! I've been SUPER busy! Getting my Firearms Safety Cert. so I can hunt this year!! (SOO EXCITED!!) Not to mention trying to blend 2 households & plan a wedding!! Whew! Being a fab wifey2b is EXHAUSTING!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Classy Cran-Pom Sangria


CLASSY CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE SANGRIA

1/4 cup Ocean Spray® Craisins® Original sweetened dried cranberries
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup brandy
1 750-milliliter bottle dry red wine, chilled
3 cups Ocean Spray® Cran·Pomegranate™ Cranberry Pomegranate Juice drink, chilled
1 cup orange juice, chilled
1 orange, thinly sliced
2-1/2 cups club soda, chilled

Combine sweetened dried cranberries, sugar and water in small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and cranberries are plumped. Stir in brandy. Let cool. Combine brandy mixture, wine, cranberry pomegranate juice drink and orange juice in large pitcher. Add orange slices.
Mix well and chill. Stir in club soda just before serving.
Makes 10 servings.

Body Central - Happy Shopping!

Super-cute clothes, and really inexpensive!

Cronquist-O'Leary Wedding Website

Our Wedding Website!!


Whats' your wedding ideas?

Cool Veggie Pizza

VEGGIE PIZZA

1 (8 oz.) & 1 (4 oz.) crescent rolls (3 8 oz. for 2 pizzas)
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
1 c. fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. dill weed
Whip the last 5 ingredients together. Press separated rolls in an 11 x 13 inch cookie sheet and bake until done or golden brown. Cool thoroughly. Top with cream cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Top with diced veggies, pressed on cheese. Finely chopped veggies (zucchini, mushrooms, green peppers, green onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower,
black or green olives, carrot
Refrigerate overnight.

Cooks.com - Check it Out!

If you can't find the recipe on this site, it doesn't exist!
P.S Whats YOUR fave?

Cottage Chz Dip

Cottage Cheese Dip
1/3 c. skim milk
1 pt. fat-free cottage cheese
1/2 pkg. Knorrs vegetable soup mix
Lots of raw veggies, cut up for dipping

1. Blend 1/3 cup milk, 1 pint cottage cheese and soup mix in a bowl.
2. Put in refrigerator for 1/2 hour.
3. Serve with raw veggies. Dip and enjoy!!

Nikkis Never-Fail Roast Beef Recipe

Here it is, my Never-Fail Roast Beef recipe!
1 (3-4 lb.) beef roast (boneless is best)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 can water
1 env. Lipton onion soup mix
Cut of carrots (NOT baby carrots) & potatoes

Rinse beef roast and place in Corningware dish. Mix cream of mushroom soup (straight from the can) with Lipton soup mix (dry), and water, heat slightly to blend together. Pour over roast. Do not add other liquids. Add your vegetables. Cover with lid and cook at 300 degrees until tender, approximately 3 hours. Turning meat once helps improve flavor of meat. If gravy thickens too fast, add a little liquid at this time.

Cucumber Lemon Water - YUM!

I ADORE this recipe! Any excuse to drink more H2O is always good!!

Cucumber Lemon Water

1/2 Cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
1/4 Lemon, sliced thin
Filtered water (or any water)

Place the cucumber and lemon in a large pitcher (I use a Rubbermaid Storage Pitcher when not entertaining). Fill with water. Let sit for an hour or two and serve over ice. I usually refill the container two to three times before discarding the cucumber and lemon. This mix looks gorgeous in a glass pitcher, so classy!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Monday, July 6, 2009

DIY Body Detox Tips

If your body is feeling a little sluggish, overloaded and tired, a detox could be just the cure! You don’t need to go totally extreme and book yourself into an expensive retreat, or go down the road of colonic irrigation to cleanse your body of toxins and nasties – you can do it all from the comfort of your own home, and over one weekend! Here are some tips for an easy at home DIY detox…

Detoxing is simply removing waste from your body. Everyday we load our bodies with chemicals, toxins and pollutants; so it makes sense that we should give it a break every once in a while. The benefits of this include higher energy levels, clearer skin and tighter muscle tone (and of course, overall better health!)…

1: If you’ve never tried a detox before you should start off detoxing for a period of only two days at a time max.

2: When cleansing your body, avoid red meat, dairy products, salt, cakes and biscuits, salt, sugar, flour and wheat, junk food, tea and coffee, alcohol and anything containing artificial additives. If that’s a little too extreme for you, even two days without caffeine, alcohol, sugar and processed foods will do wonders for your body.

3: Load up on fresh fruit, veggies and grains such as brown rice (it’s super cleansing). Veggies known for their fantastic liver cleansing properties include rocket, lettuce, melon, celery and asparagus. Homemade smoothies are another great way to get your intake of fresh fruit and veggies, use ingredients like beetroot, grapefruit, apple, celery and lemon.
Smoothie Recipes: http://www.cajuncookingrecipes.com/smoothie_recipes.htm

4: Plan your detox around a quiet weekend where you won’t be tempted to break the plan. Detoxing will be hard on your body initially, you may feel temporary side effects such as headaches, pains, low energy and dizziness. These are all signs that the detox is working, but to be on the safe side make sure you take things easy.

5: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will keep you hydrated and flush toxins. To figure out if you’re drinking enough water just check the colour of your urine (it sounds gross, but it’s the easiet way to find out!). Pale yellow is the colour you’re after – if it’s any darker, you’re not drinking enough water.

6: Load up on herbal teas. Great options include dill, peppermint, caraway, aniseed, lemon verbena, fennel and green tea, to help soothe, calm and cleanse.

7: Start each day with a glass of hot water mixed with the juice of half a lemon. This will help cleanse your system, aid digestion and flush out toxins. If it’s a little too bitter for you, sweeten it up with a drop of honey.

8: Proper breathing is another great way to aid the detox process.

Top 5 Olympic Inspired Exercises

The Olympic Games are just around the corner and to celebrate we take a look at some quirky competitive sports and show you how to use them and get results! Don’t be shy ladies, get your game face on, have fun and get fit and toned…

1. Synchronized Swimming
OK, it seems a little silly, but synchronised swimming is a lot harder than it looks, and a great way to tone up those legs! Grab a friend and come up with a basic routine on dry land, then hit the pools and work on your timing. You’ll find that the goal of getting it perfect will keep you working for hours and the test of balance will improve muscle strength and general posture!

2. Gymnastics – Trampoline
Gymnastics are a huge part of the Olympics, but for everyday people, the trampoline is the easiest event to master and incorporate into your exercise routine. If you don’t own a trampoline, hunt one out at your local gym or just raid your neighbour’s backyard while their kids are at school. The trampoline can be used as a warm-up or a full work out, depending on how long you train for. Simply jumping will get your heart racing, but once you get the confidence; kicks, star jumps, and eventually flips are all possible. Plus you can always just jump around for fun!

3. Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a fantastic team sport which requires endurance, stamina and a whole lot of confidence! Once you get into this one you’ll find there’s more too beach volleyball then babes and bikinis. It’s great working out on the beach and getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Of course remember to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen. Summer’s nearly here ladies, so get a team together now!
4. Weightlifting
The most important thing to remember with this sport is to start slow. Weightlifting is best attempted under the guidance of a trainer, and when in the right hands you will find yourself on the fast track to fabulous toned arms! And hey, no one’s going to mess with you looking that staunch!

5. Mountain Biking
Getting back to nature is good for the mind and body, so add a little adrenalin to your day and hit the mountain bike trail. Cycling is a great way to work your body’s muscles and improve fitness. Mountain biking is perfect for experienced riders looking to push themselves or beginners giving it a go.

How to Hula Hoop

So, I just got my hula hoop, and it's not as easy as it looks, ppl!!

Hula Hoop - wikiHow

What I'm Listening to Right Now

LostProphets "Rooftops"
In Flames "Come Clarity"
Lady Gaga "Disco Stick"
Donny Iris "Ah Leah"
AAR "The Wind Blows"
Keri Hilson "Knock You Down"
Neil Sedaka "Bad Blood"
Dimmu Borhir "Puritania"


What are you listening to?

Nikkis Easy-Green Checklist

Here is a list of easy ways (& links!) to reduce your Carbon Footprint, & Live Greener! The benefits of greener living are endless, & all it takes it one small change!
Reuse plastic bags
Get off junk mail lists:
Walk or ride your bike - Get a pedometer & get 10,000 steps a day for an added fitness bonus!
Recycle or trade your old magazines
BYOB (of water)! Find a huge selection of cool bottles here:
Unplug electronics when not in use
Hang dry your clothes when possible
Pick up litter
Eat what's in season
Turn off lights when leaving the room
Use greener cleaners ( I'm a fan of Greenworks)
Use rechargeable batteries
Plant a garden or tree
Skips plastic/paper cups/plates
Spread the word!
Thrift Shops are great for DIY projects!
Plant a window herb garden
Whats your Carbon Footprint? Find out @:
*~* Go Green!! *~*

Personal Training

So, I've recently made some big life decisions, & one of which is to renew my Personal Trainer Certification & work for myself! I have about 6 months experience as a Gym Assistant/Trainer in a fitness facility, and about 6 months experience working independently with my own clients. I'm excited, & I think a quick run through my manual, & update my forms, & I should be good for my exam! Wish me luck, and keep me in mind for your fitness needs!! Here are some links highlighting the benefits of working w/ a Personal Trainer...
Do I need a personal trainer to help me get in shape??

This is a question which many individuals have asked themselves. While getting in shape and losing weight may seem straightforward enough - go to the gym, exercise, eat healthy, repeat - it may be more difficult than you think. A qualified personal trainer is more than just someone who goes to the gym with you. They're a fitness consultant who's sole responsibility is to help you see maximum results from exercising. Here are seven awesome advantages a personal trainer gives you:
1. Exercise More Efficiently
A personal trainer is educated in fitness, and has a much deeper understanding of how the body works than the average person. For this reason, they are more qualified to assess what types of exercises are going to be most beneficial to you in achieving your personal fitness goals. You'll see faster results with less effort than you would if you simply worked out on your own. Plus, less time at the gym = more time to do other things. Working out doesn't need to be a strain on your schedule, and with the help of a personal trainer you'll work out quicker and see the results of your labor much sooner.
2. Encouragement
It's highly motivating to have someone else working out with you and encouraging you to give it all you've got. When you work out by yourself, it's easy to become frustrated if you don't see the results you're looking for. And when you become frustrated, it's easy to quit working out. Having a personal trainer with you in the gym will assure that you always have someone to "cheer you on" and keep you motivated. Plus, you'll feel better about yourself knowing that you are making a positive change in your life.
3. Accountability
As I mentioned above, it's easy to fall out of the habit of exercising regularly. With a personal trainer, you're always going to have someone there whos "watching over your shoulder" and making sure you hit the gym regularly. Not only that, but since you are now paying for the time you spend in the gym, you'll want to get the most for your money and not skip sessions.
4. Safety
If you aren't used to working out, or even if you have some experience in the gym, safety is always a factor. There are many ways to get injured when you're exercising, and not all of them are apparent. You may strain a muscle because you're using poor form. You may try to lift too much weight and drop a weight or a dumb-bell on your foot or chest. A personal trainer will make sure you're using proper form and are not lifting more weight than you can handle. Plus, if something does happen, they'll be there to immediately get help. In addition, using poor form when exercising reduces the effectiveness of the exercise. When working with a personal trainer you'll be able to get feedback on how you're holding your body and how you're moving, to get he maximum results out of each activity.
5. Nutritional Advice
There are many myths and inaccurate pieces of information about nutrition floating around. With a new fad diet every other month, it's easy to see why. Do I count calories or do I count carbs? Should I eat less trans fats or less saturated fats? How much protein do I need to be getting every day? Am I getting enough vitamins? Etc. etc. etc. A personal trainer can assess your health and nutritional needs based on your age, body type, gender and simple eating preferences. They will work with you to design a meal plan which works for you and assures you get everything you need from the food you eat. You'll feel more full and be less prone to over-eating.
6. Unique Needs
There are many reasons why you may have unique needs which prevent you from getting regular exercise. Maybe you're pregnant, maybe you've recently had a battle with cancer. Maybe you're diabetic or maybe you're just plain OLD and don't feel comfortable about working out on your own. A qualified personal trainer will take all of these things into consideration and design a workout plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. This way, you can exercise without worry and know that you're doing your body good instead of hurting it.
7. Schedule
A good personal trainer will make the effort to work with your schedule and will exercise with you at a time that is convenient for you. Maybe you work a standard 9 - 5 job and the only time it's convenient for you is in the morning, at lunch, or after work. Maybe you're a mother with a chaotic and often random schedule. Maybe you're already active in other activities which cut into your schedule. Whatever it is, a personal trainer will find a time to work out with you so that you never feel pressed for time.

Now that we've gone over these 7 advantages to hiring a personal trainer, I'd like to say one more thing in closing: Your local gym may or may not have trainers working for them, but you're probably better off hiring someone who trains full time on their own. Some chain type of gyms do not require their trainers to have well recognized certifications relating to training. For this reason, some of their trainers may be inexperienced or underqualified to be training anyone. It might cost you more, but it will definitely be worth your money to hire a certified professional. Research ACE, NASM, Expert Rating, & some of the other major fitness certifications to learn more about them. That way, you can make an educated decision when hiring a personal trainer.
P.S Whats your fave way to get fit?

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Trump University

Take the Trump Apprentice Challenge! Donald Trump IS one of my idols because he knows The Secret to Success, and The Secret to Life!!


P.S Did you make the cut?

Tang Soo Do World Article

I have been a student of Tang Soo Do for about 9 years, (less practiced in the latter years). This is my Grandmaster, Jae C. Shin, who brought Tang Soo Do to America, & his profile at tangsoodoworld.com. My favorite part? Read the very last statement... Very Nice!! ki-YAAAHH!!!

"Tang SOO!!"

Jedi Doctrine

So, as a huge Star Wars fan, and also a fan of a good "Religion vs Spirituality vs Science" discussion, I find this very article interesting... This is the final paragraph on the page, and the previous paragraphs discuss the "Basic Concepts" of the Jedi Religion, which are interestnig as well, as they are similar to any other religion/spiritual belief. Anyways, Enjoy!

"..Lets consider the Church of Scientology. About 60 years ago, a fiction writer named L. Ron Hubbard wrote a body of beliefs and related practices. Hubbard chose only later to characterize his writings as an "applied religious philosophy" and since it has gained legal recognition as an official religion in many western countries. Unlike the Church of Scientology, we will not harass members of the public, nor ex members of our Church. We welcome all those who wish to join, and we farewell all those who wish to leave. We only request that the Jedi Church is given every legal right and recognition that is given to other legal and recognised churches in our society, and that our members be free to practice their religion free from persecution.."

Original Source: Read the Whole Article Here
http://www.jedichurch.org/jedi-doctrine.html

P.S What do you think?

DIY Necklace Ideas

I love DIY projects, and this site has 3 really cute ideas for DIY necklaces!!


http://www.cosmogirl.com/fashion/diy/diy-necklaces

P.S What was your coolest DIY project?

I Love Cupcakes!!

I found this really sweet site just for cupcake recipes!! I use any recipe & make mini-cupcakes (less sugar at one time)! My fave? Red Velvet!! Yummers!!

*~* Happy Baking!*~*


P.S What's your fave cupcake?

Japanese Cooking

Ok, so I've always loved Japanese food, especially Sushi! (The Zen House is amazing, BTW!) This book is soo easy to read & follow, has easy recipes, shopping lists, and dinner plans, as well as stories from the author. READ THIS BOOK!! It may change the way you look at food/eating! It opened my eyes to new tastes/flavors/cooking methods, for sure! Read it!! You'll love it!

http://www.japanesewomendontgetoldorfat.com/

And this site is a great list of Japanese recipes from various places from about.com, be sure to check it out!

http://japanesefood.about.com/od/recipeindex/u/easyjapaneserecipes.htm

...And here's another great link..

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/World-Cuisine/Asia/Japan/Main.aspx


*~*Enjoy!!*~*


P.S What was your fave recipe?

Total Skull Clothing

This is the line designed by Sheri Moon Zombie, yes, Rob Zombies wife! I love her in his movies, and her clothing line is so haute!!

http://totalskull.com/home.htm

Happy Shopping!! :P

Your Face Here Fun

OMG this site is hilarious!! It's called Face in Hole.com, & you can take your face and put it on just about any body/scenario you want, or uplaod your own!!! I can get stuck here for hours!

www.faceinhole.com

Enjoy!!

P.S Post your funniest Face in Hole project!!

Outback Steakhouse

I HIGHLY recommend eating at Outback Steakhouse!! The Beef Tenderlion melts in your mouth, and the Bloomin' Onions are amazing! Oh, & try a Wallabee Darned, this yummy frozen peach concoction.. OMG, SO GOOD!! The closest location is in Duluth, on top of the hill, right next to Gander Mountain. Bon Appetit, mon amis!!

http://outback.com/

P.S What did you have at Outback?

Super Smoothie Recipes

22 awesome smoothie recipes!! I love smoothies! My fave is Mango Kiwi - Yummie!!

http://www.cajuncookingrecipes.com/smoothie_recipes.htm

P.S Which recipe is your fave?

Ice Storm 2009 - Baptism Lane

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Electric Blue

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Nikkis

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THE BEST Snapple.. EVER!

This is SO worth trying!! It's comparable to the Snapple Apple in taste accuracy.

http://www.snapple.com/products#/mango-madness-juice-drink/

Jake & I at Mattson Falls

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Best Powerade

I am lovin' this stuff right now!! The Grape is best!


http://www.us.powerade.com/zero/

Dr. Phils Personality Test Results

"The Lively Center of Attention

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not one to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out. "

Take the quiz now:

http://apps.facebook.com/drphilquiz/quiz/questions

My 4th of July Fun!

We had an awesome time Saturday night @ Flathorn, until I burnt the hell out of my hand!! Sparklers are dangerous, ppl!! Exercise EXTREME caution! But, we got to see all our "ppl", and the Isabella fireworks were the best I've seen in quite awhile, bar none! I highly suggest them for anyone who hasn't been. So I'm looking online now to plan a day trip to Valleyfair. I've never been there, and I want to check it out. Wish me luck! ♥ Nikki

P.S How was YOUR 4th?

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Youtube Faves

Here's the link to my fave vid's on Youtube!! I'm always adding new stuff! Gotta love Youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/user/jedininjachic

..Yes, my Youtube username is jedininjachic.. what?!!

How to Pick a Lock!

Ok, so I looked this up bc I'm bad with losing my keys, and it's actually pretty damn useful, so here you go!!

http://www.wikihow.com/Pick-a-Lock

Forever21.com = Great Shopping!

OMG I'm in love with forever21.com !! Check it out for great deals - go to the SALE section, you'll be amazed!!
Yes, I'm a total geek, but geek-chic! LOL! So here's Tao's Bio/Pic's on boxerworld.com . He's the coolest dog on the block!


http://www.boxerworld.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=57447

Ice Storm 2009

Yup, we survived 3 days w/ no power during the 2009 Ice Storm! Check out me & Jakes interview on the news~ We didn't have power to even watch the news, so we had to watch it online later!

http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/s847760.shtml?cat=10335

Let's hear your survival story!

Jewelry-Making

If you are into making jewelry (like me!) this is a great gallery of fab jewelry ideas, and it's also a catalog, so you can order the materials right from the site!! Here's the link..

http://www.firemountaingems.com/galleryofdesigns/default.asp

Send me pix of what you make!!

Hungry-girl.com ~ Check it out!

Hungry-girl.com ~ I Love it!! This site has tons of recipes, and lots of them low-carb/cal/fat etc.. Look for the new book 200 Under 200 for 200 recipes under 200 cal's, I just bought it and I love it~!~ Heres 1 recipe from the website...


"HG's Crabby Patty
Fit & Crabulous!
This crab cake recipe is so good, we're actually embarrassed for other crab cakes. Seriously. We are.
P.S. Sure, this recipe calls for a lot of ingredients, but many of them are kitchen staples, and the recipe is SO, SO worth it!
Ingredients:
Two 6-oz. cans lump crabmeat, drained (about 1 cup drained crabmeat)
2 1/2 slices light white bread
(40 - 45 calories each with around 2g fiber per slice), lightly toasted
One wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, room temperature
3 tbsp. fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
2 tbsp. finely diced onion
2 tbsp. finely diced celery
1 tbsp. fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 tbsp. Best Foods/Hellmann's Dijonnaise
1/2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh curly parsley
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. whipped light butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown), melted
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire saucedash hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco)
dash salt, or more to taste
dash black pepper, or more to taste
Butter-flavored nonstick spray
Optional: additional Dijonnaise (for dipping), lemon wedges

Directions:Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Tear lightly toasted bread into pieces and place in a food processor or blender. Pulse until reduced to breadcrumbs, and then transfer to a medium bowl. Add crabmeat, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, and gently mix until combined. Add onion and celery, lightly mix again, and set aside. Break cheese wedge into pieces and place in a small bowl. Add egg substitute, mayo, Dijonnaise, lemon juice, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce. Whisk until smooth, and pour over the crabmeat mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the liquid mixture into the crabmeat mixture. If you like, add additional salt and black pepper to taste. Prepare a medium-large baking dish by spraying with butter-flavored nonstick spray. Take one-third of the crab cake mixture (about 3/4 cup) from the bowl. Gently form it into a ball, place it in the baking dish, and flatten it into a cake about 1-inch thick -- repeat twice with remaining crab mixture so that you have 3 cakes in the baking dish. Bake in the oven for 14 - 15 minutes, until the cakes are slightly firm and cooked through. Remove carefully from the dish and serve with additional Dijonnaise for dipping and/or lemon wedges for squirting!
MAKES 3 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1 (very large!) crab cake
Calories: 117
Fat: 2g
Sodium: 799mg
Carbs: 11.5g
Fiber: 2.25g
Sugars: 2.5g
Protein: 14g
POINTS® value 2*"
Source:http://hungry-girl.com/chew/chewdetails.php?isid=1692

My 1st Time .. hehehe

My first time.. BLOGGING that is, you dirties! So this is where I'll vent about all my small-town crap, which will probably be more interesting than it sounds! There are some serious characters here (whose names will not be mentioned, I'll use my own nicknames for them..ha ha!) & so don't be surpised if you find yourself LOL'ing my lil' blog, Sexy in a Small Town.