Posts by admin:
- 1/2 pound Alpine Lace® Swiss Cheese slab, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 pound fat-free ham, slab, cut in 1/2 -inch cubes
- 10 pretzel bites, cut in two
- (or one soft pretzel cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 10 mini bamboo skewers
- honey mustard
- spicy mustard
- yellow mustard
- Bacon Caesar
- Asian
- House Italian
- Harvest Peach
- Caesar Supreme
- Pear Gorgonzola
- Strawberry Fields
- and more!
- 1 package Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup aged cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1/4 cup banana pepper slices, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Red wine vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Thomas’® Bagel Thins® bagels
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped red pepper
- salt and pepper
- 4 Tablespoons jarred pesto (divided)
- 1 large tomato or 8 tomato slices
- arugula
- Sandwich Thins® Recipes from Weight Watchers®
- Bagel Thins® Recipes
Ham and Cheese Snack Kabobs and Alpine Lace® Deli Cheese
March 31st, 2014Many thanks to Alpine Lace® for sponsoring today’s story and for letting me share My Life Ingredients.
Our family is on the go a lot of the time. We like going on day trips or going to planned events at the library, or craft store, or even the mall. Some of the things we try to cut back on is eating out so planning meals is usually the biggest challenge with me.
Depending on the day and the amount of time I allot for myself, I usually pack up a lunch for my two little ones. Sometimes I forget to pack my own snack or lunch because I preoccupy with only my kids. At the end, I usually end up eating lunch at 2:00pm or even 3:00pm, which is ridiculous. Since my hubby and I have started Weight Watchers online, we decided to really needed to start taking care of ourselves in addition to our kids.
What is the result? My kids have a mother whose blood sugar level has not dropped or who is not cranky because of the lack of energy. Snacks can easily be the hardest to prepare or to plan because it still requires time. I have to hand it you but cheese is usually my weakness along with carbs but cheese can be loaded with lots of undesired calories that I would need for dinner.My hubby and I put our heads together and decided we could have them both. We do not quite like fat-free cheese but knowing that Alpine Lace® Deli Cheese makes a reduced fat version is definitely a plus for us.
It is easy eating a bulky sandwich but we decided it was nice having a little snack that had cheese. We loved the fact that we could keep cheese as a snack since most varieties of Alpine Lace® Deli Cheese contain 25% less fat. Yay! NO more guilt about indulging in cheese especially Swiss cheese.
We made a deconstructed sandwich and created kabobs with our favorite ingredients that not only would make a great snack but would make for a great appetizer. We also made the same kabobs for our girls although we used whole fat cheese for them.
The kabobs turned out super delicious and easy for travel. We usually get out of church so late that by the time we are in the car and driving 40 minutes home, we end up super famished. These kabobs were a perfect addition to our snack list options. Now make sure to dip them in honey mustard, spicy mustard, or even yellow mustard for a full experience. It is nice having these prepared in advance for me to keep my energy going with my busy toddlers. Love them!
Ham and Cheese Snack Kabobs
by Noelle Kelly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Keywords: appetizer snack lunch low-carb
Ingredients (10 kabobs)
Instructions
When going to the deli, ask the worker to slice a 1/2-inch thick slab of cheese. You will not be using that whole slab for this recipe. Cut into 3/4-inch strips then cut into cubes. Repeat for the ham as well.
Assemble the kabobs, starting with the pretzel bites, then adding a cube of cheese, a cube of ham, then a fresh cherry tomato, a cube of ham, cheese and ending with a pretzel.
Dip with favorite mustard.
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So what is the Recommended Daily Allowance in your life that makes for a happier, fulfilling life? Check mine out:
You can create your own nutrition label on the Alpine Lace® landing page. GO create your own and share it with your friends on Facebook. While you’re there, check out Alpine Lace® Deli Cheese Facebook page. Go and like their page share some snack ideas with them.
What are some of your snack ideas or family favorites? Share them with my below!
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Tangy Cheeseburger Salads with Fresh Express Salad Mixes
March 28th, 2014I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC. or the manufacturer of the product.
Our family is ready to see warm weather and to leave the multiple layer of clothes in our storage bins, but unfortunately, winter seems to have decided to stay around for much longer than we thought. With hopes of warmer weather come fresh and lighter meals. I don’t know about you, but cold weather does not encourage me to have salad but we have been forcing ourselves to stay away from comfort foods and seeking large salad portions.
Salads can be so versatile especially when trying to make the perfect meal for your family. It really is not rabbit food but it can so much a complete meal for any lunch or dinner. Thanks to Moms Meet, we recently had the opportunity to try Fresh Express salads that are ready to eat and thoroughly washed. Even though we were told that Target would have a variety of options, we found our local Redner’s to have a HUGE selection.
Fresh Express salads are thoroughly washed, rinsed, and gently dried, then sealed in patented “Keep-Crisp®” breathable bags to keep their just-picked freshness, without preservatives. They also have a a wide variety of products, including refreshing mixes and ready-to-eat Kits. They also have a special USDA-Certified Organic line. The mixes can vary in price, depending on the retailer, but typically cost between $2-$4 per bag. The organic mixes and larger 10-ounce containers are so fresh and perfect for quick salads.
Yes, I know that keeping a head of romaine lettuce is not hard to clean and wash, but these are SUPER convenient. Dinner preparation in our home is usually the most trying with my young toddlers, so the salads came in real handy. We loved trying the 50/50 mix and it was sure fresh and perfect for the lunch I had for my mom’s group.
Salad really can be boring if there is not much thought. It could be a great side to a huge plate of spaghetti but salads can be much more than that. Currently Fresh Express is running a 30-day Salad Swap designed for nutrition-conscious moms to recreate the flavors of higher-calorie cravings, like pizza and pasta, in lower-calorie salads. Any mom who signs up will have instant access to the free Salad Swap app, complete with an extensive library of recipes and salad swaps, a progress tracker, motivation, inspiration, and even additional Fresh Express coupons. Visit saladswap.com to learn more.
When I looked through the app it was hard to chose a salad for the day. Everything looked so good but I knew I had to concentrate on creating something healthy. One of my biggest cravings are hearty burgers with a side of fries so I chose to swap that desire with a Cheeseburger Salad. The app had a Bacon Cheeseburger Salad but I kept mine a little more simpler. The results were delicious and amazingly satisfying. I loved having the app to give me ideas for future meal swaps. A nice surprise for your loved ones.
Tangy Cheeseburger Salads
by Noelle Kelly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (4 servings)
Dressing
Instructions
To make the burger patties combine ground beef, minced onion, salt, pepper and garlic in a bowl. Form into 4 patties.
Over medium heat add the olive oil to a large sauté pan. Then working in batches, carefully place the burger patties in the sauté pan. Cook each side approximately 5-8 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked. Make sure to carefully turn the patties so that are heated throughout. Once the meat is cooked, place each patty aside and chop each patty in large pieces.
In a large bowl, add the kale mix, banana peppers, tomatoes and dressing. Mix well. Place salad on 4 separate plates and then divide each patty to each plate. Divide the cheese and sprinkle of each plate. Garnish each salad with green onions.
Dressing
Mix red wine vinegar with olive oil and mix well with salt and pepper. Shake and toss over salad.
Where can you purchase these salads?
Fresh Express products can be conveniently found at Target stores across the country and many other major retailers. To find a store near you, visit freshexpress.com/store-locator.aspx
Like Fresh Express on Facebook and Pinterest for more ideas!
Need more coupons? There is an additional way to print out a coupon available online at HERE.
Like Fresh Express on Facebook and Pinterest for more ideas!
Need more coupons? There is an additional way to print out a coupon available online at HERE.
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Lipton and Muppets Movie Giveaway
March 27th, 2014 Disclosure: My post is sponsored by Global Influence and all opinions are my own
As I grew up, my family occasionally watched the Muppets but not as much as my husband and his family. When I got married to my husband almost 6 years ago he introduced me to his family traditions. One of those traditions was watching the Muppets movies. I enjoyed learning about each and every one movie, but I learned to appreciate them better when the movies came to the big screen.
Want a chance to watch the newest Muppets movie, Muppets Most Wanted? Lipton tea, which is available at Target, is running a great movie ticket giveaway. They’ll be giving away 10 free pair tickets every day after watching Lipton’s new video. You can also download coupon for their tea.
Check out more about the sweepstakes.
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Open-Faced Pesto Egg Sandwiches {Review + $25 Gift Card Giveaway}
March 26th, 2014I was provided with coupons for free product and gift card provided by Sandwich Thins®, Pocket Thins® and Bagel Thins ®
Our family likes bread and really, who doesn’t, but sometimes it can be the main feature. There is always toast for breakfast and bread for sandwiches and maybe even bread as a side accompaniment to the main meal. It almost cries out asking to be provided with every meal, even when it is missing. Am I right? Ever since we started Weight Watchers, it has helped up watch our carb intake a lot better.
Our family recently had a chance to sample a variety of Sandwich Thins®, Pocket Thins® and Bagel Thins®. We had already been using the sandwich thins but then I discovered the Bagel Thins. Oh yes. Bagel sandwiches are usually my morning weakness, but with all that bread, most of my daily points value is stripped away. It truly hurts to see it blown on just big bulky bakery bagels. Don’t get me wrong I have them on occasion but if I want a bagel sandwich more than once a week, then these Bagel Thins were perfect. They are only have a 3 points plus value so then I can continue adding my fixings and toppings. Check a few details about the thins.
Arnold®, Brownberry® and Oroweat® Products
All Arnold®, Brownberry® and Oroweat® Sandwich Thins® Rolls are cholesterol-free foods, containing zero grams of Trans Fat and no high fructose corn syrup.
Arnold®, Brownberry® and Oroweat® Sandwich Thins® Rolls
Weight Watchers®: 3 PointsPlus VALUE®
Flavors: 100% Whole Wheat, Healthy Multi-grain, Honey Wheat, Flax & Fiber
Arnold®, Brownberry® and Oroweat® Pocket Thins® Flatbread
Weight Watchers : 3 PointsPlus VALUE®
Flavors: 100% Whole Wheat, Healthy Multi-grain
All Bagel Thins® are 110 calories, cholesterol-free, low in fat and contain zero grams of Trans Fat
Weight Watchers®: 3 PointsPlus VALUE®
Flavors: Plain, 100% Whole Wheat, Cinnamon Raisin and Everything
I created a few recipes using the Sandwich Thins and the Bagel Thins but I hope to try the Cinnamon Raisin on another occasion because those would be perfect for peanut butter sandwiches for my kids.
On one morning, I prepared a 3-egg scramble (for 2 people)with mushrooms and red pepper, layered each bagel thin with 1 teaspoon of pesto, and then added fresh tomato and arugula for the finishing touch. It was super flavorful and only 7 points plus total! Here is the finished product.
Open-Faced Pesto Egg Sandwich
by Noelle Kelly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Ingredients (2 sandwiches or 4 open faced sandwiches)
Instructions
Heat the oil in a nonstick pan on medium heat. Place mushrooms and red pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Crack 3 eggs in a separate bowl and whip until mixed well. Add a Tablespoon of water and salt and pepper. Add egg mixture to the veggies and cook for 3-5 minutes until the eggs are fully cooked.
Spread pesto on each side of the bagel thin. Divide the egg mixture between both all 4 half bagel thins. Top each bagel thin half with 2 tomato slices and some fresh arugula.
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Lunches are usually the most challenging for me because I get so busy with my two little girls. I feed them lunch at 11:30-12:00 and then I do not eat until 2:00pm which ends up being a disaster. Since the girls eat peanut butter and honey once to twice a week on Sandwich Thins already, I make sure to have mine ready to add whatever topping I want. I have been leaving patties already cooked so I only have to heat to create my sandwich. On this occasion I created a lamb burger that was delicious and quick.
The lamb had salt, pepper, oregano, garlic and then it is grilled. After it is finished cooking, I add it to a sandwich thin and top off with 2 Tablespoons of crumbled feta, fresh tomatoes and cucumber slices and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Even though this sandwich is hefty on Points Plus value, I know it is worth having because of the lamb but then I know I can have an additional side of green salad or fresh fruit.
A third option we make for us for lunch or sometimes for dinner for my oldest daughter, is pizza. Pizza is usually the hardest to forgo since we enjoy it but I do pretty well just enjoying on the open face Sandwich Thins. They are quick, ready to bake, and tasty. I made two versions of pizzas. A Mediterranean version with a black olive tapenade, sliced mushrooms, chopped red peppers and crumbled feta. Super delicious.The other pizza is the standard marinara, pepperoni and cheese and it is really easy for my toddler to eat and chew.
Overall, these products are super versatile and easy to use in any kitchen. For more recipe ideas, make sure to check out the links below. There are several that I have already tagged to make for future breakfasts and lunches.
Recipe Ideas:
Want a chance to try these products? One person will get a chance to receive coupons for free product and also a $25 gift card. Only US residents may enter.
(Just remember that any caloric values, fat content, and any other nutritional information should be taken directly from the product packaging. If you have any concerns about anything, always check with your doctor or dietitian.)
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A SLiCE at a time {Review}
March 25th, 2014We were treated to lunch and all opinions are my own.
My husband I recently enjoyed a lovely weekend away from the suburbs and into Philly. It was wonderful to take the train and enjoy the big city of brotherly love. I look froward sharing more about our adventures in another post but for now I share the tasty pizza place we checked out before we left the city.
SliCE pizza has been in the foodie scene for a while and has gotten some awards for their Italian creations. We found out that the restaurant was offering some specialty pizzas for the month of March and we decided to take a taste of the St. Pat’s pizza which consisted of ham , cabbage, bacon, swiss and spicy mustard. I think my hubby was a bit skeptical but at the end we thought the flavors were pretty amazing. Give ME anything with spicy mustard and I’m all in.
The next special we tried was the shrimp scampi pizza. I believe I have had the dish once as had my hubby so we thought it would be hard to tell if it was close to the dish. The amount of shrimp per slice was perfect and the flavors were super tasty. I enjoyed not having an overwhelming amount of cheese for these slices of pizzas.
We could not leave without having a traditional pizza because, even though we like trying new dishes, sometimes it boils down to the classics. We ordered a pepperoni and portabella pizza. We are super picky when it comes to mushrooms, so when we found out this pizza had FRESH portabella mushrooms we were thankful.
We received our large pizza and started devouring each slice. The sauce was flavorful and the pizza slices were somewhat thick and perfectly cooked. The added ingredient was evenly distributed. The pizza crust was crispy and well done in their brick oven.
While SliCE offers an huge variety of gourmet pizza, there are other items on the menu to try, from calzones to salads and more! Even though there are slices waiting to be ordered on the spot, I totally recommend dining in and ordering a fresh hot pizza. All pizza ingredients are prepared fresh daily and as we found out each restaurant does not have a fridge. Everything is prepared on the spot and daily.
There are three locations in Philly. Make sure to check out their Facebook page for locations. We enjoyed the Rittenhouse location.
SliCE
Rittenhouse Sqaure
1740 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA
