Softlips PURE 100% Naturals Winner

Congratulations to Melissa A., you won the new line of Softlips PURE 100% Naturals.  Enjoy!
Thank you for everyone who entered my giveaway.  I will be hosting more giveaways in the upcoming month!  Be sure to check them out!

Best,
Vanessa
Vanessa's Soda Fountain

Winning Recipes of 'The Biggest Loser'

Grilled Prawn Salad with Tomatoes and Avocado Aioli

Ingredients
8 large fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1⁄2 teaspoon crushed garlic
4 slices (2 ounces) lean turkey bacon
4 cups mixed salad greens
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise

Avocado aioli

1 medium very ripe avocado
1⁄3 cup plain, fat-free Greek-style yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped basil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
1. For avocado aioli: Combine the avocado, yogurt, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor and process until just smooth. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

2. For salad: Season the prawns with the oil and garlic. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Heat a grill or nonstick skillet to medium high. Cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on a paper towel.

4. Grill or sauté the prawns for about 1 minute on each side, until pink. Drain on a paper towel until cool enough to handle and cut in half lengthwise.

5. Layer the greens with the prawns, bacon, and sliced tomatoes. Top each salad with a 2-tablespoon dollop of avocado aioli.

 
Mexican Turkey Burgers

Makes 6 burgers

Per serving (burger only): 120 calories, 23 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates, (0 g sugars), 2 g fat (1 g saturated), 40 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 30 mg sodium

Ingredients
1 (20-ounce) package extra lean ground turkey breast
1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
1⁄4 cup diced red onion
1⁄4 cup diced red bell pepper
1⁄3 cup diced fresh mushrooms
1 tablespoon Mexican seasoning or fajita seasoning
1⁄4 cup low-fat Mexican-blend cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
6 whole grain buns or Arnold Sandwich Thins
6 tablespoons salsa
1 1⁄2 medium avocados, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
6 tablespoons fat-free Greekstyle yogurt

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, cilantro, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, seasoning, cheese, and garlic. There will about 24 ounces (11/2 pounds) of mixture, or 4 cups. Divide into 6 (4-ounce) patties.

2. Grill the burgers for 3 minutes on each side, or until the inside is no longer pink. Serve on whole grain buns or Sandwich Thins topped with salsa, avocado, and yogurt (instead of sour cream).

 
Berry-licious Oatmeal
Makes 1 serving

Per serving: 220 calories, 7 g protein, 39 g carbohydrates (8 g sugars), 4 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 7 g fiber, 50 mg sodium

Ingredients

1 cup cooked steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons fresh or frozen raspberries
1⁄2 cup sliced strawberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄4 cup Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 packet sugar in the raw

Directions

1. Combine the oats, berries, vanilla, almond milk, and sugar in a cereal bowl and stir well. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes and serve.


Fire-roasted tomato soup

Makes 4 servings

Per serving: 60 calories, 2 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates (5 g sugars), 2 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 2 g fiber, 360 mg sodium

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons minced shallot or onion
4 quarter-size slices peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
11⁄2 cups (141⁄2-ounce can) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 cup fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
1⁄2 cup 1% or fat-free milk
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or scallion

Directions

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallot or onion and ginger and cook until softened, about 1 minute.

2. Add the garlic and tomatoes to the saucepan. Simmer for about 4 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the broth and milk and just bring to a boil.

3. Carefully transfer the soup to a food processor or blender. Process or blend until smooth. Return to the saucepan and serve immediately.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with the chives or scallion.

A Splash of Summer

I just finished my first senior semester and will be graduating early in the fall!  I looking forward to having my friends over for bbqs and pool parties and spending time with my family and boyfriend.  I'll be very busy enjoying what I love most about summertime, and as always, I will continue to blog and write my stories.
   

Beach

Bike Riding

Picnics

Duck Pond

A Cup of Tea & a Great Book

Bonfires

Baking

Lemonade

Wildlife

 

Surfing

Banana Split

Traveling

Outdoor Night Parties

*photos from weheartit.com

New Softlips PURE Review and Giveaway

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED, WILL ANNOUNCE WINNER SOON.

Dear Readers,

I am hosting a giveaway of samples of the new line of Softlips!

Recently, the marketer of the USDA-certified organic Softlips PURE lip conditioning balm expanded their line with the launch of some new products called Softlips PURE 100% Natural.  I was introduced to Softlips by Laura at Robin Leedy & Associates.  I will tell you that I love Softlips.  I love the wide variety of flavors, and especially that Softlips is NOT tested on animals and contains no animal by-products.  I always buy products that are not tested on animals.  My favorite flavor in their PURE line is papaya and peach mango is my favorite lip conditioner.  My friends and family love the products too.

I was given a full sample of their new line to review, which includes: a lip polish with a light coconut scent as well as lip glosses, lip butter and tint balms, with a light vanilla-berry scent, my favorite!  I have been using the vanilla-berry for a couple of weeks and the coral tint balm for going out at night.  The tints are great for going out at night or out to dinner/cocktail party.  They give you a hint of sparkle and subtle color.  All of the products are free from preservatives, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, mineral oil and gluten.  The lip butter, gloss and tint provide hydrating SPF 15 protection for dry lips.  The coconut lip polish provides natural exfoliation with organic coconut flakes and sugar and deeply moisturizes lips with bees wax and natural seed oils like safflower, mango and castor seed.

I love how the flavors are not too potent and do not have a waxy taste.  They last long and smell great.  One of my friends tells me she loves the smell of the acai berry and that she uses it "for every occasion."  Softlips is also for boys and men.  I recommend the organic mint flavor!  I put the papaya Softlips on at night an hour or so before I go to sleep for conditioned,healthy lips when I wake up!  I also put Softlips on very soon after I take a shower each morning and I like how supple my lips feel after wearing it for more than a couple of hours.   

Softlips is available at Target stores in the U.S. nationwide.  It is available internationally.  Visit softlips.com for more information.

Softlips was recently featured on NBC Today.  To learn more also visit: facebook.com/softlips

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!

Mandatory (1) entry: Follow my blog publicly on either Network Blogs or Google Friend Connect and comment.  BE SURE TO LEAVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

Additional entries:

5 entries - Blog about this giveaway. Link back to this post and leave the link to your blog post in your comment.

1 entry - Become a Facebook fan of Softlips.

2 entries - Follow me on Twitter @beachcouturexo.

1 entry (1x daily)- Tweet this giveaway: Enter to win a set of NEW Softlips Pure 100% Natural! #giveaway @beachcouturexo http://oldfashionedsodafountain.blogspot.com/

GIVEAWAY ENDS MAY 25.  ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN VIA RANDOM.ORG

Pick the right LUNCH

Making the right food choices, especially when you are in a hurry or on the go, can be challenging.  Here are some healthy swaps to your favorite lunchtime meals!

If you are craving...
Pepperoni or sausage pizza, soda, and a brownie or cookie

Have:
Veggie pizza with broccoli, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, peppers, or mushrooms, water or Honest Aid, an apple, and a brownie or cookie

Why?
Soda will give you sugar rush, which will make you crash later and crave more sweets.  The pepperoni and sausage are full of sodium, saturated fat and preservatives.  Instead have a healthier pizza like veggies, which provide added nutrients.  Honest Aid has little sugar, and water is always important drink (always try to drink water if you are thirsty, soda NEVER quenches your thirst).  If you really want soda, try drinking water first, you will drink LESS SODA!  An apple takes longer to drink than sugary fruit juice and is an added source of fiber.  The dessert is fine to keep.  Don't deny yourself; allow yourself to have dessert 2-3 a week.   

If you are craving...
A regular bagel with butter or cheese, and cookies

Have:
A cinnamon raisin bagel topped with peanut butter and sliced banana, with chocolate milk 
Why?
A bagel and cookies are refined carbs.  After a quick burst of energy, you will crash, and crave more.  A banana adds potassium and fiber, and peanut butter and chocolate milk for some added protein.  You will stay fuller and alert longer!

If you are craving...
Popcorn chicken and curly fries or onion rings


Have:
Popcorn chicken, sun chips, and an orange

Why?
Such a greasy lunch will take hours to digest, and will make you feel bloated.  All of that extra fatty oil is not good for your complexion either.  If you are truly craving the popcorn chicken, have with it an orange for potassium and tons of vitamins that will offset the salt fried food, so you won't feel puffy.  The sun chips are made with whole wheat and have less salt and fat than regular potato chips! 

Quick snacks I recommend: Pirates Booty, Famous Amos Cookies, Soy Crisps, Sabra classic hummus with pretzels, and Nabisco 100 calorie packs. 

In Part Courtesy of 17 Experts

Bavarian Cheesecake

This recipe is from Biergarten, the restaurant at the Germany pavilion, at Walt Disney World.  It was my favorite dessert.  It was a soft, delicate cake that is addicting after just one bite.  You will definitely be going back for seconds!

Ingredients
6 ounces Cream Cheese
6 ounces Baker's Cheese
2 Egg Yolks
4 ounces Granulated Sugar
8 ounces Sour Cream
1 ounce Lemon Juice
12 ounces Heavy Cream
1/2 ounce Gelatin
2 ounces Water
Vanilla Sponge Cake


VANILLA SPONGE CAKE

Ingredients
3/4 cup Sugar (granulated)
4 Egg yolks
1 teaspoon. Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup Flour (all-purpose)
3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
4 Egg Whites

Directions
1. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a mixer, add the egg yolks and sugar beat until light and creamy. Add the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Beat until smooth.

5. Whip the egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Gently fold this into the cake batter.

6. Place into two separate greased and lined 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes.

Assembling Cake
1. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks. Set aside.

2. Mix together in a mixing bowl the cream cheese, baker's cheese, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until smooth. Then add the sour cream and mix until smooth.

3. Gently add the whipped mixture to the cheese mixture being careful not to over whip.

4. Dissolve the gelatin in the water over a double boiler until the mixture is clear. Be careful not to whip the gelatin so it does not get air bubbles in it.

5. Add the gelatin mixture into the cheese mixture and fold quickly. When adding the gelatin mixture to the cheese mixture set the mixer on medium speed, and add it from the edge of the bowl, being careful not to get the gelatin on the whip or the side of the bowl so as to prevent lumping.

6. Using a springform pan, place one of the vanilla sponge cakes smooth side down. Immediately pour the cheese mixture on the cake, and smooth out surface. Then place the other cake on top with the smooth side out. Let set overnight.

7. Remove the cake from the springform pan. Sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar. This cake can be served with any of your favorite fresh fruit sauce(s).

Girls Night In: My Favorite Chick Flicks Guys Can Also Appreciate

Hi Everyone!
There was a great article in this month's edition of Seventeen Magazine about neat tips and fun ideas for a relaxing get together at home with the ladies (and guy friends too!).  In my next entry I will incorporate some of my own ideas and "menu options" to explore with your own get together.

My Favorite Chick Flicks:
1. Pretty Woman
2.You've Got Mail
3. The Wedding Singer
4. Breakfast at Tiffany's
5. Splash
6. Pretty in Pink
7. Moonstruck
8. When Harry Met Sally...
9. Father of the Bride Part II
10. Ghost

...Oh, and of course TITANIC!

A Traveler in the Philippines

This past December, I was graciously invited to attend the first annual Global Peace Convention, held from December 10-13 at the oldest hotel in the Philippines and historic landmark, the Manila Hotel. This event brought together over five hundred participants from twenty-eight countries, who sought solutions to the world’s most pressing issues under the banner of “One Family under God” and with the theme: “Peacebuilding for the 21st Century: Interfaith, Family, Service.” Many individuals spoke of how they have witnessed and promoted the connection between different faiths and religions within their community. When I arrived after almost thirty hours of travel from New York, I stepped into a taxi just after I took a glimpse of what surrounded me, and proceeded to the Manila Hotel at about two o’clock in the morning. During the entire ride, I did not take my eyes off the city nightlife and the shore of the Manila Bay. I immediately realized that I was not around anyone of my own race, and I felt even more delighted. Even when I walked around the shopping malls, I must have been the only foreign-looking individual. I came to visit a country not only to observe my surroundings, but to capture and bring home with me a culture I had become more familiar with.
 

One of the reasons I had the desire to visit Southeast Asia was to have the chance to be a traveler, instead of a tourist. What I mean by this is that I learned and observed from people’s livelihood, instead of being a tourist who takes my culture and way of life with me and “rejects,” so to speak, another way of life. I have always been naturally very open to other ways of life. I had the opportunity to learn about the Filipinos’ day-to-day activities, their heritage, leisure and social interests, as well as their family life.
To get around the city, most citizens ride in a “Jeepney.” This is the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines, originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II. Another popular method of transportation is the callesas, or horse drawn carriages found in the Intramuros, or the Walled City, the oldest district of Manila. I had the exciting opportunity to take part in an Intramuros sightseeing tour where I learned about the history of Manila and the Philippines, from the earliest times through the ruling periods by Spain, the United States, Japan, and finally to independence. It was there that I took the time to bond with fellow peace builders along with my Filipino tour guides.

One of the most important topics of discussion at the Global Peace Convention was the Mindanao conflict. Mindanao is located on one of the southernmost islands of the Philippines. Recently a religious conflict erupted resulting in the massacre of 57 individuals in the Ampatuan town in Maguindanao province. It is there that people have suffered from inter-religious conflict for many generations.

Over the course of four days and through a vast stream of networks at the convention, I met prominent figures, diplomats, philanthropists, peace keepers, educators, and students from all corners of the world, who brought a new eye to the vision of peace. We discussed current and developing international issues and how they are working for the benefit of peacekeeping in their own countries as well as how they are reaching out to others outside their community. From Finland to Costa Rica, and from Mongolia to Australia, my connections with these amazing men and women will never be severed because of our shared devotion to peace. More than four months later, we still keep regular contact with each other. I am currently teaching English to a young woman from Mongolia through emails, learning more about a man’s non-governmental organization he founded in Turkey, and keeping up to date on the current events of southern Philippines from a young man I met from Mindanao.

After I attended the Global Peace Convention, I stayed with my friend Paolo’s friends, the Hidalgos. They were extremely kind and generous individuals who invited me into their home that immediately sparked my curiosity, because they had boarders living with them. I wanted to learn how and if they lived considerably differently from the way most do in the U.S. Most adult children continue to live with their mothers and fathers even when they get married and have a family. Often times they will continue to live at home with their spouse and children. This helps to establish the unity of both families and create an even stronger bond. I especially loved the food of the Philippines. Some of the dishes I ate often were rice (the staple food of the country), grouper, embutido (a sausage found in Spanish colonies), ensaymada (a pastry), lychee nuts and passion fruit.
I would never have been able to visit the Philippines without the dedication, guidance and generosity of the my community service department at my college, and particularly the support of the Global Citizenship Coordinator, who helped my find a host to live with during the last week of my stay.  I am grateful for their assistance and cannot thank them enough.

Because of my experience in the Philippines, I have recently encouraged my close friends and family to strongly consider traveling there. During my short visit, I learned a great deal about the society and culture of the country. I had one perspective through staying at the grandest hotel in the country and another through staying in a comfortable and peaceful home while experiencing their day-to-day lifestyle which I quickly became accustomed to. I believe I traveled abroad at the proper age and with the appropriate amount of experience. If I were much younger, I may not have appreciated my time there as much as did. I wish to return to the Philippines next year to tour central and northern regions of the country such as the Pana Banaue Rice Terraces, Cebu, and the Batanes Islands.

* Night photo and scenic photo taken by Markus Hidalgo.