Delicious Panini :)

Dinner tonight was so simple, yet wondrously delicious. I was at Panera Bread the other day and of course ordered my usual salad. While looking at the menu though, a took notice to the selection of paninis. Basically that is what inspired tonight's dinner. I had never had or made a panini before so I was pretty much just shooting in the dark with this one but it turned out perfect!

Chicken Veggie Delight Panini:

- a few slices of a red onion

- a few slices of an orange bell pepper (you could use any color)

- a handful of fresh spinach leaves

- one chicken breast

- one slice of provolone cheese (reduced sodium) -- (or cheese of your choice)

- bread of some sort -- ciabatta bread, two slices of regular bread, flat bread, sandwich thins, etc ( I used Arnold's Honey Wheat Sandwich Thins)

- olive oil

- light italian dressing

- salt and pepper

*I used a George Forman Grill to create my panini

1) LIGHTY (I used very little) salt and pepper chicken breast and place in George Forman Grill or Panini maker for about 5 minutes (long enough that the middle is no longer pink)

2) While chicken is in the grill, lightly brush outside of sandwich thin (or bread of your choice) with olive oil. Place slices of peppers and onions on the bottom half of the sandwich.

3) When chicken is ready, place the breast on top of the pepper and onion slices. Then place the slice of parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and layer the spinach on top of the cheese. Finish by lightly putting a layer of the light italian dressing on the top piece of bread and put the lid on. 

4) Place the panini in the grill for about 3-5 minutes (enough to melt the cheese, toast the bread and make the veggies slightly soft). Take the panini out, cut it in half and wah-la --- easy peasy, you're done! 

I know it's not the best picture, but I promise it's delish!

*** This is best served with a side of fruit salad or a cup of soup. Yummy :)

3 Month Workout Challenge

Bathing suit season is rushing in faster than we can imagine. Only three to four months before our bodies have to be in fit condition to be seen in a bikini on the beaches or laying out by the pool sipping daiquiris. Seventeen magazine has given me the motivation to jump into gear and get moving. The "Team Seventeen" plan is a 12 week guide to a fitter, more active you. Starting February, each month there is a new workout plan to follow for that month to trim, tone, and whip you into shape. They also have a page where you can track your workouts: http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/team-seventeen-fitness

The plan calls for you to do the workout four times a week, with a 15 minute cardio warm-up (such as running, jump roping, dancing, etc). I started today so I will be doing my full workouts Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays I will only follow the seventeen workouts.

For example, today I warmed up on the elliptical for 15 minutes, ran threw the seventeen workouts, did 20 reps of crunches (middle, right, left, then middle again) and repeated, then did a sequence of arm workouts. Tomorrow (Tuesday), I will only run threw the seventeen workouts, then Wednesday I will do my full workout again.

I am really looking forward to the results and the energy that this plan will bring. I can't wait to go check out this seasons selections of swim suits!!! :)

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's Chinese New Year and in honor of the festivities, I have put together this outfit. Red symbolizes, good luck in the new year, so of course the color had to be incorporated into the outfit. 

Black and Tan Stripped Top - Strawberry ($14.99)

Black Belt - Strawberry ($6.99)

Red Long Sleeve Blazer (sleeves are rolled) - Strawberry ($24.99)

Black Skinny Jean Leggings - Charlotte Russe ($29.99)

Red Velour Pumps - Charlotte Russe ($30.00)

Bulk Chain Necklace - Strawberry ($10.00)

What do you think?

Chocolate Pearl Frap = Delish

Today's cold weather has inspired a chocolatey treat with a twist... I am absolutely obsessed with the fad of bubble tea, boba, or pearl tea as some may call it. Delicious drinks such as milk tea, flavored green teas, or smoothies accompanied by tapioca pearls - an asian drink introduced to me by my boyfriend :) Here's my take on a sweet treat...

Chocolate Pearl Frap:

- 1/2 cup coffee (I used Starbuck's 'Natural Fusions Vanilla') - chilled
- 1/2 cup of milk (fat free)
- 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (splenda or truvia for fewer calories)
- about 2 cups of ice (depending on preferred thickness)
- 1/3 cup tapioca pearls (which can be bought at an asian market - they come in black and rainbow!)

*To lower calorie intake use no sugar added chocolate syrup and the sugar substitute. Fat free milk also cuts down on the fat intake. There are also lower calorie coffee blends.

1) In a blender combine chilled coffee, milk, chocolate syrup, sugar and ice. Mix for about 10-15 seconds on high, until a smoothie like consistancy is achieved.
2) In an empty glass, scoop tapioca pearls from pan into the bottom of the glass. Poor frap mixture over the pearls, stick in a straw and spoon and your done. Now enjoy -- yummy!



*** To Prepare Pearls:

1) Fill a pan with the required amount of water (5 cups of water for every 1 cup of pearls). Bring water to a boil.
2) Measure desired amount of pearls (1/3 cup for this recipe)  and add to boiling water. Boil for 10-15 minutes or until the pearls have a gummy consistency.
3) Drain water from pearls. Sweeten with 1/2 teaspoon honey and 1/4 teaspoon sugar (splenda or truvia) - mix with pearls.

Finished Product:

Why not try something new? ;)

High Fashion for Low Prices!

Many high-fashion designers have created lines for department stores that reflect that same couture look that the designer is notorious for. Some of the most well known are, Donatella Versace's line for H&M, Missoni for Target, and Vera Wang's 'Simply Vera' for Kohl's. Making his way onto the scene this February is Jason Wu, famous for the ivory inaugural gown of Michelle Obama.

The NY designer has partnered with Target to compose a women's line of 53 pieces consisting of apparel, scarves and handbags. Wu's designs reflect the french new wave cinema. A vision of an American girl in Paris. The garments are fun, feminine and modern, with a pinch of 60's flare thrown in. "It's what I call gamine chic. A little mischievous, a little nonchalant," says Wu. The line is premiering on February 5th; available for a limited time in most Target stores or online at target.com. All pieces are $60 or less!

Flared Dress in Cream with Black Patent Belt, $60.
*So Audrey Hepburn <3 

Sleeveless Top with Sheer Panel in Navy Floral, $27. Pleated Skirt in Navy Floral, $30. Lace Clutch in Black, $30.

Short-Sleeved Tee in Navy/Red Stripes, $20. Cuffed Shorts in Admiral Blue, $27. Straw and Canvas Clutch in Cream, $30.

Textured Pleated-Front Peplum Top in Gold, $33. Pleated Skirt in Black, $30. Floral Lace Clutch in Black, $30.
*Gorgeous... this is so chic!

Poplin Dress in Navy, $40.

Straw and Canvas Clutch in Cream, $30.
*Absolutely love this bag!

Is it February 5th yet??? :)

Dinner = YUMMY

Sweet Grilled Salmon Salad

-Salmon baked with a honey glaze on a bed of fresh romaine lettuce with grilled red peppers, feta cheese, chopped pecans and topped with a light sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. Served with wheat french baguette bread.

* So easy to make and so delicious!!! Low calorie and fat! 

Welcome to my Blog...

Hello my beautiful followers. My name is Jennifer and I am currently a college student working toward my English Writing (Journalism) degree. I am from the east coast where the winters are frigid and draped in snow and the summers are filled with drops of sunlight. I love reading, writing, fashion, dancing, cooking and spending time with friends - another important "f" in life.

This blog is dedicated to the three essentials of life, fashion, fitness & food. Each post is dedicated to a different topic; a trend of the day, exercise move, or even a healthy dinner or tasty low calorie snack. This is a blog about LIFE and YOU!

Let's get started :)