Friday, January 11, 2013

Slow cooker beef stew in the Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system

It's that time of year when it's cold and all I want to eat is a yummy, hearty stew. So here is a lovely beef stew recipe I came up with the other day. I've made the recipe for beef stew from the ninja cookbook and liked it well enough but wanted to put my own spin on it.

When I started making it I wasn't even sure if I was making a stew, I just knew I wanted to use the grass fed stew meat I bought at Trader Joe's  and the beautiful baby potatoes I found at the 99 cent store.

Anyway that's how this recipe came to be, I hope you enjoy it!

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Hearty beef stew in the Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system

1 1/2 lb beef stew meat (preferably grass fed if you can get it)
2 lbs of baby potatoes (If you can't find baby potatoes you can use red skin potatoes quartered)
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 red onion chopped into big chunks
1 cup of sliced crimini mushrooms
1 10.5 oz container of cherry tomatoes
2 tbspns of fresh thyme (or 1 tbsp of dry)
2 tbspns of fresh rosemary (or 1 tbsp of dry)
3 tbspns of flour
1 tbsp sea salt
2 tbspns olive oil
1 tbsp of freshly ground pepper
2 cups of red wine
2 cups of water

Set your Ninja to the stove top setting on high add the olive oil and let it heat up for 3-5 minutes

In the meantime season the beef with salt and pepper then coat with flour.

Add the beef to the Ninja and let it brown (this will take about 4-6 minutes). When it's nice and browned turn it over and let it brown on the other side.

Add the onion and make a little space in the pot for the garlic. Add the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds or so until it begins to release it's aroma.

Next add the potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, wine, water, thyme and rosemary  (If you want the tomatoes to be recognizable you can add them in the last hour of cooking).

Change the Ninja setting to slow cook low 8-9 hours, high 4-5 hours



Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Spinach pesto pasta in the Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system. (Recipe #2 in the cook like a Ninja series)

I wasn't expecting to have another recipe for my fellow Ninja chefs so soon but it turns out my family has this annoying habit of eating everyday. I mean really it's gets tiring sometimes and tonight was one of those nights. Regardless I think it ended up being a huge win on my part, this dish was so tasty I even surprised myself. Any who today's recipe Spinach pesto pasta is something I came up with based on what was in my fridge, which was based on what was in the discount section at my local Fresh & Easy Market.

I actually did pretty well considering there was no meat in the discount section since we got to the store after 9pm. Nevertheless I did score some ready made basil pesto for $1 marked down from $4. Also the Fresh & Easy brand organic pasta was only 99 cents a package. I don't eat strictly organic but if the organic pasta is literally one penny more than the regular stuff then why not?


I didn't particularly feel like eating meat tonight and wanted something simple the entire family (especially my sometimes picky 2 year old would enjoy).

He loves pasta almost as much as he loves PB & J sandwiches so that part was a no brainer. In the end the baby got a dinner he enjoyed so much he ate three servings of without even noticing it had spinach in it and I received compliments all night on a meal I pulled off in 30 minutes and costs roughly about $10 to make.

Here's the recipe, this is the Ninja version but of course it could be made on stove top as well.

Enjoy!

Ari
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Spinach pesto pasta

1 8 oz package of basil pesto (bonus points if you make your own)
2 packages of linguini pasta
1 cup chopped frozen spinach
1/2 cup Feta cheese (I prefer an imported feta made from goats or sheep's milk)
5 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp kosher or sea salt
1/2 tbsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsps salted butter
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1/2 cup half & half
24 oz water
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Set the Ninja to the stove top Hi setting and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes.

Add the olive  oil and butter, once the butter starts melting add the garlic and let cook for about 30 seconds.

Next add the pesto, half & half and wine. Let it warm for a few minutes then start adding your pasta (break it in half then add to the pot).

Now you can add the water, cover, set the Ninja to oven at 375 and let it cook for 20-25 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

Add the spinach, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Give it all a good stir recover and let cook an additional 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes check the pasta to make sure its fully cooked and no longer hard or chewy. Stir in the feta and serve.

I paired this dinner with a Cabernet since it was all I had on hand but it was amazing with the pasta. Hope you enjoy this one and please let me know if you tried it.




Saturday, January 5, 2013

Cook like a Ninja! Making Chicken Cacciatore in the Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system

I recently purchased a Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system and so far I am in love with it. I can make anything in it and most of my regular recipes come out tasting better in the Ninja than in the oven or on the stove top. My review of the Ninja is coming soon but in the meantime here is my recipe for yummy chicken cacciatore.

I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine did (we're making it for dinner again two nights in a row) and please let me know if you try the recipe.

Cheers and bon appetit!

Ari

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2013-01-04 23.24.54


Chicken cacciotore

6 chicken drumsticks or 4 thighs (skin on bone in)*
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 yello onion chopped into 1 inch chunks
2 bell peppers chopped (I used green but one green and one yellow, orange or red would be great too)
1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
2 tbsps Italian seasoning (If you don't have Italian seasoning you can use 1/2 tbsp each of Rosemary, oregano thyme and basil)
4 cloves of garlic minced
1/2 cup of white wine (chardonnay, pinot grigio or even sauvignon blanc)
1 tsp of kosher salt
1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh or dried parsley
4 cups of water
2 cups of rice (brown or white, I personally use a mix of the two so my kids will eat it but still get the health benefits of the brown rice, as an added bonus the brown rice helps fill them up faster than just white rice.)

Turn to stove top setting high add the olive oil to the pan and let heat 2-3 minutes

Sprinkle all chicken pieces with salt, pepper and garlic powder and place in the Ninja skin side down first. Let the chicken cook 5-7 minutes or until the skin has a nice golden brown color and turn over to brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pot.

Add the onions and bell pepper to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook 15-30 seconds until garlic becomes aromatic.

Add the rice, tomatoes, wine, Italian seasoning,water and chicken with the chicken going into the pot last.

Put the lid on and switch to the oven setting and cook at 375 for 30-40 minutes. You'll know its ready when the chicken easily comes off the bone and the rice is soft.

Sprinkle with parsley and you can add more salt to taste and you're done!

*You could also use boneless skinless chicken I'm going to try it next time just remember to reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

The plus size model and the fashion world

Here is an article about a Canadian study conducted to see the effects of plus size models and straight size models on the average woman.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

"My study found that women increased their purchase intentions by more than 200 percent when the models in the mock ads were their size. In the subgroup over size 6, women increased their purchase intentions by a dramatic 300 percent when they saw curvier models. Conversely, when women saw models who didn’t reflect their size, they decreased their purchase intentions by 60 percent, and women over size 6 dropped their purchase intentions by 76 percent. "

The article can be found here
http://www.ellecanada.com/living/culture/can-using-different-types-of-models-benefit-brands/a/58327/3

I thought it was very interesting because I've been saying all along if I'm shopping for plus size clothing and the retailer uses straight sized models (size 0 or 2) I am not very likely to purchase anything. I don't have any issues with non-plus fashion models however someone who is a size 2 does not provide to me a size 18 a good example of how this garment is going to look on me. I would rather see clothes on a human body rather than a hanger or mannequin and in that same vein if I'm shopping for myself I'd much rather see clothing on a plus size body.

What do you think about the findings of this study? Does seeing a plus size model give you a better idea of how something will look on you? Do you prefer plus size models when shopping for plus size clothing?
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Monday, May 14, 2012

Introducing Ari's Gourmet Olive Oils

Hey guys I'm super excited to announce I now have hand crafted infused olive oils available. I made one for my Mother in law for Mother's day and she loved it. These oils are hand crafted and a great way to spice up any regular meal.

Add these oils to your dish and get instant Rockstar status in the kitchen.

Each bottle is hand crafted, hand decorated and includes a recipe idea card to help you make delicious gourmet meals no matter your cooking skill level.

I will also add a personal message on the bottle itself if you'd like to give one as a gift etc. 

The bottle pictured above is the 25 oz.

The currently available flavor combinations are below.
If there is a different combo you would like just ask, chances are I'll be able to make for you.

Rosemary
Garlic
Lemon
Chili
Basil

Rosemary & Garlic
Lemon & Garlic
Lemon & chili
Basil & Garlic
Basil and Lemon
Chili & garlic









Sizes
Flavors
Personal message on bottle.



Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Plus size two piece

I don't know about you guys but I cannot wait to get myself a plus size bikini this Summer. I've been thinking about it since so many high waisted bottoms are available but reading a post by Chastity Garner on her Garner Style blog really pushed be toward going for it. 

I know it might not be a big deal to some people but for me this will be the first two piece swimsuit I've worn in my entire life. I'll post pics as soon as I get a two piece.

How about you? Anyone else planning on venturing into the world of plus size bikinis or have you already been wearing them and helped kick off the trend?

Plus size two piece


Old Navy bikini bathing suit
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com

Beach bathing suit
simplybe.com

Flora Bella metallic handbag
$130 - calypsostbarth.com

Monday, April 16, 2012

Billabong features pro surfer Bo Stanley


This post is from Healthyisthenewskinny.com but I think it's awesome and wanted to share.

"In February we asked you to make a difference and let your voice be heard by signing our petition letting Billabong know that you think HNS Ambassador and sponsored surfer Bo Stanley should get respect based on her surfing and not on her bikini size. Well, you spoke up and Billabong has started to listen!! Bo now has a photo gallery on Billabong’s website!!!"

For the full post go to http://healthyisthenewskinny.com/blog/2012/04/billabong-makes-a-positive-change/#.T4xVo_DHims.facebook
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Friday, March 23, 2012

Kashi 25 years of awesomeness...

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I love it when food companies put things like this on the front of the package. Especially since it's getting harder and harder to find cereals that aren't made with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This one especially got me thinking though. For 25 years Kashi hasn't used HFCS in their cereal. To me that's awesome since a lot of companies have used HFCS and many still do use it. Some consumers like myself have cut HFCS from their diets to which a few food makers have made different versions of the same food item without HFCS. Like Heinz with their "natural" ketchup and Smuckers with their all fruit jams. These are just a few examples of food companies trying to tell you we don't put this crap we use in our regular products in this version. They often charge more for the non HFCS one as well. This is why I have to commend Kashi. For never giving in to peer pressure and always using quality ingredients. That's the kind of food company I'd like to support.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Thursday, February 23, 2012

These jeans make my butt look big.

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Actually they don't, I'm sure my butt would look great in some PSI jeans and they're having a sale! Up to 60% off, now is your chance to get some awesome jeans made specifically for the curvy woman.

https://www.pzijeans.com/magento3/weekly-deals

Monday, February 20, 2012

Untitled

Here's a easy and delicious way to dice up boxed Mac n cheese. I made this for dinner tonight and my children who are 9 years old and 1 year old as well as my husband loved it. The best part about this recipe is you can make your own and still keep it simple. For instance maybe you don't like shrimp or don't have any on hand, chicken especially left over chicken would be great in this dish. You can substitute broccoli for the spinach poor asparagus if you prefer

note: if you do use fresh or frozen asparagus or broccoli cut it into small pieces first and add to the boiling water while the pasta is cooking since it needs a little more time to cook than spinach. Add 3 minutes before the pasta finishes cooking for fresh veggies and 6 minutes before for frozen.

Here's what you'll need, give or take a few ingredients. Remember this recipe is customizable so make it to your liking.

2 boxes of Mac n cheese (I use Trader Joe's organic shells and white cheddar)
Left over shrimp cut into small pieces
2 cups of fresh spinach
3 pats of butter
2 tspns dried basil use 2 tablespoons of fresh basil if you're feeling really gourmet)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon

cook the pasta according to the box directions and strain.

Add the pasta back to the pot along with the butter, garlic powder, sea salt, pepper, chili flakes, basil, and the fresh spinach. Cook over a low heat for about five minutes or until the shrimp is warm all the way through.

add the mozzarella and stir in for maximum cheesy goodness.

Remove from heat, drizzle with the lemon juice and enjoy!

Fw: Shrimp Mac n cheese


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From: Ariana O <vesves2007@yahoo.com>;
To: vesves2007@yahoo.com <vesves2007@yahoo.com>;
Subject: Shrimp Mac n cheese
Sent: Tue, Feb 21, 2012 6:27:19 AM


2 boxes of Mac n cheese
Left over shrimp cut into small pieces
2 cups of fresh spinach
3 pats of butter
2 tspns dried basil
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt
1/2 shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon

cook the pasta according to the box directions and strain.

Add the pasta back to the pot along with the butter, garlic powder, sea salt, pepper, chili flakes, basil, and the fresh spinach. Cook over a low heat for about five minutes or until the shrimp is warm all the way through.

add the mozzarella and stir in for maximum cheesy goodness.

Remove from heat, drizzle with the lemon juice and enjoy!

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Sunday, February 19, 2012

I'm in the mood for President's Day...

President's Day sales that is. What better way to celebrate a holiday we only keep around for 3 day wrens and sales than with 30% off and up to 70% off clearance.

Happy shopping!

http://www.lanebryant.com/mobile/index.jsp?sid=PSLB%3AGoogle%3Alane_bryant&mc...

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Sales are a girls best friend!

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This just in Torrid is having a sale on clearance items up to 75% off! I was in the the other day and scored two pairs of jeans which I love so much I'm going to do a separate post about them and two pairs of leggings which are buy one get one half off. Let's be real you can never have too many jeans or leggings. They're a curvy girl necessity.

Happy shopping ;)

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance.jsp?cm_sp=Homepage-_-Hero2-_-Clearance

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Full figured fashion week model search

Hello beautiful ladies! In case you didn't know Full figured fashion week is taking model submissions for FFF week in New York. There's nine days left to enter so get your submission in and miss your chance to shake your little tush on the catwalk, the catwalk yeah!

http://fffweek.com/2012/model-registration

Full figured fashion week model search

Hey beautiful ladies it's that time

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Kiyonna 60% off sale = merry Christmas Ari

Oh happy day! To show appreciation for reaching 60,000 likes on Facebook Kiyonna is saying thank you by doing 60% off some selected styles with the promo code FB60K until Monday 12/19/11.

http://m.facebook.com/home.php?__user=562307080#!/photo.php?fbid=10150422099832016&id=78908492015&__user=562307080

I'm so excited, Kiyonna has great pieces that are pretty, classy and feminine which is right up my alley. I purchased the ruched tank in cherry polka dot and plum.

http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothes/21111804

Hope you take advantage of this offer I'm so glad I did

Happy Holidays and happy shopping, from Ariluv to you!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Outfit of the day business casual


Outifit of the day

I've been meaning to post more of my work outfits cause often times looking cute but professional is a girls biggest challenge.

Apparently I was a NY & company girl today.

The necklace is from NY & company $20

Sweater NY & company I bought it so long ago I honestly don't know how much I paid for it.

Skirt is from (you guessed it) NY & Company it was $9 on the clearance rack, talk about a steal :)

Black cotton leggings $7 from NY & company

I couldn't get a shot of the shoes but maybe I'll attach a pic later. Anyway they were $10 from oldnavy.com

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Monday, January 3, 2011

Outfits of the day

I have several OOTD today since I went shopping so enjoy!

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

All dressed up

Felt like putting a little more effort into getting dressed today than I have been lately. Having a newborn makes it hard to put that much time into it but the husband was home to help with the little one.

I apologize in advance for the photo quality. I didn't have the best lighting. Anyway I feel totally 80's in this outfit but that's okay because I am totally 80's.

The jacket is from torrid. The dress is from a little store in Montebello CA called Fashion Q Plus. Wish they had a website but I'm afraid they're not that high tech yet. The leggings & necklace are from New York & Company & the flats are from (of all places) Wal-mart.

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