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I’m planning my daughter’s graduation/pool party, so I’m busy selecting the menu, creating the guest list, and looking for decorations to go along with our luau theme. While surfing the net, I came across some fun table top centerpieces that are made using seasonal fruits and vegetables. With a little creativity and patience you can create an economical arrangement yourself.
My favorite is this Tiki mask! (pictured) http://www.watermelon.org/watermelon_carving.asp
I plan to surround it with lots of tea lights and an arrangement of fresh seasonal fruit. Here's a tip...use the seasonal fruit as candle holders, just cut off a little of the top and use a spoon to scoop out a space large enough for a tea light.
If you don’t have time or creativity to carve your own centerpiece, check out these … http://www.fruitfreshup.com/store.asp?pid=25253&catid=19911
Get the party started!
I just got back from a trip to the Dominican Republic and loved discovering all the delicious tropical fruits native to the country! Papaya was my favorite, not only because of its sweet juicy flavor but also because of its wonderful rosy coral color. The standard fruits at my house have always been apples, oranges, melons and berries but now that I’ve tried these new tropical fruits, my fruit salads will never be the same!
Here are some exotic fruits to pick up on your next trip to the grocery store… papaya, star fruit, guava, mango, passion fruit and pomegranate.
Tropical fruits like these also make a great salsa.
Here’s a great recipe my girlfriend shared with me, try it with grilled fish over wild rice…so good!
Tropical Fruit Salsa 2 cups diced (¼ inch) mixed tropical fruits, such as
mango, papaya, pineapple or melon ½ cup sliced scallions ½ cup diced red bell pepper ½ cup diced yellow bell pepper 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger ¼ cup fresh lime juice ¼ cup ginger-ale ¼ cup unsweetened pineapple juice 1 teaspoon olive oil
Make the Tropical Fruit Salsa: combine all the ingredients and toss to mix well. Serve immediately at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Many people think snacking is a no-no but snacking isn’t all bad, it actually helps curb hunger and prevents overeating at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Getting my kids to snack healthy hasn’t been easy! It’s much easier for them to munch on chips in front of the TV, than to prepare a healthy snack.
My solution, find snacks that are healthy and easy to prepare.
Healthy Snacks My Kids Love:
apple slices with peanut butter http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593043
carrot sticks with hummus
sliced turkey and cheddar cheese
snack mix made with raisins, nuts, and whole wheat cereal
whole grain bagel with low-fat cream cheese
whole grain crackers and tuna
steamed sliced sweet potato with cinnamon
whole grain cereal, dry or with milk
low-fat yogurt with fresh berries
Convenient Healthy Snacks:
Prepare cut-up vegetables like carrots or celery sticks in advance for easy munching. http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593025&showprevnext=1
Have easy-to-eat fruits such as oranges and bananas within view on the counter.
Keep goodies out of reach, or better yet, don’t bring the temptation home from the grocery store.
With all the convenient snacks out there, it’s a challenge for kids to make good choices, parents need to lead by example! So the next time you reach for a snack, make sure it’s a healthy one.
With bathing suit season just a couple months away, there’s no more time for excuses! The toughest part about a diet and exercise program, for me, is getting started. I always start slow and build gradually, making small changes can lead to big results. Incorporating your exercise plan into your daily routine is the key to maintaining life long changes.
Getting Started – Find something you like to do. The more fun the activity, the more you’ll want to continue doing it. Set goals that are reasonable and attainable. Invite a friend to join in or support you. Don’t over do it and always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. When you find a plan that works, the rewards you gain, will keep you moving.
Get a new perspective - The no pain, no gain mentality is gone. Today, doctors suggest 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. That includes sport activities, yard work, bike riding, even a brisk walk with the dog. You can add activity to your day by simply choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Remember any increase in physical activity is beneficial so get moving -you’ll look and feel better!
Change your diet – Snacking on fruits and vegetables is one way to cut calories. Having a healthy stash of pre-cut fruits and vegetables make it a lot easier and convenient.
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/index.asp?category=21899
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593024&showprevnext=1
http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593019
Today, thanks to the internet, finding an exercise programs is just a click away. There are many sites that offer information on routines, work out charts, food diaries, menus and even healthy recipes. Here are just a couple,
http://www.nysphysicalactivity.org/mflp/
http://www.health-fitness-tips.com/downloads/
So lace up your sneakers, put one foot in front of the other and you’ll take the first step to living a healthier life.
I’m planning my daughter’s graduation/pool party, so I’m busy selecting the menu, creating the guest list, and looking for decorations to go along with our luau theme. While surfing the net, I came across some fun table top centerpieces that are made using seasonal fruits and vegetables. With a little creativity and patience you can create an economical arrangement yourself.
