GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD Morning My Beautiful Readers!!!

<Sigh> ... To give you a visual, I am still in bed, listening to Bach- (must concentrate)-while I turn out another delicious and NUTRITIOUS blog post for y'all! Heck, I even took a photo of myself so you can really see where Mrs. Daily D is coming from today 

HeIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIo Kittens!

Alrighty now, there is no time to waste! 'Tis the time to introduce my Two MOST FAVORITE 

SUPERFOODS!!!

But, before I go ahead an launch into My faves, it's important that I define "Superfoods" for ya, because I know there is, at least some confusion and fogginess swirling around the idea.

So, listen up, Buttercups!

su·per·food / ˈsoōpərˌfoōd/

• n. (not in technical use) a natural food regarded as especially beneficial because of its nutrient profile or its health-protecting qualities.

Translation: A natural WHOLE food that is jammed with NUTRIENTS! Specifically, phyto-nutrients-(give plants & fruits deep dark colors), and micro-nutrients (nutrients the body needs, but cannot produce itself).

Superfoods can range anywhere from super nutritious fish, like wild-caught salmon, but primarily consist of plant-based, produce like acaí, pomegranate, blueberries, kale, etc.

BUT... 

I'm going to share two that aren't as talked about, and that usually prompt head-scratching... So, you too, can begin to enjoy and reap the outrageous benefits of these AH-MAZING Superfood Gems!

• Raw Cacao Nibs, and Powder: Cacao is chocolate in it's raw, unprocessed, au natural, form! Benefits of raw cacao are HUGE, in comparison to processed chocolate, because it's considered a living food, and thus, still has it's enzymes-(aids body with digestion, and promotes proper functioning of all cells in body)....Well that's fabulous and all, by why, you wonder is cacao/chocolate so great for us?!?! Well, it's packed with THE MOST antioxidant-flavanoids than any other food tested so far - including blueberries, green & black teas, and red wine!

So how can YOU use this deliciousness?!?! Well, you might have remembered me jingling off 'cacao powder and nibs' as ingredients in my beloved "Banana Blends' Vlog --> http://bit.ly/x4duv3 But, if you don't, no sweat! As a refresher, it's basically a shake! So I especially LOVE to use cacao powder and nibs in my shakes and smoothies! (so I can benefit from the raw properties) But, I also add the nibs to oatmeal, and sprinkle them on celery and peanut butter, which is AH-MAZE! And you can use them for baking, cooking, etc.! It's divine any way you cut it, Bunnies! ...Moving on...

• Maca Powder: Maca is a SUPER root that grows 10,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains (Perú). It has a very distinct smell/taste, and becomes addicting the more often you eat it! It has  actually been used for centuries by Native American holistic healers to do the following: enhance libido, and fertility in both men and women. Increase energy, stamina, and endurance (great for athletic performance!). Improve mental clarity, focus, and eyesight. Promotes faster muscle recovery, and boosts metabolism and immune system. It also helps treat PMS for ladies! I mean, what doesn't Maca do?!?! With just 1 teaspoon a day, it can make the world a difference for you! Again, I love to enjoy mine in my Banana Blend shakes, and smoothies, but they recommend you take it with juice (fresh pressed) and or coffee.

What are you waiting for?! NOW is the time to get your bod & mind SUPA-DUPA-FLY with these kinda-secret SUPERFOODS! You can order them: 

• Online, I love Go Hunza --> http://www.gohunza.com/index.php 
• In stores --> Whole Foods, Mother's Markets, any other health food grocery store should have it!  

That's all my juice for today, Lovers! It's time to get this (now pancake) booty OUT of bed, and off POWER WALKING outside in beauuuuuuutiful , sun-shiny, CALIFORNIA!

PEACE & BESOS 

Mrs. Daily Dubie xoxo

What's up Lover Dovers?!?!

I know it's been a few, but Mama Daily Dubes has had a LOT cookin' in her kitchen!  (All to YOUR benefit, of course!) ....

While I wish I could blog up a storm right here, right now, I only have a small window of time to bang one out for ya reeeeeaaaaal quick! ....BAM!

Let's get down to the dirty business then, shall we?!? ...(business is not so dirty, but inserting"dirty" gave it a nice jingle).

<ENTER>

MY HOMEMADE ALMOND MILK!

HECK-to-tha-YEAH!!! 

Truth be told, I haven't tried it yet, but it smells YUMMY in MY TUMMY! I cannot WAIT to try it in my Banana Blends! Now, you might wonder why I decided to try my hand at homemade Almond Milk, and the primary reason behind this decision, is due to the fact that: 

the packaged almond milk I regularly buy at the grocery store contains many ingredients, some of which I cannot pronounce,

which is totally against my religion---Okay, that's a slight exaggeration, HOWEVER, I am a MAJOR STICKLER when it comes to buying QUALITY foods! 

• I usually stick with whole, unprocessed, & unrefined, and in the event I reach for a packaged food, there must be as few ingredients as possible, and they must be pronounceable, whole, & healthy to boot!
• IF there are a LOT of ingredients, and you can't understand a lick of what's listed, DROP IT & RUN the other way as fast as you can! Skedaddle! Because...

When in doubt...Keep things REAL, My Friends!

So...I went ahead and broke out the dreaded <sigh> food processor that takes eons to clean (I'm hoping to get my hands on a shiny new VITAMIX soon- cough cough-Birthday gift?!), but it was WELL WORTH it, because now I have myself some

PURE + RAW + HEALTHY Milk!

Here is how it's done, People!

1. Soak 9 oz. RAW, unprocessed almonds in 6 cups of water for 18-24 hours in refrigerator.
2. Pour water + almonds into food processor
3. Optional: Add a little Agave and Vanilla Extract to sweeten (1 tsp-ish)
4. Blend for 90 seconds....annddddddddd

Voila!

You should have yourself some frothy, fresh Almond Milk!!! Yes, It's THAT EASY!!!

Aight, I've got to run! ...There's so much more to come in the next few days!!! GET. EXCITED!

WARM HUGS & KISSES! 

xoxo,

Mrs. LDC xoxo

P.S.: Get ready for VLOG NUMERO TRES in two days, Luvahs!!! This week will feature a "FOODIE FRIDAY" post! That's right! I'll be inviting you into MY KITCHEN!  

Good Morning!

What's up, Buttercups?!

We have ourselves a gloomy, rainy day here in Manhattan...But I'm here to bring you 

A Daily Dose of SUNSHINE!

That's what I'm talkin' about! Despite the far from beautiful weather, the day is still BRIGHT in the eyes of of Mrs. Daily Dubes! 

First on the agenda, is BREAKFAST TALK!

I've been avoiding this lately, because you would be in for nothing more than a snooze-fest. You see, my breakfast hasn't changed a whole lot in weeks past.

I've been pretty loyal to exclusively consuming My Banana Blend Obsessions --> http://dailydubie.com/S=8d83e3101bed9c00056c0d0f3257b842249bb65a/post/almondmilkshake....day after day...week after week.  I can't help it. It's like having "ice cream" for breakfast...Need I say more?!?!

BUT!!!....

Today was different. I opted to cook me some good 'ole fashioned oats! 

With...

• 1.5 T 100% Pure Maple Syrup
• 1.5 T Chia Seeds
• 1 tsp Cacao Nibs
• Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• Pinch of Cinnamon 
• 5 Walnuts

DE- LISH!

...Before I bow out for the day, check out these ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL items I just bought at The Container Store:

And AMEN for this discovery!!! Now I don't have to plow through an infinite number of Ziplocks. Fewf!

Featured: Sandwich Bag, Snack Bag, & Travel Cutlery!

And BAM!  ...Filled with almonds already! (I never leave home without them!)

That's a wrap, Lovers!

Happy Tuesday!

Muchos Besos Para Tú!

Love,

Mrs. LDC  xo

PUMP PUMP PUMP IT UP!

Greetings My Pumpkin Pies! ... I've finally gotten my wits about me, and am now living in the land of the PUMPKINS, instead of the Christmas Tree nonsense (for now at least-don't hold your breath). 

I mean it. I'm not fibbinbg when I say that I am 

LIVING + BREATHING + EATING PuMpKiNs!!!

Look!

I just picked up a real pumpkin at the Farmer's Market this morning! HoneyBuns' We're going to carve it this weekend, just in time for Halloweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen! ...I also plan on using every last ounce of this baby to EAT...starting with the SEEDS! Boy, do I LOOOOOoooOOOOoooOOOOove Roasted Pumpkin Seeds! You better eat up, buttercups! because, pumpkin seeds are FILLED with loads of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting antioxidants! 

Here is the skinny on how to Roast the Seeds:

1. Preheat Oven to 350
2. After hollowing pumpkin, clean seeds, but don't worry if there's pulp - only adds flavor! (remove big chunks)
3. Pour seeds in a large mixing bowl, and coat with 1-2 T of melted butter, or olive oil.
4. Lightly salt & toss
5. Spread seeds evenly onto lightly greased large jelly roll pan (photo of pan below)
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until seeds are golden brown. Check on them every 15 minutes to turn over.

And Voíla! A healthy snack, that won't fail to deliver the goods to your beautiful mind + body + soul. And that's the truth! 

If anyone has some wonderful recipe ideas using fresh pumpkin, I am ALL EARS! Do tell! Don't be shy! 

In the meantime...I'm going to share my recently absent Breakfast Report! (primarily due to the fact, that I've been eating the same ole same ole banana blends).

<Enter> PUMPKIN SPICE Morning Blend!

THIS was fabulous! Tasted like I was eating pumpkin pah. 

Here is how this happenend:

• 1/2 Frozen Banana
• 1/2 Cup Pureed Canned or Fresh (cooked) Pumpkin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
• 1.5 T creamy almond butter
• 1 tsp maca root powder
• 1 T oatmeal
• unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• Walnuts 

That is the dankies, my friends! Go on...give it go! ...

And now, we must come to the close of another delicious Daily Dubie post. Get excited, because there is another in the cards for today...you just sit tight. 

Think: BURNING QUESTION!

Adios Muñecas! Hasta Luego!

Muchos Besos 

Mrs. LDCizzle 

Peeps...

If eating this for breakfast won't make you feel like a million bucks I don't know what will...

Watch & Learn...

...How you can prepare such a healthy breakfast for yourself!

Hehehehehehehehehehehehe 

Pssyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyche!

Such a kidder, I am.

Peace for now...Beso Beso...

Love,

Laura xo

Good Morning! Good Morning! Love Buttons!

It's a clear, crisp, Fall day here in New York Central, and I plan on doing nothing but soak it all in! 

Windows are open & Waffles are a cookin' in the Constantiner Household!

After last night's Fiesta! Fiesta!-which involved major maje tequila tequila-Williamsburg-style, we did not rise from our slumber until the bloody hour of

11:00 a.m. ! ! !

This is a serious Oy Vey, since we're typically morning people - our idea of sleeping is more around the 9 o'clock hour. But hey, there are no complaints here. Body gets what body wants. 

Body also wanted WAFFLES!!! and I really wanted to try our new waffle maker! So, waffles it was! ...

Here's What's In These Babies:

• 1 Cup Whole Foods Organic, Whole Wheat Buttermilk pancake & waffle mix
• 2 T melted butter
• 1 T raw honey
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 + cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 T warm maple syrup to top waffle with.

These were delicious! In fact, I actually ended up eating my second waffle a la carte. Plain jane. Con nada. It really didn't even need syrup (in my opinion!). 

Oh...and the  ALL-CLAD WAFFLE MAKER was a dream. The process went seamlessly, and produced perfect, golden waffles. Gets an A+ rating from Yours Truly. 

...I'm out for now...I need to tend to some baking, and computer productivity.

Kiss Kiss 

Love,

Mrs. LDC* xo 

Good Morning & Afternoon Lover Doves 

How is everyone feeling on the LAST Sunday in September of 2011?!?! 'Tis quite the ocassion, eh?!  ...and then...and then we are officially in

PuMpKiNviLLe!

...for the next TWO MONTHS! AWwwWWwwwWwwWw Yeah! 

You can infer from my previous post, that Casa de Dubie is already Pumpkinville Central...because, well, that's how I roll. 

Now, enough of the mindless pumpkin chitter chatter - let's move on to the Moral of the Dubie, shall we?

Today, I want to share my recent bout with bluesiness that, unfortunately, got the best of me yesterday.  I'm not ashamed to say it, because I am human, and even though I always try my best to be a positive, rational role model, the truth is, it just doesn't always pan out that way-as hard as I try. Frankly speaking, I am a day away from starting my dot, so hormones are a bit haywire, however, I made some poor decisions, and ended up feeling sorry for myself - how totally unattractive, right?! I mean, even I was irritated with myself! But it happens. It's real, and so am I! I am here to tell you what I did, that did not help my highly-sensitive moodiness:

• Did not exercise
• Ate uncustomary, unhealthy foods
• Felt sorry for myself
• Focused on the negative

Now, don't get me wrong, there ain't a gosh darn thing wrong with being a couch potato, relaxing, and induling in sinful foods, HOWEVER, understanding the state I was in, I should have known better than to act in ways I knew darn well would only make me feel worse. And that, they did!

BUT

Today is a NEW DAY, and after reading this reminder related to the power of positive thinking on BigThink --> http://t.co/Skd3enJN I knew I had to change my tune!

I made the conscious decision to leave behind my mistakes and bluesiness of the day's past, and started fresh! Despite not feeling my finest, I marched myself down to the gym, and ended up having a fabulous 50 minute workout! I feel like the best workouts come on days when we least expect them!

I also made myself a SUPER SHAKE that looked a lot like Friday's http://dailydubie.com/S=efb727994a3a43c0817ecb6893de4a753cbca934/post/hit_your_spot_chocolate_peanut_butter_no_fail

but I added another SUPER, RAW food to the mix.

< ENTER: Maca Root >

I added 1 teaspoon of Go Maca! to my shake!

Maca Root, is grown more than 10,000 feet above sea level in Peru. It has been prescribed by Native American healers as an ancient medicine for centuries, to treat the following:

• Enhance libido
• Enhance fertility in women AND men
• Increase energy, stamina, endurance
• Improves: mental clarity, focus, and eyesight sharpness
• Provides faster muscle recovery time, and helps body heal itself
• Treat menopausal symptoms
• Boosts metabolism and supports immune system

Now, if that list isn't enough to make you want to add one measely teaspoon to your morning shake, bowl of cereal, or what have you, I don't know what would! Go on and at least TRY IT! There's no hurt in a little experimentation now, is there? 

There. I've said my peace for the day, Dolls. Thank you for listening. Thank you for reading.

Big Kisses 

Love,

Mrs. LDC xo 

GoooOOoooOOOooooooooOOOoooOoooOOOooooOOod Morning Pumpkin Pies!!!

Who's as jazzed about it being FRIDAY as I am!?!? It's almost the weeeeeeeeeeeekend, so y'all should be thrilled!

What's on your agenda? For once, we have nothing going on, but we still have much to accomplish on the home-front! Slowly, but surely, things are starting to take shape, Dolls! This makes me SO HAPPY.  There's nothing better than a homey Home! ...let's count how many times I can say "home." - Oy vey!

My Home aside (4th time-haha), I would like to share my Breakfast Report with all y'all! Lately, Chocolate & Peanut Butter have found their way into my belly daily-somtimes twice, sometimes thrice! I mean, let's be honest, there's no arguing that it IS the BEST combination on the planet! 

Post an (unnecessarily) rushed, 20 minute cardio blast (rushing for workmen who, of course, didn't show up untl an HOUR AFTER PLANNED), I was feeling famished + queasy, which often confuses my body into questioning whether or not it needs food...But when in doubt, I FEED THE BELLY!  So this is what I came up with

Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

VEGAN + RAW

Unsurprisignly, this HIT. THE. HOT. SPOT! I am queasy no more, my friends. Here is how you can hit YOUR spot:

Ingredients:

• 1 large frozen banana
• 1.5 T Raw Cacao Powder
• 1.5 T Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter
• 2 T Rolled Oats
• 1/2-3/4 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (Add little by little until reach desired consistency)
• Sprinkle of Raw Cacao Nibs + Chia Seeds for CRUNCH-factor.

... Is that sufficient enough to get your Fridays started, lovers?! ... I sure hope so, because I must now tend to other business! My apologies for skimping on the bloggishness - my redirected energies are for a GOOD CAUSE. Promise!

Kisses to ALL! 

Love,

Mrs. LDC* xo

Goog Morning My Eyeballs!

How is everyone feeling?!?! I woke up this morning, and braved a FlyBarre class with the cuz. 

As anticipated, it was every bit as brutal as I remember from other barre-type classes- And, The fact that I already had my buns blasted yesterday in pilates didn't help the workout any! Nonetheless, we powered through! Although this is not my preferred type of workout, nor is it the best for my body, it's always refreshing to sprinkle in different exercise classes/activities that deviate from your normal fitness routine. 

"Sprinkling" keeps your body guessing, and helps avoid fitness plateaus! Add COLOR to your workouts, Dolls!

Post workout, I spent a lengthy hour at Staples to stock myself up, in preparation for my Health Counseling business (more information coming soon!)...So, unsurprisingly, when I arrived home, I was ravenous!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

...was JUST the ticket!!!

Here's what's in it!

• 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats + 3/4 Cup Water
• 2 tsp 100% Pure Maple Syrup
• 1.5 T Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter
• 1.5 T Raw Cacao Powder
• Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (add depending on preferred consistency).

Awwww yeaaaah.... F e e l i n '    G o o d ! ! !  ...I was wilting! 

I have got to say farewell now, Lovers...but I hope to be back later!

Big Kisses! 

,

Mrs. LDC* xo

Bambole Buongiorno!

The clock is a-tickin', and we're almost at a 24-hour countdown, until I board these buns on a flight that will take me to...

*HEAVEN-ON-EARTH* 

<<<SIGH>>>

...Seriously, AMEN for that, because I woke up one testy lady this morning. I've found myself getting wound up way too tight about things lately. I think it's because I've been neglecting "Namaste-ing" for the past two weeks. Necesito Namaste! Oy vey cafe! ...Needless to say, it's high time I ship these buns off to another country, pronto! Veloce!

Now, on a more vivacious note, let's take a look at my Breakfast Report!

Peach Protein Smoothie

This concoction came about because I had 1 leftover, VERY ripe peach from the Farmer's Market, and I did not want it to go to waste.

So here, my friends, is what came of that peach:

3/4 Cup Plain NF Greek Yogurt

1 Peach, Sliced

1/2 tsp Raw Honey

1/3 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

Post Pilates Sesh, this tasted great. Not too sweet, more on the tart, but creamy, side. 

Now, let's move on to what I've really been DYING to share with you: My new, Fresh-to-death, Nike ID's. It was time for a new pair!!!

Introducing my new "Daily Dubie" kicks!

I opted for a black, white, and gray pair this time, because I have so many other pairs that are bright & colorful-(anyone who knows me well, is aware that I'm a total NIKEID nut!).

I wanted to keep it classy, yet sassy.

I think I achieved that look, don't you?  ...Totes...

To create your own tennies, click here! --> http://nikeid.nike.com/nikeid/index.jsp

...

I've been thinking long and hard about how I am going to approach the blogging-while-vacationing situation, and the bottom line is this:

*Because most of what I write is based entirely on my own, personal experiences, it does not make sense for me to create posts that will go live at later dates. I may do a few itty bitty ones, but it is most important to me, that I write about what I experience, as I'm experiecing. With that said, I cannot promise how frequently I will be able to update, but I can promise you this: I WILL PROVIDE EXTENSIVE, QUALITY POSTS when I do have the opportunity to blog.* 

Now that I've said my peace, it's time I skedaddle on outta here, and continue to be productive in my day!

Up Next: How Mrs. Daily Dubie herself, Packs & Preps for 2 weeks of vacay! I think y'all will be surprised 

Also, don't forget to send in your last minute BURNING QUESTIONS to be addressed this week & next!

BIG KISSES!

Mrs. LDC* xo