Saturday, January 31, 2009

Super Bowl Eats!


Wifeys! Is your mate planning a day of football festivities for the Super Bowl? You can impress with a delicious spread of goodies! Present a simple buffet with playful decor. Incorporate football themed accents and favors. And even if you aren't a fan of the game, he'll appreciate your culinary support. Impress him and his friends with a culinary touchdown!

Sliders with Chipolte Mayo Sauce
Ingredients
Chipotle Mayonnaise:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 chipotles in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1/2 lime, juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sliders:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck, 80/20
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cheese slices, your choice
Mini burger buns
Burger
Bar (if desired):
Chipotle Mayonnaise
Pickles
Red onion slices
Chipotle Mayonnaise:
Directions
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and puree. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Sliders:
Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
Form the meat into 2 to 3-ounce portions, packed tightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the sliders on the grill. Wait until they are nice and crusty on the first side, about 4 to 5 minutes and then flip and cook another 4 minutes. When the sliders are about done, top with desired cheese and close the grill, allowing the cheese to melt.
Place the slider on mini burger buns and top with chipotle mayonnaise and any other desired toppings.
Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
4 sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon garlic, granulated
1 teaspoon onion, granulated
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon seasoned salt (recommended: Lawry's)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes. Cut them in 3/4 by 1/4-inch wedges.
Place the wedges on a baking sheet and toss with the oil. Spread out the wedges, making sure they don't overlap. Mix the rest of the ingredients and dust over the top of potatoes.
Bake for 20 minutes, remove from oven, turn potatoes, and put back in oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
Remove from oven, remove wedges from sheet tray, and let sit uncovered for 10 minutes. Then put back in oven for 3 minutes to reheat. Serve immediately.

Buffalo Chicken-on-a Stick
Buffalo Chicken-on-a Stick Serves 4 Increase this recipe as needed for your party; plan on ¼ pound chicken per person. Sauce: 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter 1/4-1/3 cup hot pepper sauce 1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar 1 0.6 ounce envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix 1 pound chicken tenders, rinsed and patted dry 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning) Purchased blue cheese dressing In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, hot sauce, cider vinegar and dressing mix. Stir over low heat until smooth. Taste and add more hot sauce if desired. Preheat grill. Place chicken tenders in a large bowl; drizzle with vegetable oil. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Thread each chicken tender onto a wooden skewer. Grill on an oiled rack until cooked through and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Brush generously with Buffalo Sauce in the last minutes of cooking.
Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Guacamole with Fresh Corn and Chipolte
Ingredients
2 large ripe avocados (about 1 1/2 pounds), halved, pitted, peeled
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 ear of fresh corn
1 plum tomato, seeded, diced
2 green onions, chopped
1 canned chipotle chili, finely chopped*
1/4 cup sour cream

Prep:
Mash avocados with lime juice in medium bowl. Using sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cob and add to avocado mixture. Stir in tomato and green onions. Combine chipotle and sour cream in small bowl; whisk to blend. Stir cream mixture into avocado mixture. Season with salt. Do ahead: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Place plastic wrap directly onto surface of guacamole and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.
*Chipotle chiles are dried, smoked jalapenos canned in adobo sauce. They are available at some supermarkets, at specialty foods stores, and at Latin markets.

CHOCOLATE POPCORN BALLS
Ingredients
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/4 c. butter
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt8 c.
popped corn (about 1/2 c. unpopped)
Heat sugar, corn syrup, butter, cocoa and salt to boiling in 4 quart kettle or Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in popped corn. Cook and stir until popcorn is coated, about 2 minutes. Cool to lukewarm. Shape into 3 inch balls. Place balls on waxed paper. Cool. For easy shaping, dip hands in cold water from time to time. For chocolate - peanut popcorn balls; stir 1/2 cup salted peanuts into cocoa mixture with the popcorn.
For more ideas visit www.foodnetwork.com or www.cooks.com

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Fighting Fair in Marriage


Marriage isn't a license for uneventful bliss & happily ever afters. Couples will disagree, fight and argue. The key is finding resolution without damaging yourself, spouse and your marriage.
Here are some simple tips for improving your communication in your relationship.

by Peter Pearson, PH.D., for hitched
There isn't the space in this column to detail how to manage your triggers, but here are some ways that might break some negative habit patterns in your relationship:

1. When your partner is being harsh with you, don't ask yourself the action-oriented, non-thinking question, "What should I do about it?" Ask yourself instead, "How do I aspire to be if I am coming from my higher self in this situation?" For example, you might want to be understanding and empathic instead of defending yourself or starting a new round of finger pointing.
By focusing on how you aspire to be, what to do will become clearer. Asking yourself how you want to be in any difficult situation with your partner will give yourself more clarity and be more empowering than asking yourself what you should do.
This exercise is especially fruitful when you both identify a tough problem and then you express your goal to each other. For example, you might say something like, "Honey, in this situation, here is how I aspire to be when I respond from my higher self."


2. It's helpful if you each write out on a piece of paper how you aspire to be. For example, you might write, "When we talk about this problem I want to be understanding, empathic, curious, open, non-defensive, assertive, a good listener, etc." Write two to three guidelines for yourself. During the discussion, check your notes to help you follow your own guidelines about how to be.
Sometimes when I ask couples to do this in my office, they suddenly sound like professional communicators who have had years of training. The problem is that it takes practice to sustain the momentum. The point is, when each of you identify how you aspire to be during a difficult discussion and follow your own guidelines, you actually become extremely effective. It's far better motivation than having someone else tell you what to do, and if you try it you'll discover how good it feels to be in alignment with your own integrity about how you aspire to be in your relationship.
Here are some other questions to ask yourself:
* What would our relationship be like if we didn't trigger each other into defensive reactions?
* If we didn't squander time and energy being defensive, disengaged or self-protective what could we really create as a couple and a family?
* What if we could speak candidly without fear of repercussion?
* What collaborative dreams could we risk sharing and realizing?
Frankly, I am too old to seek ways to change slowly and in small steps either in my own marriage or for couples who are impatient in their desire to make things better. If you desire rapid improvements in your relationship, we have something in common.

Dr. Peter Pearson and his wife, Dr. Ellyn Bader, are founders and directors of The Couples Institute in Menlo Park, California. As therapists, workshop leaders, authors, and speakers, they are dedicated to helping couples create extraordinary relationships. They have been featured on over 50 radio and television programs including "The Today Show" and "CBS Early Morning News." For more information, visit www.TheCouplesInstitute.com.


Sunday, January 25, 2009

Registering Now!!!

Give your mate a Sensual Massage, just in time for Valentines Day!
Space is limited so visit http://www.spicywifey.com, click "Shop Spicy Wifey" and reserve your seat TODAY!
Full details & class description available at Spicy Wifey website.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Ingredients for Love, Lust & Libido


Over the centuries many have formed a belief that certain foods that we eat are aphrodisiacs! Human kind have sought out such foods for the purpose of fertility, increasing sex drive and seducing a prospective lover. Science has proven that some of these foods do have some effect on the body. What effect, well that's debatable. But, if you are still pondering what to prepare for dinner tonight, here's some food for thought.


Some of the more popularly known aphrodisiacs include: Alcohol & Champagne , Asparagus, Bananas, Caviar, Chocolate, Figs, Almonds,Vanilla, Oysters, Radish and Strawberries.

Some unlikely Surprises: Avocado, Sweet Basil, Honey, Garlic, Licorice, Carrots, Raspberry, Truffles, Pineapple and Puffer Fish.

Delicious!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

At Last, Real Change...Real LOVE

This Presidential Inauguration marks a new era of "change" for our country. The inauguration was extraordinarily inspiring! We saw numerous images of diversity, unity and LOVE. Can you recall a First Couple that openly displays love and admiration for one another like our New President and First Lady? Images of love and commitment in mainstream media is a "change" that has been a long time coming!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Dining For Change


You too can prepare a meal fit for The President!

Below is the menu for the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon. The political royalty of the Unites States of America dined with our Nations New President, Barack Obama!
Luncheon Menu
First Course
Seafood Stew
paired with
Duckhorn Vineyards,
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Second Course
A Brace of American Birds (pheasant and duck)
served with Sour Cherry Chutney and Molasses Sweet Potatoes
paired with
Golden Eye,
2005 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Third Course
Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake and Sweet Cream Glace
paired with
Korbel Natural, "Special Inaugural Cuvee",
California Champagne

Click this link for complete recipes!




Monday, January 19, 2009

Learn how to give a SENSUAL Massage


Just in time for Valentines Day Ladies!

Give your mate a sensual massage
in the privacy of your own bedroom!
Explore the art of sensual touch
and how to relax and stimulate your mate.

Spicy Wifey is hosting, The Massage Your Mate Session!
This event is from our Seasoning Sessions series of classes,
workshops and seminars.
This event will be held Monday, February 9th at 7:00pm.
In this session we will cover proper massage technique,
key zones of the male body and how to custom blend massage oils at home!

And of course, we will feature a few spicy massage tips!

If you live in the Atlanta area and would like more information or to register for this event. Visit http://www.spicywifey.com/ and register through our Online Boutique or email us at email@spicywifey.com

Friday, January 16, 2009

DeShawn Snow - No longer a Housewife


DeShawn Snow was recently told by producers of the Bravo network television show, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, that she would no longer be a cast member. The Real Housewives of Atlanta received the highest ratings in the history of the show!

Despite the drama filled reality show featuring affluent wives and their lavish lifestyles, DeShawn's life appeared to be fairly free of the drama essential to the reality tv formula. She developed the reputation of being the "peacemaker" amongst the cast of ladies. Which may explain why producers decided to not have DeShawn join the cast this season. Rumors circulated the Tameka Foster Raymond, (Usher's wife) would be joining the cast. Tameka, has stated that is untrue.

DeShawn told Essence Magazine in an exclusive that,"she didn't see it coming."


DeShawn was able to use her time in the spotlight to promote The DeShawn Snow Foundation.
And in last seasons reunion show, DeShawn seemed to have many ambitions she planned to pursue, including ministry.

Do you think DeShawn's absence from the show will affect viewership? Are you a fan of DeShawn or the Real Housewives of Atlanta?
For more on this story visit http://www.essence.com

Countdown to Valentines Day!

Valentines Day is 5 weeks away!
There are those that do not get in the spirit. True, we should be doing the love thing everyday. So, why not on Valentines Day too?
For those who aren't romantics, the Valentine's Day holiday presents a perfect opportunity to spread a little love. What are you planning for Valentines Day? What are you expecting this year?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Michelle Obama Video

This is Future First Lady, Michelle Obama sharing a message from President-Elect Barack Obama's, call for a National Day of Service! This is an opportunity for you to do something worthwhile, with your families in light of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and the Presidential Inauguration. The call to service has been issued...what will YOU do?

NOW PLAYING


Planning a date night soon with the man in your life? Why not go to the movies?

Oh, those men just love a romantic film about relationships! NOT.

If you can get your guy out to the theaters we'd like to suggest the film, Not Easily Broken. The film is based on the novel by Bishop TD Jakes and directed by Bill Duke. Starring actors Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart and Jenifer Lewis. Here's a brief synopsis:
After years of disagreeing on what true happiness, success, and love really are, Dave and Clarice Johnson have finally reached a breaking point in their marriage. Adversity and challenge have exposed weaknesses in their relationship. As temptation tugs at Dave and Clarice pulls farther away, they must confront whether their vows are or are NOT EASILY BROKEN.
Ideally it would be great to see this film with HIM and have stimulation conversation afterwards. But if he's not up for it, don't hesitate to take this one in alone or with the girls!

Don't forget to let us know what you thought of the film!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Celebrity Spicy Wifey Edition


Celebrity wives at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards!

Eva Longoria Parker


Marc Anthony & Jenifer Lopez



Beyonce & Jay Z



Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie




Seal & Heidi Klum




Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore

Friday, January 9, 2009

Sex 101...Get Your Freak On!

Wifeys, I hope you watched Oprah today! The show was all about how to live your best sex life. Author of Real Sex for Real Women, Dr. Laura Berman provided expertise and tips that we can apply to our relationships. .
.

Dr. Berman says every couple deserves a happy, healthy and fulfilling sex life. "Having that passion and that sexual connection in your relationship is what separates you from being roommates and co-parents," she says. "It's really what gives you that intimacy, that connection, that life force, that life energy in your relationship."


Here are her top 5 tips of improving your sex life.

1. Tell the truth- No faking it.

2. Ask for what you want. This also means you have to explore what you want.

3. Let go of negative messages. Positive communication is the best way to get results.

4. See your doctor. Especially if you notice changes or have questions about your physical body.
5. Make sex a priority.

Visit http://www.oprah.com/ for more information on this show and view the web cast if you missed todays episode. You can also email Dr. Laura directly with questions about sex, toys and new positions!


Thursday, January 8, 2009

2009 The Year of the WIFE!


The first week of 2009 is almost over and many have told us they have already faltered on their resolutions. NO WORRIES! Its not the end of the world and never to late to start anew.
We asked readers to share their top 3 New Year Resolutions and guess what the #1 New Year Resolutions was? No surprise...to loose weight!

Since its important to you, its important to us. And we will support your efforts to get FIT & FAB in 2009. Check in regularly for tips, recipes and encouragement!

As we embark on the YEAR of the WIFE don't forget to celebrate you and your successes! You are special and worthy as you are, TODAY. Even if you are one of many desiring to loose weight this year. Partner that with an emphasis on good health. Set attainable goals that can become life long habits. For example, instead of a quick fix diet, focus on drinking more water and at meal time, eat 1 serving instead of two. If joining a gym or exercising in unrealistic right now, commit to taking long walks at least 3 times a week. You can even make it a romantic stroll with your Spicy Spousey. And don't forget, sex is a wonderful way to burn calories! Burn away ladies!
Continue to share your progress with us!

Model Iman still has it at 52!

Supermodel Iman attends the 2009 Fashion Scholarship Fund's Geoffrey Beene Fashion Scholarship Dinner in New York City. This Spicy Wifey is married to David Bowie and always represents with beauty and class! (click image to make larger)


Saturday, January 3, 2009

Increase your SPICE Factor in 2009!


Everyday represents a fresh start but for those who need official motivation, the New Year marks the perfect time to begin the rest of your life! Spicy Wifey has exciting plans in 2009 - with the official launch of our Online Boutique and the start of our Seasoning Sessions Workshops & Seminars. We are here to provide support and inspire you to invigorate that SPICY WIFEY in you AND your marriages!


Consider some SPICY resolutions in 2009!
1. Spice it up in the kitchen this year. Have you heard the saying, a way to a mans heart is through is stomach...this is an old school philosophy. But I've yet to meet a man that doesn't eat! Serve more of your mates favorite dishes. Or present some new tasty options.

2. Spice it up in the bedroom. Being a wife is HOT! Sex is a way to connect and bond. In marriage you have the addition of kids and household responsibilities that provide distractions. Just as you wouldn't neglect those responsibilities you must not neglect the union between you and your mate.

3. Feel Spicy! Being a wife is comparable to being Superwoman! With all that we do, we often put ourselves at the bottom on our to -do lists. If at all. Ask yourself, what makes you feel hot & spicy? Time invested in you is an investment in your marriage. Spicy Wifey Heidi Klum's husband's (Seal) motto is "happy wife, happy life", oh so true, right?

Being the best wife you can requires balance of mind, body and spirit. Its a delicate balance and cannot be achieved without effort.
But Spicy Wifey is here to help! Check back often for recipes & cooking tips! And great discussions addressing sex & relationships! This blog is a tool for us to exchange information. Thank you for sharing and please continue to contribute and leave your comments in 2009. For those in the Atlanta area, beginning in the spring, Spicy Wifey is will be hosting workshops & seminars designed to empower you to increase YOUR SPICE FACTOR!

What are your top 3 resolutions this year? Tell us at qswllc@aol.com




Friday, January 2, 2009

Celebrity SpicyWifey Edition

This is the Celebrity SpicyWifey Edition... (Part1). Check out the couples during New Years! This is a post that we will put up occationally where you can find info and pics on married celebrity couples.

Also, be on the look out for a post coming soon called The SpicyWifey in You where we will display info and pics of our loyal SpicyWifey followers! Your're celebs too!



Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale in London on New Years Eve afternoon.
.
Jayz & Beyonce, Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon on New Years in St. Barts



Usher and Tameka Foster on New Years in Vegas @ Bank Nightclub at Bellagio


Ashlee Simpson & Pete Wentz on New Years in Vegas @ Pure



Jessica Alba & Cash Warren clubbing in Hollywood on Dec 29th... not quite NewYears, but close.