Weight a Minute Monday! Whats the tea?

In effort to keep us at our SPICIEST, our Weight a Minute Mondays series explores ways to maintain optimum health and keeping fit!

Summer is upon us and presents the ideal backdrop for getting out and about! In the summer heat, its easy to fill up on sugary drinks in efforts to cool off and stay refreshed. You would be surprised how many calories you can take in from one glass of juice or tea. Keep in mind not all "sugar" is bad, but all sugar requires moderation. Get your sugar in from FRUIT and minimal amounts of REAL SUGAR and avoid synthetic sweeteners. Don't forget to spice up your glass of water with fruit or berries too!

Here are some low fat, low sugar and low calorie beverages that are sure to cool you down without weighing you down!

So you know all about the health benefits of green tea, but maybe you don't like the taste by itself. Maybe you want to kill two birds with one stone, and make a smoothie that can double as a snack or meal, but will give you your green tea fix.






Green Tea Smoothie
Ingredients
•1 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
•1/2 cup fat-free milk
•1 Tbsp green tea powder
•3 cups frozen fruit
Instructions
Whisk together vanilla yogurt and green tea powder. Transfer to blender and add milk and frozen fruit. Process until smooth.

Green Tea Ginger Cooler
Ingredients
•1 Tbsp hot water
•1/2 tsp green tea powder
•1 cup ginger ale
•1/2 tsp honey (or to taste)
•ice cubes
Instructions
Dissolve green tea powder into hot water. Pour over ice and stir to cool. Add ginger ale and honey to taste. Stir until combined

Very Berry Iced Tea
Prep Time:10 min
Start to Finish:10 min
makes:8 servings (1 cup each)

4 cups water
3 tablespoons instant iced tea mix
3 cups raspberry-kiwi fruit juice, chilled
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1. In 2-quart pitcher, mix all ingredients except raspberries. Stir in raspberries.
2. Serve tea over ice in glasses.

* For a special touch, freeze fresh raspberries in ice cubes and use them in glasses for this tea.
Garnish with a small skewer of fresh kiwi fruit pieces

Watermelon Lemonade
Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:1 hr 15 min
makes:12 servings

3 lb watermelon (without rind), seeded and cut into chunks
3 or 4 medium lemons
2 medium limes
4 cups cold water
1 cup sugar
Watermelon or lemon slices, if desired
1. In blender, place watermelon. Cover; blend on medium speed about 45 seconds or until smooth. Strain through fine mesh strainer into 2-quart or larger pitcher.
2. Squeeze juice from lemons and limes; add to watermelon puree. Stir in cold water and sugar. Refrigerate 1 hour.
*Honeydew melon balls taste great and add a colorful touch to this crowd-appealing drink. To make melon balls, scoop out balls from honeydew melon with a melon baller. Freeze the balls about 1 hour or until frozen. Just before serving, float balls in lemonade.

Reciepes courtesy of Eat Better America and hubpages.com.

How do you keep your relationship SPICY?

Do tell! There is no one way to add a little spice. It can be mild & simple or caliente & creative!

Have you done something that your mate thought was so HOT, that they keep talking about it? Is there something you would love for your partner to do, but not sure they would and you are afraid to ask?

Being in a married committed relationship gives you the license to do whatever you want! Release your inhibitions and allow yourself to be completely free and vulnerable with your mate.

Lets have a conversation...we can't wait to hear from you!

Its too late to apologize

As the song goes...but its NEVER too late to apologize! Especially to those you love. So why when we argue with our mates, those we love the most, do we find it so difficult to say "I'm sorry"?

Saying "I'm sorry" isn't about admitting you are wrong or accepting responsibility for something you didn't do. It can be a way of simplying express that you don't want to fight or argue and that you love and value your mate enough to let an issue go.

When you apologize it has to be sincere! Don't make it a big deal. "Now, I apologized! So get over it" - not gonna work. So if you don't mean it or not at a place yet where you can offer a sincere apology, say that. At least be honest..."I am not at place yet where I can offer you a sincere apology. I want to move on. But I love and respect you to much to simply pacify you. Give me some time to process what you are saying."

If you have a problem saying the WORDS, you can also say I'm sorry in other ways. First being, by changing the behavior that caused the argument. Say it with flowers, whisper it in your mates ear during an embrace or slow dance or write a note. Think about things your mate enjoys and incorporate that into your apology.

Avoid arguing over who started it first! Its pointless and will set you two steps back verses moving the issue forward. Be certain you are genuinely sorry when you offer an apology. Otherwise, the issue will continue to resurface in the relationship.

Ever recall a time when you were arguing, then fighting, then it escalates to not speaking...and you don't know when or how you got to that place? And deep inside you want nothing more to just move on and have great make up "you know what"? Thinking about that time, I bet there was a moment somewhere way back in the early argument phase, had someone simply apologized or said "I'm sorry", it wouldn't have escalated to the point of co-existing in silence...

How do you say "I'm sorry"? And when you do, it never hurts to put a little "spice" on it either!

Weight a Minute Monday! Vegan Friendly Reciepes...

In our most recent Weight a Minute Monday Posts we explored the lifestyle of being a Vegetarian or Vegan. The posts featured the personal journey of Spicy Wifey friend, Christa. Christa shared some of her personal experiences of becoming a Vegetarian and eventually, a Vegan.

There are many avenues to optimal health and fitness and Spicy Wifey wants to expose you to as many as possible. So that you can consider what works for you. I have always been curious about the lifestyle and certainly learned more. Christa has shared some of her favorite recipes below! AND ANYONE, regardless of dieting lifestyle can enjoy these! Christa has recently started her own blog, Veggin' Out with Christa... so please visit Christa for more delicious recipes and veggie chatter!


Black-Bean Toss
Makes 4 Servings
Prep time 20 minutes
Cook time 14 minutes

4 5-inch corn tortillas
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup chopped red onion
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 large mangoes, peeled and diced
2 15-ounce cans black beans, diced and rinsed
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco (or to taste)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
8 cups mixed baby greens

1. Preheat the over to 375. Stack the tortillas and cut them into 1/4 inch wide strips, then toss with 1 tablespoon of the canola oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin and the salt. Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray; arrange the strips in a single layer and bake 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers and remaining cumin and cook, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in remaining canola oil and the mangoes, black beans, lime juice, Tabasco and cilantro.

3. Divide the greens among four plates and top with the bean mixture and tortilla strips.

Pumpkin Waffles
Equipment:
A Waffle iron, mixing bowls, a wisk or a strong fork

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup demerrara or brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 Tablespoons soy yogurt
2 cups soy milk
15 oz pureed pumpkin, fresh or canned
1/3 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions
Sift together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together wet ingredients until well emulsified. Pour wet into dry and combine. Prepare waffles according to manufacturers instructions. I use a normal 4 waffle iron, but I've made Belgian ones, too.

CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!

Spicy Wifey was recently introduced to the world on The MoNique Show! Spicy Wifey Co-Founder, Quin Patterson, talked Spicy Wifey with MoNique for a few minutes in the opening monologue of the show. We were thrilled to be given such a tremendous opportunity and even more thrilled that Spicy Wifey received acknowledgments throughout the ENTIRE SHOW!

We wanted to get everyone involved in the excitement, so we created a contest...count the number of times MoNique and show guests, Nick Cannon & Elise Neal said "Spicy Wifey" during the episode.

The correct answer = 15 times!

We received submissions from all over the country and we are please to announce that

Mrs. Perry of Randolp, MA is our contest winner!

Mrs. Perry has won a Spicy Wifey Prize pack, that will include an assortment of Spicy Wifey Wear and a Spicy Wifey VIP Card!

Congratulations and thank you to all who participated!

Thank You!

Thanks to all who helped Spicy Wifey celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary!

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Adrene Clothing Boutique - House of Adrene

Glam Girl Studio, LASHOUT Magazine, The Exquisite Design Studio Salon of Buckhead!

We appreciate your interest, enthusiasm and support!

The Spicy Experience - THIS SATURDAY in Atlanta!

Spicy Wifey is celebrating their One Year Anniversary!

Join us Saturday, May 22nd, 10pm-1am at Adrene Clothing Boutique - House of Adrene

264 Peter Street, Atlanta Georgia, 30313 (formerly Noir Lounge)

This event is for married or single ladies & gents who enjoy a fashion experience! Evening will feature, complementary cocktails, DJ, tasty treats and a SPICY COUPLE CONTEST!

Event Sponsor: Derek Blanks Celebrity Photographer, LASHOUT Magazine, Glam Girl Studio, Exquisite Design Studio (Buckhead) and The Haute Group.

Details at www.spicywifey.com!

Weight a Minute Monday! The Veggie Life Continued

In our Weight a Minute Monday series we are exploring wellness, fitness and healthier lifestyles! Being healthy and fit are essential to being at your spiciest! We missed last Mondays post to bring you exciting news regarding our MoNique Show appearance! This week we are back on track and will continue discussing the Vegan and Vegetarian Lifestyles.

In our previous Veggie Life post, Christa, friend of Spicy Wifey, began to discuss her transition into become a Vegetarian and eventually Vegan. We also explained what each lifestyle is and some health benefits. (scroll through previous post to read Weight a Minute Mondays, "The Veggie Life"...if you missed it!)

For Christa, the transition wasn't as difficult as most might think. Christa shares, in her own words.
"I went Vegetarian in 2001 and became a Vegan in 2006. My journey into Vegetarianism began following a very candid discussion with my brother-in-law about meat and it made me a little nauseated to think of it so literally. So, I decided to eliminate chicken, beef, pork and turkey from my diet for about seven days. Once the seventh day arrived, I realized that I didn’t desire or miss eating those things, so I never went back from that point. I continued eating dairy and fish off and on for the next few years. Dairy was the most difficult to eliminate for me, cheesecake and pizza anyone?! However, during this time I met my boyfriend who was a Vegan and I kept doing my own research about the consumption of animal products, so between those two elements I was finally ready to take the plunge into full-fledged Veganism!
There has been extensive research done on the topic of Vegetarianism and Veganism promoting these lifestyles to be very healthy and beneficial to the body. The American Dietetic Association annually publishes its position on vegan and vegetarian diets.

I love being a Vegan. Consuming more vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains has made a wonderful impact on my body and how I feel. I am lighter on my feet and not so weighed down after a meal. I have not had any health concerns at all in the past nine years nor a doctor tell me that I am missing anything. I listen very closely to my body and pay attention to its signals, which I recommend for everybody. Many people ask me “Where do you get your protein?” I receive my protein from the vegetables, fruit and beans I consume. According to research done by the Vegetarian Resource Group:

Although protein is certainly an essential nutrient which plays many key roles in the way our bodies function, we do not need huge quantities of it. In reality, we need small amounts of protein. Only one calorie out of every ten we take in needs to come from protein.

It is very easy for a Vegan diet to meet the recommendations for protein. Nearly all vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds contain some, and often much, protein.

There will always be studies that come out against this lifestyle, but what matters most is your own conviction and beliefs about what you want your body to consume. Common sense, research and your own bodily signals will guide you along the way. Many people believe eliminating animal products from their diet will lead them to a bland eating lifestyle. This could not be further from the truth! I LOVE to eat and am completely satisfied with my diet. I have discovered so many great recipes and restaurants that cater to my food choices that it would be impossible to get bored! There are a plethora of cookbooks, websites and blogs for tips and ideas (see a list of a few below). Most conventional grocery stores now have health food sections that carry many products which don’t contain animal products and of course Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have countless options as well.

My advice for anyone considering making the switch to Vegetarianism or Veganism is 1) Go for it! 2) Do your research 3) Take your time to make the transition. Going pretty much cold turkey into Vegetarianism worked for me, and maybe you as well, but don’t pressure yourself into anything. I transitioned into being a Vegan and I believe it works best this way for most people. Start out by perhaps eliminating meat or dairy once or twice a week and see how that goes first and build from there. I am not a doctor, but I give you this advice from my own experience and research. It’s up to you to do what works best for you.

Lastly, please remember that this lifestyle is not about lack because you gain so much. I always tell people to think of what you can have versus what you can’t have, and you will find endless options that excite and entice your taste buds!

I have a notorious sweet tooth and I love breakfast! Many people believe you can’t eat baked goodies being a Vegan and it’s a LIE!! I bake all the time! I’m famous for my Vegan Chocolate Chip cookies. That recipe is top secret, but if you are interested in purchasing a batch, you may e-mail me directly. However, please remember baked goods are still an indulgence and should be consumed in moderation, your Vegan diet should consist mostly of the goods of the earth!"

Thank you Christa for sharing your journey. We will post some of Christa's favorite recipes soon! Next week will discuss fitness! Lets get physical ladies!

Content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of Spicy Wifey LLC. Spicy Wifey LLC does not gurantee that content is accurate or factual. Please read responsibly!

Nick Cannon has a SPICY WIFEY!

Thank you for watching Spicy Wifey on the MoNique Show. The response has been INCREDIBLE!

Guest Nick Cannon, LOVED the Spicy Wifey concept and took Spicy Wifey Wear home to his Spicy Wifey, MARIAH CAREY! Nick & Mariah are representing for the married lifestyle, indeed! Mariah is certainly a "Spicy Wifey"! They are so in love and as Nick stated on the show...they celebrate their union every year by renewing their commitment! We love it!

Special thanks to Nick Cannon & Elise Neal for showing Spicy love!

The MoNique Show is televised all over the world and if you tuned in, and watched the entire episode you saw how often MoNique and the guests said "Spicy Wifey" throughout the show! AMAZING, you can't buy that type of advertising! There are no words to adequately express our gratitude to MoNique and the show staff & crew!

We will announce the winner of the contest soon! Thanks again for tuning in!

Quin, Spicy Wifey Co-Founder

Spicy Wifey on the RADIO!

Tune into Beehive Radio TOMORROW, Thursday May 13th at 3pm, for The Venus vs. Mars segment of The Kenny Burns Show! Listen & watch, Spicy Wifey Co-Founder, Natalie Britt at http://www.beehivefm.com/!

And for some late night SPICE...don't forget to watch the hottest party in late night!

The MoNique Show

11pm

for your second dose of Spicy Wifey!

*Don't forget the MoNique Show contest! Watch the show from start to finish and count the number of times Monique and show guests (Nick Cannon & Elise Neal) say" Spicy Wifey". At the conclusion of the show, email your tally. The first 10 people to email the correct response will win something SPICY!

Email responses to contest@spicywifey.com

*Submissions begin at midnight 5.14.10, immediately after the show ends.

Contest Announcement!

Spicy Wifey is making its International Television Debut on BET's MoNique Show! Be sure to tune in Thursday, May 13th at 11pm.

Now, for the contest...Spicy Wifey is at the beginning of the show! Watch the show from beginning to end and count how many times MoNique and guests (Nick Cannon & Elise Neal) say "Spicy Wifey". Add up the count, and send your answer to contest@spicywifey.com.

The first 10 people to email the correct answer will win a Spicy Surprise! And the FIRST person to email the correct answer will The Grand Prize - A Spicy Wifey Prize Pack! (and its full of SPICE)

Thanks for tuning in and good luck!

* Submissions begin after the show goes off air. Submissions made before 12am (5.14.10) est standard time, will be disqualified.

Spicy Wifey Announcement!

Forgive us for missing our Weight a Minute Monday post! I know many are looking forward to hearing more about Christa's story! And you will, next Monday...

Natalie & Quin at the MoNique Show

but today, we must announce that the

Spicy Wifey episode of The MoNique Show will air
Thursday, May 13th at 11pm on BET! The episodes features Nick Cannon & Elise Neal!

Its a great episode and visit our blog tomorrow for a contest announcement!!!

Happy Mothers Day from Spicy Wifey

Its true, being a Mother is the most important job in the world! With much love, respect and admiration,

Spicy Wifey wishes you a

Happy Mothers Day!

And if you are not a Mom, today honor your Mom and all the other Moms you know!

Spicy Wifey in the Penthouse!

And by Penthouse we are referring to the "Hottest Party in Late Night"!

BET's, The MoNique Show! Every weeknight they have a penthouse party at 11pm! Oscar Award Winning Spicy Wifey, MoNique is the host and we are honored to be making our International Television Debut on The MoNique Show!

Spicy Wifey taped our appearance this week and there are no words to describe how fortunate we feel! Guests on the show, will be Nick Cannon, (actor, comic, network exec) and husband to Spicy Wifey, Mariah Carey! And the beautiful and talented actress, Elise Neal!

It was an AMAZING experience and we will let you know when the episode will hit airwaves all over the globe! (Visit each day so you don't miss the announcement!)

Is there a such thing as "The Formula for Love"?

Statistics often site that 50% of all marriages end in divorce. So, many couples experience difficulty, obviously. But what about the other 50%...of couples who are making it work! The Switzerland Geneva School of Business wondered the same thing perhaps and has suggested that there is an actual formula for "love" and that it can increase a couples chances for happiness up to 20%

Curious? I was too! So here is the formula and you be the judge!

1. The husband should be 5 years older than his bride.

2. Couple should be of the same heritage.

3. The wife should be at least 27% smarter than the husband.

4. The Wife should hold a degree and the husband should not.

5. Neither should be divorced.

What is your formula for "love"? What elements do you find essential for a long and happy marriage?

Content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of Spicy Wifey LLC. Spicy Wifey LLC does not gurantee that content is accurate or factual. Please read responsibly!

Weight a Minute Monday! The Veggie Life

In our Weight a Minute Mondays series, we are exploring wellness, fitness and healthier lifestyles! In previous posts we have covered all the basics...what to eat, what not to eat and a few fitness tips. So to add some variety, we want to explore some alternative & non-traditional lifestyle options!

Lets talk veggies! Recently I've noticed more and more vegetarian & vegan options on restaurant menus and in the grocery store aisles, an increased presence of these same options. I wondered, why is the vegetarian lifestyle growing in popularity and what is a vegan, exactly. So, I asked a friend and did a little research and found that there are some unique benefits to The Veggie Life! Simply put, Vegetarians do not eat meat, but some do eat fish. Vegans omit ALL animal products from their diet. This includes dairy too. (So no milk, cheese, butter and etc.) Below are some of the benefits associated with limiting or omitting meat intake.

- Lowers your risk of lung & colorectal cancers (Vegetarian & Vegan diets typically are higher in fiber and fiber is suggested to prevent these types of cancers.)

- Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes (Fiber can aid in managing insulin efficiently.)

- Healthy Skin (High water intake and plant foods are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this contribute to great skin.)

- Food has less chemicals (Meat products are exposed and treated with chemicals during processing & packaging, including preservative used to delay decomposition for mass distribution.)

- Hormone Free Eating (Hormones and toxins in the food we eat are suspected to contribute to a number of problems and ailments, including cancer. Also, theorist believe hormones and preservatives prevent our bodies from functioning they way the are suppose to.)

- Increased Energy ( Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals that keep you energized.)

- Lower Blood Pressure and improved digestion.

My friend, Christa first became Vegetarian and later, a Vegan. "I love being a Vegan. Consuming more vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grain has made a wonderful impact on my body and how I feel. I am lighter on my feet and not so weighed down after a meal. I have not had any health concerns at all in the past nine years nor a doctor tell me that I am missing anything. I listen very closely to my body and pay attention to its signals, which I recommend for everybody." Christa will be sharing more of her personal journey and a vegan recipe in next Mondays, Weight a Minute Monday! So check in next week!

Quin, Co-Founder

Spicy Wifey

Content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of Spicy Wifey LLC. Spicy Wifey LLC does not guarantee that content is accurate or factual. Please read responsibly.

Spicy Wifey will be at the

AGU Inc. annual Mother/Daughter

PHENOMENAL WOMEN'S TEA

Today May 2, 2010.

Come out to support a great organization & shop with Spicy Wifey!

If you can't make the Tea today, make sure to check out our online boutique. http://www.spicywifey.com/

Spicy Wifey makes a great Mother's Day gift!