4th of July Desserts - Yummy!

Ok, so in the Weight a Minute Monday post I said we would follow up with some healthy dessert options this week BUT, who wants to eat healthy dessert, really? So lets compromise...we will share some healthy options and some that are little more decadent. Just exercise restraint and let "moderation" be your mantra!

Cream Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Berries

Ingredients
20 whole large strawberries, hulled
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each strawberry so the berries stand upright. Place berries, cut side down, on a serving platter. Carefully cut the berries into 4 wedges, cutting almost to, but not through, the bottoms with a criss-cross cut. Fan wedges just slightly, taking care not to break them. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until combined but still stiff. Using a teaspoon or pastry bag with decorative tip, fill the strawberries with the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the stuffed strawberries. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Paula's Strawberry Cake
Ingredients
1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
Strawberry cream cheese frosting, recipe follows
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
7 cups confectioners' sugar
Freshly sliced strawberries, for garnish, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and the vanilla extract. (The rest of the puree is leftover but can be used in smoothies or on ice cream for a delicious treat.) Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth.

Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.
(Both from the Food Network...note Food Network has "how to videos" you can watch online)


Red, White & Blue Cupcakes! Be patriotic & get your antioxidants.
This recipe is lower fat, and lower sugar, but relies on delicious fruit, that happens to also be the colors of the American flag. Serve these at picnics, parties and fireworks festivals! Yield - 12 cupcakes

Line a muffin pan with cupcake paper cups. Preheat oven to 325.

Ingredients
1 cup egg whites (approximately 5 eggs)
1 ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
pinch of salt
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries (diced into ¼" bits)

In a medium mixing bowl (preferably glass or ceramic) beat the first 3 ingredients until the whites are stiff and form peaks. This can take several minutes, don't give up! Then add the sugar, honey, vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until combined, but please don't over mix.
Gently fold in ½ cup blueberries, and ½ cup strawberries into the batter, with a tablespoon. Add the remaining pieces of fruit to the tops of each cupcake.
Gently spoon into the prepared cupcake paper cups and bake approximately 30-40 minutes.

Optional variation: instead of placing fruit on the tops of the cupcakes for a very low-sugar treat, you could make a frosting with confectioners sugar and butter, and add the fruit to the top of the frosted cupcakes, but that's of course, much higher fat and sugar!

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/drnorrischumleysatisfiedlife/2010/06/recipe-delicious-4th-of-july-c.html#ixzz0sOrPyt2N

Weight a Minute Monday! - Healthy Holidays Options

In our Weight a Minute Monday series we explore health, fitness and wellness. Its important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maintain your SPICE FACTOR!

The Fourth of July holiday is upon us! But no worries there are ways to enjoy the festivities without sabotaging your healthy lifestyle. Cookouts present a unique opportunity to eat healthy options that taste great! So pass on the usual processed foods and select lean grilled meats and vegetables. If you are attending or hosting a 4th of July holiday gathering, consider integrating some healthy menu options with your traditional fare! Consider some of these tasty recipes (below)!
Later this week we will post some healthy dessert recipes too - Yum!


Herbed Potato Salad
Prep: 15 min., Cook: 25 min., Cool: 30 min., Chill: 1 hr.
Yield: Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup, not including garnishes)
Ingredients
2 pounds red potatoes, cubed
1 (14-oz.) can fat-free chicken broth
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
Garnishes: fresh dill sprig, chopped toasted pecans

Preparation:
1. Bring first 3 ingredients and 2 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool 30 minutes.
2. Whisk together yogurt and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
3. Gently fold potatoes into yogurt mixture. Cover and chill 1 to 12 hours. Garnish, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Calories:274
Fat:10.4g (sat 1.6g,mono 5.3g,poly 1.3g)
Protein:7.7g
Carbohydrate:40.7g
Fiber:3.9g
Cholesterol:3.3mg
Iron:1.9mg
Sodium:702mg
Calcium:71mg
Susan Conley, Natchez, Mississippi, Southern Living


Lemon-Grilled Salmon
Prep: 15 min., Soak: 8 hrs., Grill: 20 min.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Soak: 8 hours
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
2 (15- x 6-inch) cedar grilling planks
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 (6-oz.) salmon fillets

Preparation:
1. Weigh down cedar planks with a heavier object in a large container. Add water to cover, and soak at least 8 hours.
2. Combine dill and next 5 ingredients; set aside.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on salmon.
4. Remove cedar planks from water, and place planks on cooking grate on grill.
5. Grill soaked planks, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 2 minutes or until the planks begin to lightly smoke. Place 2 fillets on each cedar plank, and grill, covered with grill lid, 15 to 18 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork. Remove fish from planks to individual serving plates using a spatula. (Carefully remove planks from grill using tongs.) Spoon herb mixture over fish, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information
Calories:310 (47% from fat)
Fat:15.7g (sat 2.4g,mono 6.6g,poly 5.3g)
Protein:38.7g
Carbohydrate:1.4g
Fiber:0.3g
Cholesterol:107mg
Iron:1.8mg
Sodium:378mg
Calcium:31mg
Southern Living

Thank You!

Thanks for another great session! Alkhyseam is amazing and taught us a very sultry routine. We still felt the burn and had a blast! Model Bootcamp (Project Katwalk) is coming up soon!

Join us Tomorrow, Sunday June 27th!

Project Katwalk Fitness Session has been modified.



TODAY at 4pm!

Instructor Al Watson will make up "The Bringing Sexy Back" Session that was cancelled due to an unexpected tragedy. Pre-payment and registration is required and is only $10.00. *All proceeds will benefit The Ronald Watson Memorial Fund. Visit www.spicywifey.com to register today!

Bring your heels and prepare to sweat away calories while keeping it sexy & spicy!

In the Atlanta area? Join us this Friday at a fashion event for HIM!

FASHION AND PHILANTHROPY

Present
HIS FASHIONS ON THE RUNWAY

The fashion event of the season celebrating "all things gentlemen"
Friday June 25, 2010
6:00 - 10:00 pm

Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center
3405 Lenox Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

HIS FASHIONS ON THE RUNWAY is the main even during Fashion & Philanthropy weekend. This all male show will feature the latest fashions from top designers, brands, and local boutiques.

Fashion & Philanthropy was designed by Corporate Code to raise awareness and funds for select non-profit organizations whose missions are centered around changing the lives of men in transition.

Enter Coupon Code: SpicyWifey and receive $10 off the ticket price!

Visit www.FandPatl.com to purchase tickets.

Windows to the soul...

When was the last time you held hands with your spouse and "gazed" into their eyes? We aren't talking about casual eye contact or an extended glance...at the alter perhaps? Well, thats been too long. Eye gazing or Soul Gazing is something we should do often and can actually deepen your connection and your confidence!

In the Spicy Wifey Lap Dance 101 Seasoning Session, I was surprised by how much of the class focused on connection. A very important part of the class was staring directly into your husband eyes when doing your dance. It was a power move, but it was also part of the seduction.

Eye gazing is an intricate part in Tantra and Karma Sutra as well because of the power, seduction and connecting that occurs when you gaze into someones eyes. Speed dating sessions across the county also use this technique too, to see if you feel "fireworks" instead of the usual introductions and small talk. On a less romantic note, law enforcement and body language specialist pay close attention to the eyes as well when interrogating or interviewing...and there is a reason why. We have all heard the expression that the eyes are the windows to the soul.

I found this article on How To Soul Gaze and wanted to share it with you!

How To Soul-Gaze:

- Find a quiet place where you and your partner will be undisturbed. Then, stand across from your partner and place your right hand on top of his/her left hand, while your left hand should be placed underneath his/her right hand. Imagine that you are a mirror image of each other.
Begin to pace each others' breath and as you do this, slowly allow your connected hands to gently rise on the inhale and descend on the exhale. Continue breathing in this manner throughout the exercise.

-With your left eye, gently look into your partner’s left eye (from his/her perspective). Gaze at your partner softly and take your time, because this isn't a staring contest. Make sure that you blink naturally.

-Use your right eye to see peripherally. This will open up your second sight (3 or 4 points of attention) and give you a greater depth of perception. You may begin to feel a sensation building within you as you connect with your partner. Simply honor it and focus your mind on filling him/her with white light or unconditional love.

-Now, test out the connection you have established. To do this, gently lean back at the same time as your partner and notice how the connection is broken. Then notice how the chords between you are reattached once you lean back in.

-To end your soul-gazing session, disconnect your hands and close your eyes. Then, place your right hand on your heart and left hand on top. As you inhale focus on your navel and as you exhale, focus on the top of your head, for a total of 4 breaths. As you exhale on your fourth breath, slowly open your eyes.

-Make sure you thank your partner for sharing in the experience with you.
As you soul-gaze you may notice a number of things going on. Many people first notice their partner's face begin to morph. Sometimes a younger or older face begins to surface, which depending your beliefs might be indicative of past lives. Other times, people see colors of the aura or the face of an animal, which many indigenous cultures believe to be our animal guides.

But, regardless of your spiritual beliefs, Soul-Gazing will help you connect first with yourself, and with a partner. all, what is intimacy about, if not about its root meaning in relating to one in another?

The next time you have an argument with your mate, instead of talking it out...hold hands and look directly into one another eyes in silence for a moment. When you are in that posture its hard to yell and be aggressive.

Eye gazing is a simple way to connect and add a little spice. So lets try it and tell me what you think! Quin, Co-Founder

Soul Gazing instructions from http://womenawakened.blogspot.com

Weight a Minute Monday! Lets get physical!

In our weekly Weight a Minute Monday series we explore health & wellness. Most recently we've been discussing diet and healthy eating habits. Maintaining health & fitness is important to feeling good and looking good! Along with a healthy diet, its important to to incorporate physical activity too.

Many find it difficult to commit to an exercise regiment. Experts say any activity is better that no activity. 3 - 5 days a week at 20 minutes a day is the recommended minimum. So be creative in your approach to physical activity if you hate to exercise! Spicy Wifey has hosted a few fitness inspired Seasoning Sessions. Each featured a non-traditional to approach to exercising but still got the job done!

Pole Fitness incorporates the sultry & sexy pole dance seen in strip clubs. This skill requires a strong core, use of upper body muscles and leg strength. This can be quite a workout!

Burlesque Dance or any dance routine is fun and doesn't feel like a workout at all! Once you learn a routine you can turn on your music at home and get in an aerobic style workout.

*For added spice, you can dress up and create a sexy alter ego for both! Incorporate props and accessories like boas, gloves, whips, handcuffs and fans.

As we have highlighted in past post...SEX another big calorie burner and releases endorphins that have other health benefits! In our next few posts we will focus on getting physical and bring you other sexy workouts options you can try in lieu or in additiona to traditional workouts.

"My Wife Makes Me a Better Man"

I came across this headline while checking my email and just melted! Tim McGraw & Faith Hill may be a hot & sexy "celebrity" couple but they still have to work everyday to keep their marriage in tact. Together they have conquered many obstacles, specifically alcoholism. I read the article and wanted to share it with you! Quin, Co-Founder


Tim McGraw is opening up about his marriage to country superstar Faith Hill, and more specifically, what his life would be like if she wasn’t in it. Tim admits that before he met Faith, his life was headed down a path of destruction. Speaking with People magazine, McGraw reveals “Right before I got married, I was a full-fledged rock star… (If I hadn’t met Hill), I’d be dead… “I would have partied too hard. I might have caught myself somewhere along the way and put the brakes on. I don’t know if I would have gone (to rehab); I don’t think I could have been talked into that during those times.”

Tim further goes on to say that plain and simple, Faith saved his life. “Faith saved my life in a lot of ways – from myself more than anything. I can go down a dark road sometimes, when you’re not feeling good about yourself, and she pulls me out. My wife makes me a better man,” said McGraw.

Tim’s been sober now for almost two years, a decision that he says was “the right thing to do.” He managed to quit on his own and revealed “I’m not a moderate kind of guy. My last drink was probably a year and nine months ago. I didn’t do a 12-step programme (rehab); I just stopped.”

Tim and Faith have been married for 13 years and have three daughters.

Article From: countrymusiclove.com

In the Atlanta area? Kick off your Fathers Day weekend tonight!

Fathers Day is THIS SUNDAY!

Don't forget!

In honor Dads, we have extended our free shipping offer! You can order your "I'm a Lucky Man" & "MY WIFE IS HOT" T's and receive free shipping until Fathers Day. It may not arrive by Sunday, but give it just because later!

Visit http://www.spicywifey.com/ and use code: SW10DAD at checkout!

Not feeling so Spicy?

I recently read an article about body image & how it often hinders intimacy in the bedroom between couples. As a woman and mother of 3, I can so relate. There are things about my body that have certainly changed over the years and it has taken some time, for me to embrace all the changes and reconnect with my SPICY side.

Fortunately, I have a spouse who doesn't seem phased. Most husbands probably want nothing more, for their wives to unleash their insecurities along with that cellulite and get crazy in the sheets! But if YOU feel unhappy with your body, its easy for doubt & insecurity to creep in and wreck havoc on your confidence. Despite support from your spouse, you have to feel spicy & sexy.

Joy Davidson, author of Fearless Sex writes, "Eighty percent of women are dissatisfied with their bodies. Five to ten million adolescent girls and adult women struggle with eating disorders in the United States alone. Almost half of all American women are on a diet any day of the week."

In conversation with my spouse, and my husband hates when he makes the blog by the way, lol! We had a pretty candid discussion about the topic and he provided some interesting insight from the male perspective. He stated most men don't perceive their wive's body they way she does. Men see the changes but don't perceive the changes as flaws. He also states, men find confidence a turn on and when women are hard on themselves, because men don't see the problem, the lack of confidence can be a turn off.

Interesting right? What are your thoughts? Lets hear from the men!

Quin, Spicy Wifey Co-Founder

DR. TRINA READ AND DR. BRIAN PARKER, male & female sex experts face off and debate the issue of Body Image - to read more visit hitched.
Dr. Trina Read has a doctorate in human sexuality. Dr. Read is also an international speaker and offers free sex tips on her website http://www.bestsextipsever.com/.

Weight a Minute Monday! Organic- Whats the Hype?

In our weekly Weight a Minute Monday series, we explore health, fitness & wellness. All are very important to keep us at our SPICIEST!

Last week we discussed the Organic craze. Organic foods are EVERYWHERE these days. Many consumers have questions...are they healthier, why do they cost more and what is organic anyway?

What we've learned is that Organic "produce" does not have chemical pesticides & preservatives. Organic foods such as "meat", animals are fed more nutritious diets, aren't given growth hormones and are not packaged with the synthetic preservatives.
So, some of the benefits of eating organic meats, is that the meat contains more vitamins and minerals because the animals are fed healthier diets. And with both organic produce & organic meats, you aren't eating the chemicals, growth hormones and pesticides.

Many consumers are extremely concerned about the intake of such chemicals and believe they are linked to cancers, specifically breast cancer. Cornell University has information regarding consumer concern about pesticides.

Read more here:http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/Pesticide/fs24.consumer.cfm

Academy Award nominated documentary film, FOOD Inc. informed and entertained millions away from the dinner table! The film covers everything from farming, processing, packaging and the politics of it all. It is certainly worth checking out.

Last Day for FREE SHIPPING!

Purchase a Men's T shirts and receive FREE shipping on your entire purchase! Order today to insure delivery in time for Fathers Day. Order at http://www.spicywifey.com/ and use discount code: SW10DAD at checkout!

Yes, these are the T shirts that Nick Cannon requested on The MoNique Show! He got his and is representing for his "Spicy Wifey" Mariah Carey! Make sure your honey has his too.

Spicy Wifey is BRINGNG SEXY BACK!

Headline Entertainment LLC presents
Bringing Sexy Back!

June 13th @ 4pm

Gotta Dance Atlanta - Dance Studios

This is a fitness session with a SPICY TWIST! Bring your heels and dance off calories while keeping it sexy & sultry with our professional dance choreographer!

For event details and to register, visit www.spicywifey.com

Daddy/ Daughter Brunch in Atlanta!

This is a fabulous event, celebrating a worthy cause!

If you are in the Atlanta area,

Daughters together with their Dads can enjoy

afternoon brunch together!

Sunday June 13th

11am - 2pm

(Click on invite image for an enlarged view of event details & menu)

Please share and pass on!

Organic...whats the hype?

In our Weight a Minute Monday series, we are committed to exploring ways to maintain optimum health and wellness! Being healthy and fit is a way to say at our SPICIEST!
This week we are going to talk organic...is it really better? Why is it more expensive?
What is "Organic" and what does that mean?

"Organic" -- This means the food has a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. It can also use the organic seal. “Made with organic ingredients" -- This means the food must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. These foods cannot use the seal.

Meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy labeled "organic" must come from animals that, among other things, have never received antibiotics or growth hormones. Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal byproducts. The use of antibiotics in conventional meat production helps create antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. This means that when someone gets sick from these strains they will be less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Not feeding animal byproducts to other animals reduces the risk of mad cow disease. In addition, the animals are given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, both of which help to keep the animals healthy. The more crowded the conditions, the more likely an animal is to get sick. Organic standards for seafood have not been set yet.


Whether you choose locally grown, organic, or conventional foods, just make sure to eat your produce. The health benefits of such a diet outweigh potential risks from pesticide exposure. Government guidelines recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables so you can take advantage of their diverse nutritional benefits. Adults should aim for 4-5 cups of produce every day for their health-promoting, disease-preventing substances.

Our expert, Dalana Myers suggested we take a look at, Buying Organic Foods
(Source http://www.webmd.com/)

Buying and eating organic foods are good for you and the earth! However, there is no need to break the bank trying to buy everything labeled organic. You can try just buying organic for the things you eat most or buying the items that you know you will eat the outer peel (apples, peaches, plums, etc).

Below is a list of the best produce to purchase organic:
Bell Peppers
Celery
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Nectarines
Grapes (especially buy organic if you are pregnant or feeding them to children)
Lettuce/Spinach –USDA Pesticide Data program found 57 pesticide residues in spinach and 51 in lettuce
Potatoes
Carrots

Other tips:
If you remove the tough peel on some produce, the remaining food will have less pesticide for you to ingest. Mangoes, bananas, kiwifruit, pineapple, avocados, papayas, onions, and corn are among these foods.
On a budget? Purchase your produce from a locally grown market that offers slightly cheaper prices. If you simply can’t afford the price of organic fruit in your area, consider scrubbing the skin under running water to remove of the pesticides.
Look for the USDA Organic Seal
When buying organic, look for the following USDA regulated terms on food labels:
"100% organic" -- This means the food has no synthetic ingredients and can use the organic seal.

We will discuss the effects that pesticides and growth hormones have on us!

Wedding Bells are ringing!

The month of June is one of the most popular months for getting married! As many of you know, I work as a professional makeup artist and I get quite a few inquiries this time of year from brides seeking makeup services. When I consult with a bride, I can't help but reflect back on my wedding day...

All of the planning, fussing over details, the excitement and anticipation for the future! I recall all the details building up to the ceremony, my actual wedding, my honeymoon and then on to building a life as husband & wife.

Then my mind drifts to present day. Over a decade and 3 kids later, I think about all the advice I received as a new bride. The one piece of advice that stands out is one I received over & over again. Mostly from older couples and it stood out because it struck me as simple at the time in comparison to all the notes left for me. It wasn't profound, it wasn't long and simply was "always kiss before bed".

Now that I have put in some work, I understand how profound and deep that advice really is. Its the one piece I pass on to new brides I work with. It can apply to every couple and will help you come together every night despite whats going on in life. A simple kiss goodnight, can bring a moment of calm in any storm, reaffirm your connection and is simple reminder of the tenderness that should always exist between you and your spouse.

What wedding advice have you received? Did you use any of it? What advice would you pass on to other couples or brides?

Quin, Co-Founder

Vision Boards - Remixed!

You've probably heard of a "Vision Board" or actually done one. Typically they are done to help you visualize goals for your life or your career aspirations. Natalie, ( Spicy Wifey Co-Founder) and I were discussing vision boards and I thought this could be a powerful tool in your relationship or marriage. Of course, it would need a little revamping and spicing up first. But could be fun and effective!

What is a Vision Board: A vision board is a collage of sorts of your visions for future or dreams. You attach images to a board to serve as a visual reminder to keep you motivated and stimulated on your pursuit. You can make it simple or extravagant. There are no rules...
Draw, sketch, attach words, notes, photographs, clippings...WHATEVER. Not only does your subconscious get a does of visual stimulation, the process of creating the board serves as constructive affirmation too. Spicing Up the Vision Board: Think Marriage Board or Wifey Boards! (Boards or scrapbooks to address the dreams for your relationship!) Apply the vision board concept to your relationship. Always begin with SELF, so do a Wifey Board first, to address the type of woman, & partner you want to be in your relationship. For example, a better friend, confidant or lover. Anything!
Then you could do a Marriage Board. Think about where you want to see improvement in the future...better communication, more intimacy, children, finances...endless possibilities and create your vision board. When you are ready, we suggest you do one with your mate too! Gratitude Boards are another way to explore whats fabulous in yourself, in your mate and your relationship! Then graduate to a Spicy Board!

We are planning a Seasoning Session around this concept and what we hope we can inspire you to take this concept and apply it to your relationship!

Quin, Co-Founder