Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Mustache Cupcakes

 
Hello all! It has been a week since we have last updated this blog.
 
Yesterday was Labor Day! Our office had the day off, and boy did we enjoy this 4 day weekend.
 
The best way in celebrating any national holiday is by eating good food and surrounding yourself with those you love.
 
We ate bbq ribs, baked beans, roasted sweet potatoes, green salad and lots of chips & salsa.
 
This feast was absolutely delicious, and to finish dinner off we made homemade chocolate filled cupcakes with decorative "mustaches" on them. It was darling that we had to share this photo with you!
 
We hope that you each enjoyed yesterday. What did you do? Any fun traditions?
 
Have a great Tuesday everyone. Let's make this week the best one yet.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

This cake may not be the most healthiest alternative for a sweet treat, but in
 
 moderation a little slice won't hurt you.

I mean after all there is bananas in it. So it can't be too fattening...right?


 
Right! We recommend using bananas that are super ripe and beginning to turn brown. This will make for a moister, sweeter batter.

 

So grab your mixer, wash your hands and let the baking begin!


For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1⅓ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
Pinch salt
4 cups powdered sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:


1. Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and oil together on medium speed until completely combined. Add both eggs and beat to combine, then add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until combined. Use a rubber spatula to give the batter one last mix, then pour into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Set on a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: With an electric mixer, cream together the cream cheese, butter and salt on medium speed. Reduce the speed to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar until it has all been combined. Add the vanilla extract, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy.
6. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, cut into squares and serve. Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

 
Bon Appetite!

 

Friday, August 16, 2013

5 WAYS TO MOTIVATE YOU TO WORKOUT

Getting off the couch and to the gym can be intimidating and sometimes un realistic. The first step to starting anything new is to look at the reasons why you should begin.


 
We have come up with our top 5 Reasons to help motivate you to start hitting the gym and putting down that bag of chips.

 
Let's get started, shall we?
 
Reason # 1 - A whole new you. Picture a slimmer, fitter and healthier you. .
 
Reason # 2 - Stress Reliever. Had a hard, long day with the kids or work...try some cardio. This will make a world of difference.
 
Reason # 4 - Fitting into new clothes! Do you want to finally fit into that tight pair of pants. Well step to it and get started.
 
Reason # 5 - A coach or trainer. Worth the money, just for the motivation.
 
 
Our goal for our staff at World Class Retirement Group, Inc.
is to begin a healthier lifestyle by eating better and exercising frequently. Let's begin this journey together and have a great weekend.



Wednesday, August 14, 2013

4 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RELATIONSHIP

 
 
 
Stop the blame game
 
 
It is so easy for couples to blame one another when a situation goes sour. But instead of pointing your finger at each other, it is much more beneficial for both partners to accept that they share joint responsibility for their relationship. And to also agree that when they are having problems they should work them out together.


Find time to work on your relationship
 
 
In today's busy world you need to find time for each other, especially when both partners are juggling both work and children. If you have both established that you have a will to make things work then you need to look at your joint schedules and find a time where it works for both you to spend time together. If you do not make time your improvement will be slow-placed if not non existent.


Change the way you communicate
 
 
 
Too often couples take the relationship for granted.  They insult one another and use aggression instead of patience and kindness. When having an argument instead of becoming raged with anger take a deep breath and count to 20. Raised voices never accomplish anything, rather talk calmly to get your point across.


Have an evening out
 
 
 
Try setting a night once a week to go out with each other. It is so critical for couples to take the time to "date" each other. This helps bring you back to those days of when you were young and so in love.
 
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Relationships are one of the most rewarding parts of our lives. We hope that each of you are able to cherish those that you love and never take each other for granted. Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Ways to Save

Nowadays everyone is looking to save a buck. It is easier said then done we know, but the reward is well worth it. Here are some ideas that we found helpful. Let us know what you think!
 

 
10 Ways to S A V E
 

1. Save Spare Change.

 

 Collect all excess change from your purchases and store them. You will be surprised how quickly the quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies stack up.

2. Make your own gifts instead of buying them.


It is more sentimental and you won't break the bank buying a gift for a friends birthday.

3. Drink more water.


Not only is this a healthier option but its inexpensive compared to soft drinks, juices and hot beverages.

4. Write a list before going shopping.

 

When you arrive at the store you know exactly what you need and you will less likely wander into buying un necessary purchases.

5. Bring your lunch.


When going to work, paper bag it. Its not as fancy we know but constantly going out to eat is a sure way to spend that paycheck much to quickly.

6. Turn off the lights.


You would be surprise how much you can save by turning the light off when leaving your room.

7. Master the ten second rule.



Whenever you pick up an item in order to add it to your cart or to take it to the checkout, stop for ten seconds and ask yourself why you’re buying it and whether you actually need it or not. If you can’t find a good answer, put the item back.

8. Don't fear leftovers.


Instead jazz them up! Have leftover chicken from last nights dinner, throw it in a pasta dish and whattaya know? Dinner.

9. Watch less Television.


Not only will this conserve electricity but you can spend that time in a more meaningful way.

10. Hit the library – hard.


Don’t look at a library as just a place to get old books. Look at it as a free place to do all sorts of things. Use the Internet anonymously, check out movies and CDs, grab local free newspapers, and keep up on community events. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a dime.

 
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY TUESDAY.





Friday, August 9, 2013

Is There Health Benefits to Chocolate?

 

If there is one thing that most people can agree on it is their love for chocolate.

But are there any health benefits to consuming chocolate?


Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. a nutritionist stated that,

"Chocolate and its main ingredient, cocoa, appear to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Flavanols in cocoa beans have antioxidant effects that reduce cell damage implicated in heart disease. Flavanols — which are more prevalent in dark chocolate than in milk chocolate or white chocolate — also help lower blood pressure and improve vascular function. In addition, some research has linked chocolate consumption to reduced risks of diabetes, stroke and heart attack."

Although "...The evidence for the health benefits of chocolate comes mostly from short-term and uncontrolled studies. More research is needed. "

In other wards if you plan on incorporating chocolate into your diet here
are several guidelines:
 
1. Stay away from milk and white chocolate: these have ingredients that contain fat and sugar.
 
 
2. Choose dark chocolate: with cocoa content of 65 percent or higher.
 
 
3. Limit yourself to 3 ounces a day: which is the amount that some studies have found helpful.
 
 
 
 
4. Eating this amount may provide up to 450 calories: you may want to cut calories in other areas or step up the exercise to compensate.
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Friday all!
 
Best Regards,



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

10 Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common household product that is stored in our pantries and garages.
But do you know the many uses for Baking Soda?

Well now you do! We are going let you know the benefits of carrying this product on hand. And trust me you will be surprised by the results. I know we were.


 
10 Uses for Baking Soda
 


 

 


1. Freshen your breath
 Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda in a glass of water. Swish, spit and rinse. You now have a inexpensive mouthwash.
 


2. Exfoliate your skin
Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub gently in a circular motion, then rinse.



 
3. Relieve insect bites
 Make a paste out of water and baking soda. Apply to infected area.
 


4. Simple Air Freshener.
Make this recipe here its cheap and chemical free!
 

 
 
 
5. Clean crayon from walls
Apply baking soda to a slightly wet cloth and rub lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

 
 
 
6. Unclog your drains.
Use baking soda and vinegar. No more Drano!
 

 
 
7. Carpet deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda on carpet, let sit overnight or a few hours then vacuum up - you will now have fresh smelling carpets.
 

 
 
8. Keep flowers fresher longer
 Add a 1 tsp. of baking soda to a vase of flowers.
 


9. Clean your produce.
Mix a quarter of a cup of baking soda in a sink full of water. Wash your fruits and vegetables in the solution, then rinse with clean water.
 

 
10. Keep ants out
Mix up equal parts of baking soda and salt together. Then, sprinkle the mixture wherever you see the ants coming in.
 
 
 
Hope this helps you all out. Have a great Wednesday!
Until next time,




Tuesday, August 6, 2013

BANANA PROTEIN PANCAKES!

Pancakes are a staple. Whether you grew up with them or just discovered them recently, you can never go wrong eating a pancake.

But what if you are trying to cut calories, and are trying a healthier lifestyle.
How can you eat them now? Well we have the answer!

And the best part is they are only 211 Calories. You can top them with fresh fruit or sprinkle in some chocolate chips. These will not weigh you down, but instead make you full and recharged.



Banana Protein Pancakes

1/3 small banana
3 egg whites
1/4 scoop protein powder

1. Mash the banana in a blender until it's pureed. Mix it with the egg whites and protein powder.

2. Fry it up in your pre-greased pan and wallah!

Instant pancakes with lots of protein and lots of flavor!
 
Warmest Regards,
 

Monday, August 5, 2013

The Cold Season

Many expect Summer to be a time for swimming and getting a tan. At least that is what we thought. To our surprise the cold season is in full force.

Catching this virus is easier then ever from shaking a friends hand to drinking after a family member's soda.
 

Here is a few tips on how you can avoid catching a cold!

 

 

 

1. Wash your hands frequently. (Scrub with soap for a good minute. Sing Happy Birthday to yourself to know that you washed long enough)

 

 


2. Clean and sanitize your keyboards, electronics, door handles, and steering wheel. These are covered in germs, and most usually the source of spreading colds.


 

 
3. Keep your immune system strong and healthy. Make sure you are eating your veggies and fruits. The healthier you eat the better you will feel.



Here is hoping that you all can stay healthy and strong. Have a blessed Monday!

Until next time,