DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for the ‘Healthy Meals’ Category

5 Lifestyle Changes To Make Before I Turn 55

Next week I will be celebrating my 55th birthday and as always around this time of the year I starting thinking of the changes that I need to make in order to live a healthier lifestyle.

Five of those lifestyle changes include:

drinking more waterNOPE;

drinking less alcoholNO WAY JOSE;

getting more sleepNEVER;

exercising moreNOT GONNA HAPPEN

and last but not least

eat more veggiesYES YES YES!  

I love my veggies especially fresh collards and kale!

eating healthy

 

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, Kale is an awesome Superfood, one that my grandmother cooked almost every Sunday, or at least twice per month.

On the other Sundays or during the week it would be either collards or cresses, which to this day, I have never seen a “cresse” in the grocery stores.

I normally don’t use much seasoning except for maybe a smoked turkey neck or wing, onion and a little bit of sugar, which is why I decided to try this Greens & Kale Seasoning Mix by Concord Foods.  Chicken broth is also good to add to the pot of water for more flavor but it’s not necessary.

seasonings for collard and kale greens

The sodium content is extremely high at 320 mg so I didn’t use the entire pack. When cooking Kale, make sure to thoroughly wash the leaves in the sink or in a deep bowl then tear away the stems from the leaves.

wash greens in a sink or deep bowl

I love fresh sweet onions but chose to use several pearl onions as they were in refrigerator – TIP: peel onions under the stove’s exhaust fan turned on low to keep from crying.  I also forgot to add some minced garlic but a few teaspoons are great to add on top of the kale once the water starts to boil.

use fresh onions when cooking kale

In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water and smoked meat (optional) to a boil.    Add diced onions, garlic and seasoning.  Pour in a few teaspoons of sugar which is also optional and stir.

add kale to boiling water

Cover pot and simmer on low heat, turning occasionally for about 2 hours or until kale is tender, add more water or broth as needed.

add hot sauce to kale

Sprinkle Red Crushed Peppers or Frank’s Red Hot Sauce on top and enjoy.

I need a little spice added to my healthy greens, how about you!

Social Media Sunday with the Delaware Blogger

Don’t forget to tune into Social Media Sunday with the Delaware Blogger on Sunday at 6 – go over to the side bar for the link.  

We will be discussing Social Media Etiquette for Boomers

Be safe and I’ll see ya next week!

 


Wellness Wednesday ~ Hibernating at Home

Wellness Wednesday

Hello friends and welcome to Wellness Wednesday.  

As the daylight hours get shorter and the temps a little chillier your mood may begin to mellow. Gone are the long sunny days spent outdoors and you may feel like hibernating at home.

Now is the perfect time to indulge the senses with affordable yet comfortable items that will enhance our mood and not break the bank.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw

Concepts - Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw
Sofa Shawl

Sofa Shawl

Having a sofa shawl or blanket is a must-have to grab on a crisp Autumn evening while watching tv or reading. Toss it into the dryer with a sheet of fabric softener for an added indulgence for the senses.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw – $21.99 (72% off), Free shipping – Available at 6pm.com

 

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box

Kennedy Mfg - Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix - No Sugar Added 30/Box
Nestle Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love to indulge with a cup of hot chocolate, especially after a long day of shopping or shoveling snow.  Yes, I said the “S” word and unfortunately it will be here before you know it.  

I will sometimes add marshmallows or a shot of Brandy to make my own little hot toddy #drinkresponsibly  

What is your favorite hot beverage?

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box – $8.79, See Site shipping – Available at WEBstaurant Store

 

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492

Woodstock Chimes - Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime - DCW17 WS492
Woodstock Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes

I used to think that wind chimes were just for the summer but now I keep them out all year long.  I love the serene sounds that they make and unless there’s a howling winter storm it does have a calming effect.

I have several types, bamboo, glass and metal, which I change from season to season.

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492 – $15.00, 5.37 shipping – Available at Target.com

 

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim

Corning - Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid - Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim
Corelle Electric Potpourri Warmer

Potpourri Warmer

Do you remember the DIY article that I wrote for Parade Magazine?  I love the scent of of warming Potpourri so if you don’t have a pot, put some in a jar with mini lights.

Now is also the perfect time to stock up on the summer fragrances to use next year.

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim – $19.99, 8.99 shipping – Available at Replacements

 

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)

Crock-Pot - SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)
Stainless Steel Crock Pot

Crock Pot

Last but certainly not least is a Crock Pot.  I have several, but when we do break away from the house and travel I like taking a tasty treat.  This year before leaving to visit relatives for the holiday, I’ll make a Slow Cooked Apple Pie, then leave the Crock Pot as a gift to them.

What is your favorite Crock Pot Meal?

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware) – $39.00, Free shipping – Available at Amazon.com

 How do you like to Hibernate at Home?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.


Friday Foodie Feature

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!

I’ve decided to add something new to the blog – drumroll please…..

bowl

You know that I love to cook and in some circles am considered a Crock Pot Queen (sike), no really I just like sharing food finds on Instagram so decided to bring it to my blog.

Today’s 1st Friday Foodie Feature is

Mama Mae’s Lean Mean Collard Greens

 

photo (17)

On Sundays when I was growing up my grandmother would always cook a big pot of fresh collardskale, or mustard greens, a tradition that I have continued with my own family.  Collards were always the chosen green but I have since discovered kale which is healthier has a sweeter taste and is good when used in a breakfast smoothie.  The tradition of having vegetables with dinner also hasn’t changed but when I don’t feel like cooking fresh I’ll use canned or frozen.

photo (14)

I like trying new products especially if they are within my budget which was the case with the Mama Mae’s items at Shoprite.  The good thing about Mama Mae’s Lean Mean Collard Greens is that they can be cooked in the microwave, on top of the stove or in the oven but the best thing about Mama Mae’s greens are the ingredients.

  • collards
  • water
  • onions
  • garlic
  • sugar
  • dried turkey stock
  • roasted turkey juices/fat
  • yeast extract
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • liquid smoke

They tasted homemade because they basically use the same ingredients as I and contain no hard-to-pronounce artificial flavors or seasoning.  The box states there are approximately 2 1/2 servings per package which was accurate, they are also low in fat and 50 calories per serving.

photo (15)

Mama Mae’s products are manufactured locally in Englewood Cliffs, NJ and if you like greens, I highly recommend trying them.  I look forward to trying some of the other Mama Mae’s items.

photo (16)

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Disclosure Statement
I was not financially compensated for this post.  I purchased product with my own money.  The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.