Sautéed Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)

What you'll need:

• 2 bunches broccoli rabe washed, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons duck fat or coconut oil
• 2 cloves of garlic peeled and sliced
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

What to do:

• Heat oil in a large skillet
• Sautee garlic for 30 seconds.
• Add broccoli rabe and cook until tender (about 8 minutes).
• Add sea salt to taste.

Serve with red pepper flakes on the side for people's liking.

Pairing:

• Paring with broccoli is a bit challenging. We paired the broccoli rabe with a Pinot Noir, but found that they really did not go well together. The rabe is really a grilled bitter vegetable with oil and garlic. The bitterness can make tannic red wines taste a bit harsh. So, with that in mind, we tested the rabe with a fresh white wine. We recommend a Sauvignon Blanc, a dry white wine with fruity flavors. 
• Depending upon how ripeness of the grape when the wine is made, the flavors of a Sauvignon Blanc could range from lime, green apple, passion fruit to white peach. Depending on how ripe the grapes are when the wine is made, the flavor will range from zesty lime to flowery peach. You could even get a Sauvignon Blanc with a grassy flavor. 

Enjoy and be in health.

Men Love Pretty Lips

Tarte 'lust'.  

Tarte 'park ave princess'.

Coconut Veggie Curry

What you'll need:

• 1 small head of broccoli
• 3 carrots
• 1 onion
• 1 head of bok choy
• your favorite mushrooms
• 1 T. coconut oil
• 1/2 t. ginger
• 1/2 t. turmeric
• 1/2 t. salt

What to do:

• Cut up all veggies into bite size pieces
• Heat oil in a wok or large skillet
• Quickly fry in a little hot fat some onion, carrots and broccoli for 2-4 min.
• Add ginger and turmeric
• Add bok choy and mushrooms and cook for 1-2 min.
• Stir in 1/2 - 1 full can of full fat coconut milk
• Add salt to taste.

Serve over cauliflower rice or white basmati rice.

Pairing:

• We tested a couple bottles of wine. We recommend Chile’s Carmenare wine, a red varietal from a deep, dark, purple red grape. It's spicy and rich in berry flavor. 
• We also like vegetable curry with a Malbec, from Agentina possibly, where the wine is tart, spicey and berry red. We also like a bold and spicy Grenache from Spain or Australia.
  

This is HubbyHubby's favorite curry. By the way, turmeric and ginger both have amazing health benefits.

Be in health.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

What you'll need:

• 1/2 lb. bacon
• 1 pound scallops
• toothpicks

What to do:

• Cut bacon into thirds
• Wrap bacon around scallop
• Secure with toothpick
• Line a baking pan with foil
• Bake for 10-15 min at 350 until bacon is crisp

Pairing:

• Try pairing the bacon-wrapped scallops with a Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. 
• If you're pairing with a beer, try a wheat beer. Wheat beers have a lot of protein in them and will provide a thick head. A wheat beer will be fizzy or bubbly, light, and great for summer. We paired it with the bacon-wrapped scallops and HubbyHubby went crazy for it. It's a perfect beer to help with grilling too. 

HubbyHubby loves bacon wrapped scallops. They are high in protein and make a nice appetizer.

Mashed Potatoes

What you'll need:

• 6 Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and chopped
• 1 stick of butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste
• Parsley, thyme, rosemary or sage

What to do:

• Boil potatoes until fork tender (about 10 minutes).
• Drain and put potatoes in standing mixer bowl.
• Add butter and milk.
• Add more milk to your liking.
• Add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.
• Stir in parsley, thyme, rosemary or sage.

Pairing:

• Try pairing the mashed potatoes with a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. 
• For pairing with beer, try a Lager or Pilsner. We did. And HubbyHubby loved it. A cold lager poured in a lager glass just hits the spot for my man. We tested different white wines and other beers, but the lager was the best pairing choice. Here's a nice lager glass we recommend. 

Have you noticed that HubbyHubby's favorite food in mashed potatoes?

What's your hubby's favorite food? How often do you make it for him?

Enjoy and be in health.

Panties, Panties, Everywhere

HubbyHubby went out with his friends the other night. He came home and told me that all his friends' favorite post is Panties in His Lunchbox. They talked extensively about it throughout their "guys night out."

I thought about this for a few days. Of all the things that go into a marriage, it's panties in his lunchbox that they love the most.

Well, if this makes our hubby happy let's keep it up.

If you have a traveling hubby, throw a lacy pair in his:

• suitcase;
• briefcase; or
• carry on.

If you have a construction or hands-on hubby, stick a pair of cheekies:

• in his work truck's cup holder;
• on the seat of his work truck; or
• above the sun visor. 

If you have a techie hubby, squeeze a thong:

• in his laptop bag; or
• wrapped around his iPad. 

You have a hubby that works from home? Then, fling a pair:

• on his work desk; 
• around his mouse or keyboard;
• hiding behind his headset; or
• draped over his office chair. 

Okay, ladies. Your turn.

What are some other fun sexy-pantie-hiding places?

Squeeze Your Man

When was the last time you walked up to your man and hugged him?  I mean a really good, long, strong, squeeze. A tight hug that made him feel like the most loved and adored man on earth.

Do this today and let me know his response and reaction.

Here's mine.....  My tight squeeze for HubbyHubby, caught him off guard. I felt his strong muscular arms squeeze me right back. Then I relaxed my squeeze and melted into his arms. We stood in the kitchen while the rest of the house buzzed with the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the day ahead.

Ahhhhh, what a wonderful way to start the day.

How often do you squeeze your man?

Put this at the top of your "things to-do list" and enjoy the benefits.

There's tons of proven research about the happy chemicals released in your brain with a long hug. But instead of looking all that stuff up, use that computer time to squeeze your man.

Give Him a Compliment

At the dinner table last night, there was lots of conversation about the happenings of the day. At one point something made HubbyHubby smile.  His smile lit up his face and his eyes gleamed. It was so beautiful.

Now, HubbyHubby is the happiest man on earth. He is full of joy all the time. Therefore he smiles a lot.

However, this one smile caught my attention, and I said, "You have the most handsome smile."

Well, you would have thought I gave him a zillion dollars! He said, "Wow. That is so sweet of you. You haven't said that in a long time."

Hm. Note to self.

So, let me ask you: What compliment can you give your hubby to make him smile, to lighten his load, to brighten his day?

A compliment that's related to his masculinity or his handsomeness is sure to make him feel like he's king of the world.

If you have a hubby journal, start a page that lists all the things you love about your man.

Give your hubby compliments this week, and let me know his reaction.

If you make it part of your everyday life and conversation, your man will feel like a king.

The Traveling Husband

Treat your traveling husband like a king.

Today, I learned about husbands who travel. Three wives told me what it's like to have a traveling husband, how they deal with it, how they survive, what works and what doesn't work.

Wife # 1 said that part of her husband's work requires him to attend really great parties and hang out with celebrities while she holds down the fort at home.

Wife # 2 said her husband calls her, tells her what a tough day he's had and that he's going to "stay in tonight and order room service." He spends the night sitting in a luxurious hotel room watching whatever he likes on the big screen TV, while wife holds down the fort at home with 3 kids, laundry and soccer car pooling like mad.

Wife #3 said her husband "throws a wrench into things" when he comes home.  Her schedule and groove was all set and when hubby comes home she actually thinks, "Argh. When are you leaving again?"

When spouses travel (husband or wife), it can put stress on the marriage.

How can we treat our traveling hubby like a king?

1. Renew your mind.
2. Stay thankful.
3. Be excited and celebrate his return, no matter what he did while he was away.

Here are a few ideas on how to treat your traveling Hubby like a king.

• You and the kids make welcome home signs for Dad.
• Make or pick up his favorite dinner.
• Throw a table cloth on the table and light a candle for dinner.

Yes. He could be having a great time while away.  But being away from you is probably very hard on him.

When I asked my girl friends, "Where would their husband rather be? Home with you and the kids, or on the road?" The immediate and common response (even before I could finish my question) was "at home with the family."

Ah, yes. And there's the heart of our wonderful husbands.

Are they out with a sword sleighing dragons for us? No. Not literally.
Are they in the wilderness with a bow and arrow, hunting and bringing home a kill for dinner? No.
Are they at war fighting a battle to save your home and property? No.

But they are out, on the road for one main reason. One main purpose. To provide and take care of you. You. And the family. Men live to provide and protect. Read The King's Guide for details.

So, when your Hubby comes home, celebrate his return with his favorite things on the planet:

• Amazing sex
• His favorite food
• Appreciation
• Adoration
• Love
• Attention
• Compassion
• And all-out thankfulness for his heart and life.

And yes, my HubbyHubby travels.

How do you treat your traveling hubby like a king?

He's Looking at Other Women When We're Out Together

Have you ever been out with your Hubby only to catch him turning his head to look at another woman?

How does that make you feel?

Yep. I understand. So, here's something to think about: Be that woman he's looking at. Be her. What happens if you dress to catch his eye. Dress to turn his head to you. Dress to get his attention. 

Why? Because men are visual.

What are you wearing right now? Look down at your outfit. What do you have on?

Do you know what your husband likes to look at? Do you know what he likes to see you in?

This week, plan some time to sit down with your Hubby. Make him his favorite drink (coffee, beer, lemonade, bourbon, etc.), and show him some fashion magazines, store catalogues, or outfits on the web.

Ask him what he likes. Ask. Don't take too long though. Just 5 minutes.

I have two favorite places where I love to shop. When those catalogs show up in the mail, I flip through with HubbyHubby, and he tells me what he likes. Lead him on with, "Hm. That's nice." Or, "Hm, she's looks cute in that. Yes?"

Within time and budget, I order or buy those outfits. Then--and this is HubbyHubby's favorite part--after the kids are in bed, I put on a fashion show for him. I make sure he sits where he can catch a glimpse of me changing. It's a fun little special time for us together, and now I'm his "head-turner."

Each week, plan your outfits so that your appearance is well kept.

No time? Make time. Remember, men are visual. What you wear is important to your Hubby.

Sex Again? Now? Really!?

There is a certain time of day when HubbyHubby likes to "get it on."

With three little ones at home, timing isn't always easy.

In fact, there are more than a million excuses NOT to "get it on."

However,... I make it happen. I make arrangements. I schedule it in (so to speak). I don't make excuses.

Ladies.... give your hubby the sex he wants at his favorite time of day.

Her are some tips and tricks:

• Babies at home? Have sex when they are napping or asleep.

• Too tired? Take a nap.

• School age children at home? Put on a movie. Set them up with books on tape. Set out fun breakfast foods, crayons and coloring books and tell them, "Mommy and Daddy are sleeping in tomorrow."

• Put them to bed early.

• Too much to do? Do your hubby first! The rest will wait.

What tricks and tips do you have to make sure you and your hubby have sex?

Master and Commander

After watching the movie Master and Commander, for the 10th time (argh), HubbyHubby says, "I'm your master and commander." And winks. 

Ah, boy. 

Turns out, he really likes to be called Master and Commander. I'm not kidding. He programmed his iPhone to call him that.

So, what does your hubby like to be called?

• Sweetie pie
• Honey
• Babe
• Babycakes
• Cowboy
• My hero
• Lug nut 
• Shnookums
• Muffin cakes
• Hottie biscotti
• Italian stallion
• Lover boy
• Sargent sexy 
• Stud muffin
• Hunny bun
• Hot stuff

There's nothing more boring than calling your hubby by his first name. Gosh, I hate hearing that. It's such a great opportunity to be creative and get your hub's attention. 

What do you call you hubby? Is it what he likes to be called? Do you even know what he likes? 

Ask him.

Busy Day Beef Stroganoff

Today is a busy day of school, appointments and violin lessons.

For this recipe I used leftover pot roast and the crock pot for a hot yummy meal as soon as we all arrive home.

Here's what you'll need:

• Leftover beef pot roast

• 10 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions or shallots
• 1 pound small button mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 1 cup canned beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cognac or white wine
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon paprika
  
  
  
  
  Place the leftover beef in the crock pot and set on low.
  Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
  Add chopped shallots and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. 
  Add mushrooms. 
  Sprinkle with pepper and sauté until liquid evaporates, about 12 minutes. 
  Add beef broth, then Cognac. 
  Simmer until liquid thickens and just coats mushrooms, about 14 minutes. 
  Stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard. 
  Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  Pour the mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
  When you get home, cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 8 minutes. 
  Drain. 
  Transfer to bowl. 
  Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. 
  Divide noodles among plates. Top with beef and sauce. Sprinkle with paprika.
  
  
  
  

Leftover Stew

What?????

Yes, I discovered Leftover Stew when I came home starving and found the frig full of little leftover containers of meat and veggies.

In a saute pan I added some coconut oil, and the leftover veggies and some leftover chicken.

I topped this with coconut milk and heated it all through. This was a fantastic lunch for a hungry wife.

Now, on the weekends I do the same thing with the leftovers; however I always make a fresh pot of Basmati rice.

This is a great way to be thrifty which blesses HubbyHubby a lot.

Be in health.

Leftover Stir Fry

Being thrifty really makes HubbyHubby happy.  It shows him that I am thankful and appreciative of what we have and that I do my best to make the most of it.

At our house we eat lots and lots of veggies and some protein and some starch.

At the end of the week when there are leftover veggies and protein in abundance, I make Leftover Stirfry.

In a large skillet heat up some coconut oil.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a 1/2 of teaspoon of ginger and 1 teaspoon of turmeric.  Cook for 1 minute.  (Turmeric is very healthy for HubbyHubby and the whole family.)

Add the veggies and protein and heat through.

Add leftover rice or make a fresh pot if you don't have any.

Serve with soy sauce.

Be thrifty and be in health.

Halloween Soup

Every Halloween I make Halloween Soup.

When the kids come home from school we carve pumpkins and get ready for tricke-or-treating.

Here's what you'll need for the evening of fun:

2 tablespoons of coconut oil
2 tablespoons of butter
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
salt and pepper
1-2 cups chicken broth
1 medium butternut squash
1 medium pie pumpkin

Cut squash and pumpkin in half and scoop out seeds.  Place seeds in a bowl for latter.

Rub each cut half with coconut oil.  Place cut side down on a baking sheet and bake on 350 for 1 hour.

In a large soup pot, melt butter and coconut oil and sauté carrots, celery an onion on medium heat until soft.  Season with salt and pepper.

Scoop out the butternut squash and the pumpkin and add to the soup pot.

Add one cup chicken broth.

Blend with hand held mixing wand.  Add extra chicken broth to desired consistency.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

HubbyHubby doesn't like it completely blended because he says it reminds him of baby food.

Ask your hubby how he likes the soup.  He'll be happy that you care enough to ask.

Be in health.

Sweet Potato & Beet Chips

Most grocery store chips are made with the wrong oil.

Some oils are bad for HubbyHubby right from the start and some oils are good from the start, but turn bad for you after being heated too high.

These chips are supper good for HubbyHubby because, 1. they are made from healthy veggies and 2.  they are baked with coconut oil.

Here's what you'll need:

4 sweet potatoes
3 beets
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
salt & pepper

Here's what to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Wash and pat dry veggies.
 Slice using a mandolin ( 1/6" - 1/18").

Sprinkle lightly with salt on both sides to remove liquid.
Let the veggies rest for 30 minutes.
Rinse in cold water and pat dry.
Toss veggies in 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake on a cookie sheet in a single layer with no overlap for 15-20 minutes, until slightly brown.

Be in health.

This recipe was adapted from Ideal Market.

Sloppy Joes

On game day or a cold winter day, HubbyHubby loves warm hearty crockpot meals.

Sloppy Joes are one of his favorites.

Here's what you need to make enough for game day and have leftovers for lunch boxes the next day.

2 tablespoons of coconut oil
2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalk, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 cans (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
8 onion buns or hamburger buns split

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper.  Cook 5-7 minutes.

Add ground beef to skillet and break up until crumbled.  Cook 6-8 minutes.

Place all the above in the crockpot and stir in tomato sauce, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve in soft onion buns.

Adapted from MarthaStewart.com

Be in health.

What sport, hobby, activity does your hubby love?  How can you participate, show a genuine interest and adapt yourself to his extra curricular fun?

Chicken Stock

Chicken stock is so very, very healthy for HubbyHubby and the whole family. 

On a cold winter day, I heat it up and add whatever veggies I have on hand for a quick nutrient dense meal.

Here's what you need:

one whole free-range chicken or 2 to 3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones and wings
feet and head from chicken (optional)
2 tablespoons of vinegar 
one onion, peeled and quartered
3 carrots broken in half
2 celery stalks cut in half
1 bulb of garlic pealed and crushed
1 bunch of Italian parsley

Here's what to do:

In a large stock pot place the chicken and cover with cold water.
Add the vinegar and let sit for 1/2 hour.  This pulls out the minerals and calcium.
Next add all the veggies except for the parsley.
Bring to a boil.
Turn down to a simmer and cook, covered for 6 to 24 hours.
About 10 minutes before the stock is done, add the parsley.  This adds extra minerals to the stock.

Adapted from Nourishing Traditions 

Italian Meatballs & Sauce

Hubbyhubby loves to make meatballs and
sauce with me on Sundays.  He pours two glasses of wine
and makes a nice charcuterie board of salami, cheese and olives.  We snack, drink wine and cook together.

Here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup lard or coconut oil
1/2 onion chopped
4 cloves garlic chopped
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning or fresh oregano, rosemary, thyme, savory, marjoram and basil finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 jars crushed tomatoes
2 jars chopped tomatoes
1 tube tomato paste

Here's what to do:
Saute onions in lard or oil until soft in an 8 quart stock pot
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrent
Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning, salt and pepper
Stir in crushed tomatoes and chopped tomatoes
Stir in 4 cups water
Bring to a boil then turn down and simmer for 3 or until desired consistency.
If you are short on time add less water.

 Next:

3 pounds of grass fed ground beef or any combination of ground beef, veal, pork, lamb
1/2 cup Italian parsley chopped
1/2 onion and 4 cloves of garlic chopped and sauteed until soft, set aside to cool (in a pinch use 2 teaspoons dried garlic and dried onion)
3/4 cup of Pecorino Romano cheese
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
lard or coconut oil

Here's what to do:
In a large skillet melt enough lard or oil to come up 1/2 way on the pan
Mix all of the above ingredients together.
Form meatballs and cook until brown on the outside, but uncooked on the inside.
After each meatball browns drop into the hot sauce.  This cooks the inside.

What domestic task can you turn into romantic date time?

Enjoy and be in health.

This recipe was adapted with love from my grandma Anna Ciccarelli

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Here's a fun recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole.  Simple, easy and it makes for great lunch leftover too.

Here's what you'll need:

12 oz rice pasta, gluten free pasta or egg noodles
2 cans of tuna
4 tablespoons of butter
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup flour or arrowroot
1 cup milk or coconut milk
3/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
6 oz frozen peas, spinach, kale, or broccoli
1-2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon of lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Herbamare
1 tablespoon relish
1/2 lemon jucied
dash Worcestershire
salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Parmesan cheese

Here's what to do:
Cook pasta according to package directions.
While pasta is cooking saute chopped veggies in butter until soft.
Stir in 1/4 cup flour and whisk for 1 min.
Whisk in milk.
Cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add seasonings, peas (or other veggies) and tuna.
Heat through and add cheese, relish, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour cooked pasta into a 9 X 13 baking dish.
Mix in 4 table spoon butter and stir.
Add tuna mixture to pasta and stir.
Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Be in health.

This recipe was borrowed from The Baine's family.

Pumpkin Pie

HubbyHubby LOVES Pumpkin Pie.

You'll need:

1 frozen pie crust
(It saves me a ton of time and it always turns out great.  The energy and time I save here, I use to be happy, fresh and rested for HubbyHubby.)

2 cups pumpkin puree
2/3 cup coconut sugar or sucanat

9oz coconut milk - Use the thick creamy part not the coconut water.
I use this brand because it has no BPA in the lining of the can.
3 eggs

2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground clove
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ginger
a pinch of black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons brandy (optional)

Prick the pie crust with a fork a few times.
Bake the pie crust for 15 minutes.

In the standing mixer whisk the pumpkin, eggs and coconut milk.

In a small bowl mix the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and black pepper.

Now add the sugar mixture to the pumpkin mixture.

Add the brandy (if ya like).

Bake on 375 for 40 minutes or until the butter knife comes out clean.

Be in health.

What is your hubby's favorite treat?  When was the last time you made it for him or picked it up at the store and served it with a special garnish like whipped cream and a sprig of mint on a fancy plate with a heart cut out of a piece of wax paper?

Dinner For A King

HubbyHubby loves steak.  Here's a super healthy dinner for your man.

Here's what you'll need:

1 dry aged rib eye
salt and pepper
2 tablespoon butter
1 bunch asparagus, stems removed
2 sweet potatoes peeled and chopped

Here's what to do:
Season rib eye with salt and pepper
Let sit on counter, covered, for 1/2 half hour
Boil potatoes for 8 minutes or until soft.

Turn the gas grill on high.
Sear both sides of steak for 2 minutes each at the front of the grill.
Turn the front of the grill off.
Cook steak until thermometer reads 135.
Remove steak to a serving dish and place 2 tablespoons butter on to of steak and tent with foil.
While steak rests for 5 minutes, steam asparagus in boiling water.
Serve the potatoes and asparagus with butter and salt and pepper.

Wine paring: Zolo Reserve 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Argentina


Be in health.

Green Eggs And...

Protein and veggies are a great way to start HubbyHubby's
day.

This quick and easy breakfast will keep him strong and focused until lunch.

Here's what you'll need:
3 table spoon butter
2 free range eggs scrambled
1/2 cup frozen or fresh greens (spinach, kale or chard)

Here's what to do:
Saute greens in melted butter for 5 or 6 minutes.
Move the greens to the side of the pan.
Add the eggs to the other side of the pan.
Move eggs around gently until cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy and be in health.

How To Cook The Best Rib Eye Steak Ever

HubbyHubby loves rib eye steak.  He's tried them all and always asks for rib eye.

Here's what you'll need:
1 dry aged, grass fed rib eye
2 tablespoons butter

Here's what to do:
Season steak with salt and pepper.
Let it sit out for a 1/2 hour or so.
Light gas grill on high.
Sear steak for 3 minutes on each side.
Turn off front of grill, and leave steak for 3 more minutes.
When thermometer reads 135 transfer steak to a plate.
Top with butter and tent.
Let rest for 5 minutes.

Enjoy and be in health.

Coconut Curry Shrimp

I'm always thinking of yummy healthy meals and snacks for HubbyHubby.

Today I made him Coconut Curry Shrimp.

I used leftover veggies, a can of coconut milk and sauteed shrimp.

The veggies I had on hand were, carrots, kale, onion and broccoli.

Here's what to do:

Heat up 2 tablespoons of coconut oil on medium heat.
Add the left over veggies and heat through.
Add a can of full fat coconut milk.
Add 2 teaspoons of turmeric or curry.
Salt and pepper to taste.

In a separate skillet heat up 2 tablespoons of coconut oil on medium-high heat.
Add 2 pounds of thawed shrimp.
Season with salt and pepper.
Cook until opaque.

Serve hot shrimp over coconut curry veggies.

Be in health.

What is the Primary Reason for Marriage?

The primary reason for marriage is companionship.

Yes, that's right, companionship.

"The good feeling that comes from being with someone else." M-W.com

For HubbyHubby and I this means we are together a lot. We love to do things together. We plan to be together.

Here are some example of being together:

• I'm aware of which room he's in, and that's were I usually am. 
• When he is relaxing or watching TV, I'm sitting next to him reading or writing. 
• We cook dinner together. 
• I keep my schedule free on the weekends or ask him what he wants to do. 
• I make time for him. 
• I make sure I'm free when he's available. 

How do I do all this? It's a decision.  I decide to be with HubbyHubby, spend time with him and make that time feel good. I also know if he needs guy time or alone time or down time. This comes with time and experience of being his wife and paying attention to his needs.

This week make a list of all the time/times you can spend with your hubby.  Schedule that time into your week and keep him your number one priority.

Don't know? Ask him.  He'll tell you. :)

Weekly Meal Plan #1

Life for a wife is non-stop.

Enjoy this weekly meal plan so you can focus on the man you love.

Monday:  Beef Stroganoff
Tuesday:  Baked russet or sweet potatoes
Wednesday:  Cream of vegetable soup
Thursday:  Baked salmon and broccoli
Friday:  Date night, kids get Pad Thai from a box w/ added broccoli and scrambled eggs
Saturday:  Leftovers or eat out with the family
Sunday:  Game day sloppy joes

I usually go shopping on Monday after everyone is off to school and work.

Sunday, after lunch or dinner, I grab my notebook and pen and ask HubbyHubby what he'd like to have for the weeks dinners and lunches.

The kiddos chime in too.

I take all suggestions into consideration along with what we already have in the freezer, what's in season, after school activities, and what's on sale.

Blueberry Smoothie

What you'll need:

1 Cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 Cup milk or yogurt of your choice
1 Raw egg
1 Teaspoon vitamin C powder
small handful of goji berries

Blend in VitaMix until smooth.
Add water to desired consistency.

Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants which keeps HubbyHubby healthy and happy.

Goji Sun Salad

What you'll need:

Romaine lettuce
1 avocado cut into bite size pieces
1 plum tomato cut into bite size pieces
1/2 carrot shredded or thinly sliced
1/2 celery thinly sliced
small handful of cilantro chopped
small handful of sunflower seeds
small handful of goji berries

Olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

Recently, I had a hair analysis done only to find out my mercury was way too high.  In the process of researching having my mercury fillings removed, my good friend and Ayurvedic doctor told me to eat a lot of cilantro.  HubbyHubby has way more mercury fillings than me, so I put cilantro on all his salads.  Yum!

Strawberry Goji Smoothie

What you'll need:

1 Cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 Cup kefir, yogurt or milk of your choice
1 raw egg (make sure you know the source and they are good healthy free range chickens)
1 small handful of goji berries
1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder
drizzle of maple syrup or a drop or two of stevia to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a VitaMix until smooth.
Add water to adjust consistency to your liking.

Kefir is loaded with tons of amazing healthy bacteria.  So healthy for HubbyHubby.

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

Hubbyhubby & I love Prosciutto.  Every time he goes to the grocery store he buys it for me.  I'm always so surprised and I always make a big fuss about it and thank him with giggles, hugs, kisses and thank yous.

You may ask... "really, Alicia, you go silly happy with hugs, kisses, giggles and thank yous over ham?"  Yes, and this is how I show HubbyHubby how thankful I am and how I appreciate his gift to me.

Was it a 3 carat diamond ring, a new car, a new house?  No. But I always make sure to say 'thank you' for the things that HubbyHubby does for me.  Even if it's ham.

Being thankful and appreciative is a HUGE key to treating your man like a king.

For a quick Paleo snack I make him Prosciutto wrapped melon.

Here's what you'll need:

1/2 pound Prosciutto Di Parma
1 ripe honeydew or cantaloupe cut into cubes

Here's what to do:

Wrap melon pieces with one slice of Prosciutto and secure with a toothpick.

Serve with a wonderful Italian red wine.

A thrifty wife, can buy a whole Prosciutto from Costco.  If you do this, make sure you have a fantastic sharp knife for carving.  This one is my fav.

Avocado Tomato Salad

Avocados are very healthy for HubbyHubby.  This is a great quick and easy summer salad to accompany any meal.
What you'll need:

1 Cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 Avocado scooped out and roughly chopped
1 Roasted beats cut into bite size pieces
1/2 Cucumber peeled and sliced
1/2 Carrots thinly sliced or shredded

Optional add ons:
Sunflower seeds
Goji berries
Pecans or cashews

Mix all veggies together and drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, Herbamare and pepper to taste.  Enjoy and be in health.

Coconut Potatoes

What you'll need:

5 Yukon Gold potatoes washed and cut into bite size cubes
2 T. coconut oil
salt and pepper to taste

Dice up potatoes and toss to coat with coconut oil.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Spread on baking sheet and bake on 350 for 25 minutes or until crispy brown to your liking.

HubbyHubby is a meat and potatoes man.  I tend to eat 99.9% Paleo.  Coconut oil is great to bake with because it can handel the high heat and is super healthy for HubbyHubby.  This recipe can be made with 1/2 Yukon Gold potatoes and 1/2 sweet potatoes.  This way we are both happy happy.

Sauteed Sage Pork Chops and Pan Sauce

What you'll need:

4 bone in pork chops
1 table spoon coconut oil
1/4 cup wine (white or red) or chicken stock or water
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of dijon mustard

Day before:
Soak pork chops in vinegar overnight.

Next day, 1 hour before cooking, pat pork chops dry.
Season with salt, pepper and sage.
Let them sit out to come to room temp.

Heat oil in a large skillet.
Sear pork chops on each side for about 3-4 minutes.
Pork chops are done when internal temp is 145 degrees.

While the pork chops are resting.  Here's how to make a kick ass pan sauce.
In the same pan as the pork chops, add the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan while on medium high heat.

Next add the dijon mustard and butter and whisk until you see a nice sauce to your liking.

Serve with your favorite veggies and homemade apple sauce.

HubbyHubby loves meat and potatoes.  I make veggies the center of the meal and serve the meat in smaller portions.  I'm always thinking of what HubbyHubby likes and what's good for his health.

Grilled Porter House Steak

Here's what you'll need:

2 Dry Aged Porter House Steaks
salt and pepper to taste
2 table spoons butter

One hour before your ready to cook, salt and pepper steaks and let sit out to come to room temp.

When steaks are at room temp. heat grill to high heat.

Sear steaks on each side for minutes each.  Turn off front burner (where steaks are) and keep back burner on high and let the smoke and heat circulate until internal temp. reaches 145 degrees.

At 145 degrees remove steaks.  Add a pat off butter to each and tent with foil.  Let steaks rest for 5 minutes.

HubbyHubby has tried EVERY steak at Whole Foods.  His all time fav. is the Porter House.  Serve with a nice veggie salad and sweet potatoes fries.

Italian Salad

Here's what you'll need:

Salad:
1 head of your favorite lettuces chopped.
1 cup of tomatoes chopped
1 cucumber peeled and sliced
1 carrot grated

Dressing:
In a glass measuring cup measure 1/3 Braggs Vinegar.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and some ground pepper.
Whisk.
Add 2 cloves smashed garlic.
Pour in 2/3 cups olive oil.

Stir dressing and drizzle over salad.

Garlic is super healthy for HubbyHubby. It kills all kinds of bugs and as my grandmother says "it's good for the blood".
I keep HubbyHubby healthy with a nice veggie salad with garlic dressing.

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Hubbyhubby and I decided to have each day of the week designated to a different breakfast.

For example:
Monday - scrambled eggs
Tuesday - fruit smoothie
Wednesday- oatmeal
Thursday - fruit smoothie
Friday - over easy eggs & toast
Saturday - pancakes
Sunday - spinach omelets

Why?  You ask.  This way our three children know what to expect and it eliminates morning craziness of "what's for breakfast?"  or "eggs.... yuck, I don't want eggs".




Mixed Berry Smoothie

Here's what you'll need:
1 cup frozen mixed berries
2 egg yolks
1 cup milk of your choice
1 T. vitamin C powder
1 frozen Acai berry packet
1 small hand full of goji berries

Blend all ingredients in a Vitamix and add water or milk to desired consistency.

Enjoy and be in health.

"Treat your husband like a king and your life will be better."

My good friend at the gym loves her hubby a ton. When I told her about HubbyHubby.com she said, "Treat your husband like a king and your life will be better." I couldn't agree more.

Here are some practical ways I treat HubbyHubby like a king:
1.  I keep the attractiveness of our home - especially the bedroom.
2.  I keep his favorite coffee in stock.
3.  I massage his shoulders at night.
4.  I thank him when he does something for me - big or small.
5.  I speak sweetly to him with a kind tone of voice.
6.  I put love notes or lace panties in his lunch box.
7.  I have and enjoy sex with him lots.
8.  I'm courteous and appreciative of him.
9.  I don't nag, criticize, or attempt to remake him - especially in front of others.
10.  I keep my attractiveness personally.
11.  I spoil him outrageously.
12.  I'm practical with my time, money and expectations.

 How does this make my life better?

When I treat HubbyHubby like a king, he is built up, encouraged and strong. Like a victorious king who can and will conqueror any task for his woman.

You are the ONLY person on the planet who can treat your man like a king. You, and ONLY you, can love, appreciate, admire, praise and adore him.

This week write down 3 things that you will do to treat your hubby like a king.
Don't know what he wants? Ask him. He'll tell you.
In return, your life will be better.

"I Sent Him a Sweet Text"

My friends and I went out for happy hour recently.

Our conversation turned to "husbands" and "marriage."

Kate shared her story. Sarah and Bob have 2 small children and their marriage is rocky. Sarah wanted to try something new, so she sent a sweet text to her husband, Bob. When Bob got home he was over the moon with delight.  It was like someone gave him the greatest gift he could ever imagine.

Men love it when their women love them.  The littlest things can mean so much to your man.  Sending a sweet text to your hubby may take seconds and can mean the world to him.  Sending a naughty text (sext) to your man will put him over the top.

Recognize that our men are out in the world working hard.  No one is building them up or praising them.  Their day could be filled with incredible challenges, including criticism, pressure, and deadlines.  When your man receives a sweet message from his lover, he'll be the happiest man on Earth.

Here are some text ideas:

1.  Thinking of you sweetie.
2.  Thinking of you & the amazing sex we had this morning.
3.   I love you.
4.  You are the best.
5.  Miss you.  Can't wait to see you tonight.
6.  You make me so happy.
7.  You are the light of my life.
8.  xoxoxo
9.  You are the man of my dreams.

What are some sweet text messages you can send your hubby this week?  Make a list of sweet texts, and then work on a bunch of sexts.  Go ahead.  You can do it.  Make his day.  Put a little reminder in your calendar to send your man a little message.

"If I have sex with him, he'll be nice to me for 2 days."

I was out with my friends and this is what one of them said.

How awful!

So, I had to share my thoughts. And this is what I shared.

Sex is the air that men breathe. They think about sex at least once every five minutes.

If they are not hungry and thinking of food, then they are thinking of sex.

Sex is extremely important to men. And since our men are extremely important to us, then we need to recognize that. But... if you're having sex with your hubby so that he'll be nice to you, then you've got a serious problem on your hands. Sex is not a cure to that problem. You've got to figure out why both of you are no longer madly in love with each other. Love is the foundation. If you love each other, you'll be nice to each other forever.

Touching and Kissing

After the kidos are in bed, I like to read or knit. HubbyHubby likes to watch TV.

We do different things, but sit together -- right smack next to each other.

We hold hands.  I put my hand on his thigh. He puts his arm around me.  Whatever.
You know... we touch.

While making breakfast or dinner, I give HubbyHubby a pat or pinch on the butt. Maybe a kiss. A sweet flirty look. I lick my lips.

HubbyHubby loves the flirty-touchy attention at random times of day.  Men love a good squeeze. Or hot kiss in the ear.  Make it short and sweet.  Pretend you don't want to get caught by the kids, or by the neighbors through the window. That's hot.

What opportunities do you have during the day to put your hands (or lips) on your hubby?

Visit Brazil or Bermuda

About 10 years ago, my friend said to me, "Get a Brazilian. He'll love it."

Well, I did. And HubbyHubby loved, loved, loved it, alright!

What does your hubby like?

• Full and fuffy?
• All gone--the REAL Brazilian?
• A runway?
• The Bermuda Triangle?

Don't know?  Ask him.

What's down there to make your HubbyHubby happy-happy?

Captain of the Ship

Have you ever been on a ship? Who's in charge? Who has the final say? Who's steering this thing?

The captain, of course.

Let me tell you about HubbyHubby, the captain of this ship we call our family. On Saturday mornings, we all have breakfast together and talk about the things we'd like to do that day. The girls give their ideas. I give mine. And HubbyHubby gives his. We chit-chat and come up with more ideas.

After breakfast, HubbyHubby might say, "We're gonna go hike Sanitas." That's Mount Sanitas.

There might be some moaning, some groaning, and maybe a little crying and gnashing of teeth from the girls. Even sudden tummyaches and headaches might develop. Hmm. It's not looking good. I can just tell that this is not a good decision, I say to myself. No matter. Captain says, "Let's go." And we go.

HubbyHubby and I pack snacks and water. We gather the troops. And we head out. Oh, boy.

But wouldn't you know...  No more than 15 minutes into the hike and there are giggles, laughter, running, skipping, bird-watching, and fun chit-chat. We're all having a great time. Hiking Mount Sanitas. Huh! How about that?


When HubbyHubby is the captain of the ship and shows vision and leadership, the whole family gets on board and has fun.

Is your husband the captain? No? Let him take a leadership role. See what happens. Ya might be pleasantly surprised.

Let Him Out

Today we were in a restaurant having lunch with three other couples.

The husbands were talking about guy stuff; the wives were talking about gal stuff.

HubbyHubby turns to me and says, "Babe, the guys are going out to see a movie tonight at 8:00."

I started to run the day and evening schedule through my head to see if it would work.

HubbyHubby lovingly said, "Just say, 'Yes.'"

"Yes, my love. Yes."

This reminded me that HubbyHubby needs to go out for guy time. And when the guys make a plan, I need to say, "Okay," and figure out the rest.

HubbyHubby wasn't asking for my permission. He wasn't asking for the schedule. He wasn't looking for a discussion. He was telling me of his need, and he wanted to let me know and allow me to meet his need.

After I responded with "Yes," I could see and hear the third couple still talking it out. The wife had said, "No." He couldn't go out because he was to see that movie the following night with her and the family.

Two out of three men went out that night.

Hmm.

Ladies, when our husbands say they want to go out with the guys, let them go. Your sincere, smiling, response should be, "Okay, have fun. And be good."

Don't give him a song and a dance. Do not reply with any of the following: "When?" "Where?" "With who?" "Wait, let me think." "Why?" "What time will you be back?" "Again?" "How long?" Blah, blah, blah.

This Week: 

When your hubby mentions "the guys," sincerely encourage him to make a "man date."

You can even bring it up yourself and say, "Hey, your favorite team is playing. You should call the guys and go watch it at the sports bar. Yell at the big-screen TV."

You do this simple thing. You do this once a month or so. Do this, and you'll be rewarded with a most happy hubby.

What Do You Like About Your Hubby?

What do you like about your Hubby?

Don't tell me. Tell him!

Tell him how:

• You love his voice, especially when he sings. Say, "Sing me 'Happy Birthday' in that sexy voice of yours."
• You love his choice of music (God, help us). Classic Rock... really?
• You love his good attempts at grilling dinner. Say, "Babe, how about I pour you a cold beer, and you slap this meat on your hot grill. And, here, baby, put this sexy apron on your grill-master-self." And slap his butt and get him grillin' dinner. Rrrrr.
• You love his favorite sports team, and also hate it when they suck. Men have a love/hate relationship with their sports teams. I don't know why. They just do.
• You love how he tries not to get caught checking out some other woman.
• You love they way he loves you, in bed and out. 
• You love his muscles, his broad shoulders, his arms, and muscular thighs. Arrrgh. Even if he doesn't have a six pack, say, "Babe, you losing weight? Nice butt."
• You love it when a man opens a door for you, or when a man gives you his seat instead of letting you stand, or when the grocery clerk helps carry your bags. That'll drive Hubby nuts, by the way.
• You love it when Hubby pulls your seat out at a restaurant, stands up when you have to leave the restaurant table, and stands when you come back.
• You like what he's wearing today.
• You think his hair needs trimming--not a cut, just a little trim around the edges. He'll like that you notice the small stuff about his looks.
• You love his weekend whiskers.
• You love his sexy underwear and how well they fit, and how good the package is looking in them, like a horse.
• You love how hard he works at his job. His job can be really difficult. But this one comment can last all day. 

Ladies... tell Hubby what you like about Hubby.

The New House

My friend (let's call her Kate) and her hubby were going to buy their first house.

Their realtor told them to write down exactly what kind of house they wanted, with the most important type at the top of the list.

Kate's #1 choice:
A 1,000-square-foot older ranch with character.

Kate's hubby's #1 choice:
A 2,500-square-foot newer two-story Colonial in a new development of a subdivision.

Kate realized that her hubby was the breadwinner and that this new home meant "success" for him.  This new house said that "He made it."

Kate gave no fuss, no fight. She said "yes" to her hubby's dream home because she knew what it meant to him.


This Week:

What is most important to your hubby that you can say "yes" to?

What Does Your Nightie Look Like?

The kiddos are tucked in bed.

You get ready to snuggle up with your hubby on the couch or in bed for the night.

What are you wearing?

What would your hubby like to see?

If you don't know, ask him.

Better yet, snuggle up with a Victoria's Secret catalogue and a pen and ask your hubby what he likes.


Question:

Yes, there are nights when sweats and a t-shirt are a must, but what does hubby really want to see you in?

Chocolate Almond Cupcakes

HubbyHubby loves chocolate. I made these chocolate almond cupcakes for an after-dinner treat.

Here's what you'll need:
2 large eggs
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2-1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Here's what to do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a standing mixer, mix all ingredients above.
Scoop batter into muffin cups half to three-quarters of the way full.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve with a tall glass of raw milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy and be in health.

Adapted from The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook