Vegan Garlic Mushroom Gravy

Crowd pleasing gravy for your holiday!  This delicious gravy consists of garlic and mushrooms!  This low fat, meat free gravy will certainly satisfy any meat eaters taste buds! 

Total Time: 25 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 13 servings, 3 Tbsp. each

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
½ medium onion, finely chopped
¼ cup finely chopped mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
¼ cup arrowroot
3 cups low-sodium organic vegetable broth
1½ tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
Ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
6 fresh parsley sprigs, chopped (for garnish; optional)

Preparation:
1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft.
3. Add arrowroot; mix well to form a smooth paste.
4. Slowly add broth; whisking constantly to blend. Season with soy sauce and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; gently boil, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 27
Total Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 56 mg
Carbohydrate: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 1 g
Protein: 0 g

Portion:
1/2 Tsp

Green Bean Casserole

Enjoy this lighter version of the traditional green bean casserole!  It's sure to please any crowd with the flavor of fresh mushrooms, green beans and the infamous crispy onions!  I'm sure you'll agree it far exceeds that of the 'original' recipe you'd find on the back of a can. 

Total Time: 55 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 40 min.
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:
5 Tbsp. whole wheat purpose flour, divided use
½ tsp. paprika
½ tsp. garlic powder
1 medium onion, (½ onion thinly sliced, ½ onion chopped), divided use
3 tsp. olive oil, divided use
8 oz sliced mushrooms
½ tsp. onion powder
3 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves removed and chopped, stems discarded
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
½ cup nonfat milk
2 Tbsp. dry sherry wine
1 lb. frozen French-cut green beans
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Combine 2 Tbsp. flour, paprika, and garlic powder in a medium bowl; mix well.
3. Add sliced onion; mix until well coated. Set aside.
4. Heat 2 tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add sliced onion mixture; cook, turning once or twice, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel. Set aside. Wipe skillet clean.
6. Heat remaining 1 tsp. oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add chopped onions; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 4 minutes, or until translucent.
8. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the liquid released from mushrooms is almost completely evaporated.
9. Add remaining 3 Tbsp. flour, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper; mix until vegetables are coated.
10. Add milk and sherry; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly thickened.
11. Add green beans; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through.
12. Add yogurt; mix until combined.
13. Place green bean mixture in casserole dish. Top with onion mixture.
14. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly.

Portions: 
1 Green
1/2 Yellow

What is the Wine MLM Business?

Hey there my friends!  I have had such an OUTPOUR of interest in this product and the opportunity I decided to break it all down, keeping is short and sweet on what I now do as a WinePreneur & what the products are.

I have decided to join Direct Cellars which is the NEWEST and RADEST Network Marketing company TO DATE! 

The Product
It's WINE folks!  Wine shipped RIGHT to your door; taxes and shipping are baked right into the costs.  Simple as that.  The products are simple and so is the business.  You select the wine you like either red, white or both and premium wines are delivered to your house from local wineries all over the world.  The vineyards are actually small and family owned, so think small business. 

Whether you chose to work a business like me or just want to enjoy some wine you can qualify for free wine.  That's right, you don't have to run a business to receive free wine.  Referrals are appreciated and just in doing so you can receive FREE (seriously FREE) wine.

What The Hell Are Macros??

Have you found yourself tirelessly counting calories but aren't seeing the results you were hoping for?  We've all been there!  Whether you're looking to gain lean muscle mass or drop some inches for that itsy bitsy teeny weenie bikini, counting calories just isn't enough.

The problem isn't necessarily the calories it could be the TYPE of calories.  Whether you're counting Cheetos or cucumber slices the TYPE of calories you're consuming make ALL the difference when it comes to your health and fitness goals.

The first thing to address when working towards your health and fitness goals is your relationship with food.  Your relationship with food should be one that is HEALTHY!  And, I don't mean eating like a rabbit and following a strict low carb or paleo diet.  Building a positive relationship with food begins with loving your body and understanding that food is fuel.  PERIOD.  Food DOES and CAN taste good, be satisfying and comforting but bottom line, food FUELS our beautiful, STRONG bodies.

Get "Fit" for Life, Not Just for the Summer - Why Beach Body?

Let's face it!  Sometimes we all need a good hard DO-OVER, NEW CHAPTER or a RESET!  To kick off a NEW year and another NEW version of ME I decided to commit myself to the 21 day Ultimate Reset program. 

After doing SO MUCH research on where I wanted to take my health in the new year I decided to take the leap and dive right into Beach Body's most challenging yet rewarding program. 

Before, I dive into the details on the Ultimate Reset (on other blog posts) I want to note the reasons WHY I continue to choose Beach Body programs over all others! 

#1. SUPPORT 

For most of us, we look to have support and encouragement as we are working towards our goals.  More often than not our own families, friends and households don't provide us with that support we need to get the most from working and achieving our goals.  The Beach Body programs COME WITH a community!  A community of people using the SAME programs, the SAME products and working towards the SAME or similar results.  The community is what truly sets Beach Body apart from the competitors!  

#2. LASTING RESULTS 

Beach Body as a whole (community, coaches, company & all) take pride in TEACHING people how to get results and maintain the results.  There's ZERO quick fixes, there's no patch, pill, supplement, or magic potion that's going to get you results unless you WORK for them.  Beach Body TEACHES us the skill sets needed to achieve results and KEEP results.  It is a LIFESTYLE change not a quick fix!  Tackling obesity, depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, heart disease, cancer and more; TOGETHER as a community we make great things happen! 

#3. ZERO GUESS WORK 

The Beach Body programs TRULY take the guess work out from nutrition (what do I eat?) and workouts (what body part do I work out and how?).

If you can read and watch a movie or tv then you can easily get results with Beach Body programs!  EACH and EVERY program comes with a workout (each day is different), workout calendar, nutrition guide, recipes, and portion control containers.  We are TRULY teaching you how to FISH for a lifetime not just eat for a day! 

A Graduation to Remember

Yesterday's graduation was one I will remember for a LIFETIME!  My gorgeous STUNNING, talented and now MEGA educated mother graduated from the HCC Nursing program!  I can honestly say I have NEVER felt so proud of someone my ENTIRE life. 

This graduation definitely required a much needed celebration for her accomplishment with great company!  So obviously I had to go all out on my makeup! 

I captured a subtle winged eye liner with my Perfect Eye Liner Pen by LimeLight.  This pen doesn't smudge and lasted beautifully through MANY tears!  As my mother is a breast cancer survivor I couldn't help but remember just how precious this moment was as she is HERE with us!  Not everyone is able to survive through the fight but she was.  Not to mention that my grandmother passed away nearly a year ago and was not sitting in the audience to watch my mom walk across the stage receiving her pin.  With that said the tears were MANY and this eyeliner did not let me down!  On my eyes, I've got only TWO coats of the Perfect Mascara which made as an amazing companion to this smudge proof eye liner.  Again, this mascara stayed perfectly in place!  This mascara is sure to please and mega easy to apply; there are fibers baked right into this mascara to provide volume AND length with one easy application.  Skipping that 1, 2, 3 process and avoiding fibers from falling into my eyes.  

What's LimeLight by Alcone?

I will admit in the past I NEVER really gave much thought about what I put on my skin.  In the past I had actually no care or concern about what I had put inside my body either.  But, as I am approaching my last year in my twenties (insert sad face) I have been taking both of these things more seriously. 

Aside from not looking 90 when I am 60, I want to FEEL amazing inside and out.  Sound familiar? 

What we put on our skin is JUST as important as what we put into our body, our skin makes up our LARGEST organ!  Your skin accounts for about 16% of your body weight on average.  What you put ON your body goes IN your body! 

Insert Lime Light by Alcone!  The products are professional grade, paraben free, chemical free, all natural, most are vegan (foundation is made of bees wax) and all are bouncing bunny approved which means they are CRUELTY free!  And, let's not forget the PIGMENTATION!  

I originally fell head over heels for their foundation which applied SO SMOOTHLY like BUTTER on my face and didn't make my oily skin EXTRA oily.  After a few months of using the foundation, concealer, blush, setting powder and bronzer I decided I loved this stuff SO MUCH I was going to start talking about it.

My kit arrived with a skincare line and honestly I was just planning to give it away.  But, something inside me told me to give it a try.  So I did and HOLY COW!  My skin is no longer covered in oil, I don't have to blot my face with a tissue AND my breakouts are GONE.  My makeup lasts an ENTIRE day and even through a workout (I don't advise working out in make up but hey it happens).  

I can honestly say I will never go back to any other cleanser, moisturizer, serum and mask combo again! 

If you're interested in checking out some of the products or hosting your own virtual party (free products hey hey heeeeey) check out the link below and don't forget to connect with me on Facebook! 

https://www.limelightbyalcone.com/brittanyjamrog/products 

Makeup & Martini's

It's that time of year!  A little gift for them and a little something for you!  Whether you're curious about contouring or trying out a different look join me 12/06 - 12/15 for some fun!  This virtual party will feature fun, flirty cocktail recipes, trendy makeup tips, tricks and application techniques.  

Don't forget to invite your friends and family for some fabulous VIRTUAL fun!  

RSVP HERE before this PAR-TAY ends! 

5 Steps to Overcoming Public Humiliation

It's been nearly 3 months since my "break up" from my best friend and the public shaming that went along with it.  I've taken some time to process all that transpired and the ultimate decline of what I thought was a life long friendship.

I know I am not the only one who has experienced one of those tacky, unnecessary, hurtful "Dear Ex-Best Friend" letters, as it seems that publicly humiliating someone you once cared for is a new trend.  They're alllll over the internet so I know there are MANY of us who sit in silence recovering from this humiliation on our own.

But, we don't have to.  If you're going through this whole debacle like I did check out the 5 things you can do to overcome and unleash your inner badass! 

The HARD Truth About Being the Skinny Girl

I have been tiny my ENTIRE life.  I never realized I was technically smaller than everyone else until after hitting puberty when all of my other girl friends were growing massive breasts and their asses were increasing by the second.

Measurements & Progress Photos

Measuring & tracking your fitness progress is just as important as getting those workouts in and following your meal plans.  Results don't happen unless you put in the work; but what happens when the scale isn't telling you the truthful story or your pants fit loosely even though the scale says you've gained 5 pounds rather than lost.

Vision Board 101

Vision boards!  Maybe you've heard of them, maybe you haven't!  But if you're thinking this creative way to display your life's goals, ambitions and desires is a cheesy joke then the joke just might be on you!  

"The law of attraction is forming your entire life experience and it is doing that through your thoughts.  When you are VISUALIZING, you are emitting a POWERFUL frequency out into the Universe" according to the very popular book The Secret.  

Top 10 Tips for Eating Clean

I've written about this once before but it's not something I can speak to enough.  Eating "clean" or eating a "well balanced diet" truly takes TIME and education on your part.  It's not rocket science but it is going to take some EFFORTS on your end to truly find your balance in "eating clean."

Is a Menstrual Cup Right for You?

So I started my menstrual cup journey roughly three months ago.  The first month was by far the weirdest oddest period of my life but it was also LIFE CHANGING.  My periods are SO MUCH easier to manage and way less stressful!

So here I am going to share with you what a menstrual cup is, how it works and the top reasons to give one a try! 

Put the Skinny BACK in Skinny Jeans

It's fall y'all!  Which means bust out the skinny jeans, leggings, boots and sweaters!  Those large sweaters may help you hide some of the extra fluff from the tasty snacks and cocktails we've splurged on during our warm summer but those skinny jeans & leggings don't lie! 

Friday Favorites - Makeup Edition

I have always struggled to keep up with the Jones' so to speak.  Every time I watch a "favorites" video by everyday people they're sharing their favorite products which tend to be STEEEEP in price!

I've always been known for being a thrifty shopper and REFUSE to pay full price for products and goods! I'm the DISCOUNT QUEEN! 

Healthy Eating is NOT Boring!

Healthy eating SERIOUSLY doesn't have to be BORING!  Now, between the FIXATE cookbook AND the FIXATE cooking show available exclusively via Beachbody On Demand you don't have to be a fancy chef or dazzle up that healthy eating plan! 

Autumn Calabrese the creator of the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme and her brother Bobby Calabrese who is an international chef have teamed up together to show us in our homes how to create delicious HEALTHY meals that can help us shred unhealthy weight and keep it off! 

Some recipes available right now via this streaming service include: 

Meal Planning & Prepping 101

Meal planning & prepping can really be an overwhelming and daunting task.  Understandably so as nutrition is 80% of your weight loss journey.

Calculating your calories, figuring out recipes, the manual labor of prepping and not to mention planning around picky eaters in the family.

Don't let this deter you from setting aside special time to get this task accomplished.  Meal planning & prepping can truly save you time during the week; allowing you to focus on your workouts and weekly tasks.

Follow these next few steps to maximize your time and become efficient at meal planning & prepping!

Simple Steps to Start Losing Weight

It's time we MAKEOVER our kitchen! Today I want to share some simple tips and tricks to CLEAN out your kitchen, pantry and fridge so being successful during your health and fitness journey is EASIER!

My Journey Overcoming Life's Challenges

I’ve been meaning to write this post but have been putting it off for two weeks.  2015 left me emotionally and physically DRAINED!  I had put my business on the back burner, received a promotion at work and lost my grandmother to aggressive lung cancer.

The loss of my grandmother SHOOK my WORLD.  I thought watching the loss of previous grandparents would prepare me for witnessing the loss of my mother’s mother.  What I didn’t realize is that this time it was different.  I was an adult.  There were more memories and as an adult our minds tend to run wild and our emotions wreak havoc.