Posts by Marisa

Kirstie Alley's new show, Big Life, are giving free manicures at select salons in NYC & LA. So, if you're around this weekend, go get your nails did, Gurlfren'.

The deal: Walk into any of the below salons on Sat., March 13 or Sun., March 14th; request the exclusive Essie color "Life. Lick it." And bam! Free mani.

*First come, first serve! Remember to ask for the exclusive Essie color "Life. Lick it."*

(LA Bitches, please see the website.)

Dashing Diva
590 Columbus Ave
(SW Corner of 89th St)
Sat 9:30am-9pm
Sun 10am-8pm

Dashing Diva
149 3rd Ave
(btwn 15th & 16th)
Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 10am-8pm

Rehoboth Spa
126 University Place
(btwn 13th & 14th)
Sat 10:30am-8:30pm
Sun 10:30am-7pm

Spa Belles
301 6th Ave
(at Carmine St)
Sat 10am-8pm
Sun 10am-7pm

Most of us love guacamole; yet, while course avocado is a "good fat" -- it is still a fat, so we need to eat sparingly. That's why I crafted this amazing recipe, which we can eat a huge, heaping serving with less than half the fat of the original; and, still be happily satisfied with the taste!

I served this with pita chips and it was deelish! Love it!

If you want traditional guacamole, add cilantro. (I'm not a cilantro fan, so I didn't add it.)

I am sure this will be a big hit at your next party or just to enjoy on your own.

Recipe after the jump.

I'm always trying to find that perfect balance of food for me, and, substantial man food for my husband.

You know how it is: they eat everything and lose weight, while we (ahem, I) consume one square of chocolate and gain two pounds.

I have been making a ton of soups lately and they usually act as his appetizer before a bigger meal.

So I decided to go for some heartier fare. My gumbo recipe did the trick!

I am always skeptical when I see 'packaged drinks' as I normally like plain ol' agua; however, I am always looking for new ways to drink water (ie: with limes, oranges, etc...)

In the past I had drank some of the fruit flavored waters before and they are great (and have helped my mission to drink more) but they do not have the most desirable list of ingredients for me.

Enter: Twist Water.

Two words: very impressed (!)

Not only is it just 9 calories (which I must admit is a HUGE concern with ingesting anything!) but it all natural and organic.

I have been craving soup lately because of these bitter cold wintery days! I love that super warm feeling I get that warms my body up from the inside out.

So many times I find that low-fat soups are watery and lacking flavor. If you feel the same way I know you will love this one.

This Broccoli Cheese Soup will warm you up and still keep you trim and fabulous.

The best part is, your man will love this one! My husband and his friend were both pleasantly surprised and happy to find out how deeelish low-fat soups can be. (Shhhh...you don't even have to tell.)

Enjoy this one! (Recipe after the jump)

What girl does not love ice cream!?!?!

Seriously, whether we have had a good day or a horrible one, I think we would all be happy if it ended with ice cream.

But of course, we all don't want our insides OR outsides to look like all we do is eat ice cream. That is why you have to try my "Banana Ice Cream Love"! It's cold and creamy; yet, all it is has in it is frozen bananas. So even if you get lost finding your way to the kitchen this is still an easy one to whip up! All you need to do is make sure to keep bananas in the freezer (peeled) and have a blender.

Plus there are so many additions and toppings to play around with that you will never get bored with it either.

Banana Ice Cream Love

1-2 frozen bananas per person serving
any toppings or additions you want to add

Take the bananas and blend away in your Vita-mix, Blend-tec, blender or food processor until smooth.

Suggested Topping or Add-Ins

-Add Peanut butter or any nut butter to make a Nutty Ice Cream
-Add in Cocoa Nibs or Chocolate Chips and we get amazing Chocolate Chip Ice cream, chocolate and ice cream :)
-Drizzle any kind of chocolate or caramel sauce on top! My favorite is ChocoAgave!
-Top with Goji berries or any dried fruit pieces for a great chewy taste
-Add other berries in the mixture to make Strawberry, Blueberry or any berry Ice Cream
-Add cocoa powder to make Chocolate Ice Cream

Enjoy!

The possibilities are endless! If you have other great ideas or experiments please share them :)

Saturday: Free Macaroni & Cheese at Macbar.

Macbar, Soho's gourmet mac & cheese spot will be giving out one small mac & cheese per person on Saturday, December 19 to the first 300 people in line starting at 12:00pm.

They are offering their three most popular flavors: the classic, margarita mac, and cheeseburger mac.

And to keep in the holiday spirit, they're also donating $10 for each mac & cheese given away to the Have A Heart Children's Cancer Society in the hopes of bringing a little extra cheer to a child in need this holiday season.

Make sure to get there early!

Macbar
54 Prince St. (at Lafayette St.)
NYC 10016

I love breakfast! I know, how cliché it is;but, you really do need it to kick start your metabolism and wake up in the morning.

One of my all time favorites is heart-healthy and yummylicious oatmeal!

I normally make it for myself, but why not take advantage of this great coupon!

Now through this Friday 12/11 at Jamba Juice, you can purchase a serving of slow-cooked, steel-cut oatmeal for just a $1.

Print this coupon and choose from fresh banana, blueberry/blackberry, apple cinnamon, or berry cherry pecan!

Now this is a dollar menu I would actually hit up J Happy Breakfasting!

I live in NYC and am in my second year of marriage. I have an intense love of cooking, restaurants and all things food!

I am a NYU alum, an event planner, social planner and yoga devotee. My main focus in cooking is all about maintaining a balance of health and sustainability while still being fabulously delicious. I thrive being in the kitchen creating amazing meals to share!

Yoga and meditation are thankfully part of my daily life and help me put the love that I feel inside into the food I prepare; I am into raw foods, organic everything (when possible), being outdoors, family, my ladies, smiling, long walks, dancing, and the feeling of positive energy!

I am truly excited to be a part of GC family and to share my thoughts and ideas on food with all of you!

Stay tuned for NY restaurant reviews, food news, bargains & of course, some of my delicious recipes.