This fat burning mocktail with apple cider vinegar will get your morning off to a great start and make your digestion system happy too.
I have been hearing a lot lately about apple cider vinegar (ACV) and how it can help with weight loss and gut health. I was just shooting it strait in a shot glass, until I went on Tosca Reno’s Wellness Retreat. That is where I learned about Wetter Water. The ACV contains potassium which is an electrolyte as well as the salt. The lemon or lime juice makes it quite a bit more palatable and helps add some vitamin C into your diet.
I have been trying to drink this consistently for the past month along with eating pretty clean and it has help me shed about 5 pounds. My girlfriend and I are following a plan we are calling the Slow 30. It is a program we made up that follows the Whole 30 way of eating with the addition of having a cocktail or wine on the weekend. I have also been lifting heavier weights using a program by Pancakes and Pushups.
Speaking of weights, wetter water is a great post workout recovery drink as it can replace the electrolytes lost during your work out as well as help rehydrate you. Instead of reaching for that Gatorade, make yourself some wetter water!
I have finally got my husband drinking it and he is dropping weight as well. He loves cocktails so I have named this drink the Wetter Water Margarita. Fresh lemons or limes are best when available but you could certainly use bottled juice. Just make sure there is no sugar in it. I have a bottle of lemon juice in the fridge and throw a shot of that in the concotion when I am out of fruit. Be sure and buy the apple cider vinegar that says “with the mother” on the label. The amount of water in the recipe is just a recommended amount. I can drink it pretty strong and like to get down so I only use about a half cup of water. If that seems to strong for you, feel free to dilute it your liking by adding more water.
If you want to shed a few pounds adding a Wetter Water Margarita to your daily regimen of healthy eating and exercise will help.
When Chef Thomas Salamunovch of the fine-dining restaurant Larkspur in Vail, Colorado had a desire to bring fine dining to the masses, the fast-casual concept of Larkburger was born.
Larkburger is a Colorado based fast-casual gourmet burger chain that is quickly expanding beyond it’s borders. Overland Park, Kansas is the first city outside of Colorado to score this restaurant which opened in early 2017. Another location is in the works for the Missouri side just off of the County Club Plaza in Kansas City.
I recently had the chance to try it out thanks to a couple of “free burger” cards they sent me.
Guess what? They want to give you some too along with some other Larkburger swag. Two winners are eligible for that and details are below, but first here are the details on the menu and some really cool things you should know about Larkbrger.
The menu is diverse and a perfect place to take the whole family. From burgers to kale and a few things in between everyone can get something they like. I think one of my favorite options is the steamed edamame.
Larkburger Edamame. Chicken and Tuna burgers
Although, I am a sucker for fries, which are hand-cut in-house and are amazing, it is nice to have an unfired option when I am trying to cut back on calories.
The day I visited I had to grab a to go order for my son and I. The sweet girl taking my order was so patient with me as I could not decide what salad to get. I finally decided on the kale salad.
I knew my son would go for a burger but being the picky eater he is I knew I had to order it plain. I got him the traditional Larkburger with meat, cheese and bun which means he missed out on the special sauce which is made from scratch and what I think is the best part! All burgers are cooked to order at your desired temperature and of course served however you want it. All of Larkburgers sauces and dressings that accompany their array of burgers, sandwiches and salads are made in-house using only the freshest ingredients.
Although, I scored a bite of the burger which was tasty even without the sauce, I really enjoyed the kale salad and appreciate the diversity of the menu items Larkburger offers. It makes it super easy for carnivores and vegetarians alike to both order something that will satisfy their appetite. As I mentioned before it is great place to take the whole family. Not only do kids under 12 eat free on Monday’s with an adult purchase, it allows mom who may be watching what she eats get something satisfying when the rest of the family is craving burgers and fries.
I do need to mention that although a burger is going to have more calories then kale, you don’t need to feel as guilty if you indulge in one at Larkburger. The burgers are fresh and made from local Black Angus beef. That in itself is already going to be lower in calories than the average processed fast food burger that is shipped frozen from who know where.
Everything is fresh at Larkburger including the tomatoes which ripen in an in-house cabinet until they are at peak flavor and the house-cut fries are cooked in a trans free canola oil.
The Larkburger with Hand-Cut Fries
I recently attend a blogger event they had and got a little swag myself along with some tasty samples.
Larkburger Swag
Larkburger Chili
Larkburger Rocket Power Salad
Larkburger Salted Caramel Shake
Apart from having great food, Larkburger is also kind to the environment and takes sustainability seriously. Outside of the condiment packets and juice and milk cartons, everything is compostable. Every napkin, utensil, wrap, cup, bag, box and straw! The size of the restaurant trash can is no larger than a 9×13 baking dish. The space and decor is sleek and clean with the chairs made from recycled materials and the walls are reclaimed cypress wood. In addition, their fry oil is recycled and converted into alternative fuel and 100% of the electricity usage is offset by purchased wind credits.
Now in order to get free burgers and swag from Larkburger all you have to do is comment below on how you top your burger!
Two winners will be drawn using random. org from the number of entries. Example first commenter is number on and so on. Contest ends midnight Monday, June 12. Winners will be notified via email so be sure to leave a valid email with your comment. Good Luck!
Adding a sprinkle of Fleur de sel or French sea salt on top just before baking elevates the flavor of these already perfect chocolate chip cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
The original recipe comes from a Betty Crocker Cookbook I received as a wedding gift back in 1991. As my cooking skills increased and passion for elevating flavors in dishes developed, I took the liberty of making up my own version of this cookie recipe and it has been a hit ever since. These cookies are my families favorites and as you can tell by the recipe it has been tweaked to my standards of perfection and used often.
I promise after one bite you will know what makes them so special. You’re friends will be in awe of how delicious they are but not quite being able to put their finger on what makes them so delicious.
The secret is the sprinkling of sea salt on the cookies before baking. Here is a quick video on how I made them. I have revised the recipe since this video was made and although they come out okay with two eggs, I find that using just one egg makes the dough a little stiffer and the cookies are not as flat. The recipe you will be using below calls for only one egg.
I hope you try out the recipe. Comment below if you did! I promise they will become your families favorite as well!
This protein packed smoothie is delicious and will give you energy all day. I drink this one a lot after a workout and it is my daughters favorite.
Videos seem to be the way of the future but I do not have time to make those fancy ones with all of the editing! What you see is what you get! There will be no double takes and this is the real me. My goal is to keep them under 2 minutes so you can get the jest of the recipe without a lot of rambling.
You could certainly use any nut butter and milk you prefer. If you like cashews try this Cashew and Banana Smoothie or swap out the almond butter here for cashew butter.
I use Orgain brand protein powder. It is taste great and is about the purest I have found. I love Costco and get everything from there. If you don’t have one near by you can still order online. The almond milk, almond butter and Orgain protein powder can be ordered from costco.com or you can get them in the warehouse along with the greens and bananas. I don’t have any affiliation any of the highlighted links, it is just my way of getting you the info on what I like.
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
2 tablespoons almond butter or nut butter of choice
2 handful mixed greens
1 banana
1 serving protein powder of choice
1/2 cup ice cubes
Place milk in blender first, then add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Makes 1 serving
This Chicago dining guide for local fare just highlights some of my favorite spots. If you are serious foodie like me and are spending the day in Chicago, I recommend adding these to your list to check out while visiting. Most of these places fill up quickly so it is best to get your reservation in at least a few days ahead of time if not weeks before dining.
Click on the restaurants link for directions, hours and menu information
This locally owned cafe is located a few minutes from downtown but feels like an old rustic small town cafe you might find in the middle of Iowa. The decor will take you back to your Grandma’s childhood kitchen with antique furnishings and appliances placed throughout the space. Dishes are prepared using local and seasonal ingredients from area producers as well as the restaurants owners farm.
Fronterra Grill owned by Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless, is always on my list when visiting the windy city. The elevated Mexican fare is like non other. Rick is passionate about using produce and meats from local farms. The flavor combinations he uses in his dishes set Fronterra Grill apart from any other Mexican restaurants I have tried.
A visit to Chicago is not complete without a visit to the iconic Garrett’s Popcorn Shop. Once in the door the caramel corn aroma will have your mouth watering. I prefer the Almond Caramel Crisp, but the Garrett Mix that combines sweet Caramel Crisp with savory Cheese Corn is the most popular.
Get your reservation in early for The Girl and The Goat owned by celebrity chef Stephanie Izzard. The dishes are served family style, which make them ideal for sharing. Most come in the “small plate” format so it is ideal to go with a group to try a variety of things. The restaurant serves only dinner and opens at 4:30 pm. This makes a great spot if you are need of dining late as it does not close until 11 pm Sunday – Thursday and 12 am Friday and Saturday.
Hey Kansas City! If you live in Blue Springs your lunch and dinner wait just got shorter!
MOD Pizza is a Seattle based fast casual pizzeria that allows customers to create their own pizza and salads with unlimited topping and is opening in their first location in Blue Springs on April 22. Pizza and salads are passed through a line by employees, named the MOD Squad, and customers can request toppings they would like added. Pizzas are then quickly cooked in a brick-style oven and called out for pick-up at the register when complete.
Below is more information and details from their official press release. I am set to visit later in May and will update with my take on the space so stay tuned!
“MOD offers a truly unique concept by serving customers their own, original creations, while still providing quick service. Everyone can get exactly what they want at no additional cost,” said Scott Womack, president of Womack Restaurants. “Beyond the great pizza, we’re passionate about building a company where we value lifting people up as our first goal.”
The 2,711-square foot location will feature MOD’s signature “Wall of Fame,” an assortment of photos from the community and customers, original artwork from local artists and a patio.
Dedicated to giving back, MOD will be donating 100 percent of their sales to the local non-profit, Drumm Farm, on opening day. The organization helps children in foster care, homeless young adults and those aging out of foster care build successful lives by providing programs and services that support forever family environments, emotional and physical well-being, educational opportunities and personal growth.
“We are honored to partner with MOD for the Blue Springs location opening,” said Brad Smith, executive director of Drumm Farm. “The proceeds will truly make a substantial positive impact on the lifelong success of children and young adults in need of a family and stable environment.”
MOD is known for providing job opportunities to former incarcerated individuals throughout their locations as a way of giving a “second chance” to those ready to integrate back into society.
A pioneer of the fast-casual pizza segment, MOD Pizza was founded in Seattle in 2008 by entrepreneurs Scott and Ally Svenson. MOD’s individual artisan-style pizzas and salads are made on demand, letting customers choose whatever they like from over 30 toppings, all for one set price. At the core of MOD is a purpose-led culture that’s committed to being a force for good in the community – creating not only a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. MOD was recently ranked as America’s fastest growing chain restaurant by Technomic; earned a spot on the 2016 Inc. 500 list as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies; and was recognized by Fortune as one of the 20 best workplaces in retail for its progressive hiring practices and career-growth opportunities. MOD currently has over 220 locations across 20 states and the U.K. To learn more, visit modpizza.com.
About Womack Restaurants:
Womack Restaurants is a multi-concept restaurant franchise operator based in Terre Haute, IN with development markets in Kansas City, Tulsa, Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio. The Womack team has extensive development and finance experience, having developed nearly all of the IHOPs since 1990, in sometimes complex situations. Womack Restaurants divested its IHOP business in 2014 to focus on expansion of its Popeyes franchise and pursue other concepts. Womack Restaurants is committed to community engagement and partnership, as well as connecting with our country’s leadership.
