I’m continuing my journey in the kitchen during this long cold winter. The troops have requested some new additions to the family menu. Last week I introduced you to a hearty bowl of Cauliflower Chowder with Bacon.
This week I tried out Spaghetti Squash. I have never heard of this vegetable. I have been passing this delightful veggie in the produce section for years. My girlfriend Suzannah Handscombe Trudeau an amazing mom and teacher, introduced me to the vegetable last year. I saw her preparing it and asked her what the vegetable was. She told be it was a great way to replace pasta that is high in carbs. She adds tomato sauce to her dish.
I myself have been fumbling with recipes for months. I finally found one with some fine tuning to serve at our dinner table. Here you go! I would love to hear what you think. My family had no idea they were eating squash and loved it!
RECIPE
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 Spaghetti Squash
Olive Oil
Sea Salt to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
2 Chicken Breast, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
FOR THE SAUCE
1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
4 Cloves Garlic, Minced
3 Cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 Lemon, Juiced
1 Cup Chicken Broth
8 Ounces Baby Spinach
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 375F/200C.
Poke several holes into the spaghetti squash. Microwave on high for 5 minutes .
Cut squash in half along the holes. Remove seeds with a spoon. Drizzle squash with olive oil. and season with salt and pepper.
Place squash upside down on baking tray and bake for 40 minutes until soft. Let cool.
Using a skillet, cook the chicken breast on medium-high heat with a little olive oil for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté onions for a few minutes. Add garlic and cook for a minute. Add tomatoes and cook for a couple of minutes. Cook until onions are translucent.
Add lemon juice and chicken broth, and cook until the liquid partially reduces, about 20 minutes. Add chicken and cook for 2 minutes. Add spinach and cook for 2 minutes
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Nestled on one of the Southern Caribbean’s best beaches (Eagle Beach) sits the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort an oasis found on the beautiful island of Aruba.
Upon your arrival it won’t take long to find out why this resort is a favourite retreat for stylish couples and honeymooners of all ages. It is a four star and four diamond property.
The Resort is a non-smoking resort, except in 3 designated areas. The adult only, resort boasts some of the most amazing facilities for you to enjoy. From the beautiful fresh water pool with salt filter, fitness centre, Beach front restaurant, beach bars and lounges.
Candle light dinners are a speciality for the dining staff at Bucuti not to mention the culinary delights that tempt the palate by merely glancing over the menu or a choice of restaurants located throughout the island paradise. The resort doesn’t have an ALL-INCLUSIVE PLAN because they want their guests to enjoy the islands various restaurants and explore. Breakfast is included. The resort doesn’t allow for big groups. Tables are grouped in 2’s or 4’s for a more intimate setting. The resort is very secure with cameras and 24/7 security.
The Resorts new addition called the “Tara Wing” is specially designed for romantic getaways, each of the 39 ( which include four penthouse suites) Tara suite boasts a breath taking view of the beach, an oversized King bed, state of the art amenities including wi-fi broadband which is accessible throughout the resort and suites, wet bar, fully stacked mini bar, as well as all the amenities you would expect in an up scale suite. Honeymooners are treated to a bottle of champagne and four champagne glasses etched with their names upon entering their suite.
Even the Standard and Superior Rooms are quite luxurious and inviting.
Bungalows are also available on the resort.
The Tara wing offers a private reception and concierge lounge as well as a European Spa that offers pampering treatments with elements that celebrate Aruba’s history and flora.
The resort itself is an ideal venue for a dream beach wedding/renewing of vows. The resort’s wedding planner and staff are available to assist couples in organizing one of a kind events.
The Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort boasts a variety of Honeymoon packages.
For more information about the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort you can visit their website www.bucuti.com.
Additional photos of the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort Suites and Spa can be viewed.
The Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort is truly a Honeymooners dream paradise…………
Last week I was invited to view the latest collaboration between Bugaboo and Diesel. This is the third collaboration between the two companies. The first was Bugaboo By Diesel Military was the partnership, the military-inspired Bugaboo Cameleon³by Diesel comes in a dark green anodized chassis and is complemented by an all-over green canvas and great details and made famous by one Kim Kardashian !
The second, Bugaboo By Diesel Denim it represented Diesel’s denim heritage. The Bugaboo Buffalo by Diesel and the tailored fabric set for The Bugaboo Donkey feature a washed and specially treated denim that is effortlessly stylish like your favourite pair of Diesel jeans.
Bugaboo Strollers have always knocked it out of the ball park when it comes to practicality and functionality. I was a fan even before I had my two boys. The strollers were designed for day to day use in all sorts of terrain and integrated into our crazy lifestyles and outdoor activities. Believe me we truly tested their durability on every family vacation with baggage handlers.
Bugaboo didn’t plaster their collections with cute animals their strollers were made with the fashionista in mind. The ladies who didn’t want to loose their fashion edge just because they were becoming moms.
In 2007, I was expecting my first child and that is when I purchased my Bugaboo Cameleon stroller. It was bright red and had all the bells and whistle that go with it. I loved the easy movement,the one hand steering and how the stroller grew with our baby from different ages thanks to their versatile accessories. It was a MUST have for me and really I’m 8 months pregnant hormonal and huge was my husband really going to challenge me on this decision? I think not!
The limited Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Collection takes fashionable baby gear to the next level and worth every penny. At first glance I can’t help but notice how edgy yet stylish the stroller was even dad’s would fancy it!
Following in authentic Diesel Style adorned with rock-inspired studs and laser-cut tattoos
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The wax coated fabric and leather look completes the trendy look that makes this stroller stand out in any crowd! It will bring out the rocker in you (all you need is your leather jacket and shades). The fabric is easy to clean with a baby wipe or wet wash cloth.
Diesel’s Rebellious touch: Tattoo Slogan Diesel art work on the backrest featured the famous Diesel slogan“ONLY THE BRAVE”. Diesel completes the look with wheel caps and grey/silver coloured function buttons.
The stroller also has a rock inspired Foot muff .
The five point harness is even easier to access and use with one touch snap. Another feature I liked was the new and improved extendable sun canopy. It gives much more coverage to baby and the built in cut out vents on either side give a nice air flow within the stroller.
There is no shortage of accessories that you can purchase for your Bugaboo stroller…..
If you plan to travel with your Bugaboo Stroller they have made it really easy with the newly designed travel case. An assortment of cozy blankets to snuggle up with and a fashionable diaper bag even dad wouldn’t mind toting around town with. It is made out of faded wash denim with leather contrasting black patches and it also features functional inner and outer pockets and copper zippers in contrast. (Looks so good I might just pick one up!)
If you have a toddler you may be interested in the wheel board that clips onto your stroller either on the left or right side and NOW comes with a seat for the tired sibling. I can’t forget the new born pram body that is easy to carry and very light weight. My babies slept in this for the first month.
Pram Body
Not to be out done Bugaboo Cameleon Classic + Collection has launched an upscale version. This was my stroller, it combines elegance and sophistication for a timeless look. We used it for seven years and it still looks brand new.
Bugaboo is launching a year long initiative called “The One” to celebrate the Bugaboo Cameleon. Bugaboo will share milestone brand stories, exclusive content on the brand’s online lifestyle magazine, The Journal, and feature families and friends who have all loved the Bugaboo Cameleon.
They have also added two new colours, a contemporary touch with Grey Melange ( they plan to have a full line of accessories in 2016 ) and Navy Blue. A “faux leather” handlebar and an off-white quilted interior lining on the extendable sun canopy, bassinet mattress and apron.
If I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t change a thing I would continue with the Bugaboo brand. Remember when choosing a stroller it is no longer just a transportation device to carry your infant. It is an extension of your own personality and style. If you want more information on Bugaboo and their products please visit their website at: www.bugaboo.com
As an on air personality I have been invited to make appearances at various events. I must say that attending Cadillac’s CTS 2013 Launch was definitely something I hugely enjoyed.
I don’t know if you know this about me but I’m a huge car fan. I love all the details that go into building a car starting from the concept. It’s always so exciting to see the innovations and how the industry is pushing the boundaries with designs and ingenuity.
I actually met my husband at the 1993 Auto Show in Toronto over 15 years ago, so I knew when I got the invite from GM that I not only had to go, but I had to take him with me.
Last night at the Shangri La Hotel I attended the Cadillac launch party of their new CTS Sedan. Everything about this event associated itself with the Cadillac brand,high end, luxury and dramatic flair.
After registering at the front of the room, I walked into the dimly blue lit ballroom to be greeted by delicious smells from the food stations featuring sushi, cheeses, roast beef (carved on the spot) and oysters.
After nibbling on a couple of plates of the palate pleasing appetizers, hubby and I headed over to the “on the spot” custom bow tie station provided by Philip Sparks. There, we chose our fabric as the sewing team began creating our custom pieces. I picked up 2 adorable bow ties for my boys and while their reactions were minimal, I am absolutely thrilled to have a great new accessory for them to wear to our next family function.
After a quick detour back to the Oyster Station (I told you I love to eat), I headed over to the mixology station where Bar Chef was creating an array of drinks that I sipped and sampled.
Now came the big moment when they revealed the new Cadillac CTS Sedan. Screens around the room suddenly featured an elegant violinist in a black dress and we headed to the terrace as the cover was drawn back to reveal a beautiful black Cadillac. This car is the new generation of the CTS and the lightest vehicle to date of the segment. The Cadillac CTS is more energy efficient and let me tell you it has a beautiful interior finish a perfect fit for a luxury sports car. The new branding of Cadillac is working the guests demographic was younger, savvy and brand conscious. They are educated about the finer things in life.
Overall the night was a huge success! Fun fact, they used a crane to put the Cadillac CTS on the terrace of the Shangri La and reroute downtown traffic for a day, and yes it was worth it…so dramatic!
Her last name may sound very familiar to you…. as it should!
She is HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY at its finest. The Granddaughter of Lou Costello (of famous comedy duo Abbot and Costello, daughter of a Beach Boys record producer, step granddaughter of Dean Martin and goddaughter of musician Terry Melcher.
Marki Costello was born and raised in HOLLYWOOD and she has made a name for herself , she is a Talent Manager and Celebrity Coach. Her mother tried to steer her away from the Entertainment Industry and stressed education was the tool for success. Shortly after the sudden death of her mother, Marki dropped out of school. After a brief stint of finding herself she got a job with Chuck Barris. For those of you who are old enough to remember CHUCK BARRIS was the host of the popular TV show “THE GONG SHOW”. Marki has said in many interviews that Barris gave her some sound advice.
“I remember him saying, ‘Look kid, you can sit back and you can watch the wheel go round and round and round and say, Hmmm, should I get on? Is it going too fast? It looks slippery. It looks scary…Or, you just hop on the f–king wheel,'” Marki reminisced. “Literally, that saying, that moment, that statement from Chuck Barris made me go, ‘I want to jump on the wheel. I want to jump on this opportunity in life.'” (clip from ENews)
From there ,Marki took a job with Barris’s company and learned everything about the industry from production to casting shows. The hard work paid off as she opened up her own company, Casting Entertainment Group.
Marki Costello has cast shows like the original “The Bachelor” and “Temptation Island”. Marki’s next step was to get into talent management. Creative Management Entertainment Group (CMEG) was born. Now 20 years later she has 14 employees working for her, a client roster of whose who in the industry. She also has an in house studio for workshops and mentoring. Marki coaches about 100 students a month that go through her media training. She has worked with some big talent like Jason Kennedy of E! News, 2012 Emmy Award winner, Todd Newton and Debbie Matenopoulos of The View and The Insider, Whitney Cummings, CeeLo Green, Kelly Osbourne and Stacy Keibler to name a few.
“Show business is like the lottery.” says Marki, “It’s not based on who works the hardest, even though hard work pays off, it’s about timing,” Marki explains. “Timing. Luck. Talent. All of these things have to line up for you to walk through the gates of showbiz.” ( clip Enews)
Marki,also puts her talents to work by teaching one of the most prestigious on-camera host seminars in the country. Based on referrals from networks, top Hollywood agents, casting directors and production companies, her monthly “boot camps” have been consistently booked full for over 14 years based on word of mouth. Marki is also a published author. She wrote the very first book on television hosting called “The Inside Secrets Used by Every Successful TV Host” which sold 10,000 copies in the first quarter after its release in 2012.
This past summer when I had the opportunity of meeting this lady I jumped at the chance! Wouldn’t YOU?
KJ and Marki Costello
Some of the participants from the Fort Lauderdale , Florida Boot camp with Marki Costello
Its no surprise her boot camp in Fort Lauderdale was sold out. I was the only Canadian in the bunch. We wanted to hear her speak about the industry and teach us some new tricks about the changing industry we call television. The television industry had changed and changed drastically. “Gone are the days you have Ken and Barbie as your hosts reading off a teleprompter” says Marki. Its more off the cuff, reality driven and based on “ISMS”. Yes, thats a real word “ISMS”. (ad-libbing in between a scripted script)
Over the weekend Marki taught us how to BRAND ourselves in an over saturated market. Find our niche. It was a little unnerving for me to think out of the box after so many years in the TELEVISION NEWS INDUSTRY. But thanks to Marki I was able to ad-lib and think out of the box. A sort of break thru for me a little exhilarating if you want to label the emotion.
Marki has an incredible talent of drawing you out of your comfort zone and revealing skills you never thought you had. If your an actor,model, reporter, anchor, host or just in need of some public speaking skills I would highly recommend taking one of Mark’s weekend courses.
Marki Costello has been named to “Who’s Who of American Women” by W and Los Angeles Times Magazines and is well known and respected by a diverse cross-section of entertainment and industry executives from coast to coast. We are trying to get Marki up to Canada to share her wisdom.
I learned a lot that weekend and now I am putting those new skills to work.
Thanks Marki! Your one in a million XOXO
If you would like more information on Marki Costello visit her
