fro-yo = fail

Now I know what you might be thinking...fro-yo =fail? That's sac-ra-lidge! But wait to hear the story before you judge!

Last week was my first week on Meghan Telphner's "Gluten-Free Cleanse". Monday through Wednesday were great! Not much to change in my diet as I pretty much eat Gluten-free anyway. I took it a little easy on working out this week but Wednesday evening, I felt like I needed a serious sweat session. Hit the gym and ended up on the elliptical for an hour. (Both treadmills were out of service.) After the cardio, I spent about 15 minutes with the free weights. Later that evening I started to develop a major headache. So, I went to bed hoping that would solve the problem....

When I woke up on Thursday, I still had a little headache and was feeling pretty blah. As day went on, and I began having to deal with people, I noticed I was not only extremely cranky but extremely sensitive, look at me wrong and I was either gonna bite your head off or burst out in tears! Fortunately, that morning the gang over at Making Love in the Kitchen had sent out an email...Handling the Healing Crisis. It was very apparent I was experiencing some of the lovely symptoms that come with the healing and detoxing of the toxins when on a cleanse. So I was able to follow most of their tips...

• Drink plenty of water. There’s nothing better to wash away the yucky-ness than water, which flushes out toxins and makes your cells happy.
• Add lemon to your water. Lemon is naturally detoxifying and kicks your liver and digestive tract into gear. It’s a great way to start your day!
• Rest: Sometimes the best thing you can do is to do nothing at all. Get your sleep, take naps if you need them. Your body is doing some repair work and this can make you feel more tired than usual.

Only problem was...that didn't quit do the trick! I was still super blah on my drive home and had to stop by the store for a few essentials. Well we just got a new frozen yogurt shop in the center across from my apartment, so I figured a little pick me up was in need.

This is where the fail comes into play....

I had assumed ALL fro-yo was Gluten-free, not sure why, but I did. So filled my cup with Peanut Butter and Chocolate (YUM) and as I was paying, I looked up to see....

THE LIST OF GLUTEN-FREE options! Ooops.

But other than that, the CFC is going pretty well!

Today, Gary the Boxer and I were able to get out and enjoy some sunshine and warming temps! Definitely something we both needed! 

Then I did some grocercy shopping...look like I shouldn't have any problem with GREEN theme for March's WIAW!

And now here's a little something that I recommend watching...it's sure to keep the "Monday's" away! (Just watch the video...mmm-k?!)
http://jezebel.com/5890298/the-real-housewives-of-disney-will-ruin-your-childhood



Spring Fling Giveaway!

Good Morning Friends!

In honor of March....hallelujah Spring is on the way...I've got a prize for you!

I'm giving away a pair of gorgeous Serenity Small Stone Drop Earrings from Stella and Dot!

• Hand cut polished semi-precious dyed jade drops are handset in a shiny
• 12k gold plated hammered brass bezel.
• 12k gold plated brass fish hook ear wire.
• 2" length.
• Available in aqua or lapis.
• Lead & nickel safe.

To be entered into the drawing:

1. Like Cooper's Cravings on Facebook!

2. Follow me on Twitter!

3. Leave a comment letting me know how these earrings would be the perfect addition to your Spring 2012 wardrobe! 

**Make sure to leave a comment here at Cooper's Cravings, letting me know you have Liked and Followed!**

Contest will close Friday, March 2 at 8pm MNT.

CONTEST CLOSES SATURDAY, MARCH 10 at 8pm MNT. 

If you are interested in learning more about Stella & Dot, please email me at Ashley@cooperscravings.com

WIAW Numero Dos!

**Check out my Spring Fling Giveaway!!**

 

It's that time again!

Leave it to me, to forget to take a picture of my lunch on WIAW....figures!



Breakfast: Egg White and Veggie "Muffin", 1/2 Sweet Potato with a Sprinkle of Cinnamon and a cup of Vanilla Biscotti Coffee

 Snacks: Blueberries, Veggies and Hummus, and an Apple

 

Supper: Trader Joe's Cilantro Lime Chicken burger topped with Salsa, Sauteed Cabbage, and Tomato slices with a 1/2 avocado

This weeks WIAW is also Gluten Free!

 Tomorrow I'll have an update on the Cleanse and Mediation Challenge!

On a side note, did anyone watch American Idol tonight?

My friend Elise, is competing! She rocked!

New Week; New Challenge

Well the weekend has come and gone...and unfortunately, this one was a wash. Not much productivity over this way that's ok! Sometimes a weekend of nothing is good for the soul.

This week on Cooper's Cravings:

 Tomorrow starts the Gluten- Free renewal Cleanse over at

Making Love in the Kitchen!

I'm excited to cleanse my body and really focus on a fresh, whole foods.

The Gluten-Free Rewnewal Program will help you:

• Reduce cravings for sugary sweets and floury breads
• Lose weight and puffyness
• Reduce bloating and puffiness
• Lower allergen intake
• Stabilize blood sugar
• Balance pH
• Lower estrogen levels

"This month-long cleanse will allow your body the time to start cleansing itself from the negative effects of gluten and bring on some positive ones - like increased energy, weight loss, better digestion and clarity.

Eliminating gluten also means that you’ll be focusing on fresh, whole foods. And when you cut out the processed foods that are weighing you down, you’ll also cut out many of the hidden sources of gluten, sugar and bad fat, too. "

This week I'm also starting the 21-Day Meditation Challenge from 

I am hoping this challenge helps me to quite my mind and truly learn to focus, clear my mind for improved concentration and gain a deeper understanding of my inner self.

Workouts for the week:

- 3 mile run x 3

-30 Minute Yoga sessions x 2

-30 Minute Full Body Workout from fitsugar.com x 4

Words of Encouragement

Somedays there are some words you just need to hear....

via Going Home to Roost 

Prints by VaporQualquer

NutriGrain Melt-down

"Holy cow!! Opening a NutriGrain bar to see it had broken in half in the package is clearly the worst thing to happen on the planet. Ever."

This was the first Facebook status update I saw this morning...from my sister, discussing my nephew. Several comments down, one of her friends mentioned that she should just trash the thing anyway.  

I agree....and here's why: Sugar and High Fructose overload! I can't even pronounce half of these ingredients?!

Ingredients
CRUST: WHOLE GRAIN OATS, ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, VITAMIN B1 [THIAMIN MONONITRATE], VITAMIN B2 [RIBOFLAVIN], FOLIC ACID), WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SOLUBLE CORN FIBER, SUGAR, CALCIUM CARBONATE, WHEY, WHEAT BRAN, SALT, CELLULOSE, POTASSIUM BICARBONATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, SOY LECITHIN, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, WHEAT GLUTEN, NIACINAMIDE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, CARRAGEENAN, ZINC OXIDE, REDUCED IRON, GUAR GUM, VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN), FOLIC ACID. FILLING: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CORN SYRUP, BLUEBERRY PUREE CONCENTRATE, GLYCERIN, SUGAR, WATER, SODIUM ALGINATE, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID, METHYLCLLULOSE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, MALIC ACID, RED 40, BLUE 1.

So, it sent me on a search for healthy, kid friendly, wallet friendly, cereal bar recipes. I knew I had a few in my collection...

Banana Oatmeal Bars

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole grain flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups uncooked old fashioned oats

Mix ingredients together. Spray 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350' for 30-35 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

          Granola Bars

2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup whole grain flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup shredded coconut
4 oz applesauce
2 1/2 tbsp flaxseed
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
*2 oz chopped pecans
*2 oz slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.
In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, applesauce, flaxseed, honey and brown sugar. Stir in nuts and coconut.
Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 F for about 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.
Makes 24 bars.

*I know the kiddos, do not and probably can't eat nuts! So replace nuts with dried cranberries, raisins or apricots! 

        Yogurt Cereal Bars (from Spark Recipes)

2 cups corn flakes
3/4 cup whole grain flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1 cup yogurt (banana/straw, etc)
1 egg slightly beaten
2 tbsp whole grain flour

Preheat to 350. Combine cereal, flour, sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Cut in butter or margarine until coarse crumbs form. Press 1/2 of mixture firmly into bottom of greased 8" square pan. Mix yogurt, egg and 2 tbsp flour in another small bowl. Spread over cereal mixture in pan and then sprinkle remaining cereal mixture on top. Bake 30 min or until golden brown and cut into bars when cooled.
Makes 24 servings

And don't forget to let the kids help...it's more fun to eat something, if you had a part in the creation!

Stella and Dot Sample Sale

These items are in excellent condition, mostly used only in my Trunk Show display. I'm making room for some amazing pieces from our Spring 2012l collection. I will accept cash, check, or paypal. Payment must be received (and cleared) before item is shipped. Contact me if you are interested. More items will be listed soon! ashleycbridges@gmail.com

Cortez Turquoise & Suede Necklace
Retail $98
Sale $40

 Sea-hued turquoise, earthy suede, wood rings and waxed cord.
Hello little white dress! $40

Colette Necklace
Retail $138
Sale $52

Gold Plated La Coco Necklace with Ivory Flower Brooch. $40 (Retail price $98)

3-in-1: Unclip to create a bracelet, necklace and brooch. 

  Don't for get to "Like" my Facebook page to be entered in the drawing for a pair of these beauties!

Serenity Small Stone Drop Earrings (available in Aqua or Lapis), from the new Stella and Dot Spring 2012 Collection!

Like the Jewelry??....Host a Trunk Show!

Love the Jewelry??...Become a Stylist!

Ask me how!!

Your Personal Stylist:

Ashley Bridges

ashleybridges@gmail.com

Shop Now at www.stelladot.com/ashleymegan