Lynds in Real Life

A Lifestyle Blog

Food

Classy Yet Easy Desserts Perfect For Dinner Parties

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Food is something we all enjoy. Our bodies need it to survive, and our brains draw energy from it, making sure we can get through the day just fine. And when it comes to mastering the cooking and baking skills we all wished we had, being able to throw a dinner party for your nearest and dearest, while also not sweating over what you’ll make, is a real skill too! 

If you’ve got a dinner party coming up, and you want to be sure that every single person in attendance knows just how good of a cook you are (and to enjoy everything they put in their mouths!), we’ve got a list of classy yet easy desserts for you to know. Make sure you keep them in mind as you’re planning your sophisticated and fun menu for guests. 

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A Pie is a Simple Classic

Pies are such versatile options – they can be both sweet and savoury, and they’re easy to whip together if you’ve got nothing else in the house. So, why not serve a nice, sweet pie for dessert at your dinner party? You can easily garnish the top with a flourish, and you can put all kinds of delicious fillings inside the pastry. Just learn how to make a sweet pastry or a pie dough and you’ll be able to do so much with so little! 

A cherry pie is a classic, and great to be served with whipped cream or ice cream. You can have a key lime pie if your guests like to have something sweet, but still with a bit of a kick to each bite. And if you want to go all out with new and interesting flavors, why not try this coconut and marshmallow pie? 

A Cream Cake Always Impresses!

Cream cakes are wonderful things to chow down on, and thankfully, they’re not too hard to try and make. After all, cream sounds like it’ll be hard to work with, and hard to keep stiff and non melted during your dinner prep, but as long as you have a fridge and a recipe to follow, you’ll be fine! 

And if you look up a tres leches cake recipe, you’ll be able to whip up something light, fluffy, and deliciously creamy ahead of time! That’ll make your dinner party preparations a lot easier on you, and might even give you time to throw together another appetizer, or learn how to make a couple of cocktails that you can pass around. 

Learn How to Use Chocolate Properly

And finally, if you know how to melt and temper chocolate, you’ll be able to do so much with just a simple bar of your favourite chocolate from the store. Make a chocolate fountain, make a fondue, even make a lava cake for your guests to cut into, with a lovely ganache to be found inside! 

Got a dinner party coming up? Put one of these desserts on the menu for a real hit! 

Thank you for reading!

Food Health

Eat Food and Have Fun: Easy Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer!

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Picture source

Enjoying food with friends is always fun, but if you’re following a healthy eating plan it’s easy to want to isolate yourself to avoid temptation.  But it doesn’t have to be the case at all, there are ways you can stick to your goals while enjoying delicious dishes with those you care about. Here are some ideas!

Look into healthy picnic options

When the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than packing up the car with some supplies and heading out for a day of fun- whether it’s to a park, a beach, a theme park or a cute town to stroll around. Taking a picnic allows you to save money and you’ll also be able to make healthier choices. It doesn’t have to be boring either, there are loads of healthy yet tasty picnic ideas online. From scotch eggs using chicken sausages and wholemeal breadcrumbs to interesting flavourful sandwich ideas to low fat puddings and more. You of course have things like pasta and rice salads and things that you can make light versions of very easily. Check out sites like Pinterest and see what you can put together. It’s well worth investing in a good picnic set and a cool bag or box with some ice packs. You’ll only need to buy these things once and can use them over and over each year.

Check the menu before eating out

Do you enjoy sitting outside to eat lunch in a pub garden on a warm afternoon, or lunch in the evenings that stretch on and on in mid summer? Take a look at the menu before deciding on the cafe or restaurant you want to go with, and see what lighter options they have. This can help you make the best choices without going overboard. Lots of places offer ‘under X calories’ sections or ‘lighter bites.’ Perfect when you still want to go out and enjoy yourself with friends but don’t want to completely ruin your healthy eating plan. Online menus have tons of information these days, so you can work out if the meals suit your dietary needs. No longer to those with allergies or intolerances have to stay home and cook! If you suspect you have any issues, check out a review of food sensitivity testing and see if it’s right for you.

Keep your barbeque lower in fat

Barbeques are always crowd pleasers when the weather is warm. While they can be quite indulgent with things like burgers, sausages and lamb kebabs, it’s so easy to make them lighter too. Bash out chicken breasts to flatten them (it makes them easier to cook) and marinate in some tasty herbs and spices, and you have a high protein, low fat chicken burger with all of the charred and smokey taste from the coals. Make some skewers using lean meat, like chicken or turkey, along with some mushrooms, peppers and onions. Lots of veggies work great on the grill too, and serve everything with some tasty salads to get your veg count up. Even if you want more traditional options, you could go with lower fat burgers and sausages- they’re just as nice when they’re cooked on the grill.

What are some ways you can have a healthy summer?!

This post was a collaboration.

Food

The New Wave Of Home Gourmet Chefs

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We all recognize the importance of incorporating organic and whole foods into our diet, but there is no need to spend all day in the kitchen. Instead, it is time to replace ‘homemade’ with ‘hand touched’.

https://pixabay.com/photos/mediterranean-cuisine-eat-food-2378758/

We don’t all have the time to make a meal from scratch nor do we have the want. For example, rather than making your own paste when cooking a curry, there is nothing wrong with using a curry mix. If a delicious dinner can be achieved via this manner then what is the problem? Keeping that in mind, read on to discover a bit more about this trend and how our cooking approaches are changing.

Nowadays we certainly have a new wave of home gourmet cooks. One of the reasons why this is the case is because of the rise of the Internet. In the past, consumers were very brand loyal and would buy their fresh ingredients from the same store and brand. This is something that is actually changing.

At the moment, approximately 30 percent of the population are between 15 and 35 years old. These people are tech-savvy and socially engaged; they spend their days using social media and aren’t afraid to look for something new and different. They are less brand loyal and more inquisitive. They want to know the story behind the brands and the products they are buying into.

As touched upon in the introduction, one of the main trends of the new gourmet at home cook is hand touched replacing handmade. It is all about finding a balance. The new cook wants to make delicious dishes from scratch but they also want to do so quickly. They want to achieve the high levels of quality and flavour but they don’t want to spend hours measuring ingredients and such like.

This is why companies like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron are proving to be so popular. Consumers receive a meal kit with the recipe and all of the ingredients needed to create the dish. All food is fresh, pre-chopped and ready to use. This eliminates hassle and cuts time, however, it ensures that you reap all of the benefits of cooking with fresh food.

Aside from the points that have already been mentioned, the new wave of gourmet chefs places a great emphasis on healthy eating, preferring a healthy dinner over a processed one. They also aren’t afraid to be experimental and use spices and herbs that previously would have been snubbed in the kitchen. When it comes to equipment, they are buying gadgets that would have once only be found in restaurants, such as espresso machines.

These are the trends of today. Have you made the switch from handmade to hand touched?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

xo lynds

Food Health

4 Ways to Adopt Healthier Eating Habits This Year

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You vow to yourself every single year that you are going to be healthier and happier, no matter what. By the time early February rolls around, you haven’t achieved any of your goals and you’re (okay I’M) eating pizza on the sofa every single night. You realize that you might be setting unrealistic goals for yourself, so you’re determined to do it right this time around. In order to get the most nutrition out of your food, you need to know how to cook it correctly. Spend a little time doing your research about cooking healthy and wholesome meals. You might not be getting enough nutrients if you’re simply eating lettuce leaves and raw carrots. If you’re still stumped about where to start, consider the following four ways to adopt healthier eating habits this year.

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  1. Get Prepared in the Kitchen

You aren’t going to be able to cook delicious and nutritious meals if you don’t have the correct equipment. If you tend to stick to microwave and oven-baked meals, you might just be missing a trick. Take a look at these made in cookware reviews and you will soon be able to discover the best utensils, pans, and pots to make your kitchen feel complete (I seriously can never have enough kitchen utensils). Every healthy person has a kitchen stocked full of fancy gadgets and simple staples, so be sure to fill up your cupboards with everything you need right now!

 

 

  1. Add Things in Rather Than Take Them Out

Try not to think of healthy eating as a method of restriction (because it’s not!). Cutting out your favorite foods isn’t going to get you on the right path, so consider what you can add into your diet instead. Fresh, leafy green vegetables, fatty acids, and rich protein will make you feel more energized and ready to conquer all of your goals.

 

  1. Quit Dieting

Make sure you aren’t viewing this lifestyle overhaul as a fad diet (or a fad diet as a lifestyle change), as this could potentially damage your relationship with food. Don’t cut out entire food groups and don’t try to survive on meal replacement shakes and bars. Make sure your new lifestyle is sustainable and is nourishing to your body. It’s so easy to get caught up in the yo-yo dieting mentality (trust me, this is my biggest problem), so try to steer clear from anything that sounds too good to be true (because it is).

 

  1. Allow Yourself the Occasional Treat

You should never restrict yourself from having treat (or fun meal full of carbs) every now and then, otherwise you’re going to drive yourself bananas. A little slice of chocolate cake or a donut a couple times a week isn’t going to hurt you. A healthy balance is all you need to enjoy a wholesome and happy lifestyle.

 

Eating healthy will always feel like a chore if you’re not prepared ahead of time. Stop cutting out all the foods that are supposed to be “bad” for you, and explore new delicious flavors that are really going to improve your wellbeing. You will be on track with your goals in no time as long as you’re not too hard on yourself. As annoying as the saying is, moderation really is key.

 

  • What hinders your healthy lifestyle?
  • What helps your healthy lifestyle?

 

Disclosure: this post was a collaboration. 

 

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Food

How To Get The Most Nutrition Out of Your Food

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When it comes to health and wellness, it can feel like there is a lot to be thinking about. There’s talk of omega-3s here, vitamin D there, and getting the right amount of protein packed into each meal. So how do you get all of the nutrients into your diet and having meals that give you the most benefit? Here are some of the ways that you can get the most nutrition out of your food, so you can relax and stop stressing over what you eat!

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Eat Local Food

Eating local food that is grown close to you can be a good way to get the best out of your food. If you pick your own food and eat it shortly after it has been picked, then it makes the most of the vitamins and minerals that you get from the produce that you eat. When you pick fruits and vegetables from their source, they start to lose their nutritional value. So having them close by after eating them can be the best.

Of course, this isn’t going to always be practical, especially at certain times of the year. So things like supplements can be a good idea to add into your everyday diet. Using a site like The Diet Dynamo can help you to choose the best supplements for your needs as there are plenty of reviews. If you are vegetarian or vegan, for instance, a supplement with B12 can be extremely beneficial.

Food Prep

The way you prepare your food can help to keep the vitamins and minerals in the foods. For instance:

  • Cutting fruits and vegetables is a good way to get the most of the nutrients out of them. When they are chopped it can help to break down the cell walls that can be quite rigid, which then frees up more of the nutrients.
  • Crushing and then chopping things like onions and garlic is a good way to make the food much better for you. When you do this, it releases an enzyme that helps to then form a nutrient called allicin. It can help to protect against diseases, so preparing the foods in that way can mean you get more out of it compared to when it is prepared another way.
  • Eating grains and beans is really important for plant-based protein in your life. But soaking them is best, rather than just boiling them. Soaking them helps them to reduce an acid that hinders your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients. So it is a quick change that can make a big difference.

Raw Foods

There are some foods that are going to be better for you nutritionally when you eat them raw, as opposed to when heated or boiled, which can break down certain vitamins that they contain. Foods like sunflower seeds, broccoli, kale, spinach, and peppers are all examples of foods that are best, in terms of nutritional content, when they are eaten raw.

How do you like to prepare your food? Share in the comments below!

Disclosure: This post was a collaboration.

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Beauty Fitness Food Reviews

Holiday Gift Guide 2017 + Giveaway

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The holidays are here! I love this time of year. I’m a huge gift giver, and I strive to make sure the gifts are as personal and awesome as I can. This Christmas (and all holidays!), I’ve put together a list of great gifts; for food, fitness, and beauty lovers!

  1. Nuun Hydration Tablets: Nuun tabs create the perfect sports drink, without all the sugar. There are three categories: vitamins, electrolytes (my favorite), and Nuun performance.

Photo from nuunlife.com

Water enhancer includes:

  • better performance: the addition of non-gmo sourced dextrose helps the body to absorb fluids more efficiently while still containing 1g sugar or less.
  • clean ingredients: we used plant based sweeteners and ingredients to increase health benefits
  • gluten-free, dairy + soy free, safe for clean sport certifications

Each electrolyte tab contains:

  • sodium: 360 mg
  • potassium: 100 mg
  • magnesium: 25 mg
  • calcium: 13 mg
  • vitamin c: 38 mg
  • 10 calories
  • 1 g of sugar

 

2. Slim Clip Case (GIVEAWAY): The Slim Clip Case by Wonderful Things Factory is AMAZING for working out, especially running! I was sent two cases to try, and I don’t think I’ll ever get another case again. The back is able to clip onto your leggings, shorts, or jacket (or really anywhere that works!), and STAYS THERE. I am training for a half marathon, and I need my phone to be easily accessible. Plus, the case comes in different sizes (fits all phones) and colors. The Slim Clip Case is perfect!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This giveaway runs from 12/21/17 – 1/1/18. Two people will win a Slim Clip Case shipped directly from Wonderful Things Factory. Winners will be selected randomly. Open to U.S. residents 18+.

3. Fuego Box:  Fuego Box is perfect for the die hard hot sauce lover. The goal is to bring you emerging hot sauces that you most likely haven’t heard of. It opens up a world of heat! You can buy individual bottles, curated single boxes, and a monthly subscription delivered straight to your door. Plus, they offer great gift boxes! Enter your email on the site and receive $10 off your first box!

 

4. DERMA⋅E: DERMA⋅E skin care is my all-time favorite! I use their cleansers, lotions, toner, masks etc every day of my life. The products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and do not contain parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, or artificial colors. They’re gentle, yet effective! My favorite product is the Firming DMAE Moisturizer, which contains Alpha Lipoic Acid & C-Ester (affiliate link). Also, be sure to check out the holiday bundles they are offering right now, and at a discounted price!

 

I hope you enjoy the items I’ve recommended for this holiday season! What else would you like to see on the list?

 

Happy Holidays, & thank you for reading!

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Food Las Vegas Lifestyle

The Best Brunch Spot in Vegas; 7th & Carson DTLV

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Downtown Las Vegas is my absolute favorite place in Vegas. When people visit, they tend to think The Strip is the only place to eat, party, and experience Vegas culture. Personally, I’d skip The Strip for Downtown any day. Downtown, AKA Old Vegas, AKA Fremont St. is a mecca of art, entertainment, and most importantly, FOOD! Halloween weekend, I joined my favorite ladies from Vegas Lifestyle Influencers for a Spooky Soirée Brunch at 7th & Carson (and yes, we all dressed in costume!). 7th & Carson is a brand new restaurant located on Carson Ave in DTLV, and it is AMAZE.

The girls from Vegas Lifestyle Influencers and I were greeted with Hot Melon cocktails by owner Liam Dwyer (incredibly nice and knowledgeable guy). The Hot Melon consists of Jalapeño Tequila, Fresh Watermelon, Mint, and Cracked Pepper. It was created by Liquid Chef Oscar Takahashi, and was SO delicious!

We were then seated inside 7th & Carson, which was quaint, casual, and trendy. I especially loved the different patterns on each table, and the exposed ventilation on the ceiling.

We were ready to experience some of the unique brunch options, created by Chef Gregg Fortunato! First on the list:

YOGURT PARFAIT
Toasted Granola, Seasonal Berries, Local Honey

The cream was a nice addition to the parfait. At first, it seemed unnecessary. But then I mixed it with the yogurt, and it added a nice touch of flavor! Next, we tried:

GRILLED PEACH + BURRATA
Arugula, Black Pepper Honey, Basil Pesto

The grilled peach + burrata salad was probably my favorite! I’m not much of a salad eater, mainly because they usually taste plain. However, this salad was full of yummy flavors and textures. I’d never had burrata before, but I definitely love it! The touch of honey made it perfect. Then we had:

BREAKFAST PIZZETTA
Scrambled Egg, Bacon, Fresh Mozzarella

I wasn’t sure how I felt about scrambled eggs on pizza, but now I realize I have been missing out my entire life! This breakfast pizzetta was so delicious, I ate at least 2 pieces. Up next:

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST
Whipped Butter, Peaches, Lavender Syrup

Aside from the grilled peach and burrata salad, the Brioche French Toast is my favorite! The peaches, lavender syrup, and mint leaves created a unique and mouthwatering taste. I can’t wait to go back for more! Then we tried:

AVOCADO TOAST
Sourdough, Avocado, 63° Egg

This is not your average avocado toast. The fresh avocado with the 63° egg was light, yet fulfilling. I could order 100 of these and be happy! Lastly, we tried:

CHICKEN + WAFFLES
Apple Waffle, House Fried Chicken,
Bourbon Syrup

Who doesn’t love chicken and waffles?! It’s such a weird, but perfect combination. The chicken was crispy, the apple waffles were the best I’ve ever had, and the diced apples paired perfectly with the dish. The bourbon syrup was to die for!

I was so pleased with our brunch at 7th & Carson. I can’t wait to take my boyfriend; I’ve been raving about it for weeks. I also really want to try their lunch and dinner menu!

Thank you 7th & Carson for the preview and sampling of your brunch menu! I had the best time, and will be back soon!

The beautiful ladies from Vegas Lifestyle Influencers ♥ [I’m hidden in the back, to the right]
Photo credit: @homeinhighheels

I’d also like to thank the wonderful sponsors for making this soirée possible!

Pistache Skincare, Purlisse Beauty, Red Cherry Lashes, & Sugarpova

7th & Carson

616 E. Carson #110

Las Vegas, NV 89101

702.868.3355

www.7thandcarson.com

@7thAndCarson

THURSDAY TO MONDAY: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Reservations@7thAndCarson.com

  • What’s your favorite brunch item?

  • What’s your drink of choice during brunch? Answer in the comments below!

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