St. Patrick's Day Breakfast Bar Cart, Part 2

In continuing my preparations for St. Patrick's Day, today I am unveiling the second half of my St. Patrick's Day Breakfast Bar Cart.  As you probably recall from yesterday's post, the top tier of my bar cart was outfitted with a lovely and very delicious Irish coffee service.  While Irish coffee is a great way to kick of St. Paddy's Day, it may not be a practical option for those of you who might be wishing to have a productive day.  The second tier of my Irish Bar Cart contains food and beverage options for St. Patrick's Day that are absolutely delicious and really easy to assemble.  Here is how I went about rounding out my breakfast bar cart:

In an effort to come up with a morning beverage that was delicious, refreshing and festive, I have opted to serve a delicious pitcher of Lime, Kiwi Berry and Mint Infused water.  We are now entering the start of the spring season, so these flavors couldn't be more appropriate for this time of year.  Not only are all three components green, but they all pair beautifully together.  Here is what I used to create this fabulously festive beverage:

• Simon Pearce Addison Pitcher
• 1/2 Pint Kiwi Berries (Rinsed and sliced in half)
• 2 Limes (Rinsed and sliced paper thin)
• 1 Bunch Fresh Mint (Garnish each glass with a sprig)
• Gold Foil Paper Straws
• CB2 Marta Olive Green Double Old Fashioned Glass
• CB2 Marta Tasting Glass (to hold extra lime slices for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a pitcher with cold filtered water
2. Add 1 lime thinly sliced and 1/2 pint of sliced kiwi berries
3. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving
4. Serve water over ice with a fresh sprig of mint and slice of lime to garnish

When it came to assembling this breakfast bar cart, I knew I couldn't just have beverages.  I decided to serve a freshly baked loaf of Irish Soda Bread alongside my Irish coffee and infused water.  This bread is an Irish classic and makes for a fabulous addition to any meal (especially breakfast!). 

In an effort to save time, I have to admit that I bought the bread from a bakery.  However, if you are looking to try your hand at making Irish soda bread from scratch, here is a great recipe.  To serve this bread, I used the following:

• World Market's Jade Colored Glass Pedestal Stand
• Gold Serving Paper
• CB2 Small Cuatro Platters
• Laguiole Pearl Handle Knife Set

I am so thrilled with the way this bar cart came together and cannot wait to share these breakfast treats with my friends tomorrow.  I hope every has a wonderful and spirited St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!

St. Patrick's Day Breakfast Bar Cart, Part 1

This year I have decided to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by hosting a small Irish breakfast for a few friends at my home.  I have outfitted both tiers of my bar cart with an array of breakfast treats that are very fitting for this upcoming holiday.  Today's post will feature the details on my Irish Coffee service pictured above on the top tier of the bar cart.  Tomorrow's post will detail the breakfast items assembled on the bottom tier of the cart.  Both features consist of easy entertaining ideas that are delicious and festive.  The best part?  With the exception of the perishables, most of the accessories used for these two posts are items that I already had on hand.  It is totally worth to take the time to search your own inventory for St. Patrick's Daythemed entertaining accessories (ex. think green, gold, shamrocks, etc.).  I have a feeling that you will be pleasantly surprised by what you already have on hand.

Irish coffee is a must when hosting a festive Irish breakfast.  Serving a classic Irish Whiskey like Jameson alongside a freshly brewed pot of coffee and a few additional accouterments is the perfect way to kick off this day devoted to celebrating the Irish.  In terms of entertaining accessories to pair alongside my Irish coffee service, incorporating my Irish Parian China Coffee Pot into this post was a no-brainer.  From there I opted to use my basketweave mugs not only because they were similar in style to my coffee pot, but also because they were a nod to the fabulous Irish Belleek China. See below for all details on how I went about creating this look.

Bar Cart Details

• Tiffany Weave Coffee Pot
• Pillivuyt Basketweave Mugs
• CB2 Pinch Bowl (Similar Here)
• Caspari Cocktail Napkins
• Green Glass Vase

Irish Coffee Recipe

• Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee
• Brown Sugar (I suggest Dark Brown Sugar)
• Turbinado Sugar (optional - if you don't prefer brown sugar)
• Fresh Whipped Cream
• Jameson Irish Whiskey
• Here is a link to a classic recipe for Irish Coffee

For those of you who have yet to try a traditional Irish coffee, all I can say is that you are definitely missing out!  OMG...WOW, talk about a guaranteed crowd pleaser!!! This is most certainly a decadent and spirited way to kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebration.  Stay tuned- tomorrow I will be unveiling part two of my St. Patrick's Day Breakfast Bar Cart.

Simple Chickpea Salad

In keeping with my healthy streak I wanted to share a very simple and super healthy recipe with you all today.  This chickpea salad takes only minutes to make and has an array of delicious fresh flavors.  I also love the versatility of this salad.  It can be served as a garnish (ex. for my salmon recipe), a side dish or even a main course!  This salad is super easy to make and very healthy, making it a current favorite of mine at the moment!

Ingredients

• 1- 15oz Can Whole Garbanzo Beans (Drained and Rinsed)
• 1/2 Red Onion (Diced Fine)
• 3/4 Red Bell Pepper (Diced Fine)
• 1/4c Sprouts (any variety is fine)
• 1/4c Microgreens (I like Sunflower, but any variety is fine)
• Juice of 1 Lg Lemon (or 2 Sm. Lemons)
• 2 Tbs Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together Garbanzo Beans, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Sprouts and Microgreens
2. Toss with lemon juice and olive oil
3. Add salt and pepper to taste

The Skinny on Juicing

Spring is in the air, which means that it's time to start thinking about shedding that cozy winter wardrobe in exchange for shorts, dresses and swimwear!  In an effort to get myself "spring & summer ready," I am overhauling my diet.   At a high level, my personal overhaul consists of the following:  

• Upping- Natural Vitamins, hydration and fresh ingredients
• Reducing- processed foods, simple carbs and sugar consumption

One thing that fits perfectly into this overhaul is daily juicing.  I have been a fan of juicing for a few years now.  I think it's a great way to incorporate an array of vitamins and minerals from natural sources into your diet.  In addition, it is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made pressed juices and can be customized to suit your palette and/or dietary needs.  

For today's post I have decided to compile a list of my best tips for every aspect of juicing at home.  It really doesn't have to be as involved as the reputation may suggest.  Simple adjustments can make juicing a seamless addition to your everyday menu and who doesn't love an extra dose of healthy in their day?!?  

Produce for Juicing

Juicing primarily veggies and using fruits sparingly will keep the caloric and sugar content down to a reasonable amount.  Here is a breakdown of the produce I like to use when juicing:

• Kale (washed with spines removed)
• Spinach
• Cucumbers
• Celery + Leaves
• Beets (Red or Yellow)
• Carrots (sweetener)
• Green Apple (1/4-1/2 MAX to sweeten)
• Lemon (1/2-1 whole)
• Fresh Ginger (1" piece peeled)

Flavor Enhancers & Color

I drink extracted juices for their nutritional value, so taste and color are never the priority for me.  HOWEVER, if aesthetics and taste are important to you, here are a few things to consider:

• Carrots and Red Beets will turn your green juice into the ugliest and most unappetizing color of brown.  For this post, I opted to exclude both beets and carrots from the juice pictured at the top, but usually I include both in my drink. 
• A slice of green apple, lemon and/or piece of fresh ginger can do wonders for the taste of your juice
• Coconut water is also a great addition if desired due to its hydrating benefits.

Cleaning

I have the Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juicer and absolutely love it.  While it may not be the fanciest juicer on the market, it does exactly what I need it to do so I am a beyond happy customer.  

When it comes to cleaning my juicer, I used to take the time to wash each piece by hand (which was slightly insane because it took FOREVER).  After conducting a bit of research and spending enough time juicing, I realized that there were a few ways that I could cut down on the total cleaning time I spent daily on my juicer:

• With the exception of the motor base, all pieces of my juicer are dishwasher safe (top rack).  I still hand wash the blade each time to insure it stays super sharp, but technically it too is dishwasher safe. 
• Before juicing, I line the pulp container with a small trash bag. This makes for easy disposal of the waste post juicing and keeps the container clean.  You can also use these Breville Compostable Bags. 

Additional Tips

• Get all of your produced cleaned and prepped at the the beginning of the week.  This will help to cut down on morning prep time.  I like to store my cleaned and prepped produce in ziploc bags so that I can label and date them. 
• Do Not- bulk juice ahead of time.  The most you should juice in advance is 2hr prior to consumption.  Reason being, nutritional value is at its peak when freshly cut or juiced.  In addition, the risk for bacteria developing in your juice increases the longer it sits.  
• Do - run the pulp through the juicer a second time to ensure all juice is extracted.  You will be amazed at the amount of juice that is extracted during the second time through the machine.  
• All parts on my Breville Juicer are replaceable, which is fabulous because who wants to buy an entirely new juicer simply because a single piece is faulty/broken.
• Pulp can make for great compost and depending on what produce you're using, it can even be mixed into a veggie burger recipe (or similar). 
• For a few great recipe ideas: Visit this Williams-Sonoma Page and this Video from Giada De Laurentiis

Travel Tips

This month I am traveling quite a bit for work.  I know I have shared some of my best tips and strategies for packing (see this post), so for today's post I wanted to share some of my travel best practices to help you have a comfortable and healthy travel experience.  

When you get to your hotel room...

Bedrooms are very intimate and a place where I think people are the most vulnerable.  There is no way to know the true cleanliness of your hotel room or how many people have recently used that room.  While housekeeping does a great job laundering linens and maintaining an overall clean aesthetic there are still a few things that like to do upon arrival.

• Disinfect the TV Remote, Phones, Door Handles, Light Switches and Toilet.  *I suggest using either Clorox To-Go Wipes or Travel Lysol Spray 
• Take the decorative throw blankets and pillows off of the bed immediately.  Those items tend to be laundered very rarely.
• Use a luggage rack for your suitcase.  Luggage (and handbags) can carry bedbugs and other germs, so its best never to place these items directly on your bed.  
• Pack slippers and shower shoes.  This is optional, but its something that I most definitely do.  Just like decorative bedding, hotel flooring is cleaned less frequently, so I prefer not to expose my bare feet to the hotel flooring. 

Where to find travel size toiletries?

Travel sized toiletries are essential for saving on suitcase space and total luggage weight when traveling.  There are a handful of toiletries that I parse out into travel items, but when it comes to items like toothpaste and hairspray, I spring for the travel size products.  Here are my go to stores for finding all of my travel products:

• Bed Bath and Beyond
• Target
• Amazon
• Local Pharmacies (ex. CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens)

Laundry & Clothing Care

Whether I am traveling for business or pleasure, I always want to look my best/polished, so I make sure to include the following:

• Mini Tide to Go Pen- to treat small stains (usually due to a food or wine spill)
• Travel Sized Downey Wrinkle Releaser- quick way to de-wrinkle cotton clothing that may have been crumpled/creased during travel.
• Single Load Laundry Detergent - for hand-washing gym clothes, treating a stain or in the event I want to repeat an outfit during my trip.   

Silicone Travel Bottles

Silicone travel bottles have quickly become a toiletry essential for me when traveling.  Unlike traditional plastic travel bottles that tend to wear and break over time, silicone travel bottles can be squeezed, smushed, smashed and still retain their integrity.  If that wasn't reason enough, these bottles are wide mouthed for easy transfer of liquids, BPA-free and eco-friendly!  When it comes to packing liquid toiletries (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, body wash) silicone travel bottles are my recommendation. 

Pack a Few Healthy Snacks

Packing a few healthy snacks and breakfast options is an absolute must for me.  It's hard to gage what the food situation is going to be like on the road, so its nice to have a few healthy options tucked away in my suitcase for those moments when I need a little pick me up.  Two favorite travel snacks I would highly recommend:

• KIND Bars
• Nourish Snacks