Supernatural Botanicals

   Are you hungry, girl?  Then check out my girl, Lisa’s, website www.HungryGirl.com for the latest advice and tips on weight loss tips, fantastic recipes, shopping guides, girlfriend pow-wows, and more.  Be sure to sign up for her newsletter for great tips on eating and shopping for food, as well as some great recipes such as this recipe, courtesy of Hungry Girl:

 Athens Mini Fillo Shells + Snickers

PER SERVING (2 Snickers-filled shells): 91 calories, 4.75g fat, 53mg sodium, 11g carbs, <0.5g fiber, 6g sugars, <1g protein — POINTS® value 2*

Yup, you read that right. We’re actually advocating the purchase of a Snickers bar. But don’t bite straight into it. Instead, get the standard 2.1-oz. bar and slice it in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into 5 “nuggets”. Set out 10 of those frozen fillo shells and pop a chocolate nugget into each one. Place them on a baking sheet, bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees, and then let those babies cool. Now you’ve got yourself 10 itty-bitty Snickers pies! And they are INSANELY DELICIOUS. Chew two o f ‘em for less than 100 calories. We recommend whipping up a few batches of these treats for an upcoming New Year’s bash. Trust us, they’ll be gone long before midnight. 

Head on over to HungryGirl.com and check out what all the buzz is about. 

   We could all use another stimulus package…and this one is in the form of a Weston Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa getaway giveaway!  

One lucky winner will receive a four-day, three-night stay for two at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The winner and guest will enjoy ocean-front accommodations for two, breakfast daily and two featured spa treatments at the first Westin Heavenly Spa in the continental U.S. Approx. retail value: $1,250; westin.com/hiltonhead; hiltonheadisland.org

Located within the gracious Port Royal Plantation, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is set on a pristine stretch of beach along the Atlantic. With an average year-round temperature of 72 degrees, Hilton Head Island is the classic American resort destination, perfect for entertaining guests of all ages with its 12 miles of sandy white beaches, exceptional golf and tennis, and a wealth of arts and cultural events.

Enter here for you chance to win!  http://www.womansday.com/Giveaways/The-Westin-Hilton-Head-Island-Resort-Spa-Getaway-Giveaway

   Having overnight guests?  This is a perfect smoothie to wake up to.  It’s packed with peaches and orange juice, giving it the classic flavor of a fuzzy navel.   Prepare to make several blenders’ full of this because it seems to go fast, and everyone always asks for seconds.  I’ve broken down the recipe to accommodate two servings.  Double or triple as necessary.   I always like to have something fabulous and out of the ordinary for my overnight guests.   This so kicks the pants off regular orange juice in a plastic pitcher.  ..for the record, life is too short to be using anything other than beautiful pitchers on your table.   And, being packed with vitamins,  it’s totally good for you, too.   What’s not to love?   

The skinny: 

• 1 1/2  cups  frozen sliced peaches
• 1/2  cup  frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/2  cup  1% low-fat milk
• 1/3  cup  sliced ripe banana
• 1  teaspoon  sugar
• Dash of salt

Combine all ingredients in a blender; let stand for 15 minutes, and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Pack your bags and get ready to indulge at a relaxing resort and spa!

Enter the Red Lobster Fired Up Sweepstakes for a chance to win and you and a guest could enjoy The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona! Enjoy dinner, spa service or golf, and $500 in spending money! TBS and Red Lobster are ready to give you the royal treatment!

Grand Prize includes:

• Round trip coach airfare to Phoenix, AZ
• Four days/three nights first class hotel accommodations at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
• Dinner one evening in Latilla – A fine dining experience in a rustic setting
• Spa service of the Winner’s choice or one round of golf including equipment and rentals
• $500 in spending money (for winner only)
• $250 gift certificate to Red Lobster

Enter to win now!  http://www.tbs.com/stories/story/0,,158966,00.html

For a limited time, receive a one year subscription to Healing Lifestyles and Spas Magazine with any $75.00 purchase at Supernatural Botanicals, www.SupernaturalBotanicals.com   Click here for offer details:  http://supernaturalbotanicals.com/SpecialOfferHealingLifestylesandSpaMagazine.html

Combine all ingredients in a blender, add a handful of ice, and blend until smooth.   It’s a delicious way to meet your fruit intake for the day.  Delish!

I adore container gardening, especially herbs!  I’ve found it much easier to keep the bunnies and squirrels out of your sprouts if you opt for the containers.  Plus, you can bring them indoors for the winter. 

I grabbed a few containers from outside and brought them in to share with you.  These herbs are Sweet Basil and Rosemary.    I’ve been using my Rosemary a lot this weekend, once in a vegetarian Ronaldo Italian dish and another for pan-roasted potatoes with Rosemary and olive oil.  The Sweet Basil was thinned out last weekend for a great homemade pesto….(words cannot even describe the fabulosity of that pesto!) 

Using fresh herbs really adds a dose of gourmet to your meals.  Herbs have scads of medicinal and therapeutic benefits as well.  In fact, scientific studies have established that compounds in basil oil have potent antioxidants, hence anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties.  It is traditionally used for supplementary treatment of stress, asthma, and diabetes.  And Rosemary is extremely high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6 and is thought to increase memory. 

And using a variety of fresh herbs in your meals makes you look like a rock star in the kitchen!  Variety, freshness, taste galore!   Love it!   Herb gardens are beautiful, good for your health, and delicious.  ….plus, that rock star thing….just sayin’.