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While the American Heart Association declared February "American Heart Month," it's important to continue practicing heart-healthy eating and living habits throughout the entire year. Let February be a springboard to start you and your family on the way to a fabulous, heart-healthy lifestyle.
Maria Sakellariou, owner of the personal chef service Culinary Odyssey LLC, specializes in Mediterranean-style cooking and recommends these helpful tips (and two recipes!) for a heart-healthy diet.
1. Use olive oil exclusively. You can easily find quality olive oils that aren't too expensive, and they are healthier than butter. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that is high in antioxidants, while butter is a saturated fat, too much of which can increase your risk of heart disease.
2. Use fresh citrus (such as orange or lemon) juice instead of sodium to heighten the flavor of your food. Citrus juice provides a fresh burst of flavor without the adverse side effects of too much sodium, including high blood pressure.
3. Replace cream or sour cream with greek yogurt, which mimics the consistency without the added fat. This is especially helpful when used with foods such as baked potatoes or creamy soups.
4. When making soups, blend the ingredients for a creamy consistency without adding fattening foods, such as real cream.
5. Roasting heightens the layers of flavors in foods, such as meats and vegetables, especially if this is done before the full dish is prepared. For example, Maria suggest roasting a butternut squash in the oven before using it to make a delicious soup. Increasing the flavor without adding ingredients such as salt and butter keeps the dish healthy and delectable.
According to Maria, putting together a healthy meal can be both quick and simple. For a fresh take on fish and vegetables, try these heart-healthy recipes!
Aegean Style Baked Fish (serves 6)
Ingredients:
6 (4-6 oz.) filets of Grouper, Snapper or Sea Bass
3 medium tomatoes, sliced thinly
2 medium Vidalia sweet onions, sliced in rings
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 ribs of celery, diced
3-4 sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp. Greek oregano
Freshly ground pepper
Salt (optional)
3/4-1 cup olive oil to drizzle over fish
3/4 cup water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
1. Rinse fish filets, pat dry and place on foil-lined sheet pan.
2. Season with pepper (and salt if desired).
3. Slice onions and place rings on top of fish.
4. Slice tomatoes and place on top of onions.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and oregano.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Pour water in pan around fish.
8. Cover pan with foil and place in oven.
9. Cook for about 20 minutes.
10. Uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
11. Serve with roasted vegetables or rice.
Oven-Roasted Grape Tomatoes (serves 6)
Ingredients:
2 pints of sweet grape tomatoes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
Freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp. Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Place tomatoes on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Sprinkle with ground pepper and 21 Seasoning Salute.
3. Turn over several times to coat well.
4. Place in preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with parsley.
For more information on Culinary Odyssey LLC, call 636-357-0269 or visit www.mychefsite.com/culinaryodysseypersonalchefservice.
March 8th, 2010
When designers at York Wallcoverings were invited to view original artwork from Walt Disney's Fantasia, they were inspired to create their own interpretations, all of which are visually stunning and reflective of the iconic film. Together, these designs comprise the Walt Disney Signature wallpaper collection.
1. Filigree is inspired by Walt Disney's famous signature logo.
Swatch: Filigree in Black with White Sand. In room: Filigree in Silver on Cream. Also available in White on Beige, Black on Beige, Light Beige on Silvery Beige, Off White on Gold, and Light Beige with White Glass Beads.
2. Illuminata is inspired by The Nutcracker Suite, in which the dewdrop fairies enhance nature's beauty with their morning droplets.
Swatch: Illuminata in Pearl on Plum. In room: Illuminata in White on Lime. Also available in Silver on White, Gold on Off White, Beige on Silver, Brown on Mint, Gold on Red, and Silver on Brown.
3. Pixie is inspired by The Nutcracker Suite, in which the dewdrop fairies deliver a blanket of dewdrops to the forest.
Swatch: Pixie on Teal Non-Woven with Glass Beads. Same pattern shown in room. Also available in Off White Non-Woven with Gold Glass Beads, White Non-Woven with White Glass Beads, Silver with Silver Glass Beads, and Pearled Beige Non-Woven with Glass Beads.
4. Sparkle is inspired by The Nutcracker Suite, in which the frost fairies signal the arrival of winter with an icy, sparkling touch.
Swatch: Sparkle in Silver Non-Woven with Glitter Sand. In room: Sparkle in Pearled Almond Non-Woven with Glitter Sand. Also available in Pearled White Non-Woven with Glitter Sand and Pearled Khaki Non-Woven with Glitter Sand.
5. Glisten is inspired by The Nutrcracker Suite, in which the frost fairies crystallize each moment with their delicate touch.
Swatch: Glisten in Silver on Beige. Same pattern shown in room. Also available in Silver on Silver, Silver on Grey, Silver on White, Silver on Green, and Silver on Brown.
6. Tendril is inspired by the final segment of The Nutcracker Suite, in which the leaves and tendrils come to life in celebration of the changing seasons.
Swatch: Tendril in Green and Dark Brown on Brown. In room: Tendril in Beige and Metallic Beige on Off White. Also available in Silver & Cream on Off White, Beige & Gray on Silver, and Brown & Green on Green.
This striking new collection by York Wallcoverings is available locally through Frank Patton Interiors, 13133 Manchester Road, 314-965-4240. For more information or to browse the collection, visit www.yorkwall.com/subbrand/Y05. Call 1-800-375-9675 or visit www.yorkwall.com to find more local retailers that carry this collection.
March 3rd, 2010
Watch, taste and learn!
The scrumptious, savory cuisine of Cooking School with Café Napoli offers guests a delectable menu full of authentic Italian flair. Experience the culinary talent of Executive Chef Jeff Davis, and learn helpful tips for creating a colorful menu that is perfect for the start of spring.
Join St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles on March 11, 2010, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Construction Appliance Supply Company, 1626 Headland in Fenton. The cost is $35 per person. Seating is limited, so please RSVP soon to Ally Favre, 314-542-6000 ext. 30.
A Taste of the Menu:
Bacon-wrapped Shrimp
Insalata con Tonno
Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto
Tilapia Involtini
Tiramisu
Insalata con Tonno
Tiramisu garnished with fresh strawberries
Executive Chef Jeff Davis of Café Napoli
February 24th, 2010
St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles was honored to participate as guests at the February 12 Go Red for Women luncheon in St. Louis at the Ritz-Carlton. The event was the largest celebration of its kind in the city to date. Wearing a sea of red, women joined together for a wonderful, informative, life-affirming event to continue the American Heart Association’s commitment to stamp out heart disease – the leading cause of death of women in America.
(Left to right): Karen Foss, Yasmin Cline, Brenda Newberry and Cherie Newberry
Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out stroke and heart disease, the number 1 killer of women in America. With positive action and a commitment to wipe out heart disease, we’ll lead the way in finding our own personal paths to better health for life.
(Left to right): Madelyn Alexander, Amy Dwyer and Kevin Harker
You can become an advocate of women’s heart health. Get empowered with the facts, find a community of support and make healthy changes to your diet and exercise. Start with the "Go Red Heart CheckUp." Then speak up to your doctor about having a lipo-protein blood screening. Spread the word to those you love – your neighbor, your friend, your mother or sister. Visit the American Heart Association Web site www.americanheart.org for more life-saving, heart-healthy information.
February 18th, 2010
The Curtain Exchange, located in Clayton at 8119 Maryland Ave., offers an exquisite variety of designer-quality curtains to match any style and home décor. Choose from a stunning selection of fabrics, such as linen, silk, cotton, damask, print, sheer and woven, and from an extensive array of colors, sizes, textures and shapes.
The experts at The Curtain Exchange are extremely helpful through every step of the design process, including installation. And, best of all, they offer in-home consultations and even an approval program, which allows customers to try out new curtains in their own homes for 48 hours before purchasing them.
Decorative curtain hardware, custom bedding, Roman shades, valences, pillows, tableskirts, headboards, cornices, tiebacks, tassels and trims are also available at The Curtain Exchange, so stop by to infuse a fresh look into your home décor.
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Choose from a selection of gorgeous silk taffeta curtains and more. For more specific information on these curtains, stop by or call 314-863-1112.
February 10th, 2010
Master gardener, Judy Moskoff, shares her favorite “chocolate idea” for your February garden.
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching I’m thinking chocolate—ok, so I always think chocolate. In this case, I’m thinking chocolate plants.
This year I’m trying a couple of new ones, but I also have some old favorites to share.
New: Black Peony Breadseed Poppy It is still in seed form from Chocolate Flower Farm and I will sow the seeds outside around April 15th (two weeks before the average last killer frost). According to Maria at the Chocolate Flower Farm, poppies don’t always transplant well, so if you decide to start them from seed inside be sure to start them in peat pots and plant them directly into the ground.
New: Hollyhock ‘Nigra’ (Alcea rosea) These seeds need to be planted in ground in early summer. Maria writes that plants started in early spring or started indoors early tend to loose their perennial habit and are more susceptible to disease. Hollyhocks were a favorite of my dad, so I was thrilled to see this unusual dark chocolate colored flower.
Old Favorite: Ajuga We have it in our gardens and pots. Easy to grow is‘Chocolate Chip’ Ajuga. Leaves are about the size of your little finger and it makes a wonderful groundcover in an area your dog or children might play. For even larger, showier foliage choose Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’. It has glossy, scalloped, dark burgundy to almost black foliage. I’ve had great luck growing it in part sun.
Old Favorite: Huechera common name Coral Bells There are too many to list, but these are also readily available at local nurseries. For chocolate varieties try‘Brownies’, ‘Chocolate Ruffles’, ‘Mocha’, and ‘Melting Fire’. I like to mix them with one called ‘Caramel’ –it just sounds good. ‘Caramel’ has copper, apricot and gold leaves with a rosy underside that blends well with the deep brown and burgundy of the chocolate varieties.
Old Favorite: Hydrangea macrophylla Now in its second year in our garden is“Lady in Red”. Just like its name, it doesn’t disappoint! The red stems and the foliage are just as wonderful as the lacecap flower. You can control the flower color by adjusting the ph in your soil, but this one is really about the reddish-purple foliage in the fall!
Grab that bag of M&M’s® and daydream of your own chocolate garden! Happy gardening!
~ Judy Moskoff at agardenershome.blogspot.com
February 8th, 2010
This month, St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles is giving away Gardens Private & Personal: A Garden Club of America Book ($50 value). This colorful and inspiring book on the nation’s most beautiful gardens was featured in the Garden Gotta Have It department of our January/February issue. Click here to enter, or visit our Web site at www.stlouishomesmag.com.
February 2nd, 2010
This weekend, shop fabulous home furnishings and accessories for a great cause!
Second Sitting Consignments invites you to a new monthly sale event that benefits the Habitat for Humanity ReStore of St. Louis. The ReStore, which provides financial support to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, allows the general public to purchase new and used building materials at discounted prices.
Beginning January 30 (and continuing on the final Saturday of every month thereafter), Second Sitting Consignments will host a "store within a store," offering customers the opportunity to purchase quality furniture and home accessories at a significant discount. Even better, every dollar spent is donated directly to Habitat for Humanity and used in St. Louis to build adequate housing for those in need.
This event will take place in the basement of Second Sitting Consignments, 10410 Manchester Rd., and lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 30. Representatives from the St. Louis Habitat for Humanity ReStore will be present to answer any questions about the organization and its programs. For more information, call 314-965-4949 or visit www.secondsitting.com.
In addition, Second Sitting Consignments is offering an additional 15% off storewide for the final weekend of their annual winter sale. Plus, save 20% on all purple-starred new items. Hurry! The sale ends Sunday, January 31.
January 27th, 2010
Editor's Note: As January comes to an end, splendid thoughts of spring become inevitable – especially for green thumbs throughout the city. To kick off our new Guest Blog Series, Master Gardener Judy Moskoff shares her top-notch tips on growing gorgeous gardens in the St. Louis area.
Many gardeners, like myself, have started counting the days until we can expect the last killing frost. In the St. Louis gardening area (Zone 5), we can expect this to be around April 30.
This is important for several reasons.
1. Most seeds are sown inside between 6-8 weeks before the last average day of frost.
2. I need plenty of time to order the seeds.
3. At some point, I have to put away the Christmas decorations.
Ignoring #3, I’ve already started #2. I have also justified the mugs of hot chocolate I drink while perusing the seed catalogs because I know we gardeners will work it off in spring.
Almost all of my plant material is purchased through local nurseries. I know my clients benefit from having plants that are proven for our area, but – being a risk taker – I do purchase over the Internet or through a catalog for our own garden.
Here are three companies that have not disappointed:
1. Chocolate Flower Farm
5040 Saratoga Road, Langley, WA 98260
Marie and Bill (and their dog Naughty Nellie) carry a wonderful variety of dark foliage plants, chocolate candles and chocolate soap. They even have hens laying “chocolate” eggs. I have ordered from them for six years and have found that the service goes above and beyond. Sign up for their emails and newsletters.
Heuchera ‘Brownies’
2. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
2278 Baker Creek Road, Mansfield, MO 65704
If you are looking for heirloom plants, this is heaven. Their pumpkins and squashes are of special interest, and the best part of this company is the short drive to Southwest Missouri. (We are the Show Me State).
Our friend Randy grew these tomatoes. Striped Roman, Woodle
Orange & Golden Monarch.
3. Brent and Becky’s Bulbs
7900 Daffodil Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061
Plenty of bulbs can be planted in spring for late summer and fall bloom. The photo below shows some of their spring blooming selection in our front beds. I’ll be ordering more from this company!
Temple’s Favorite Tulip and Monal Jonquil
Enjoy the down time, and get ready for spring! Visit my blog at agardenershome.blogspot.com.
Happy gardening,
Judy Moskoff
agardenershome@gmail.com
January 26th, 2010
St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles staff members had the privilege of attending the Saint Louis Art Museum's groundbreaking ceremony today, which celebrated the Museum's exciting new expansion project that will take place over the next two years. Designed by distinguished British architect David Chipperfield, the expansion will help the Saint Louis Art Museum – which has been placed among the top 10 comprehensive art museums in the nation – function more effectively, increasing its size by 30 percent. The design involves an addition of more than 200,000 square feet to the east and south of the original 1904 building, which will create new galleries, public space, a 300-space parking garage and a fully accessible entrance on Fine Arts Drive. The Museum will remain open throughout the expansion process. Click here for more information.
The celebration was complete with a cake, which served as a three-dimensional vision of the expansion's design.
Fun for the Family
To celebrate this extraordinary new endeavor, the Saint Louis Art Museum will be hosting a "Do-it-Yourself Museum" event on Sunday, January 24 from 1-4 p.m. This free event allows parents and children to design and build a model of their own museum. Families can also explore architectural features of the "old" museum and the "new" expansion during two 30-minute tours, which will be held at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
January 19th, 2010
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