The Art of the Mason Jar

Convenience plays a large role in my daily routine. I joke sometimes that my purse is a suitcase, because it is large and in charge! I just like to feel prepared. Every morning I "get ready for the day." This means regardless of the day, rain or shine, plans or no plans, I always make an effort to get myself together, because it makes me feel good. Do something everyday that makes you feel good. Maybe it's an early morning spin class or a meditation yoga class. By starting your day off right, you're setting the tone for your day, and I promise you, it will be a good day if you make it a good day! 

Being prepared makes all the difference when it comes to healthy food choices. Between our busy daily routines and juggling X, Y and Z throughout the day, sometimes running to the nearest fast casual restaurant or deli to pick up a bite to eat is easier and more convenient than prepping ahead. Being prepared with sometime to eat before you become starving and want to eat everything in sight makes all the difference to your health and nutrition. 

I've found that using mason jars to prep food ahead and organize for a couple of days makes a really easy "grab and go" in your own home. Not to mention, people will comment because it actually looks pretty cool too! 

If your mornings are busy prep a greek yogurt berry bowl in a mason jar and take it to go. For lunch or a snack, layer power veggies in a mason jar with a little dressing on the side. Simple Easy and nutritious!

#1. Morning Glory Bowl

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup 0% Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup all natural (gluten-free optional) granola

1 teaspoon pure honey

Directions - Layer ingredients in a mason jar, drizzle honey on top and enjoy. 

#2. You're a Peach

1 small peach diced

1/2 cup 0% Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup pistachios

1 teaspoon all natural honey

Directions - Layer all ingredients in mason jar and enjoy. 

Veggie Jars

Create your bowl 1/4 cup each.

Corn

Carrots

Quinoa

Black Beans

Kidney Beans

Celery

Tomatoes

Lima Beans

Mushrooms

Kale

Arugula

Lettuce

Dressing: 

2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar

2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Directions - Layer selected veggies in a mason jar and mix in dressing when you're ready to eat and enjoy!

"Fall in Love with Taking Care of Yourself"

Kid's Eat Free: Arte Cafe UWS Celebrates 25 Years!

As an expecting UWS mommy to be, I want to welcome all moms and kids for a very special "Kids Eat Free" promotion my husband and I are launching at Arte Cafe on the UWS - 106 W 73rd St. This offer is available Monday - Thursday, just show the below special offer! 

It's a wonderful way to mingle with other moms and get to know each other more, not to mention great food and a cozy environment is an additional plus! 

When I moved to NY from CA nine years ago, I quickly discovered that it's a big, little city. Arte Cafe is a warm and welcoming neighborhood spot that became my "go-to." Years later, my husband renovated the restaurant for our beautiful wedding day. Arte Cafe is now celebrating 25 years and still remains a neighborhood favorite! It's a special place on the UWS, with two private rooms and families have celebrated the most meaningful special occasions with us.

We all have to eat, so why not dine with us? We're so neighborhood friendly we even have a stroller valet! Come enjoy a great afternoon with us! I look forward to seeing you there. 

"Fall in Love with Taking Care of Yourself"

Winter Veggie Quinoa Salad

Winter in a bowl! Quinoa has been around forever, but in the last couple of years it's really become a show stopper! I absolutely love quinoa. Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods you can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It is also a great source of Iron, and energy. Take the benefits of quinoa paired with pure vitamins and antioxidants found in winters prime produce and you have a heart healthy delicious meal! 

Try this winter veggie quinoa salad with butternut squash, cranberries and pumpkin seeds. 

Fall in love with taking care of yourself - Kristin Sollenne 

4 Servings | 30 Minutes

• 3 cups butternut squash, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup cooked cannellini beans 
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• 3 Tbsp. toasted pumpkin seeds
• salt and black pepper

Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. parsley, chopped
• salt and black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400F. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange coated squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until squash is tender and lightly browned. While the squash is roasting, rinse quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. Place quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook partially covered until liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

To assemble the salad, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted squash, cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds in a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette and mix until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 

For the vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

GlamaMama Morning Glow Bowl!

Mornings can be tough, we get it. But with this simple recipe, we're packing your morning with the fuel you need to get through the day and feel your absolute best! That's right, we're turning your average morning smoothie into an antioxidant enriched smoothie bowl! 

We're here to inspire, create and motivate you to become the best version of yourself. We make a choice every morning to make it a great day! Having a conscious positive attitude will translate into your every day actions and leave you feeling happier and healthier.

The flavors are just as explosive as the beautiful bright colors! 

Start your morning with the GlamaMama Morning Glow Bowl:

1 serving | 5 minutes

• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup spinach

Bowl Toppers (Optional - use all or just a few!)

• 1/2 fresh banana, sliced
• fresh raspberries
• fresh blackberries
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon coconut flakes
• strawberries

Combine all ingredients into a blender and mix until completely smooth. Pour into a bowl and add your desired toppings. 

Exciting News!

Hey guys! So we are officially 4 days away from our 4th Bocca Di Bacco location opening! I can't begin to describe how gorgeous it is looking! We've revamped the previous Il Bastardo location and will now be featuring the Il Bastardo Brunch every weekend. The Enomatic wine systems are in, chandeliers are hung and the bar is glistening! Our opening party will be on April 8th & 9th from 6-8pm with an open bar and appetizers. Open bar means it's time to party, right?! If you'd like to join us email NYCRG12@gmail.com. I'd love to share this exciting time with all of you, so RSVP and come!!

In other exciting news, my first Food Network show premiers on April 7th at 9|8c! It's called "Kitchen Casino" and I'll be a judge alongside a few other familiar faces. Ladies, Bill Rancic is on there for one! It's a really fun show so I hope you all tune in and let me know what you think!

That morning I'll be whipping up a recipe on The Couch on CBS. What do you guys think I should make?

Looking forward to seeing you all for our opening party and feel free to ask my any questions! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @KristinSollenne!