Parisian's Pure Indulgence

Live longer or live better? How to do both

For the past 16 days I've been hyper alert to all the foods I eat with hidden sugar.  We all know when we dive into a piece of banana cream pie, we are sugar loading, but have you ever stopped to think about all the things you eat with hidden sugar?

While, I don't want to obsess about every little thing I eat with sugar, I don't want to be blind to it either.  These past 16 days, I have eaten less sugar than I have in a long time...at least I think I have.

Why? What's the problem with eating sugar, beside weight gain?  

--Chronic Inflammation--

My goal, especially now that I'm about to enter another decade of life...the 60's, is to live better; live a life free of serious illness, many of which are brought on by inflammation in our body.  

You've heard of anti-inflammatory medications and anti-inflammatory diets, but do you really know what inflammation is? In short, it's the body's response to outside threats like stress, infection, toxic chemicals, or a high sugar/fat diet.  

Most of us know excess sugar in our diets can lead to type 2 diabetes, read more by Dr. Robert Lustig --the anti-sugar man-- sugar and type 2 Diabetes links.   Diabetes is only one disease we need to be concerned about.

"Cancer, depression, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's—these seemingly diverse diseases are increasingly thought to have a common denominator: inflammation. While our genetic predisposition for disease can't be changed, we can do something about this other major player," writes, Deborah Kotz, for US News-Health.  

You’d have to live in a bubble to avoid all sources of inflammation: saturated fats, sugar, stress, infections, and environmental toxins, but you can create balance by eating a diet rich in foods that fight inflammation-triggering free radicals and toxins.

Here are just a few inflammation fighting foods:

Tart Cherries - Not Sweet

Studies show that these delicious, tart cherries can reduce pain from arthritis and post-exercise soreness. One study showed the fruit has the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food!

Add it:  Look for tart dried cherries and tart cherry juice.  Add tart cherry juice to breakfast smoothies, or sprinkle dried tart cherries over your morning bowl of oatmeal greek yogurt.

Red/Purple/Green Grapes

Grapes contain a mix of antioxidants, including flavonoids and resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is a potent antioxidant.  Resveratrol shows promise in helping to combat a range of maladies, from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, to cancer to aging.

Add it: Freeze grapes and eat them as a snack, use them whole in smoothies or halve and add to salads.  

Red Onions

This vegetable contains the flavonoid quercetin, which has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Add it: Caramelized red onions are a wonderful addition to salads, sandwiches, and whole grain dishes.  Top your turkey burgers with caramelized onions for a burst of flavor.

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Studies show that antioxidants extracted from virgin coconut oil were more effective in reducing the inflammation in arthritis induced in rats, than Indometacin, a popular prescription Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often prescribed for arthritis.  Click link to Study, Polyphenolics isolated from virgin coconut oil inhibits adjuvant induced arthritis.

 I don't know about you, but I'm not just looking to coast through the next chapter of life, I want to embrace it, live passionately, and in good health. 

The father of a friend of mine, just spent his 80th birthday, bicycling 80 miles! That's what I call living!  Do you want to be propped up on a couch watching TV at 80, or kicking up your heels, doing things you love?  The choice to eliminate inflammation from our bodies, can improve our odds of living an active life, and living better.

 

 

 

Your skin on Sugar, yikes!

It's about 9:00 pm as I write this blog, and I'm dreaming about the french vanilla ice creme in my freezer waiting to be topped with the smooth deliciousness of hot fudge...

I'm on day 5 of no #sugar, and needless to say, I'm having major sugar cravings!  

Nightly desserts and I have to break up. 

I won't tell you, I'll never eat another dessert--I know me to well-- I am telling you my awareness of how much sugar I eat, and my desire to drastically cut back on it, is real. 

Since I was a child, sugar has been my achilles heel. I remember bicycling to the local Speedy Mart, with 25 cents in my pocket; with the sole purpose of buying 3 different candy treats.  Yes, I could purchase 2 candy bars and a smaller package of candy for 25 cents!!  More than that, I loved soda, oh, did I love soda--my favorites were Squirt, Orange Crush, A & W Root Beer, and Coca Cola.  

I gave up the soda and junky candy in my 20's but my sweet tooth remained.  Up until a few years ago, I thought smugly to myself, since I'm only a few pounds over my ideal weight, what's the big deal if I eat dessert most every night?  I'm learning more, and more, it is a big deal, a very big deal. 

I've read 80 percent of our food choices contain sugar! I'm not talking about desserts either, it's the hidden sugar.

How about you?  Have you ever stopped to think about how much sugar YOU consume?  Everything I read tells me sugar is causing much of our inflammation; cancer feeds on it, and it's terrible for your skin!  Another way sugar affects us is:

Brain Fog!

Blanking out in the middle of a meeting or sentence? Research out of UCLA suggests that sugar forms free radicals in the brain's membrane and compromises nerve cells' ability to communicate. This could have repercussions in how well we remember instructions, process ideas, and handle our moods, says Fernando Gómez-Pinilla, Ph.D., author of the UCLA study.  

If you want to watch a very interesting video on how Sugar affects the brain, watch this video. It's Surprising!

When you ingest sugar or high-glycemic foods that rapidly convert to sugar --your body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which raises your insulin levels. Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread and soda, cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to a burst of inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles.

Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. Aside from increasing the effects of aging, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea. 

The good news about sugar-damaged skin--It's never too late to turn back the clock. One way to undo the damage is to look for products with ingredients that support the collagen layer of your skin. Treatments that contain Vitamin C and Retinols are best. Retinols have 25 years of scientific evidence to prove they work. 

Topical nutrients such as blueberries, pomegranate, vitamin C, tea blends, and hyalauronic acid can help protect against the damaging effects of glycation and oxidative stress on the skin.

Our Parisian's Pure Indulgence, 70% Organic Bleuet Oxygen Face Polish is infused with glycation fighting Blueberries, Pomegranate and Cranberries, along with hibiscus to cleanse pores deeply.  

In my next blog I'll share tricks to counteract the damage to our skin from sugar.  

In the meantime, I'll go have another plum!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good, Bad, and the #Ugly

Good or Beautiful can be thought of as the way someone looks or appears, but what is real Beauty...and what makes us #Ugly?

Interestingly, when you ask someone what makes a person beautiful, it rarely involves the outside. You will hear, she is fun-loving, generous, funny, smart, a great friend, etc.  The word pretty, may be in the description somewhere, but the emphasis is on how the person shows up in life...their character.

Appearance is the first thing we notice about someone, though. How they put themselves together, perhaps their facial features, their hair, and yes, even wrinkles.  We notice these things upon initial contact.  We may even want to get to know them better, based on these externals.

The way a single woman looks, may be how she attracts a man.  How you appear may help you land a job, or a new friend.  

But, be ugly internally, and you can lose all three real fast!

Open your mouth and let criticism, sarcasm, and back-biting come out--and ugly soon becomes all someone else can see.  You know what I'm talking about!   The most beautiful woman in the world soon becomes ugly when what comes out of her mouth is anger, bitterness, victimhood (complaining about how life or others have treated them).  Some women can hide this side for a while, but it usually doesn't take long for it to rear it's ugly head.

Personally, I struggle with sarcasm and women who say mean spirited things at someone else's expense.  Most of all, I struggle with victim mentality.  I have family members like this. It makes it very difficult for me to be around them, I'll be honest.  

I can love them, and care about them, I just don't want to be around it.  It feels like poison to me.  

On the flip side, I know women who are average looking on the outside, may not have been dealt the best hand in life,  and yet, they are so beautiful in character, you don't notice, nor care, about what they look like.  They are truly beautiful, and you want to get to know them.  

The truly beautiful woman, is the women

who cares as much about her character, and how she shows up in the world, as she does her appearance.  

She cares about others, she is generous of spirit, and resources. She observes, and shares, the good in life.  She is confidant and poised.  She radiates beauty. 

She also takes care of her appearance.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to look the best you can, as long as it doesn't become all you are about.  I know too many women who are far more concerned with their appearance, and pay little attention to their character.  

How do you find the balance?

Begin with the internal.  Be authentic (real).  Tell others what you struggle with, just don't make it the only thing you talk about; don't be afraid to share the real you.  Take ownership, don't be a victim, in your struggles. It's not always about the other person and how they've wronged you!  I hear women do this all the time.  I believe, in many cases, they don't even realize they do it.  How many people do you hear blame their parents for their poor choices?  If my Mom, had loved me, and told me how great I am, I wouldn't over eat, drink, pick bad men in my life...the list goes on and on.

You know what I say to this....blah, blah, blah.  Get help, and don't wallow in victimhood.  That may sound harsh, but it's true. 

We all have the ability to make the choice to be happy, kind, fun-loving, and yes, even grateful, when life has dealt us blows.  

Get busy, and make yourself feel beautiful!  

No one's going to do it for you.  Do something you're proud of.  Complete a project you've been meaning to do, learn something new and share your learning! Give of yourself to someone else. Stop, and just be grateful, even for the small things.  

Call someone and lift their spirits...genuinely, tell them something you like about them.  Doesn't cost a thing, and you'll be surprised at how making someone else's day, in turn; makes yours.   

When you feel good about something you've accomplished in life, be it large or small, it builds character, self esteem, and quickly turns the Ugly,  into someone...truly beautiful!

 

 

Every #Boomer has an opinion about technology...what's yours?

 

When it comes to technology and the 50 + crowd, I know three types of people:

1. Those who want no part of it.  They only have a cell phone because their Grandchildren coerced them into it.  The have never laid finger on a computer, ipad, or used an ATM.  They don't even want one of those new-fangled HE washers and dryers.  This is usually the 70+ crowd.

2. Those who have a cell phone and computer, but only use their computer to retrieve email.  They say they are afraid to shop on the internet, pay bills, or even get on facebook, because they don't want to give out any personal information.

3. Those who embrace technology and can't wait to learn "What's next" Many of these boomers own a iMac, Ipad, Iphone, and perhaps even a Apple Watch.  

As for me, I lean toward #3.  While I'm fascinated with technology, certainly not frightened of it, I do think we are moving in the direction of completely losing human experience.  If we don't create boundaries on how we use technology, we will quickly lose the ability to communicate face to face.

I've sat at a beautiful table, enjoyed a fabulous meal, and while most of us are conversing in the afterglow, there's always at least one who's glued to their mobile device!  Usually someone under 40.  

My husband and I were talking about this, just this morning, during our morning ritual--

whomever wakes up first, makes coffee and brings it back to bed. We both unplug our ipads from their chargers, and scan emails, news, Facebook and any other place we find interesting.  

Are we disconnected from each other?  

I don't think so, and I'll tell you why--we stop and share what we're reading with each other. We laugh at the funny cartoons, and share the news were reading.  We look at the photo's from each other Facebook friends, and even discuss the weather forecast. We let each other now what we need to put on our calendars (mine is on my iPad--Don still uses a appt. book), and then share what we have planned for the day. 

We talk to each other while being connected to our devices.  

We do this because we have learned how important communication is in a relationship, and how important it is to stay connected....to each other.   I must admit, this is one of my favorite times of day, with my husband.

Statistics show that while Boomers are slower to embrace technology...embracing it, they are!  

According to Immersion Active, a 50+Marketing group, "The Internet is an everyday part of boomers lives; it is the top source for gathering information on topics of interest, outpacing TV and print media by a substantial margin. Over half of boomers watch online video with YouTube reported as the preferred site with 82% of video watchers using it. Social networking sites are used by the majority of boomers/seniors daily with more than half following a group or organization on a social platform. Facebook ranks #1 as the most used social network for Boomers."

Boomers and technology--is this the perfect marriage?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I've learned from blogging 30 days!

 

If you want to live a life free of fear, you have to face it down!

Today is Day #30, of the Indie Business Network blogging challenge. When I took the challenge, I immediately got a case of nerves and insecurity.  What in the world would I have to write about for 30 days straight? The ole, "and who cares" popped into my head regularly.

Turns out, it's been one of the best things I've ever done!

Before I share why, I have to give special acknowledgement to Donna Marie Coles Johnson, Founder of Indie Beauty Network.  On day 3 of blogging, she sent me this email.  She wrote:

Kelli,

You are Stunningly gorgeous!  (I would reply, more like...not bad for my age!)

Please blog more about self care for women over 50 like me.

I see that opening up multiple doors for you.

Beauty

Exercise

Food

Family

Nail care

Accessories

Hair

I have always seen this for you.  No doubt, Go!

Well, dm, you were right!  Blogging has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone, and the rewards have been numerous....for that, I warmly say Thank You!

The rewards:

While I knew our market for Parisian's Pure Indulgence products was the woman over 50, I felt, perhaps I didn't want to limit our brand, by targeting them only.  But you know what, it is our market! Women over 50 are the fabulous, wellness driven women, who use our products, regularly. They are powerful and dynamic women!  I am one of them, and it's a group I'm proud to belong to.  

You beauties, over 50, became my audience in all that I've written this past month.  Guess what? It's a great audience, who appreciate being spoken to. You have encouraged, commented, and even shared this blog.

You cheered me on when I was asked to be a contributing writer to Living Better at 50...another benefit that came as a result of the 30 day challenge.  Here's the blog currently being featured on Living Better at 50.

I can tell you all the benefits of increased numbers to our Web site, Facebook page, Blog, etc.  But, more than the business benefits, the biggest benefit of completing this challenge has been

...to live in my own integrity.

What I mean is...following through, and doing what I say I'm going to do; even if the promise is only to myself.  If it's something I'm frightened of, as I was writing, the sense of accomplishment--and fear stomping-- is very rewarding.

My challenge to those of you reading this is...do something that scares you.  Create opportunities to reach new achievements.  Eleanor Roosevelt said it best, "Do one thing that scares you every day." I don't know about you, but I'm all in! 

 

 

 

Image credit:  Getty Images 

 

 

 

 

How will you be remembered?

When you reach a certain age, and attend enough Memorials/Celebrations of Life, you begin to ponder the topic of death more often, and more seriously.  People will say death is a part of life, but when it hits close to home, this statement seems sadly insufficient.  

Recently, I attended the Celebration of life for my best friends 22 yr old daughter, Hannah Rose.  Last year, it was the celebration of life for another family friends son, Adam.  Both, went home to be with Jesus too soon.  It's times like these, I admit my faith is tested.  My nature is to always want to know why; to make sense of the senseless.  

It is painful to see my friends hurt, and to know, while I can't fully understand their pain...it just hurts to see them hurt, period.

I can say to my friends, "It was God's timing," and as a Christian, I know this to be true.  I also know that reminding them, "He/she's with Jesus now," is also true, but, I suspect these kind of well intentioned comments don't bring much comfort to my friends.

I am reminded that my God knows about the kind of pain they are experiencing, though.  He experienced it, with his own son.  I also know that his Son felt pain for others who experienced deaths sting.  In John 11:33,  Jesus sees Mary weeping over the death of her brother Lazarus, and the bible says, "he was deeply moved in Spirit and troubled."

Were the deaths of my friend's children both untimely? They both knew the Lord, and were strong in their faith.  It is only we, who question His timing.  

Death is only untimely, when were not prepared to die.

God is big enough to answer all my questions, when I get there. In the meantime, I will continue to trust that he has a plan in everything.  

I can also honor the memory of these two young people by being there for their families, and encouraging them to continue to share their happy memories of their children, Hannah and Adam.  I know they will never "get over it," the pain will simply be....different. 

I read, the best thing you can do for a grieving friend, is to, "Get out of your head, and into your heart." Our head gets stuck in trying to analyze situations, trying to think of the right thing to say. Our heart does not have to try hard to find the right thing to say. It just knows it intuitively.  

Think less, feel more, honor the memories of those who have lost loved ones...simple, really.

 

Men, sex, and their women over 50

 

Women over 50 know our age related changes, oh too well, and how they make us feel. My blog today is about our men, and how they perceive us...from sex--to how long it takes us to get ready! I got them to open up, about how our age related issues affect them.

I asked them,  "What do you want us to know about being in a relationship with a woman over 50."

The man's prespective:

She's Hot, she's cold, she's hot, she's cold, she's hot, she's cold - We know that hot flashes are difficult for you.  As men, we are conditioned to be able to fix or control situations.  We feel helpless when we see you struggling, and know there is nothing more we can do, aside from turning the AC temperature down.

I replied:

"Menopause causes mood swings, too-how do you handle those?"  He said, "I scurry away...like a cock roach when the lights turn on.  I laughed, and asked him to elaborate.  He said,  "As men, I don't think we're equipped to handle the changes in mood, so I've found; backing away and giving my woman space, is the best thing I can do."

Likes and dislikes--

We like it when you take the time to look nice for us-  Ok, this guy actually said, "We don't like it when you look like a frump."  What we do like--is that you take care of yourself.  Sweats, and baggy clothes are okay once in a while, but we like it when you put a little extra effort into looking great for us.  

Ladies...Just because you're over a certain age, or married many years, it doesn't mean you stop caring about the way you look.  Remember, our men are visual creatures!

On the flip side, another gentleman shared with me:  

We wish you could get ready a little faster.  Do you really have to take 1 1/2 hours to get ready to go somewhere?  If we are just going out for burgers, can you you do the quick 5 minute make-up  vs. the 1 1/2 hour, please?

Your confidence is sexy- We notice you're more confident now, in your 50's. Nothing is sexier than a woman who can walk, talk and be confident in her own skin.

 and on the topic of sex...

We appreciate when YOU initiate sex- There is no greater aphrodisiac and ego-boost than knowing that someone desires you enough to make the first move.

We don't expect you to look they way you did in your 30's - But, we DO like you to OWN the age you are. It's about pride, and beauty, that by this time is far more than skin deep.  

So, there you have it!  Men do see the things we struggle with, and while at times, they feel helpless to know how to handle certain aspects of what we go through; they are still very much attracted to us, proud of us, and love us, at all ages!

59 year old confesses- I should know better!

I hate eating breakfast, so there! Okay, well, maybe it's not a major sin (and the one you expected ;-), but it isn't a healthy choice either, especially at my age! 

We need fuel for our bodies first thing in the morning, at any age, but as we get older; it's even more important to keep our blood sugar levels up, throughout the day.

I arise at 6:30 am every morning and don't feel like having anything more than my 1 or 2 cups of coffee, until at least 10:00 am.  I love breakfast foods, just not at breakfast time!

3 years ago I decided that I must do something about my poor breakfast habits.  I discovered my solution at...Costco, in the form of a delicious breakfast smoothie! 

When my husband and I purchased a Vitamix Blender, the Rolls Royce of blenders (were told), I knew we were on to something.  We met, my soon to be best friend, during a friendly Costco demonstration. We stood at the demo booth for 30 minutes, mesmerized, as we watched our demonstrator whip up smoothies, and juices, and soups, oh my!  We sampled them all--isn't that what everyone does at Costco?--everything was delish; especially the smoothies. 

Today, I'm happy to report, I'm officially a breakfast person.  How can I not be happy, with the vast array of summer fruits available for my breakfast drink.  I've made smoothies with everything from vegetables to nuts...flax seed, almond milk, fruit, and occasionally all of the above.  I always come back to my two favorites I'm sharing here.

I use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in all my smoothies now, almost religiously.  The oil boosts the flavor of the fruit, and gives my shakes a slight coconut flavor.

In case you haven't heard-or aren't on Facebook much-the benefits of incorporating coconut oil into our diet are many.  It's light and tastes great, but it's the health benefits that will keep me adding it to my breakfast drink.

Coconut Oil Benefits:  Using coconut oil can reduce hunger, boost thyroid function,  helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It improves digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. 

Studies show that the fatty acids in coconut oil can increase blood levels of ketone bodies, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients and relieving symptoms.

Can it help those of us in our 50's and 60's to prevent Alzheimer's?  We're not sure yet, but studies are being conducted to determine this.  With all the other benefits, I'm going to continue to include it in my morning smoothies; and remain hopeful that it can also help prevent this disease too. 

Smoothie #1

1 small banana

6 strawberries

4-6 raw almonds

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

2 Scoops Almased Protein Powder* (or protein powder of your choice)

2 small scoops ice

1-2 tablespoons water if shake is too thick

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

*Almased is the best protein powder I've found. I've tried many, but it's my favorite. I was chosen as on of the Almased success stories.  Read about it on the Almased web site.  

 

Smoothie # 2

 

 12-15 blueberries

6 blackberries

1/2 banana

2 slices pineapple

2-3 Tablespoons pineapple juice

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

2 scoops Almased Protein Powder

2 scoops ice

Blend all ingredients until smooth.  To your right is my breakfast or shall I say....brunch!  Yes, that is more to my liking.

I would love to hear what your favorite smoothie is.  Do you add Coconut oil to yours? 

Introducing the new look for Parisian's Pure Indulgence!

 

 

What excites one person, may not excite another, but this does it for me!!  

Introducing the new look for Parisian's Pure Indulgence!  This is our new logo and look for our labeling. We will be incorporating other colors, but this is the color we will use for the facial care line. As part of our rebranding, we are making many changes, from packaging and labeling; to a brand new web site and shopping cart. The quality of our organic products won't be changing! 

Our brand message--

My hope is that the message of indulgence is clear, from our logo to our treatments.  We want you to feel that you have indulged yourself in decadent, yet natural skin care.  The confidence you feel, knowing your skin looks more youthful and healthy, is the beautiful bonus!

More exciting PPI news....we are launching a new scent in our silk peptide body lotion; Creme de Soie, and ultra hydrating; Beurre Body Butter.  The new scent is called "Pikaki," also known as Hawaiian Jasmine. It's been called the “flower of love” due to its aphrodisiac and seductive qualities. The heavenly aroma opens with the freshness of dewy greens after an evening rain shower. The heart of this floral couples the romantic night-blooming flowers of jasmine and tuberose. 

A special thank you to Carolyn Sweeney, graphic artist, and friend, for your patience and understanding working on this project with me.  

It's my story and I'm sticking to it

In my not so humble opinion, I believe every woman over 50 should carry an extra 5-10 pounds. Why? It's good for your face, not to mention your attitude;-) For Women over 50, it's okay to have a little extra body fat. The fat actually plumps up your face a little; de-emphasizing wrinkles.

I'm sure you've seen mature women who are very thin--their face looks drawn and wrinkled. Now this is not an excuse to be 25+ overweight.  The problem with that is, if you do decide to lose weight, the skin on your face begins to sag along with the rest of your body.  Exercise will certainly help the body, but you will notice wrinkles you never knew were there, when you were heavier.

I am someone who believes in moderation.  I have always been 4-8 lbs over my ideal weight, but you know, I'm okay with that.  I enjoy food and everything that goes with it. I'm happiest in my dining room, with a table full of people, laughing and enjoying each others company, along with a good meal.

During the summer, I love nothing more than a nice big salad for dinner.  Who wants to heat up their kitchen on a 95 degree day, here in Southern California!

I made the salad shown here, for the 4th of July, and took it to our friends home.  I changed the salad dressing a little, because I felt it needed a little more zip.  Add your own favorite seasonings if you are adventurous, or follow the recipe as is. It was a hit at the party!

Southwestern Salad

The salad looked like this, when we arrived at the party. I tossed with dressing right before serving. Serves 8-10

 Ingredients

Large head of romaine
15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large orange bell pepper
1 pint cherry tomatoes (I used Heirloom)
2 cups corn ( frozen, thawed)
5 green onions
Optional: avocado

 

 

Dressing:

1 cup loosely packed cilantro, stems removed and roughly chopped
1/2 avocado (or 1/2 cup plain vegan yogurt)
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime), more to taste
1-2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar
1/8 tsp. salt

Directions

Make the dressing: puree all ingredients in a food processor/blender until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Finely chop romaine, bell pepper, tomatoes, and green onions.
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Toss with desired dressing.

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Here's a Salad I plan to make soon.  I found it on Pinterest.  I love combining quinoa, fruit, nuts and greens. This looks like a hit to me.

Berry-Avocado-Quinoa and Kale Salad with Honey-Lime Poppy Seed Dressing

 

Yield: About 5 - 6 servings

 

Ingredients

Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 3 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 1/2 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp poppy seeds

Salad

• 2 cups cooked quinoa (about 2/3 cup dry)
• 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 9 oz baby kale or baby spinach
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
• 2 medium avocados, peeled, cored and diced
• 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Directions

• In a blender or mason jar combine all dressing ingredients except poppy seeds. Blend until well combined (or cover and shake if using a mason jar). Pour into a container and stir in poppy seeds. Store in refrigerator.
• For the salad toss all ingredients together in a large salad bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss. Serve immediately after adding dressing.

 

• Recipe source: Cooking Classy

 

Salad after tossing:

 Yum!

What is your favorite Summer Salad?  Feel free to send me a link to the recipe!