Music: Mariah Carey Rocking a Sling and Supporting Hurricane Sandy Relief

Butterflies and fellow lambs, I've been a MC (Mariah Carey) fan since I could remember and this makes me like her even more. Apparently she was filming for a new video last week when she fell and injured her shoulder but a dislocated shoulder is no match for a Diva, the show must go on right? Rocking two very cute bedazzled and feathered arm slings, Mariah owned the stage at the MLB Sandy Relief Concert in New York. Check out the photos (courtesy of getty images) and video of her performance below.

 

Visiting Texas: Houston’s First Salata...the Next Generation Salad Bar + Giveaway

I've been wanting to check this place out for a while but honestly never took the time. As of last week I can officially say I had the pleasure of trying Salata and it was a real treat! Salata is a salad bar eatery with over 50 toppings to choose from including an array of lettuces, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, seeds, nuts, 10 different house-made dressings and your choice of several different chicken or seafood protein options. I think the serving bar set up is a great customer friendly idea. Let's face it, how many times have you been in line ready to order and the person in front of you didn't know what they wanted? Well Salata has thought up a neat way to make ordering lunch and eating healthy a little simpler by offer two choices; a salad or wrap.

Before trying Salata I heard a couple of people complaining about the cost per salad/wrap so that had me a little skeptical about if this would be I place I would enjoy but I am so glad I decided to give it a try for myself. I personally think it's fair priced at $8.00 per salad and $7 per wrap (not including a chicken or seafood add on) considering the unlimited toppings they offer and how large the salad bowls are.

All together I really enjoyed my Salata experience, the staff were friendly and very knowledgeable and I thought it was superb when I learned that all of the dressings, marinades and soups that Salata use and offer are gluten free which brings me to the Salata Fresh Combination Challenge. Salata recently entered into a partnership with the Houston Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics under the Salata Fresh Combination Challenge where registered dieticans provided sample salad and wrap combinations that individuals with special dietary needs (or individuals who just want to eat healthier) can use as a guide for making healthier meal choices when dining at Salata which I think is very awesome!

In addition to the portion size and topping options I really like the home-like vibe I get from eating at Salata although the salads I make at home are no competition for a Salata salad. All Salata dressings are gluten-free,  preservative-free and can be purchased at $6 for a 12oz bottle at any location to be used as a dressing or marinade. I brought home a bottle of Chipotle Ranch but because there are no preservatives I had to use in within the week before it went bad; it can last up to two weeks refrigerated.

My Favorites:

Lettuce - Salata Mix

Chicken - Herb Marinated Chicken or Asian BBQ

Tortilla - Cool Cucumber

Dressings - Balsamic Vinaigrette or Chipotle Ranch

Soup - Tomato Basil

Bread - Seedful Wheat Bread

Tea - Raspberry Tea

Salata has several locations in the Houston, DFW and Los Angeles areas with other locations opening soon. They're open for lunch and dinner and breakfast at some locations. Salata also offers catering and delivery to locations within their deliver area so be sure to verify before placing your order.

Check out these and all the photos from Salata visit HERE!
Also check out the BLS Salata Chipotle Ranch Chicken recipe HERE!

 

Giveaway:

Want to try Salata for FREE? Then enter our giveaway below! After you've entered be sure to check out our other current giveaways.

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was invited to try this product in exchange for my honest review. The giveaway is also sponsored by the same company, as they are providing the prize. All thoughts, opinions and expressions above are my own.

In the Kitchen: Salata Chipotle Ranch Chicken

Hola Butterflies, this one will be super short and simple so if you have a hectic schedule like me I know you'll love it (the quicker the better right?) and it's super YUMMY! Last week I had the pleasure of trying out a new local eatery, Salata! I really enjoyed my entire experience eating there and the best I got to bring some of it home with me in the form of a bottle. I brought home a bottle of Chipotle Ranch dressing; all Salata dressings are gluten-free, preservative-free and can be purchased at $6 for a 12oz bottle at any location to be used as a dressing or marinade. 

Also, because there are no preservatives in the dressings I wanted to use it within the week to avoid it going bad on me (talk about motivation to cook lol); dressings can last up to two weeks refrigerated. Check out how to make below!

In the Kitchen: Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders + Labriola Pretzel Bread Review

Aloha Butterflies! I received a package of Labriola Pretzel Bread in the mail to review and since I was already thinking about making these yummy Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders I thought it would be great to use the pretzel bread for it. Unfortunately I was unable to do so because the bread went bad way too quickly. The bread I received didn't have a expiration date printed on it and the bread was already starting to mold a day after I received it. I did however open and taste one of the buns as soon as I received them and I really enjoyed it, I'm just not too sure about it's shelf life and if I would want to purchase this product. 

Wellness: Fitness Survey LinkUp w/SheCooksSheCraftsSheRuns

I'm joining a blogger buddy of mines at She Cooks, She Crafts, She Runs for a Fitness Survey linkup! Check out my fitness habits (good & bad) below!

1.  What did you eat for breakfast?
     Oatmeal w/Nuts

 2.  How much water do you drink a day?
     50-70oz
 
3.  What is your current favorite workout?
      Squats and old fashion walking!
 
4.  How many calories do you eat a day?
     I have no idea, I tried a few times (without success) to track my calorie intake but honestly I don't have the time.
 
5.  What are your favorite healthy snacks?
     Fruit...grapes, apples, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, dew melon, pineapples, peaches, plums, and etc. lol
 
6.  What do you usually eat for lunch?
     Whatever's leftover from dinner or a salad.
 
7.  What is your favorite body part to strength train?
     Legs!
 
8.  What is your least favorite body part to strength train?
     My arms and they need it the most.
 
9. What are your “bad” food cravings? 
    Cheese (anything), Dr. Pepper and occasionally chocolate but mostly CHEESE!!!!
 
10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
      Yes, daily! I'm a vitamin junkie lol

 11. How often do you eat out?
     Maybe 2-3 a month. 

12. Do you eat fast food? 
     Occasionally, maybe once or twice a month which is very good considering I use to eat it  2-3 times a day.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?
      Myself and my hubby when he's not working.

14. Do you have a gym membership?
      Yes!

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
      5-7 on a good night, sometimes it's hard to turn my brain off.

16. Do you have a “cheat” day? 
      No, denying myself something is just going to make me want it even more so I just enjoy it in moderation.

17. Do you drink alcohol?
      YES!!!! Check out a few of my drink recipes here.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?
      My daughter walks with me occasionally but for the most part NO :-(

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?
      I cook more, have more energy, love eating veggies and drinking water.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
       I had a glass of water even though I was craving a Dr. Pepper.
       

21. What are your favorite shoes to work out in?

      These lightweight flex sneakers I pick up for $15 bucks two years ago. They're very comfy!

 

22.  Photo of your favorite workout outfit

      I don't really have a favorite workout outfit I normally go with whatever's clean and comfortable (I keep it simple like that) under my sweat suit but for the most part I'm always in black, it's one of my two favorite colors. I bet you can't guess what my other favorite color is?