FRIDAY FOOD AND FAVORITES - LEMON ORZO SALAD PLUS GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF WOMEN

Friday, December 09, 2011

Happy Friday! 


Can you believe another week is over? 


I really try to eat healthy during the week mainly so I can feel my best. At a certain age "you are what you eat" becomes very real. If you eat wholesome energetic foods you feel wholesome and energetic and if you eat junk, well, you feel like junk!


For some reason, though, Friday comes around and I start craving everything that's bad for me: pizza, french fries, fresh potato kugel...and this can continue throughout the weekend. Does anyone else have the same problem?  I have found that if I take the time and plan a clean and healthy Friday afternoon lunch it will carry me through the busy day without dragging me down.


Here's a recipe that's satisfying, colorful, and energizing. I would just replace the plain orzo for a whole grain version and add a bit more protein. Try it out and let me know what you think!


Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus and Tomatoes
(RECIPE FROM HERE AND SLIGHTLY CHANGED)
12 oz.  (whole grain) orzo
1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbs. fresh parsley, minced
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
2 oz. grated Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Bring 2 large pots of water to boil.  Add a big pinch of salt in each.
To one pot, add asparagus and blanch, about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus.  Place blanched asparagus in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep them green.
To the second pot, add the orzo.  Cook per package instructions.  When tender, drain and place in a large bowl.  Add blanched asparagus and tomato halves.
Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.  Stir into orzo and vegetables.  Stir in parsley and grated Mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
This can be served warm, room temperature or cold.
FRIDAY FAVORITES:
I know gift shopping is on every one's mind these days. I always love when catalogs and websites are categorized according to personality type. It just seems to make choosing gifts for friends and family so much easier.  Here I've compiled  two very different compilations of  some great gift ideas for the different styles of your friends and/or family members. 
The Rocker Chick:
Click on each item to shop!

The Classy Lady:
Click on each item to shop!


And as always, I'd like to end the week and this post with something I am grateful for. There really are so many things...here are some:

1. I am grateful that although I was robbed of material items, I wasn't robbed of anything with true value.

2. I am grateful to my husband for being so supportive of what I do and being a super Mr. Mom while I was away.

3. I am grateful for the fabulous friends I have who teach me every day that imperfection is real beauty.





Have a beautiful weekend!
xo
             Sharon

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12 comments

  1. yummm, and lovey outfit combos, i really want to try this burberry perfume

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  2. Wonderful..hope you have a great weekend xx

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  3. Omg that looks delicious <3

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  4. That salad looks and sounds wonderful! I haven't had time for lunch just yet and here it's closing in on dinner...I need salad!

    Enjoy your weekend!
    Debra

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  5. Sharon, I loved this post and I loved how you ended it with what you are grateful for! Such a lovely thing to do......we should all do that, we are all blessed and its so important to take time to give thanks.
    I love your beautiful pics too.....I want that tulle skirt.
    My goal for 2012 is to start taking the time to eating healthier, get back in shape lose 20 pounds, yada yada (just like billions of others) but with the stresses of this year, lets just say it wasn't a priority but I want to make it one. This recipe looks wonderful and it sounds healthy. Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend:)

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  7. The food looks delicious and it makes me hungry ;)!

    Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog, I love reading every single one and you make my day just by stopping by! I can't believe you gave me an award, that is SO sweet. I can not thank you enough.

    At the moment I am extremely busy, is it okay if I award you another time?

    Have a great weekend, you're amazing!

    I'd love to hear more from you in the near future!

    Love,


    Rock 'n Style
    http://www.rocknstyleblog.blogspot.com
    http://twitter.com/RocknStyle

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  8. Great post! I will have to try this recipe. Would love to try the "rocker" look too - who knows, maybe someday if I feel brave and have the right occasion... Thank you so much for the reminder that imperfection isn't so bad - I needed that after my week!!

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  9. The salad looks healthy and delicious. Love the pink gloves!!

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  10. yumm i'm going to try that recipe out tomorrow night!
    great blog now following! x

    http://catwalkofwords.blogspot.com

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  11. Thank you for taking this step. It would be interesting to know how helpful it has been for you personally. I like the idea of do follow blogs Great post, I enjoyed reading it,

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