September Look

My youngest daughter and I share the same interest in fashion. So, we went shopping to purchase pre-fall pieces. She is my personal stylist and photographer.

What to wear:

Foldover Snakeskin Clutch

Wide Leather Belt

Colorful Shawl

Beige Blazer and Boots

Animal Print Cardigan



Wide Leg Trousers



Pearl necklace and Bracelet

Beige cropped Blazer

Black Blazer

Skinny Jeans

Food: Hummus w/Parmesan Pita Chips and Banana Bread

With the growing problem of obesity in our country, as a mother, it's my responsibility to educate my daughters on how to  provide our body with foods that are natural and healthy. Whenever possible, I try to avoid processed and calorie-laden foods. Instead I used honey, maple syrup, applesauce, as a sugar substitute. I also included flaxseed oils in my cooking.
I prepared these snacks in a recent outing.

Hummus with Parmesan Pita Chips
Makes: 1 1/4 cups               Prep: 10 minutes
Bake at 350 degrees for 9 minutes

Ingredients:
5  4-1/2 whole wheat pitas, split open and each side cut into fourths
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup baby spinach, finely chopped

Directions:
1.) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place pita pieces on rimmed baking sheet and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until crisp. Remove from oven and divide Parmesan cheese ove pitas; return to oven for 1 minute or until cheese melts.
2.) Meanwhile, combine chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, cumin, and salt in a food processor bowl. Process until a smooth paste forms. Spread chickpea mixture into a serving bowl; stir in spinach. Serve with warm pita chips

Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
Pinch of seasalt
3 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork
2 egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup raw honey
1/4 cup flaxseed oil
1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, flaxseed and salt.
2.) In a large bowl, with a hand mixer, beat bananas until smooth. Add egg whites and beat until combined. Gradually mix in applesauce, honey and flaxseed oil.
3.) Mix dry ingredients into banana mixture; stir in chocolate
4.) Mist a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake for 25 minutes or until browned on top