Fun in the Sun: Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Try something new this summer like stand-up paddle boarding.  It's a great core workout and fun to do with friends and family. My friend Marta Tracy recommended it to me last summer when we first moved to LA. It's important to take a lesson on land first and then try doing it in calm waters your first time.


In Long Beach, California at Stand-up Rentals.

With Elisabeth Halfpapp, Co-founder of Exhale on one of their retreats in Santa Monica last summer.

With the Exhale Spa retreat group in Santa Monica, Summer 2012. We conquered the waves getting in and out of the ocean!

In Maui!

My son Alex got his certification on his first day!

Family Fun!

May daughter Rachel taking a lesson on the beach before venturing out!

Must-Have Travel Accessories

Travel in style this summer with these must-have items!

You are sure to recognize your bags with these retro tags. Anne Taintor Chic Vintage Luggage Tags  $10 

The perfect make-up case for travel or every day. Pockets are divided and removable. Stephanie Johnson Traveler Bag $85

Add a pop of color with this adapter when traveling overseas.  Flight 001 Universal Travel Adapter, $25

No more shiny face and these leave on your make-up! Oil Blotting Sheets by Boscia $10 

Great listening to your tunes in stereo while away. Mini Portable Boomz Audio Speaker $18

No wonder why this was coined the Birkin of jewelry bags.  Functional and stylish. Available in several colors. Clos-ette Too Travel Jewelry Case $50

Best hair products are sold together in a convenient travel size. YAY! Moroccanoil Travel Kit $43

How to Make a Delicious 200 Calorie Tuscan Kale Salad

When I first moved to LA, my friend Marta Tracy took me to lunch at True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica and ordered the kale salad there. The healthy-minded peeps here are obsessed with kale everything so I figured I would give it a try. The salad was so delicious that I wanted to make it myself at home. My entire family regularly eats it now (yes...even the kids) and it's always a big hit when I serve it to guests. Here's the recipe...enjoy!

Nutritional Information, Serves 4-6
Nutrients per serving:

Calories: 202
Protein: 8g
Total Fat: 12.17g
Carbohydrate: 11.66g
Fiber: 41.66g
Cholesterol: 8.83mg

This recipe is courtesy of Dr. Weil's True Food Kitchen restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona

Ingredients

4-6 cups kale, loosely packed, sliced leaves of Italian black (Lacinato, "dinosaur," cavolo nero) midribs removed 
juice of 1 lemon 
3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
2 cloves garlic, mashed 
salt & pepper, to taste 
hot red pepper flakes, to taste 
2/3 cup grated Pecorino Toscano cheese (Rosselino variety if you can find it) or other flavorful grating cheese such as Asiago or Parmesan 
1/2 cup freshly made bread crumbs from lightly toasted bread


Ingredients for the perfect Kale salad. Remember to use Dinosaur Kale! I don't bother with the home-made breadcrumbs. These from Trader Joes are a great alternative!

Remove Kale midribs.

Whisk ingredients together.

Instructions

  1. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a generous pinch (or more to taste) of hot red pepper flakes.

  2. Pour over kale in serving bowl and toss well.

  3. Add 2/3 of the cheese and toss again.

  4. Let kale sit for at least 5 minutes. Add bread crumbs, toss again, and top with remaining cheese.

 

Add bread crumbs and cheese. Make sure you let the salad sit for 5 minutes before eating....tastes even better!

Yummy kale salad and only 200 calories. I like to add shredded chicken on top for an extra protein boost! P.S. My tattoo is temporary...LOL!

Yummy kale salad and only 200 calories. I like to add shredded chicken on top for an extra protein boost! P.S. My tattoo is temporary...LOL!