Our Favorite 3 Ingredient Salad-

Salad is a staple in our home. We enjoy a nightly salad with our dinner. Sometimes I use lettuce/greens as a base and sometimes I don't. This easy salad is one of my favorites and does not contain any lettuce greens and is made with just 3 basic ingredients. 

Homemade Russian Dressing -Vegan and Oil-Free

One of my favorite salad dressings is Russian dressing. When I was young, my mom used to make her own by mixing mayonnaise and ketchup. It was that simple! I loved the look and the taste of that creamy colored pink dressing.

I still do, but I no longer eat mayonnaise that is made from eggs. I've been making my own homemade vegan tofu mayonnaise that I literally whip up in seconds in my NutriBullet.

One day I realized that I could use my tofu mayonnaise to make Russian dressing just like my mom used to make. I tried it, and was pleased with the results. Now, despite eating plant-based, oil-free, diet, I can still enjoy Russian dressing on my salads.

 Russian Dressing is Not Russian, but it does have a history.

The recipe originated in New Hampshire in the early 1920's and had nothing do with Russia.  The grocer who introduced Russian dressing was James E. Colburn  who sold it to hotel chains. 

The recipe possibly may have been called "Russian dressing" because a tablespoon of caviar was sometimes added to the recipe.

I made my dressing vegan and oil-free with just tofu mayo (quick, easy, recipe) and ketchup. I love it on salad. 

This recipe is perfect if you or your guests eat plant-based, egg-free, dairy-free, or oil-free. 

Ingredients: 

2/3 cup of tofu mayonnaise

1/3 cup of ketchup (I buy sugar-free)

Directions: 

Blend the tofu mayo and ketchup with a spoon until creamy. Use with your favorite salad. 

Did your mom make Russian dressing when you were young? 

Pack in a Carry On For a 5 Week vacation

How Do I pack in a carry on for a 5 week vacation? 

Very carefully and minimally. Less is better! I am only using one carry on and a personal bag! 

My friend Noreen is a world traveler and very experienced packer. She has been coaching me about which essentials to take and how to pack most effectively, efficiently, and all in one carry on and personal bag. At first I thought it couldn't be done, but I'm now convinced not only that it can be done- I'm doing it! 

I know I always bring more than I really need yet I tend to gravitate to my favorite outfits multiple times and come home with pants I never wore but still carried for the entire trip. We will do laundry and make it work.

Neither my husband or I are in any condition to carry heavy suitcases or large suitcases, so we have to make this work.

Guell Park- Gaudi 

Our first stop will be Barcelona (we have been there before). I am spending an overnight in Barcelona and then boarding a Celebrity cruise ship for a 16 day cruise in France, Italy, and Spain. 

The cruise will end and deliver us to Rome where we will spend 3 days exploring the beautiful famous city. 

Vatican City at night

 From Rome we are flying to Israel for 2 weeks. 

 Total Trip : 5 weeks

• Underwear: Wash it every night. 
• Noreen suggests 3 pairs of underpants (2 white, 1 black) and two bras (white and black). If I wash it in the sink every night, it's plenty!

• Pants: 
• 1 white , 1 black, 1 jeans (which you wear on the plane and don't pack)
• 
  
• Dresses: 
• Only light simple material -I packed 3 which is too many I'm sure (according to Noreen) 

• 2 black and one white

 Skorts: 

• 1 black, 1 white, 2 multicolored design

       Tops: 

•  4 dressy tops for the pants for dinners 
•  5 t- shirt types for skorts for day activities

Shoes: 

• Wear my walking sneakers
•  Pair of low heals, pair of sandals, pair of water shoes

Hair Blower: 

• This is a splurge- I have a hair blower with a brush attached to it that is an absolute for me- no questions asked. I is a game changer for my hair.

Makeup: 

• blush, moisturizer with tint, mascara 

Vitamins: 

• vegan multi vitamin
• Zicam (a zinc and vitamin C supplement) that works for me at the start of a cold. Love it!!I take it before boarding a plane, cruise, or 1st sign of a sore throat or sniffle. 

Alcohol wipes, purse size hand sanitizer, Advil, thermometer, 4 laundry pods, a travel size container of liquid laundry detergent for underwear washing. 

What's your view? 

How do you pack ? Do you pack light or do you like to bring lots of stuff? 

Tips for light packing: 

Packing in a carry-on is not only convenient, but it can also save you money on checked baggage fees and prevent lost luggage.

1. Check the cruise line's dress code: Check the dress code for the cruise line you will be sailing with. This will give you an idea of what to pack and what to leave behind. Most cruise lines have formal and semi-formal nights, so be sure to pack a dressy outfit or two.However, I am finding that dress up nights also have more casual options. My husband in not bringing a sports jacket- just too bulky.

   
   

2. Stick to a color scheme: To make it easier to mix and match your outfits, stick to a color scheme. For example, you could pack mostly neutral colors like black, white, and beige, and add in some pops of color with accessories like scarves or jewelry. I'm doing black and white color scheme. 

   
   

   Jewelry: I never bring expensive jewelry. I buy a wedding band in TJ Max that I won't care if I loose and a cubic zirconia necklace for nightwear. 

3. Pack versatile clothing: To save space in your carry-on, pack clothing that can be worn in multiple ways.

   
   

4. Bring comfortable walking shoes: You'll likely be doing a lot of walking during your trip, so it's important to bring comfortable shoes. Sneakers or comfortable walking sandals are a good choice. Wear the sneakers on the plane since they are the heaviest shoes.

   
   

5. Pack travel-sized toiletries: To save space in your carry-on, pack travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You can also purchase these items when you arrive at your destination.

   
   

6. Use packing cubes: Packing cubes can help you organize your clothing and maximize space in your carry-on. Roll your clothing tightly and place them in the cubes, then stack the cubes in your bag. Rolling really creates more space!

   
   

7. Laundry: If you're going to be on a 2-week cruise, you may have access to laundry facilities. If not, you could consider packing a small amount of laundry detergent and washing your clothes in your hotel sink.

   
   

8. Pack a collapsible tote bag: A collapsible tote bag can be a lifesaver for carrying items on excursions or carrying souvenirs back to your cabin. When not in use, it can be folded up and stored in your carry-on.

   
   

9. Travel documents: Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, such as your passport, visas, and cruise itinerary

   
   

   
   

   If needed, the cruise ship and all of the ports sell clothing. My husband likes to buy a hat or t-shirt as a souvenir from the trip- so we do not pack any.

75% OFF EASTER Cookies and Candy

Can you divide by 2 in your head? 

This post is a rant, so if you are not in the mood just skip it!

This morning I entered our local supermarket and saw a large display of Easter candy and related items spread across a large table with a sign that read 75% off! 

I like a bargain, so I stopped and took a look. I found some cute boxes of cookies that were originally $4.48 marked down price of $2.24. 

When it rang up at that price, I mentioned to the 19 year old (-ish) cashier that $2.24 was only a 50% reduction off of $4.48, not the 75% as marked. 

She looked at the item and said, "no- that is the 75% off the original price of $4.48" We went back and forth a few times and I was AMAZED that she was not able to calculate that $2.24 was 50% of $4.48. She insisted that it was 75% off of the original price of $4.48. She was very pleasant and nice about it- but she was also convinced it was the right price. She did suggest that I could talk to a manager. 

Is it me?? Will this new generation not be able to do ANY math in their heads? I don't think she even knew that dividing by 2 is the same as 50%

As I said, this post is a  rant -but I am curious if you have any thoughts to share. Thanks.

In case you are curious. I did not buy the cookies. We are better off not eating them, and I didn't want to wait for a manager. It was 7 AM and staffing was light, if almost not existent. 

MY NOTES: 

I am assuming that the sign for 75% off was recently changed from 50% off, but no one bothered to reprice the merchandise. 

Egyptian Lemon Zucchini With Mint and Wilted Cherry Tomatoes

Do you love zucchini? This lemony zucchini with mint side dish is a unique family recipe which I consider company worthy. 

I know it sounds odd to use mint with zucchini, but together with the lemon, it creates a wonderful flavor. You'll have to trust me on this one.

 

 

Zucchini with mint is a specialty dish in Egypt called Kousa NaNa. My mother-in-law, from Cairo, Egypt, introduced me to this amazing dish when I first joined the family. 

I make it in a rimmed skillet with garlic, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes and fresh and dried mint. 

Sautéed onions are optional- I don't use them.

 I use green or yellow squash- whatever is available. 

It cooks quickly and tastes delicious. Zucchini is low in fat and calories but high in valuable nutrients. 

Everyone can enjoy this gluten-free, vegan, oil-free recipe.

Simple vegetable sides can be delicious, healthy and require minimal effort such as this zucchini dish! Make green or yellow squash or mix the squash together. 

Ingredients: 

3 medium green or yellow zucchini, washed and sliced

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced

optional: 1 cup of sliced (in half moons) onions 

2 cups of cherry tomatoes of any color or shape

1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice 

Salt and cracked pepper 

1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint (of 2 tablespoons of dried mint) 

Directions: 

Use a large skillet with rim. Place skillet over medium heat and add garlic (and optional onions).  Stir for a few minutes to sauté in 1/4 cup of water. Add cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and fresh mint. Add additional water by the 1/2 cup as needed to prevent burning. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on medium heat to allow zucchini to soften. When done, sprinkle with dried mint and serve. 

The other night, we had an arugula and tomato salad with a tad of gluten free noodles at a new local Italian restaurant from Naples. Delicious.. 

Spring Asparagus Soup - Instant Pot and Vegan

Do you love asparagus? 

Make this light and tasty asparagus soup to celebrate the beginning of spring while asparagus are plentiful and tender. 

I walk every morning for about 3-6 miles. Usually three miles if I walk alone; six miles if I walk with my friend Lisa. 

I walk in a nearby park called  Haulover Park in Sunny Isles Beach in Southern Florida. 

 If I wake up early, I can catch the beautiful sunrise 

6:45 AM