top 5 ways to MAKING DINNER PREPARATION a breeze

KITCHEN HELPERS:

from grocery planning to cooked meals

there's a service for everything

Running low on time? Wishing that preparing dinner doesn't take 1-2 hours? Well, with the right tools, it doesn't have to be. There are services out there that will make dinner preparation a complete breeze---in every step of the way, from grocery planning to delivering of full cooked meals: there are services that will:

...deliver groceries to your door in less than 48 hours (or less than 4 hours in some areas)

...ship to your door, all uncooked pre-portioned ingredients complete with cooking instructions (all you need is a pot or a pan, and a working stove. Oh yess!) 

....there are also services that will send you a complete grocery list for an entire week, with meal plans for each day (less than 30 minutes meals only)

HERE, SOME OF THE BEST:



ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COOK:

BLUEAPRON.COM

fresh ingredients, $10/person/meal

Fresh cooked food without the hassle of grocery shopping or measuring/cutting/washing them out. No more last-minute scrambling on Pinterest for last minute recipes. Blue Apron measures out ingredients, sends you everything you need, complete with a recipe card. All you need is a pot and pan. Cooked food, when you want it. Recipes take less than 35 minutes to prepare.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COOK:

HELLOFRESH.COM

Like BlueApron, but they delivery on a weekly basis, each box contains 3 recipes, with all ingredients needed for either 2 or 4 people. Recipes also only take 30 minutes or less, complete with instructions. Choose from classic box, or veggie box.

ONLINE GROCER: VITACOST
shipped, to you within 1-2 days

VITACOST.COM

A health food online grocery store that delivers to you within 1-4 days (most of the time,1-2 days), if you place your order by 1pm that day. Sells most things you would find at natural food stores such as Whole Foods. No more lines at the grocery store, no more wasted time on browsing, and no fear of impulse purchases. Free shipping over $49, sometimes $25 during promotional periods.

EMEALS.COM: grocery list planning service

EMEALS.COM
1. Pick your family size
2. Pick your diet preferences (paleo, gluten-free, 30-minute dinners, low-carb, many more...)
3. Pick your grocery store
4. Emeals.com will deliver a complete grocery list to save you money and time.

OTHER SAME-DAY DELIVERY GROCERIES

AMAZON.COM AND UBER (currently a taxi service) is also in their beta-phase of testing a grocery delivery service that brings groceries to your door within 2-4 hours. Right now only available in certain parts of California and Seattle.

other companies are testing the same in certain cities only (for now), such as and INSTACART, even GOOGLE is testing this (and includes items you can find at Toy R US, Walgreens, among others)

BEYOND ENTREES

Besides entree planning, there are also services that will deliver SNACK boxes to your door on a monthly or weekly basis. Click here to get a free box from the most popular of them all, GRAZE.

hearty breakfast: Smoked Salmon with Vegan cream cheese

SMOKED SALMON WITH CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH

I first have the taste of this "Lox and Cream cheese" sandwich when I was in college, in the Bahamas with a few girlfriend. Now I'm the adventurous type, and when I travel, I like to try delicacies from the local area (or at least something I couldn't easily get when I'm at home). When I read on the menu about a Salmon with cream cheese sandwich, I cringed....the thought of having fish for breakfast....well, wasn't very appetizing. But I was on vacation, so I must be adventurous, I thought to myself, and fancied it anyway. 

It actually came out GREAT

I was mildly surprised by the fact this sandwich didn't taste very "fishy" at all. The herbs and raw red onion kick that fishy taste to the curb real good. 

When I got back to the states, I began to take notice of this "lox and cream cheese on a bagel" sandwich wherever I go....and I realized that it was more common than I thought. I had it in Las Vegas at a French breakfast restaurant, more recently I had it at a Bagel shop in Martha's Vineyard (a very strange item on the menu since the rest of the store mainly sells ice cream shakes and bagels with cream cheese only). It must be more popular than I thought!

But it wasn't just in the mom and pop stores, smoked salmon for breakfast is also starred on the menu at Au Bon Pain (smoked salmon with Wasabi sauce and cucumbers), and the original version at Bruegger's Bagels. 

The original version calls for smoked salmon, capers, plain cream cheese, tomatoes, and raw onion. After many years of eating this for breakfast, I've come to create my own healthier version, making it gluten-free and vegan while adding chives and salmon's favorite partner in crime: dill.

INGREDIENTS:

Gluten-Free Bagel (choose Bagel Thins to reduce calories and carb)

Soy or any Vegan Cream Cheese, such as Tofutti's "better than cream cheese" made from tofu

two pinches of finely chopped dill

two pinches of finely chopped fresh chives 

2 slices tomato (thick cuts)

a handful of raw red onions, coarsely chopped

smoked salmon ---enough pieces to cover the bagel, just 1 layer is plenty (you get about 6 servings in a regular-sized packet of 6oz smoked salmon)

ADD CREAM CHEESE FIRST to the bagel, then add the herbs, and mix well. Now scatter raw onions on top of the cream cheese, followed with tomatoes and salmon, voila!

I use alot more raw onions because I love the taste, and it definately takes away any "fishy" taste the salmon might provoke. 

Check out my Board on Pinterest on other creative ways to eat Salmon: 

Follow Living Busy with Janine's board ways to Dress up boring Salmon on Pinterest.

2 MINUTE DIY HAIR: headband with a cute twist (no braiding)

Hair with Headband : cute twist, no braiding required

 Cute hair that takes less than two minutes to do: a DIY tutorial for the superbusy folks: all you need is a headband and some bobby pins

 

I Have a lot of hair accessories lying around the house, little pins, headbands, hair pins, boxes that promises perfect buns or perfect twist, french twist braid tip.... and I'm amazed at this particular hairstyle, how cute but easy it takes and how little materials it takes.

 It's simple, it's chic, it's elegant, and all it requires is a cute headband.

 I prefer headbands that are flexible so it forms to the curvature of my head better, and it's not so stiff that it hurts after a few hours of wear like those traditional headbands. 

This one is round with an elastic at the base, very comfortable.  

This headband is something I picked up at CVS, it's cute, it's flexible, and it has an elastic at the base of the hair. 

Curl your hair for a even cuter look. 

Looks great with straight hair, too. 

This style can even be done with wet hair, for those days when you rushed out of the shower without a minute to spare before having to hit the road for work.

WATCH MY VIDEO TUTORIAL, OR FOLLOW ME ON YOUTUBE

7 METABOLISM booster workout snacks ON THE GO

7 HIGH PROTEIN METABOLISM BOOSTING WORKOUT SNACKS ON THE GO

Build muscle overnight: A study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise reports that protein helps your body rebuild muscle very effectively if you take in 20 grams of protein (yogurt has about 15 or so) right after your sweat session, and then again half an hour before sleeping. Participants in the study who drank protein milk had more muscle growth than participants in the study who only drank water. The theory is that the rapid rise in amino acids circulating in the body accelerates muscle rebuilding during an overnight snooze. Tap into this benefit by grabbing a yogurt, or eat an egg white before and after your session. (click here to see how to cook an egg in 1 minute)

Gluten-free toast with almond butter, sliced banana, and honey. Try Ezekiel bread, made with whole grain sprouted grains.

Coffee….yes, you heard correctly! Read more about the benefits of coffee before a workout.  ABC reports: The “Spanish Study”, published in the International Journal of Sport and Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, found that athletes who drink coffee before their exercise routines burned about 15% more calories, compared to those who took a placebo. The amount needed is roughly what you are already drinking--- about 300mg of caffeine. (Click here for other unusual benefits of coffee)

Drinking ice-cold water before a workout help you last longer, according to a review of studies. Pre-cooling your body wards off heat-induced fatigue and increase tolerance for steamy conditions. Dr. Oz also recommends drinking ice-cold water to help boost your metabolism, an excellent complement to your workout. Click here to read about Dr. Oz's “Water band” method

Spike your drink and “bring it” at the gym. A study in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition reports that people who mixed 3 drops of peppermint essential oil into a water bottle for 10 days didn’t fatigue as quickly during workouts. Popping one or two candies made with real peppermint oil about an hour before you exercise might do the trick--start shamelessly pocketing some after dinner mints at the restaurant

Watermelon juice can help you recover after a workout. In a study in Agricultural and Food Chemistry, people who sipped the juice just before exercise were less sore the next day. The hypothesis is that this is due to the huge amount of the amino acid L-Citrulline (an amino acid that helps bring oxygen to muscles) in watermelon. Eat some watermelon, or make a tasty blend to bring with you:

1 cup frozen watermelon chunks

½ cup strawberries

¼ cup OJ

BLEND on high

Banana: It’s not as easy to stash in your drink carrier, but it turns out that a banana is an effective workout fuel. Researchers had cyclists either drink a cup of a sports drink or eat half a banana and a cup of water every 15 minutes during a 46-mile ride. both groups finished In the same amount of time and had about the same levels of glucose (an energy source). Study authors say bananas seem to have a near-perfect natural mix of carbohydrates, potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Raisins: in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition study, discovered that raisins are a cheap, natural source that provide an alternative to energy bars. Only 1.3g of protein per small box of Sun-Maid, but included on this list for its inexpensive all-natural alternative to an energy source.

6 things never to say to a SINGLE woman over 35

6 THINGS NEVER TO SAY TO A SINGLE WOMAN OVER 35

1. “You’ll find someone”

It’s interesting…..married women automatically assume that single women in her late twenties or early thirties are actively seeking for a future husband. Maybe they enjoy being single, maybe they don’t believe in marriages and are just living life, maybe they don’t want babies…did you ever think of that? …..The only time you should say “You’ll find someone” to a single woman is if she laments to you that she can’t find anyone. Never, ever, assume that just because a woman is single and is in her thirties that she is actively looking. NOT NECESSARILY TRUE, and some may deem this offensive. Your intentions are clearly nice, but women can be easily offended by this.

2. “You look beautiful…...for your age.”

When you add “for your age” to ANYTHING, it automatically makes that statement a negative one. Simple say “You are beautiful” and stop, said Sharon Stone, in an interview with Oprah in her Master Class series. No positive statement can be made when you add “for your age” to any compliment, as well intentioned as you meant it to be. So next time….smile, say “You are beautiful”.....and stop.

3. “So-and-So from Real Housewives had a baby at 52 years of age!!”

Lines like these, when unsolicited, just reminds the single woman that you notice she is getting old, and you are feeling sorry for her. Sure, you’re trying to be encouraging, but it simply works the opposite way. Don’t clip news of some 76 year old women who just had a baby from China and email it to her, either. These are not “encouraging” news, they are simply a reminder that she is single, and she is getting old.

4. Hey, why don’t we say hell with tradition and give Cousin Christy that bridal bouquet?

Believe it or not, it’s actually a touch degrading to be shoved front and center during a bridal bouquet toss because everyone there knows know much she “needs it”, as if getting that bouquet really brings luck to the next unmarried girl. It’s just magnifying the fact she is still single and unmarried, you might as well be broadcasting that with a microphone on loudspeakers.

5. “I hear Match.Com is a having a free-7-day-trial this weekend”

Seriously? This is almost as bad as setting someone up on a blind date and not tell them about it. If she want to go to Single’s night, or Match.com, or a Speed Dating event, she'll find her own way. she doesn't need you to tell her. Trust me, she knows they exist, and she knows where they are.

6. "I have this single guy friend....."

Let me stop you right there. NO THANKS. If she wants you to fix her up with your friend, she will ask. Don't offer. This offer seems too much like "charity", it also shows that you doesn't believe she can score a decent guy on her own. Also, unless asked for, do not set anyone on a blind date (and not tell them) ---EVER.

the BEST home-delivered SNACK BOXES (get your first box FREE)

BEST home-delivered SNACK BOXES 

The trend of home delivered snack boxes have expanded rapidly over the past few years. It is now possible to find a service that will deliver Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, or any type of diet you may be practicing. Prices range from $6/box to $15/box, delivered straight to your home or work on a frequency that you specify, whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly. Here, a review of some of the best ones (with coupon codes to get you a FREE BOX!)

GRAZE

Click here to get your first box free

here is what my first box looks like....personalized with a thank you note with my name on it (Janine Hang)...nice touch! Makes me feel so special. AND THIS BOX WAS FREE by using the above link

Featured on Bloomberg Business Week and CNBC, Graze is a service that sends you a box of tasty treats directly to your home or office for $6.49/box inclusive of shipping (click here to get your first box free) . You tell them your dietary preferences, to cater to your specific diet. Currently they are able to accommodate Vegan, Gluten-Free, Lactose-free, and Vegetarians. 

Instead of sending you mini bags of snacks made by other manufacturers, which most snack-box delivery companies do, Graze prepare their own food products. Their products are all non-GMO, and any egg product used are free-range. They are very creative with the selection and combination of snacks they prepare: with names such as Coco Paradise, Cookies and Cream, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, Honeycomb Crunch, and Billionaire's Shortbread, there is a choice that satisfies every cravings.

Love With Food

As seen InStyle and Real Simple magazines, this service is part-profit, part-charity. For every box delivered they will donate a meal to charity, with over 150,000 meals donated to date. This is a monthly subscription that costs $10 for a box of 8 snacks, or $17 for 16-20 singled-serving sized snacks. Their snacks are all-natural, organic, no artificial sweeteners, no hydrogenated oils, or trans fat. 

If you like a particular snack, you have the option of ordering a full-sized version of it on their website. With each box delivered, you also earn points, which you can redeem for the full-sized bag. Each snack comes with an info-card containing information about the company that produced the product, and also contains their Twitter handle. You can also go online and rate their products, and users are very active, giving hundreds of ratings for many products. This makes choosing their snack preferences really simple. They also invite celebrity chefs to curate their boxes once in a while, which is a nice touch.

Nature Box

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FIRST BOX FREE (a $19.95 value)

As featured in Everyday with Rachel Ray and Fitness magazine, this company is unique in two important ways: they deliver full sized snack packages, and they let you choose exactly what goes in your box, instead of just letting you choose "preferences". There are over 120 to choose from, and they are always adding new varieties. The website is very easy to navigate, and items are categorized in such a manner that finding products you love is a breeze. If you like the element of surprise, you can also elect to have items picked out for you. 

These snack bags are all full-sized and can last through a few weeks. They also come in resealable zip tight bags to keep products fresh throughout the month. There are 3 different size options to choose from: $19.95 for five snacks, $29.95 for 10 (feeds a family of 4), or $49.95 for 20 (feeds 8-10 people). CLICK HERE for your first box free

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Each month you receive four individually sealed portion-controlled snack-sized trays, most at or around 150 calories. At only $5.99 and free shipping, you simply cannot beat this price. Have boxes delivered to your door, or your desk. You can select weekly, biweekly, or monthly delivery, and cancel at any time without penalty. 

There does not seem to be options that would cater to specific diets, however the nuts and snacks that go into these products, from the looks of it, is nutritionally sound. With specific combinations such as Tiramisu, Fall Crisps, and Apple Pie, products are strategically combined for the a decadent snack treat.

Conscious Box

Instead of just snacks, this service also provides sample-sized household and beauty products, all packaged in one box. Each box contains 6-8 items which are sent monthly to you for only $6.95, with an option to upgrade for more premium and full-sized products for $16.95 instead. Choose between Classic, Vegan, and Gluten-Free. The full-sized products that you love can then be purchased on their website, sometimes for a discount. Subscribers who review the products can earn points toward future purchases.

2 MINUTE DIY HAIR TUTORIAL: holding your hair up in a bun with A PEN (no elastic) and nothing else

REALLY EASY 2 MINUTE DIY HAIR USING JUST A PEN .. and nothing else (not even an elastic)

Hi guys,

I went to the gym today and realized immediately I didn't bring an elastic with me to tie my hair up--- bummers! I figured I'm doing weights anyway, and normally I'd sweat a little, but today wasn't going to be one of those days where I'd sweat a lot, since I'm not doing HIIT  or running, or cycling. Halfway through my session I suddenly found myself surrounded by really cute guys, so to impress I pushed myself harder, eye candy is always a great motivator to workout 

So now I'm sweaty, but nothing to hold up my really long hair! Guess what, turns out I didn't need one, I can hold my hair up using nothing but a pen, and I'm here to show you how. I look horrid, just got back from the gym with no makeup on, so bear with me here.... :-)

GOOGLE Calendar: why You'll fall in love and swear off all others

GOOGLE: How they made my life a whole lot easier: PART 2: GOOGLE CALENDAR

over the course of many years with the Android, Ipad, Kindle, PC, and now iMac, I've came across (and paid for) many different "to-do" apps, as well as deluxe Calendar apps promised to make my life easier....but none stood to the test of my hectic and ever demanding schedule.

Ever since I stumbled across Google Calendar, quite by accident, I must say, I've never needed another to-do app, or calendar app. Here, I'd like to share with you some of its cool features. It has all the basics you would expect to find with a calender or to-do list, in addition to some cool features. watch my video or read below

SOME cool features:

• you can have unlimited number of calendars and choose which one(s) to view ALL on the same interface. For example, you can have a work calendar, a birthday calendar, a kid's activity calendar, etc...if these were to all show up on your calendar at the same time, it will be a big clutter. When I'm looking to see when my next work day is, I sure as hell don't need to scan through 50 friend's birthdays. Uncheck the "birthday" calendar and POOF! it's gone. Now all you see are work dates. (watch my video below to see what I mean)
• you can SHARE specific calendars (I can share the "kids activity" calendar with other parents, but they wont see my work calendar or my friend's birthday calendar. You can even choose whether or not you let that person make any changes, or even share it with a third person.) GREAT for divorced parents sharing mutual custody to track their kids' calendar together...also great for group projects with lots of due dates and event/project dates
• the TASKS (which is a to-do list) is great, and if you attach a due date to a task it will show on the calendar as well. Once you check it as complete it will show on calendar with lines going through like this 
• it also has all the basic functions other calendars have such as: 
•  syncs automatically to your phone, tablet, and desktop.
• you can view as a list, by week, by month, or by day with a simple click
• each calendar is color-coded for ease of readability
• add location, share, add notes, etc....