Playa Aviones, Puerto Rico

To the beach. Playa Aviones - Local Surf Spot Aviones Beach is considered one of the most consistent beaches for surfing close to the metropolitan area of Puerto Rico. It is just a 20 minute drive from San Juan. Due to its shallow waters, reef, and wave force, it is not recommended for beginner surfers, so we had fun watching the pros and swimming in the water.

Three little hermit crab friends that were smaller than a thumbnail 

Described as a surfer's paradise for the expert surfer, surf reports for Playa Aviones are available here: http://www.surfline.com/surf-report/aviones-puerto-rico_6711/ 

 

Playa Aviones is located in the town of Loíza. Not a usual stop for tourists but it offers local festivals, musical heritage, and authentic local food. 

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El Yunque Rain Forest, Puerto Rico

The Rain Forest

While we were in Puerto Rico we decided to take some time from relaxing on the beach to be adventurous and hike through the rain forest to beautiful waterfalls. The El Yunque Rain Forest is a cool, mountainous, sub tropical rain forest on the Eastern side of the Luquillo Mountains. The rain forest is absolutely beautiful, and it's a great workout hiking to the waterfalls!

El Yunque is an excellent choice for a rain forest experience. It is a very gentle forest. There are no poisonous snakes or large animals to be afraid of. The need to protect our planet's rain forests became more apparent as we gained a better understanding through actual experience from our fabulous local tour guide Jack. . . and the beauty was overwhelming. The magic of El Yunque is in the pristine beauty, sounds, quiet, and serenity of the forest. The actual rain forest is at the top of the mountains; we drove to the top of the road and then hiked up to see the cloud forest. The forest is home to a number of unique plant and animal species such as the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot and the tiny coquis (indigenous tree frogs) that serenade the evening hours.

To plan your visit to El Yunque start here http://www.fs.usda.gov/elyunque

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Chocolate and Chambord Anyone?

Happy Valentine’s Day!  

Whether you are celebrating today with your significant other, best friends, or feel like you just want some alone time-  these simple, yet delicious recipes are a must!

I know with everyone’s busy schedule it can be hard to find the time to be in the kitchen, especially after a long day at work. After all, who wants to be in the kitchen (unless you are planning on cooking together, which is always fun) on Valentine’s Day? That’s why I am giving you two very easy and quick recipes to try. The festive duo pairs perfectly together, a refreshing Chambord infused cocktail and some heart-healthy Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Whip up these simple and elegant recipes and impress whomever you will be spending the night with.  And HEY - there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying some sweet indulgences solo and watching a good non- romcom on Valentine’s Day either!  ;)

Chambord Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

½ shots Chambord

1 shot Raspberry Vodka

¾ shots Lime Juice

½ shots Cranberry Juice

Method

In a cocktail shaker with ice, add all the ingredients and shake until well combined and chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve. Garnish with 2 fresh raspberries or blackberries.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Vegan)

Ingredients: 

1 10oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips  (any vegan brand, such as Enjoy Life or pure dark baking chocolate)
1/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened (1/2 cup for chocolate sauce)

Method:

·         Heat almond milk in a small saucepan on medium-low heat until slightly simmering.  

·         Pour in chocolate chips and stir constantly.

·         Place wax paper on baking tray.

·         Once chocolate is smooth, dip strawberries in the sauce and place on wax paper.

·         Place tray or trays in freezer for 15 minutes, or until hardened. 

Find more delicious and healthy recipes by nourish + nosh with Laura Ferro here 

Find romantic fashions at www.ellelauri.com

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Recently we were able to escape the frigid east coast weather and take a nice little trip to sunny and warm Puerto Rico. With a short flight to San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport we landed ready to relax by the water, enjoy the sunshine, and explore! 


La Concha Resort

We stayed at La Concha, a luxury resort located at the Condado oceanfront within the district of Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It has a beautiful, modern yet laid back vibe. With five pools, a casino, amazing restaurants, bars, lounges and breathtaking ocean front views this resort was amazing! http://www.laconcharesort.com/default-en.html

White Lace
Fresh Coconut Milk, Rum and Cinnamon

Diva Hats

Cheers

Perla

Perla is a luxury seafood restaurant serving refined contemporary American cuisine with gracious, professional hospitality. The restaurant is located in the dramatic shell surrounded by a reflecting pool with beautiful views of the ocean. http://perlarestaurant.com

The Outside View of Perla 

The wine cellar at Perla contains more than 4,000 bottles with over 1,000 labels. They have an extensive wines-by-the- glass program with 30 wines offered, all climate controlled in enigmatic wine preservation displays. 

Designed by Jorge Rossello, the interior is elegantly appointed with luxurious furnishings and exotic materials. Eight hand blown Murano glass lamps illuminate the shell shaped ceiling.

Fresh Sea Bass with Lobster Risotto

Desserts

Check back for more on Puerto Rico, exploring the rain forest, a local surf beach, shopping in Old San Juan and more!

For fashion fit for fun in Puerto Rico visit www.ellelauri.com 

Valentine's Day: Looks to love

Celebrating love.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we have you covered with something for everyone, no matter how you will spend the day.

For a flirty, fun Valentine’s night out we have the “Ginny” dress. The side cutouts are flattering, especially with the draped sleeves. This dress goes perfectly with a pair of nude or plush colored pumps. To dress it up, pair it with some gold dangly earrings and a chunky gold watch.

For a romantic Valentine’s night with that special someone, we have the perfect little black dress; the “Willa” dress will set all eyes on you. The mesh openings add to this sexy, edgy look that’s perfect for romance. Add a pop of color with a pair of red pumps along with red accessories.

For girls night out our pink “Candy” dress is the perfect number with lace detail that gives it a flirty yet classy look.  Pair this perfect pink dress with turquoise pumps and turquoise earrings for that pop of color or the classy nude pump with gold jewelry for the more sophisticated look. Whichever you choose it will be perfect. In fact, it’s so perfect that we made it in red, too.

Hopefully, we helped you get started with the perfect Valentine’s Day look not matter how you celebrate this day for love!

Check back later to see what’s on the radar for spring.

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Attainable Grace.

Glamour grounded in family, philanthropy, and feminism.

Movie wardrobes, gala gowns, and tailored daytime dresses all featured prominently in the life of Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Princess Grace had a real knack for glamour, but the American actress turned real life princess wasn't only about fashion, “I'm basically a feminist. I think that women can do anything they decide to do.” She was an effective philanthropist and devoted mother of three.

Recently, ellelauri staff visited the exhibit “From Philadelphia to Monaco: GRACE KELLY Beyond the Icon” at the Michener Museum in Doylestown, PA located not far from Philadelphia – hometown to Grace Kelly and ellelauri – and the only American venue for the exhibit.

Grace Kelly lived much of her life in the public eye, often having designers and stylists to assist her. But when she was scheduled to meet – for the first time – the Prince of Monaco, she was forced to wear a McCall’s pattern dress, due to an electricity blackout. That ability to pull it all together in any circumstance was what made Grace the icon of style that she still is today. 

Her choice of Hermes handbag soared in popularity. So much so, that today that type of bag, first used by Grace Kelly in the 1950s, is known as the “Kelly Bag.” Grace Kelly fell in love with it, and the world continues to embrace it. 

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Food for game day! The healthy way.

Shhh! The healthy part will be our secret. 

Who doesn't love a spread of delicious snacks to eat during game day… and in this case not just any game day – Super Bowl Sunday game day!?

I certainly do. I also love putting my own healthier spin on staple game day/party snacks and appetizers.

Although, sometimes I am hesitant to use the word “healthy” or “light” on game day in fear of giving the extremely hungry crowd of boyfriends, husbands, brothers and dads any pre-conceived notions. So I will refrain from using the term from here on out.  We know these guys are here to eat. A lot.  And not salads.  These below dishes will definitely be a hit with our toughest critics. We’ll inform them after that they are indeed…healthy.

As for us ladies of course we want tasty, but we usually are more cognizant of what we are throwing into these dips, casseroles and crockpots. Whether it’s sneaking in extra greens and veggies or replacing some of the hydrogenated, unhealthy fats, you won’t be able to tell with these delicious recipes! I have compiled a few of my favorite versions of tried and true appetizers we all know and love below.  

Creamy Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Ingredients
 2 cups chopped kale, finely chopped
 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
 1 bag of frozen artichoke hearts thawed, finely chopped
 1 large red pepper, very finely diced
 1 large shallot, finely diced
 1 garlic clove minced
 ¼ tsp smoked paprika
 1 tsp salt
 1 tsp fresh black pepper
 ½ tsp onion powder
 1 cup organic sour cream (or ½ cup sour cream and ½ greek yogurt)
 3 tbsp organic mayo (healthy fats!)
 3 tbs raw parmesan or manchego cheese, plus more for top
 1 cup daya vegan cheddar cheese or mozzarella, or your choice of shredded cheese
 coconut oil for greasing

Directions
 Preheat oven to 375 degrees
 Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and place into a greased medium sized baking dish (8×8 or 9x 9)
 Top with additional cheese if desired
 Bake for approximately 30-45 mins covered
 Remove from oven, and let sit for at least 5 mins before serving with whole wheat pita or tortilla chips,  or my favorite –  rice chips!

Sweet and Spicy Veggie Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients
 1 medium red onion, chopped
 2 shallots, chopped
 1 green bell pepper, chopped
 4 garlic cloves, chopped
 1 tablespoon chili powder
 1 tablespoon ground cumin
 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 kosher salt and black pepper
 1 28-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
 1 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed
 1 15.5-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed
 1 medium sweet potato (about 8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
 Separate plate with sour cream, sliced scallions, sliced radishes, choice of cheese, avocado, and tortilla or pita chips, for serving

Directions
 In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, cocoa, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the tomatoes (and their liquid), beans, sweet potato, and 1 cup water.

Cover and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened, on low for 7 to 8 hours  or on high for 4 to 5 hours (this will shorten total recipe time).
 Open and add spinach. Stir until wilted and blended.
 Taste and add more spice or seasoning as needed.
 Serve the chili with the sour cream, scallions, radishes, avocado, daya cheddar cheese and tortilla chips.

Shrimp, Avocado and Mango Parfait with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Ingredients
 1 lb shrimp (wild caught is best) cleaned and cooked
 1 ½ cup mango salsa or 2 mangoes, small dice
 4-5 avocados, medium dice
 1 large red bell pepper, small dice (can leave out if it is in salsa)
 2 cups shredded romaine
 1 can (15 oz) organic black beans, cleaned and rinsed
 1.5 cups tomatoes, chopped
 1 cucumber, chopped
 juice of 1 lime
 2 Tbs chopped cilantro
 chipotle powder, to taste
 sea salt
 fresh pepper
 1 cup finely shredded Mexican blend cheese, optional

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Ingredients
 ¾ cup Greek Yogurt
 ¼ cup light sour cream or organic mayonnaise
 ½ cup almond milk, unsweetened
 ½ cup chopped cilantro
 juice of 2 limes
 ½ tsp chipotle powder
 1 clove garlic, minced or ½ tsp garlic powder
 1 scallion, chopped
 ¼ tsp cumin
 ½ tsp sea salt, more to taste
 ½ tsp fresh ground pepper
      Place all ingredients in food processor or blended until well combined. Adjust flavors as needed.

Directions
 Chop into large chunks. Toss shrimp with a little salt, chipotle chili pepper, and fresh lime juice.

Start by layering the romaine on bottom of a large parfait dish (or large glass bowl).
 Divide all ingredients in half except the shrimp.
 Layer each ingredient once and drizzle with dressing and fresh cilantro.
 Repeat with remaining half and drizzle with dressing (save some for top)
 Top with shrimp, remaining dressing, salt, pepper, cilantro and scallions (optional)

This recipe is loaded with protein, lots of vitamins and minerals from all the veggies, fiber, and healthy fats. It is also highly addictive! Enjoy.

This goes very well with Corona Light or an Agave Margarita :)  )  Tip for margaritas : kick up your favorite recipe by adding a little chipotle or spicy seasoning to the plate with salt. Mix the salt and spice and dip each rim glass before pouring.

Last but not least- what is a party with out a cocktail? This winter Rosemary Grapefruit Cocktail is light, refreshing and so beautiful.

Rosemary- Grapefruit Refresher

1 cup organic cane sugar (or 1tsp stevia)
1 cup water
3-4 long sprigs of rosemary, plus extra for garnish
6 cups fresh squeezed grapefruit juice (can use store bought but watch out they are much sweeter, so lower the sugar in the simple syrup or dilute with water)
5-6 oz vodka
2 oz Triple Sec

In a small saucepan heat the sugar and water until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add the rosemary and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool (I put in the refrigerator to hurry the process, or make ahead)

In a pitcher, mix the rosemary syrup with the grapefruit juice, vodka and Triple Sec.

Serve over ice with a rosemary garnish.

Enjoy!

Who are you rooting for?!

For more yummy and healthy ideas from Laura Ferro, certified Natural Chef and Holistic Health Coach visit http://naturalnoshes.wordpress.com/ 

For the perfect game day fashion visit www.ellelauri.com