Friday

my favorite gift from santa!

good morning y'all!
don't pass out, 2 posts in 1 week, i know

as i sat looking on facebook at all the goodies that santa brought to many,
i thought it would be fun to see what our bloggy buddies receieved as well!

as soon as i mentioned it on twitter, one of my fav blog gals promptly replied that she was in-
so therefor she was made co-host!
(see what happens when ya like something? you get put to work!!)

i'm happy to say that michelle from the vintage apple & i will be hosting
"my favorite gift from santa"!


it doesn't have to be diamonds (but if you got them, we want to see!)
it can be anything from a special dinner with far away family down to a donation made for your favorite charity. you show US what was your fav.

REMEMBER
it doesn't have to be an actual gift-
it can be anything you want!

so, on monday starting at 6am,
grab a button, link up, post a pic, discuss & meet new friends!

you can link here or over at michelle's bloggity-
yay....i am so excited-
can't wait to see what goodies y'all got :)

please grab a button for mondays post and help spread the word,
tks!!

here's to a safe & happy holiday weekend.



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Wednesday

we have a winner!!


congratulations!!!


shoot me your shipping info and i will forward it to scarlet threads-
thanks to all who entered!

Tuesday

{semi} wordless wednesday





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happy crazy week after christmas y'all!!
i hope everyone had a blessed holiday with family & friends.
ours was great, filled with blessings and ofcourse, non-stop.
i need a vacation now:)

happy birhtday, jesus!

ps: FRIDAY is the last day to enter the scarlet threads givewaway...
thanks to BLOGGER NOT COOPERATING i extended it a few days:)
winner announced Sat)
                       ____________________________________________________________

happy {semi} wordless wednesday friends,
thanks for playing along today!
intorducing "FEZ"
the newest addition to your family!
Add caption

someone asked last week why i didn't have on my pearls...
it's because they broke 2 weeks ago at a party :(
they are being restrung though, thank the LAWD!











here's to a safe & blessed new years eve & 2012, y'all!!
xoxoxoxo

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Sunday

merry CHRISTmas

                                 

6 {pearls of wisdom}

Tuesday

{semi} wordless wednesday


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merry christmas to you all....
blessing from the flip flops & pearls family!
i will see you all in the first wed. of 2012 
xo




moi & my mr.

Source: etsy.com via daphne on Pinterest



my babies & furbaby






Source: etsy.com via daphne on Pinterest





google





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Monday

marathon monday {best foods}

happy monday y'all! welcome to another installment of marathon monday. today i am going to share with you 15 foods that runners need weekly for top performance and good health. i don't know about y'all but for me, during the holiday season, it's hard not to think of anything but red velvet cake & wine!!

while i am not being very good this week, (or the past many for that matter, ha) i will definately start back FRESH next monday...just gotta enjoy the holiday festivities a few more days. with the new orlans rock n' roll 1/2 marathon only 12 weeks ago (not to mention the marathon relay that i am doing in 3 weeks) i gotta get back on track for 2012!!  although i will be tweaking b/c we are stating to "jucie" & dropping meat again! (probably stick with fish though)

is anyone doing the new orleans or nashville rock n' roll series? have a great week and happy traning y'all!

15 foods ya need weekly:


1. almonds - 
Runners should eat a small handful of almonds at least three to five times per week. Nuts, especially almonds, are an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that many runners fall short on because there are so few good food sources of it. Studies have shown that eating nuts several times per week lowers circulating cholesterol levels, particularly the artery-clogging LDL type, decreasing your risk for heart disease. And the form of vitamin E found in nuts, called gamma-tocopherol (a form not typically found in supplements), may also help protect against cancer. 

Add to your diet: Add almonds and other nuts to salads or pasta dishes, use as a topping for casseroles, or throw them into your bowl of hot cereal for extra crunch. Combine with chopped dried fruit, soy nuts, and chocolate bits for a healthy and tasty trail mix. Almond butter is perfect spread over whole-grain toast or on a whole-wheat tortilla, topped with raisins, and rolled up. Store all nuts in jars or zipper bags in a cool dry place away from sunlight and they'll keep for about two to four months. Storing them in the freezer will allow them to keep an extra month or two.


2. eggs
One egg fulfills about 10 percent of your daily protein needs. Egg protein is the most complete food protein short of human breast milk, which means the protein in eggs contains all the crucial amino acids your hard-working muscles need to promote recovery. Eat just one of these nutritional powerhouses and you'll also get about 30 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin K, which is vital for healthy bones. And eggs contain choline, a brain nutrient that aids memory, and leutin, a pigment needed for healthy eyes. Choose omega-3 enhanced eggs and you can also increase your intake of healthy fats. Don't worry too much about the cholesterol: Studies have shown that egg eaters have a lower risk for heart disease than those who avoid eggs.

Add to your diet: Whether boiled, scrambled, poached, or fried (in a nonstick skillet to cut down on the need for additional fats), eggs are great anytime. Use them as the base for skillet meals such as frittatas. Or include them in sandwiches, burritos, or wraps as you would meat fillers. You can also add them to casseroles and soups by cracking one or two in during the last minute of cooking.


3. sweet potatoes
Just a single 100-calorie sweet potato supplies over 250 percent of the DV for vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, the powerful antioxidant. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, iron, and the two trace minerals manganese and copper. Many runners fail to meet their manganese and copper needs, which can have an impact on performance since these minerals are crucial for healthy muscle function. There are even new sweet-potato varieties that have purple skin and flesh and contain anthocyanidins, the same potent antioxidant found in berries.

Add to your diet: Sweet potatoes can be baked, boiled, or microwaved. You can fill them with bean chili, low-fat cheese, and your favorite toppings, or you can incorporate them into stews and soups. Baked as wedges or disks, sweet potatoes make delicious oven fries. Don't store sweet potatoes in the fridge because they will lose their flavor. Instead, stash them in a cool, dark place, and they should keep for about two weeks.


4. whole grain cereal with protein
Look for whole-grain cereals that offer at least five grams of fiber and at least eight grams of protein. For example, one cup of Kashi GoLean cereal, which is made from seven different whole grains, including triticale, rye, and buckwheat, fills you up with a hefty 10 grams of fiber (that's 40 percent of the DV) and is loaded with heart-healthy phytonutrients. It also contains soy grits, supplying 13 grams of protein per serving. If you pour on a cup of milk or soymilk, you'll get 30 to 40 percent of your protein needs as a runner in one bowl. Other high-protein/high-fiber cereals include Nature's Path Optimum Rebound and Back to Nature Flax & Fiber Crunch.

Add to your diet: Of course whole-grain cereal is excellent for breakfast--a meal you don't want to skip since research indicates that those who eat breakfast are healthier, trimmer, and can manage their weight better than nonbreakfast eaters. Cereal also makes a great postrun recovery meal with its mix of carbohydrates and protein. Or you can sprinkle whole-grain cereal on top of your yogurt, use it to add crunch to casseroles, or tote it along in a zip bag.

5. oranges
Eat enough oranges and you may experience less muscle soreness after hard workouts such as downhill running. Why? Oranges supply over 100 percent of the DV for the antioxidant vitamin C, and a recent study from the University of North Carolina Greensboro showed that taking vitamin C supplements for two weeks prior to challenging arm exercises helped alleviate muscle soreness. This fruit's antioxidant powers also come from the compound herperidin found in the thin orange-colored layer of the fruit's skin (the zest). Herperidin has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure as well.

Add to your diet: Add orange sections to fruit and green salads, or use the orange juice and pulp for sauces to top chicken, pork, or fish. And to benefit from the antioxidant herperidin, use the orange zest in baking and cooking, as with my Grilled Herbed Salmon recipe (above). Select firm, heavy oranges, and store them in the fridge for up to three weeks. Orange zest can be stored dried in a glass jar for about a week if kept in a cool place.


6. canned black beans
One cup of these beauties provides 30 percent of the DV for protein, almost 60 percent of the DV for fiber (much of it as the cholesterol-lowering soluble type), and 60 percent of the DV for folate, a B vitamin that plays a key role in heart health and circulation. Black beans also contain antioxidants, and researchers theorize that this fiber-folate-antioxidant trio is why a daily serving of beans appears to lower cholesterol levels and heart-disease risk. In addition, black beans and other legumes are low glycemic index (GI) foods, meaning the carbohydrate in them is released slowly into the body. Low GI foods can help control blood sugar levels and may enhance performance because of their steady release of energy.

Add to your diet: For a quick, hearty soup, open a can of black beans and pour into chicken or vegetable stock along with frozen mixed veggies and your favorite seasonings. Mash beans with salsa for an instant dip for cut veggies, or spread onto a whole-wheat tortilla for a great recovery meal. Add beans to cooked pasta or rice for extra fiber and protein.


7. mixed salad greens
Rather than selecting one type of lettuce for your salad, choose mixed greens, which typically offer five or more colorful delicate greens such as radicchio, butter leaf, curly endive, and mache. Each variety offers a unique blend of phytonutrients that research suggests may fend off age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. These phytonutrients also act as antioxidants, warding off muscle damage brought on by tough workouts. You can usually buy mixed greens in bulk or prewashed in bags.

Add to your diet: Toss a mixed greens salad with tomato, cucumber, scallions, and an olive oil-based dressing (the fat from the oil helps your body absorb the phytonutrients). You can also stuff mixed greens in your sandwiches, wraps, and tacos. Or place them in a heated skillet, toss lightly until wilted, and use as a bed for grilled salmon, chicken, or lean meat. Greens store best in a salad spinner or the crisper drawer in your fridge for up to six days. Just don't drench them in water or they won't keep as long.


8. salmon
Nutrition-wise, salmon is the king of fish. Besides being an excellent source of high-qualityprotein (you get about 30 grams in a four-ounce serving), salmon is one of the best food sources of omega-3 fats. These essential fats help balance the body's inflammation response, a bodily function that when disturbed appears to be linked to many diseases including asthma. A recent study showed that people with exercise-induced asthma saw an improvement in symptoms after three weeks of eating more fish oil. If you've been limiting seafood due to possible mercury or PCB contamination, simply aim for a variety of farm-raised and wild salmon for maximum health benefits.

Add to your diet: Bake, grill, or poach salmon with fresh herbs and citrus zest. Gauge cooking time by allotting 10 minutes for every inch of fish (steaks or fillets). Salmon should flake when done. Precooked (leftover) or canned salmon is great in salads, tossed into pasta, stirred into soups, or on top of pizza. Fresh fish keeps one to two days in the fridge, or you can freeze it in a tightly sealed container for about four to five months.


9.whole grain bread
Runners need at least three to six one-ounce servings of whole grains per day, and eating 100 percent whole-grain bread (as opposed to just whole-grain bread, which may contain some refined grains and flours) is an easy way to meet this requirement since one slice equals one serving. Whole-grain bread may also help weight-conscious runners. One study showed that women who eat whole-grain bread weigh less than those who eat refined white bread and other grains. Whole-grain eaters also have a 38 percent lower risk of suffering from metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by belly fat, low levels of the good cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels. All this raises the risk for heart disease and cancer.

Add to your diet: Bread is versatile, portable, and ready to eat right out of the wrapper. Spread with peanut butter or stuff with your favorite sandwich fillings and plenty of sliced veggies for a one-handed recovery meal. Coat with a beaten egg for French toast, or use as layers or crumbled in a casserole. Just be sure the label says 100 percent whole grain (all the grains and flours included in the ingredients should be listed as whole, not milled or refined). And don't just stick with the popular 100 percent whole-wheat breads. Try different varieties of whole grains such as barley, buckwheat, bulgur, rye, or oat.


10. frozen stir fry vegetables
Research shows that eating a combination of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, may lessen muscle soreness after hard interval workouts by reducing the inflammation caused by free-radical damage. Most ready-to-use stir-fry veggie combos offer a potent mix of antioxidants by including red and yellow peppers, onions, bok choy, and soy beans. And frozen vegetable mixes save lots of prepping time but still provide the same nutrition as their fresh counterparts.

Add to your diet: Dump the frozen vegetables right into a hot wok or skillet, add tofu, seafood, or meat, your favorite stir-fry sauce, and serve over brown rice. Or throw them into pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking, drain, and toss with a touch of olive oil. You can also mix the frozen veggies right into soups or stews at the end of cooking, or thaw them and add to casseroles. Vegetables store well in the freezer for about four months, so make sure to date your bags.


11. whole grain pasta
Pasta has long been a runner's best friend because it contains easily digestible carbs that help you restock spent glycogen (energy) stores. Whole-grain versions are a must over refined pastas because they contain more fiber to fill you up, additional B vitamins that are crucial to energy metabolism, and disease-fighting compounds such as lignans. And even better, pastas such as Barilla Plus offer whole-grain goodness along with heart-healthy omega-3 fats from ground flaxseed and added protein from a special formula of ground lentils, multigrains, and egg whites to help with muscle repair and recovery.

Add to your diet: Pasta makes a complete one-pot meal--perfect for busy runners--when tossed with veggies, lean meat, seafood, or tofu. Or combine pasta with a light sauce, a bit of your favorite cheese, and turn it into a satisfying casserole.


12. chicken
Runners need about 50 to 75 percent more protein than nonrunners to help rebuild muscles and promote recovery after tough workouts. And just one four-ounce serving of chicken can supply about half a runner's daily protein needs. Along with protein, chicken contains selenium, a trace element that helps protect muscles from the free-radical damage that can occur during exercise, and niacin, a B vitamin that helps regulate fat burning during a run. New studies also suggest that people who get ample niacin in their diet have a 70 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Add to your diet: Chicken's versatility makes it perfect for runners with little time to cook. You can bake, broil, grill, or poach chicken in broth. Leftover chicken works well on top of salads, mixed into pasta, or stuffed into sandwiches and burritos. Fresh chicken stores safely for two days in the fridge, but can be frozen for six months or more.

13. frozen mixed berries
The colorful compounds that make blueberries blue, blackberries deep purple, and raspberries a rich shade of red are called anthocyanins--a powerful group of antioxidants that may help stave off Alzheimer's disease and some cancers. Anthocyanins may also assist with postrun recovery and muscle repair. Not bad for a fruit group that contains a mere 60 calories or so per cup. And remember: Frozen berries are just as nutritious as fresh ones, but they keep far longer (up to nine months in the freezer), making it easier to always have them ready to eat. Add to your diet: Frozen berries make a great base for a smoothie and there's no need to thaw them. Once thawed, eat them straight up or add to some vanilla yogurt with chopped nuts. Or liven up your hot or cold cereal with a big handful. You can also bake berries with a nutty topping of oatmeal, honey, and chopped almonds for a sweet treat after a long weekend run.


14. dark chocolate
As a runner you deserve at least one indulgence--especially one you can feel so good about. Chocolate contains potent antioxidants called flavonols that can boost heart health. In one study, a group of soccer players had lower blood pressure and total cholesterol levels, and less artery-clogging LDL cholesterol after just two weeks of eating chocolate daily. Other research suggests that the chocolate flavonols ease inflammation and help prevent blood substances from becoming sticky, which lowers the risk of potential blood clots. But not just any chocolate will do. First off, dark chocolate (the darker the better) generally contains more flavonols than milk chocolate. Also, the way the cocoa beans are processed can influence the potency of the flavonols. Chocolate manufacturer Mars has developed a procedure that apparently retains much of the antioxidant powers of the flavonols, and their research shows just a little over an ounce (200 calories worth) of Dove dark chocolate per day has heart-healthy benefits. Add to your diet: Besides the obvious (just eat it!), you can add dark chocolate to trail mix, dip it in peanut butter (my favorite), or combine it with fruit for an even greater antioxidant punch. Just keep track of the calories. Buy chocolate wrapped in small pieces to help with portion control. 


15.low fat yogurt
Besides being a good source of protein and calcium (one cup provides 13 grams of protein and 40 percent of the DV for calcium), low-fat yogurt with live cultures provides the healthy bacteria your digestive tract needs to function optimally. This good bacteria may also have anti-inflammatory powers that can offer some relief to arthritis suffers. Just look for the live-culture symbol on the yogurt carton. Add to your diet: Low-fat yogurt is great topped with fruit, granola, or nuts, or used as a base for smoothies. Plain yogurt can be mixed with diced cucumber and herbs like dill and spread over grilled tofu, chicken, fish, and other meats. Yogurt can also double as a salad dressing with vinegar and herbs. Or mix it with fresh salsa to stand in as a dip for veggies and baked chips.






don't forget to enter my scarlet threads giveaway here!
see y'all wednesday for {semi} wordless wednesday-
xo

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Thursday

Scarlet Threads Giveaway & Discount


I was so beyond thrilled when I was contacted to host this giveaway 
and share about this awesome company!

Let me introduce to you
SCARKET THREADS!
We became friends via Twitter 
(yes I still have the account and yes I am a slacker) 
and quickly became friends tweeting about this/that/recipes/etc.
I never really knew much about Scarlet Threads, other than I loved their aprons, until recently.

Let me fill you in a little more....
Let me touch your heart...
{info below taken from their website/blog}

The First Threads

      Like any piece of cloth, many threads came together to form Scarlet Threads.  For two years, we've made our home in a poor Chinese village.  We've spent a lot of time trying to reconcile the world we see around us with the one we know at home in the USA.  
      Here, we've watched families separated for months so that they can try to earn more money to pay back a loan they borrowed to pay for stitches to sew up a bad cut.  We've heard stories of families in our village who couldn't afford the medical care their children needed, and their children died.  Families who go without meals so that they can save money for their child to attend the village school.  In a heart-breaking succession, the stories go on.
      When we moved to China in 2007, we came to work with special needs' orphans.  As we grew more involved in that work, we began to understand that in many cases, children become orphans due to poverty.  As we learned more and talked to people, we began to understand that so many of the social problems we saw were fundamentally rooted in poverty.  We believe that with knowledge comes responsibility, and we began to explore ways that we could help.  
      Before we moved to China, we learned about Fair Trade, a growing global economic movement that uses trading partnerships to alleviate poverty.  Quite simply, in traditional trade models, the artisan responsible for crafting the vase on your desk might have worked in a sweat-shop and been paid a few pennies for their work.  In Fair Trade, artisans are paid fair wages and provided safe working environments.  It's a revolutionary model that results in transformed communities and lives, and we've been looking for ways to launch a small-scale Fair Trade project to benefit our community.
      In the summer of 2009, we met our first seamstress.  After doing a few small projects for us, we grew more and more impressed with her skill and attention to detail.  We learned that she wanted to do more work to help support her family, and our idea for Scarlet Threads was born.  With the help of others on our team, we now have our first collection of products, and the Scarlet Threads Boutique is now a reality.  

Now.....how awesome is that???
 Pretty awesome if ya ask me & if ya didn't well, you're in my house {blog} so I am tellin' ya! :)

On top of a givaway, they are graciously offering a discount.
 use code: flipflops&pearls to recieve 35% off your order!!
{exp. 12/25/12}

{the Daphne apron}
When serving your guests a cup of morning Joe, the day will seem a little bit brighter if you have this vibrant half apron tied around your waist.  Red and blue, it has unexpected pops of orange, green, and salmon on the funky retro print.  The bright blue "flower" pocket is an unexpected surprise.  Hand-sewn by a woman in our village who uses the money she earns to educate her son, the blue pocket with a red button center provides a punch of color and a fun, yet functional, purpose.

FOR WHATEVER REASON BLOGGER WONT LOAD THE ENTIRE POST SO PLEASE CLICK READ MORE BELOW TO THE LEFT OF SCREEN LIKE THE IMAGE BELOW
-I've got a new groovy givwaway widget to makes things sweet & simple to enter-

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Tuesday

{semi} wordless wednesday

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hello my sweet bloggy friends! i hope this finds you all well.
things are great on the flip flops & pearls homefront. 
i have to say that my little mister got an A & a B in his first 2 collage classes!!
(he is still a senior AND taking these calsses!)

thanks for all your well wishes for our shopping trip.
i am sad to say that we didn't get the flip flop family finished!
little mister wants stuff for his new car & mini me wants everything online! 
BUT....the mister got me 2 things that are gift wrapped BOOO from saks YAYY!!!
i did have fun at the lululemon store...
check this out:
oh my lawd...
the shirt is reversable....
the shorts are aweome...
the pants have ruffles!
h e a v e n

i started my NOLA traning yesterday, so ofcourse,
my pins/post today reflect running and all the glory PAIN  that's invloved!! 

these are all from my 
Follow Me on Pinterest













is anyone out there running new orleans rock n' roll marathon?
what about the nashville?
if so, let me know!!

well, y'all know the drill!
XO

PS-
i have a giveaway NEXT thursday.
you don't want to miss this-
the story of the co. is awesome!!
i'll tell you that the products name is "daphne!"
see, told ya you don't want to miss it!
details will be posted monday as it's a recipe swap as well.
(it was postoned from yesterday)



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Friday

may i introduce y'all to....




CONGRATS!!!
my dear sweet friend, who you might know as jennifer from...


Image and video hosting by TinyPic



she has started an etsy where you can purchase a piece of her talent!
she has items for you & your home.
look at my sweet lil somethin' somethin' that arrived in the mail to me over the summer!

jenni offers aprons, wall hangings, pillows and much more-
you can find her etsy shop here.

cooking out after a run & drinking wine (but ofcourse!) in my cute apron!
i love it because 1. it was made for me with LOVE & 2. it's not hitting my knees!!!

as an extra special holiday gift for all flip flops & pearls readers
you can get 25% off your order!
use code MERRY :)

now, go see jenni, favorite her on etsy & order something special for yourself or someone for christmas-
also be sure to read her blog, you'll fall in love with her & her precious boys!

i hope you all have a blessed weekend. 
i am leaving this morning for a 
holiday shopping weekend in birmingham
 with my sweet family of 4!
(and khaki, too!)
this should totally wrap everything up in time to relax & enjoy the rest of the month.

saks & lululemon better watch out-
we will be going all kinds of crazy up in there, kinda like dog the bounty hunter is when it comes to perm solution & button up shirts that only have ONE button-
holla!!



PS: I HAVE A LITTLE TWIST
to my normal OCD blogging schedule:)
join me tuesday for a special giveaway & tasty tuesday-
come link up a for a holiday cookie swap!!

14 {pearls of wisdom}
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