Mrs. Daily D is UP IN SMOKE! ...

TONS of fresh, new, fun & FABULOUS things have happened for me (and for you!) this week, so I've been working feverishly to get it all D-O-N-E DONE!

I'm A Hot Tamale!

Needless to say, I don't have it in me to give you anymore chatter, so without further ado, I give you...

VLOG NUMERO CINCO!!!

Fresh off the Barbie!

From the bottom of my , I wish you ALL 

HOT, SIZZLING, SAFE, HAPPY, HEALTHY, SEXY, FUN WeeeeeeeEEEeeEEEEEEEeeekends!!!

I'm going to start mine off with a Bubble Bath...

Peace Luvahs!!!!!!!!!

Big Kiss, 

Mrs. Daily Dubie xoxo 

Lo siento, pero 

No hay ningún cigarro para el día de hoy!

In English now...

I'm sorry, but there's no cigar for you today, Dollie Muffins! 

As in...there's NO POST.

NADA. NONE. ZERO. ZILCH.

However, I will leave you with some of these cute Bubblegum Cigars, because that's how I roll. 

Mama Daily Dubes is reserving today to EDIT EDIT EDIT her socks off, so tomorrow's VLOG can KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK your socks off!!!

How 'bout that compadres?!

See y'all TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

Enjoy your eves!!!!!!!!

Hugs & Kisses 

Mrs. Daily D xo 

Saint Laura Valentine (aka: Mrs. Daily D) is ready to give y'all the WARMEST, fuzzy, wuzzy WELCOME to FEBRUARY you've ever laid eyeballs on! -Can I get a "woop! woop!" for that, please.  Thank you. Thank you very much.

If I'm going to be honest (as per usual), I need to let you in on a little secret:

I kinda, sort, secretly hate Valentine's Day....

<GASP!!!>

I didn't lose any of you did, I?! There was no passing out now, was there?! I know, I know...you might be thinking "Mrs. Daily DUBIE!!, the one who can't help but incessantly gush words of love, hugs, and kisses!?!?!" <Sigh>

But it's truth!

While I am a sucker for all things sunshine-y, cheery, and bright- and let's not forget my excessive use of the cheesiest of all cheesy terms of endearment-In a nutshell, my opinion of Valentine's day can be summed up as a pseudo-celebration of love, and a sorry excuse for a holiday. WoOOooWEEeeeEEeeeeE....how's that for scoffing?!i No, but really, generally speaking, it is lackluster, and winds up creating more stress (no date?! no reservation?!) than stirring up any frothy feelings of looooooooove. 

So, here's how  I like to get through the holiday:

• Embrace it: It takes more energy to hate on something, and complain, than it does to be positive, and roll with it!

• Make it your own: Interpret the holiday however YOU want! Throw a dinner party, go out with a friend(s), lay low at home, cook that sinful recipe you've been drooling over the past month. BE UNCONVENTIONAL! It's more fun, anyway! 

• Love On Yourself FIRST! This rule applies to both the single AND the attached! We all know that you can't truly love another person, without loving yourself first, so go on and get treated to something you consider an indulgence! Get pampered! Get sexy! Feel HOT! Feel relaxed! Feel LOVED 

Wham! Bam! Thankyouma'am! 

Without further ado, I'd now like to reveal how I have embraced my not-so-favorite-holiday.

I THINK PINK!!!

...On my desktop...

...on my phone...

...and in My KITCHEN! 

Now THIS is something I can write home about! For me, if my home feels fresh, bright, and cozy, then I feel fresh, bright, and cozy, which makes me

HAPPY! 

What do ya say we end things here? On a HIGH + HAPPY note!

In closing, I'd like to leave ya'll with another "Love" quote. (We'll do 1 every post this month!) I think this one is a perfect fit! 

"Love Yourself. The greatest gift you will ever receive is the gift of loving and believing in yourself. Guard this gift with your life. It is the only thing that will ever truly be yours." -Tiffany Loren Rowe

ALL MY LOVE, HUGS, KISSES to a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!

Talk to ya'll soon! 

Mrs. LDValentine xoxo 

I'm gonna go ahead and cut through my "Welcome! how are y'all feeling?" bull-honky, because my intention was never to post today! <GASP!>

But...But...But...Why?!?!

Well my Precious Readers, simply because I'm strapped for time, the juices aren't flowing like the White Rapids, and, more importantly, I'm gearing up for tomorrow, when I will treat y'all to a sweet dollop of fun, hugs, and kisses, as I ring in the fresh new month of FEBRUARY!

OOOoooOOOoooohhhhhHHhhhh LaLa!

That's right, get ready for a month bursting at the seams with all things naughty + nice + sweet + spice

WOWza!!! 

...In the meantime, I leave you with this

Love Today. "Here I am. Where I ought to be"- Louise Erdrich

Already a month has passed in this New Year! Because time flies like mad, it's important that we try our best to really live in the moment! We're still living in the month of January, so make this last day count! Finish the eve on a high note! 

That's all I've got for ya today!

It's been sweet, My Darlings! See y'all mañana!

Muchos Besos 

Mrs. LDCizzle 

Did y'all have 

"HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAUCY, SEXY, COMFY, COZY WEEKENDS!!!???"

I sure hope so! ...Truth be told, mine got off to a kinky start. Friday was an absolute S-show for me-Weather was nasty, clouds of dust & chaos stormed my apt, wrong carpet was ordered, and our train out of the City was delayed 98 minutes because it hit a stalled car (thank goodness, no one was in the car). MAJOR Oy vey! HOWEVER, upon reaching our destination, the remainder of the weekend was indeed *perfection.* Think long walks on the beach, movie marathons, & major snuggles! <gag & eyeball rolling alert!>

...Moving on, how did everyone enjoy VLOG NUMBER CUATRO?!? Thank you SO MUCH for listening & watching my unabashedly nerdy self! I am learning A LOT on the editing front, and also behind the cam! I mean, I'm not Talk-show host material yet...but I'll get there!  *I'd also like to apologize for the sh*tty lighting. That problem has been FIXED, so next Vlog will be much brighter and better! For those who have not yet had the pleasure of viewing, get those eyeballs in check and click here! --> http://bit.ly/yKR1iz

...or scroll that mouse of yours on down to the very next post! BAM! 

With the warm, fuzzy welcome behind us, what do you say we 

GET STRAIGHT TO "THA BIDNESS"!?!?

Allow me to introduce my new, Saucy Little Number (SLN) by, yet again, LUCY ACTIVEWEAR --> http://www.lucy.com/

It should go without saying that, indeed

I LOVE LUCY

I'm wearing the newest sassy, classy addition to their "explore" line of everyday apparel. Meet the

"Walkabout Dress"

(Shown in Powder Blue).

Let me VOGUE-it-out for y'all a bit before I go into further detail...

Not only is this dress COMFORTABLE, but it's also RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING!

Here is WHY I'M OBSESSED with this SLN:

1. It's Fashion-Forward for ALL:  That's right, this dress reached double-F standards in my book! I must admit, I didn't know what I was in for, as many active wear companies that attempt everyday wear fail miserably - Most of it's plain dowdy and gross, but the cut of the dress is tailored to fit & it flatters exceptionally! I would even venture on to say that it would work well on ALL BODY TYPES! And that's what I love about it so much! I am also a fan of the starched collar, front pockets (not too wide/close), wrap-around belt (cinch that waist!), and 3/4 length sleeves with cuff-rolling button option. *Below: shown with cuff buttoned/shortened*

1. It's Comfortable: This didn't come as a big surprise, being that it was made by and active wear company, but it still scores MASSIVE points! As someone who LIVES in workout gear during the day (unless required to get dolled for a special occasion) this is something I can still "live in," all while looking sleek & trés chic! The fabric is stretch woven, which allows for a wide range of motion & activities while wearing! 
2. It's Travel-friendly: Roll this baby up, shove it in any suitcase, purse, or duffel, and it'll still come out looking like a million bucks! The fabric is wrinkle-resistant. It also dries incredibly fast (in case there's spill-age mid-flight). It also weighs close to nothing, takes up almost no space, and can be worn in a variety of ways...which brings me to my last point:
3. It's Versatile! You can dress this up with some serious pumps, like these babies:

Or go casual with some chic slippers a la Stubbs & Wooton

Or sandal it up! 

Needless to say, this dress certainly lives up to it's name! You'll be "walking- about" for hours in this frock! 

That's all I have for ya today, Luvahs! 

Stay tuned for more Daily Dubie updates & VLOG #5! I hope to help you make this week your BEST YET! 

Until next time...

Much Love 

Mrs. Daily D xoxo 

P.S.: COMING SOON: Your chance to win a brand new item from Lucy Activewear! HOWEVER, it will REQUIRE YOUR PARTICIPATION! Details to come...  

P.S.S.: Do we LOVE  or what?! 

Are y'all ready to have some

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN in this joint?!?!?

It is my great pleasure to introduce VLOG #4!!! 

PRESS PLAY for your viewing pleasure, suckas!

Like it? Love it? Want some more of it?!

I LOVE ME some FEEDBACK, Peeps! Don't be shy! I've even relocated my sexy Facebook & Twitter share buttons, so they're at the bottom of each, individual post now! Woop!  You have my permission to go buck wild with the clicking! 

From the bottom of my heart , I wish YOU ALL HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAUCY, SEXY, COMFY, COZY WEEKENDS!!!

Muchos Besos, 

Mrs. LDC xoxo 

P.S.: COMING SOON: The sassiest Newsletter you've ever laid eyeballs on! Febreuary's issue will be JAMMED with some of the HOTTEST, SEXIEST tips to get your healthy & happy on! If you can't stand the thought of missing out on this ROMANTICAL fun, take 5 seconds out of your life to *Sign Up* for My FREE Newsletter (click button at top right hand side of page). 

I'm here to report that tonight's post will not be lengthy...in fact it will be itty bitty...teeny tiny....itsy bitsy. Reason being:

• Casa is getting some work done. Translation: Major headache alert! Why? Because workmen, tools, and machines galore are all up in Mah Shizz. Oh yeah...and the furniture is, yet again, in upheaval, and dust is omnipresent. <SIGH>...HOWEVER, I know she's gonna be *real perty* when we call a wrap on it tomorrow. 
• Yours truly was working her tail off editing a fresh cut VLOG for your beautiful eyeballs to see TOMORROW!!!!!!!  GET READY to have some...

FuuuuuuuUUUUUUUuuuuuUUUUUnuN this Friday!!!

In the meantime...chew on this:

Booyah!!!

I'll be seeing y'all TOMORROW!!!!!!!

Nighty Night. Sleep Tight.

Besos 

Mrs. LDCizzle xo 

M

I must admit, I'm not yet in my "Let's chat Organic vs. Conventional" element, because I (FINALLY) received the *Most Special* surprise EVER in the mail...

Here is PROOF that I not only have the most BEAUTIFUL niece & nephew in the Universe, but they're also the 

SWEETEST, most thoughtful little munchkins alive!!!

They made & sent their Auntie Lola the most Beaaaauuuuuuuuuutiful pieces of art I've ever laid my eyeballs on!

Move over Miró, Matisse, & Picasso...It's time to make way for some SuPerB abstract expressionism by

Ella Claire & Maximiliano Jr.

It should go without saying that these two masterpieces are hanging up LOUD & PROUD in the Casa. 

<Sigh> ...I feel so lucky, & so LOVED! 

Now that I went gangbusters over my darling niece & nephew, I can move forward with the HAPPS of the EVE:

Buying Organic vs. Conventional

I find that for many people, the only difference they see between the two, starts with a "C" and ends with a "T" (answer: COST), am I right?! Many can't fathom spending an extra couple bucks on strawberries, when they can get the "same" thing much cheaper. Sound familiar?! The good news is that I'm RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, ready to enlighten your buns on this very matter, so listen up!

I'm going to preface by saying that ENTIRE books are written about this, because anything having to do with the food industry is maddeningly complex these days, so despite a great plethora of information on the topic, I'm going to keep it real, and serve things up nice & SKINNY for ya!  (Ode to Bethenny Frankel....xx). 

What Does Organic Actually Mean?

In essence, Organic used to be the way ALL FOOD on this earth was. Untouched, whole, and natural. But because the food industry today is a a profit-driven money suck, sh*t has literally hit the fan. Animals and produce are pumped & sprayed with all sorts of nasty, so that they grow faster, and bigger, so that farms can produce & sell more product = Make more Dolla Dolla Bill$!

Thank goodness, we've wizened up, and now have the OPTION to buy healthy, high quality product.

<Enter: ORGANIC>

According to www.sustainabletable.org, the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture), all organic agricultural farms & products must meet the following guidelines:

• Abstain from the application of the following prohibited materials for at least 3 years prior to certification, and then continue throughout their organic license:synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, & sewage sludge).
• Prohibit the use of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
• Farms must employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management & crop rotation practices
• Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock
• Refrain from injecting animals with antibiotics & hormones
• Animals are sustained on 100% organic feed
• Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products
• Keep records of all operations
• Prohibit the use of hydrogenated and trans fats

BUT, it's not that black & white...

• When a product wears the seal "USDA Organic," it doesn't always mean it's 100% organic! It must say "100%" on the label! 

• The USDA Organic seal usually means that 95 to 100 percent of its ingredients are organic. 
• Products with 70 to 95 percent organic ingredients can still advertise as being "organic," but without the USDA seal.
• Products less than 70 percent organic ingredients, can only include the list of "organic" products within the standard nutrition label.

Here's Why I Recommend Going Organic:

• Keep chemicals & other pollutants off your plate!
• It tastes better! As if this is a surprise! Organic products aren't stripped of their flavor because they're not tampered with, like conventional sorts.
• By starting to eat organic now, you're paving the way to healthier future for kids! Some conventional products are sprayed with cancer-causing pesticides, that could be detrimental after years of consumption.
• Save the Environment! Because organic farms have to follow such a strict regimen to keep their soil healthy, that in turn keeps the water more pure. It also saves an immense amount of energy! According to Whole Foods Market and the Organic Trade Association, more energy is spent on producing synthetic fertilizers than actually tilling, cultivating, and harvesting the crops!

With that said, it isn't absolutely necessary that you go gaga, and buy all organic 100% of the time, because you and I both know that is not always an option, however here is a GREAT reference list to help you prioritize what you DO buy organic, and what you don't. (Source: http://www.ewg.org)

Try to Buy These ORGANIC: (Most Contaminated)

• Peaches
• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes

You Don't Always Have to Buy These ORGANIC:(Least Contaminated)

• Onions
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Frozen Sweet Corn
• Pineapples
• Mango
• Asparagus
• Frozen Sweet Peas
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Papaya
• Broccoli

<SIGH> ... That was a WHOPPER!

...and we barely scratched the surface! Oy Vey!  I hope that I've cleared the air for ya a bit on the matter, so you can go to sleep tonight with a better understanding as to why buying Organic really is worth it! 

Wham! Bam! Thankyouma'am!

I'm outta here, Luvahs! It's been REAL, as always...

Big Kisses To ALL!

Mrs. Daily D xoxo 

I hope y'all took my advice, and DECIDED to make today a GREAT one!  ...<Cough Cough> Come again???....Yes Peeps! Ya heard me loud & clear:

It is, in fact, YOUR DECISION to make your day one that's enjoyable. 

I get that sh*t happens that's OUT of your control, but it's HOW YOU REACT to the sh*t that separates the sexy from the nasty, and we're all about SEXY here, aren't we now?...I'll answer that for you....

YES YES YES we are! 

So before blowing a gasket over minutia, people who blow a$$, or other insignificant nonsense, I encourage you to do the following:

• Breathe! Two Deep breaths minimum!
• Think! Process the situation INTERNALLY, before speaking, and effing yourself into deeper sh*t
• React or Don't: Sometimes things are better left unsaid, plain and simple. If talking is required, remember you're sassy & classy, not trashy. Be respectful.
• MOVE ON ALREADY! Don't waste another SECOND upsetting yourself. Instead...

You go get your HAPPY ON, GIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRL (or Boy) 

There are NO NEGATIVE HATERS allowed in DailyDubieLand, so if you can't handle my juice, it's best we part ways until you get that attitude adjusted. Are we clear?  Fabulous! Now let's move on! 

Since I'm strapped for time here (I have to blow dry & get ready for my HOT SAUCY date with Honey Bunny-licious), I'm going to give y'all a snappy preview of what's in store for the DD in the next few days:

• Get clear on buying Organic versus Conventional food

• Lucy Walkabout Dress Review: I scored myself this sassy new frock, so I'm gonna go ahead and model that shizz for all your eyeballs to see! GET EXCITED!

• Vlog #4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's all about FUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNN this Friday! Woop Woop!

That's all in the nutshell, Pumps! You can go ahead and raise a glass to that sexiness! 

Peace for the Eve!

Hugs & Kisses 

Mrs. Daily Dubes 

P.S.: Can't get enough of Mrs. Daily D?!?! Well then sign up for my Newsletter, Suckas! Just Click my pretty "sign up" button at the top right hand side of this page, and you're GOLDEN! 

I hope y'all enjoyed my THIRD VLOG post, where I Banana-fy your LIVES! If you haven't already caught the sassy clip, I highly recommend you click here --> http://youtu.be/OeYAF-jAanA ...Or , simply scroll your buns down to the very next post! BAM! Easy pease! 

So, what to talk about this Monday...this dark, dreary, misty, & cool Monday-(in New York, that is). The bright side to this not-so-bright weather, is the fact that it's a toasty 44 degrees, so no complaints here, HOWEVER, I am going to venture on to say that I do favor sweet, glistening snowflakes to this rain nonsense. <Sigh>...Whadareyagonnado?!

MAKE SOUP! That's What!...

There's nothing as comfy, cozy as homemade, hearty soup when it's chilly outside! Now, before you irritatingly sigh, and blow off this suggestion because you're a novice in the kitchen, strapped for time, or have little patience, I command you to

Listen Up, Buttercups!

Truth be told, when I began to get my Batali-on in the kitchen, I avoided soups like the plague, because I had this hair brain notion that they were 'too involved, difficult, and messy to make!' and, frankly, I didn't want to bother. Sound familiar?! Well...once I got myself OUTSIDE MY COMFORT zone, and took a plunge into Mama J's homemade chicken soup, I began to warm up to the idea that soups can really be quite easy!

Here is why Soups Are The Bomb:

• They're an ENTIRE meal rolled into one! No need to worry about side dishes here! It's wham! bam! thankyouma'am all jammed into one bowl!
• They're HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS (without excessive use of cream, butter, or cheese -duh!).
• They're HIGH IN VOLUME! Even a small portion will leave you feeling FULL & SATISFIED, because they're usually jammed with veggies, legumes, and/or lean proteins. 
• SECONDS are okay! No need to worry about portion control when it comes to broth-based, veggie-filled soups! Because they're so high in volume AND NUTRITION, they'll naturally fill you up quickly.
• They're SIMPLE to make! Unless you're planning on making your own stock, soups shouldn't take more than a hop, skip, and a jump to make! On average, I find that it takes me about 20-40 minutes (including prep time) to make soups.
• Cleanup is nearly non-existent! You only have to clean One pot! One measly pot! Oh yes, and maybe a knife & cutting board for veggie prep. BIG DEAL!
• You can cook once, & eat twice! Unless you're cooking for a football team, you should have some leftovers! Serve it up for lunch, or even dinner again the next night! You can spice it up by adding fresh herbs, lean protein, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, quinoa, 1/2 a sandwich etc. Not a fan of leftovers Not to worry! Pour extra soup in an airtight container, and FREEZE that baby! Then, a few weeks-heck even months!-down the line, when you want something healthy and warm in a pinch,  just thaw that baby out (before you leave work, put in fridge), and re-heat on the stove 20 minutes before serving.

It's too good to be true!

Here are some more tips that will make your soup-making life easier!

• Buy chicken, or vegetable stock. *I recommend Organic 
• Buy already chopped veggies. Almost EVERY grocery store has this option. However, for what it's worth, I prefer to buy whole, organic veggies & chop them myself. It takes all of 10-15 minutes longer, AND gives you a little bun-burning action! 
• Slow Cook your soups - Take 10 minutes in the AM to throw all of your ingredients into the slow cooker, and set to cook for as much as 12 hours! When you come home, dinner is served, my friends! 
• Buy Immersion Blender! I like the BAMIX brand. This is great for pureeing soups (like I did last night!) without the hassle & mess of a blender/food processor---Only mine was missing the very piece I needed to purée, so we had no other option than to fuss with the food processor -  <sigh>

So you see now, Sweet Lovernesses, how soups can actually give you PEACE in the real, busy, rushed, stressed, & frazzled world?!?

...And if you're really feeling ambitious, and have some time to prepare (say, on a weekend!), why not bake your own bread, too?! There's nothing like homemade bread paired with your homemade soup -- MMmmMMmmMMMMMmm...and that sweet, buttery smell will waft through the air, smelling up the casa real good! This is also SUPER DUPER easy if you have your own bread making machine. Similar to the soup method, you throw all of your ingredients into the machine, hit a few buttons, and BAM! A few hours later, you have a nice warm loaf to sink your teeth into! 

Here is what last night's Sunday Supper looked like at Casa de Constantiner:

Vegetable Purée:

Ingredients:

-Olive Oil

-Chopped Onions

-1/2 Cup Chopped Carrots

-1/2 Cup Chopped Celery

-2 Cups Chopped Broccoli

-4 Cups Vegetable Stock (Add filtered water if you want it more thin in texture)

+

Homemade Honey Wheat Bread

Now, with all that jibber jabber in mind, want to take a stab at what we're having for dinner TONIGHT?!?!?

You win ONE MIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNN Dollars if you guessed

Leftover Soup + Bread!

Cook once, & eat twice, Dolls! Mrs. Daily D practices what she preaches! 

I'm out for today! .... See ya'll SOON! 

HUGS & KISSES 

Mrs. Daily Dubie xoxo