Polished Comfort Blog
Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo
by Cari Steinbrook on 03/10/12
I had a wonderful time doing my food demo at the 2012 Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo today! Polished Comfort was invited to do a healthy food demonstration at today's event and that is just what we did! I was able to chat about some healthy habits that all of us should keep in mind when choosing our food.
I was invited to do 2 demos but was terrified that if I completely bombed the first time slot I would be even worse at the second...so we just did the one this year. Happy to report that it was fabulous & we were invited back to do both time slots next year!
I have to brag...check out the pics of our booth display; on our facebook page & on here...I loved the monochromatic tulips & metal! Ok, I'm done.
I told who would listen today about things to keep in mind YEAR ROUND. Not just in the months where it is nice weather & we are thinking about putting on a bathing suit or just less clothing in general.
The first suggestion, I like that better than 'point', was making some healthy choices a part of your healthy outlook on life, not your obsession. If you are ALL IN the first week & do nothing but think about your diet, what goes in your mouth, how much you work out, etc then you are going to be over it real quick. Just like anything else you over-indulge in, it will eventually make you sick of it one way or another. Liquor tends to be the easiest one to remember any time any 'girlie' concoction has Southern Comfort lingering in there somewhere. ew.
So the idea is just try to work a salad in at least once a week as a side dish or a main dish and exercise 3 times a week. This is just once out of every 7, during one meal and some sort of movement 3 days out of 7. Sounds MUCH easier to accomplish in my book. Eventually, hopefully, you will grow to enjoy it, want more and add a few more of these in during your week. But that is a choice, not something being forced on you. This concept is just easier for me to swallow, with some room to breath in the expectations. I am hard enough on myself, I don't need my healthly life plan beating me up too!
Next, I made a few salads with a simple Customized Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing; literally balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil & dry spices I had on hand. I use what my household enjoys so we enjoy the dressing. I put together 4 types of salad; an iceberg wedge, field greens, baby bib & chopped romaine. I topped them with a few different items veggies, fat free feta & chicken & the crew from the Body Zone Total Fitness happily took care of them for me!
We had recipes & samples of the PC Signature Apple Balsamic & Pasta Salad available after the demo; then we offered our guests sparkling light juice beverages.
There was a huge turnout at the event today so kudos to the marketing & event planning team. My favorite part was that they had helpers there to help you unload & load your stuff into the event! No kidding, they literally met you at your car when you pulled up. Nursing students helped us unload and find our spot out of the over 100 booths and helped schlep it all back to your car when it was all over. Genius & so appreciated by all the vendors!!
It was a great time & we got to meet Robin Shea & Southern Fried Fitness http://www.southernfriedfitness.tv/ as well as visit with many members of the Healthcare & Fitness Community. We are truly lucky to have such a great group of individuals available in our area.
Hope to see everyone at the Southern Ohio Home & Garden Show, Saturday March 24, 2012 @ 11:30 am for my interactive workshop! "Spontaneous Spring Entertaining" is the theme & I am thrilled that The First Capitals First Lady Christine Everson will be joining me! Call 772.6185 to register ~ space is limited for the hands-on spots but we will have plenty of gallery seating!!
Food Inspiration
by Cari Steinbrook on 02/14/12
Ok, so we are getting ready to head off on a MUCH NEEDED vacation & I could not be more excited! I am looking forward to taking in some sunny weather, some cocktails & some local cuisine where our travels are taking us!
We love to eat out when we are on vacation & I am always on the lookout for something on a menu to inspire me!
Hey, every recipe I have came from somewhere other than between my ears; from family, friends, restaurants, you name it. Really? Do you think Paula & Rachel don't use what their mama's taught them or created something from somewhere they ate? I appreciate them both but culinarily (is that a word?) you are who you are b/c of where you came from & where you have been. True Story.
I love enjoying food somewhere & then using it to inspire an entire meal or maybe just a dish or maybe a soup or a sauce. Whether it was a spice from a region we were traveling in, an amazing local delicacy (or dive) you get to experience, or a kick-ass meal someone cooked that you just can't get out of your head!
Who cares where it originated from? Make it yours! I take recipes all the time, toss what my household doesn't care for (usually something I don't like b/c my husband will eat anything) and either just exclude it or sub in something we (ok I...) love!
Relax & let the food gather your family or friends ~ if you cook it they will come...really they will. Start cooking an onion in some butter & watch the house literally wake up. Have them grab a stool or help you cook! Turn some music on, grab a bev & you are well on your way to thoroughly enjoying an evening.
Would love to hear some stories about your cooking inspiration ~ Make a Comment!
Polished Comfort will be doing 2 food demos this Spring! The Health & Wellness Fair Saturday, March 10th at OUC's Shoemaker Center & we will return to the 11:30 am slot at the Southern Ohio Home & Garden Show Saturday March 24th! Mark Your Calendars! We hope to see you there!
The Shopping Ninja!
by Cari Steinbrook on 12/13/11
I posted about this last year but I am going to re-visit it since a good friend of mine said it was 'truly awesome' when he came across it in my blog history!
As I am a caterer in a small town I do a TON of grocery shopping. I shop for food at least 5 out of 7 days a week, I am not kidding, so I consider myself a bit of a 'bad ass' when it comes to shopping for meal ingredients! I am a self-proclaimed ninja at the grocery on any day, but this time of the year everyone should be armed with the tools to successfully navigate the grocery store and come out without having to hit the pharmacy, or a fellow shopper b/c they cut them off with their cart. Violence is never good!
Here are a few things to keep in mind this season, or any day at the grocery store!
- NEVER enter the doors without a list! It is a dangerous way to navigate ANY shopping environment but especially the grocery store. That is an impulse buyers candy land!!! I have a shopping list constantly working and evolving on my phone so I don't get distracted; which is so easy for me to do! Ask my husband...everyones phone has some kind of a memo or list component these days, use it!
- Also, put some thought into your destinations if you have to hit multiple stores; start with the farthest from home to the closest. This time of year traffic is a total nightmare but this is just something to keep in mind year-round.
- When you make this list try to get it in the order that you will find the items in your store of choice so you don't have to back-track. That has become a personal pet peeve of mine and does nothing but waste time and make you feel like a salmon swimming up-stream.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions of those behind the counters at your stores! If you don't see what you are looking for, don't waste time with mind-less searching or guessing; just ask! Especially if you are buying something that you don't typcially cook or purchase; this is a great way to get suggestions on cooking as well. Take Advantage!
- If you are really on your game and need something special, call ahead and even pre-pay! Nothing makes me feel better than walking into a store and know that I don't have to wait in a line. I know, it's the little things.
- I am a self-checkout lover b/c it allows me to bag my own items and it typcially is a quicker way to go. BUT DO NOT do self-checkout if you have more than the 'fast lane' minimum, want to write a check or have ton of coupons. It's just rude and annoys the crap out of those that have a few items and have to wait on you to figure out the scanner b/c you never use it, bag your items which again you aren't used to doing, need to have the attendant constantly at your side, etc etc.
With those suggestions, I hope I have armed you with a few things that may make your grocery shopping experience a little more tolerable!
Enjoy the rest of your week & holiday season!
Party Planning 101
by Cari Steinbrook on 09/11/11
Hi there ~ I want to address a very important season that is going to be here quicker than we have any way of imagining....The Holiday's.
Along with the Holidays, come Holiday Parties! At first everyone is super excited about them, the food, the booze, the people, the good times, and then they remember someone has to plan the event.
If that someone is you, do not fret, I am going to let you in on a few ways to make this a very easy, and painless, experience for everyone involved.
- First, guest list is key. How many people are we talking about? That is going to dictate where your event needs to be held, the time of day that is appropriate, the menu, everything. Will it be co-workers, family, friends, client holiday appreciation? Check out what was done last year, did it go good or could a little thought go a long way into making it a great event? You may come across a guest list, etc that could be very helpful.
- Then decide on a date & time of day. During the Holiday's there are only so many evenings to accomodate the parties, office gatherings, kids Holiday programs, etc. Maybe a Holiday breakfast or lunch would be appropriate for your group? This would only take up maybe 1/2 a business day, or an entire one if you plan it with booze, and could take care of all the appreciation you need to show during this time of year! Just a thought...
- Next decide where it will be. At the office? Someone's House? A rented venue? Again, refer to the number of guests and where would be the easiest to accomodate that number of people. If it is a rented facility, I know where I live there are not a ton of options so if this is something you are even considering, start calling around now. Ask about deposits to hold dates or if they will simply pencil you in & hold a date for you and call if someone else is interested. If you do have a venue 'hold' a date & decide not to use, good practice is to call them immediately to release the date; this way no one loses out on any opportunities.
- Food is next on the list, where if you are reading this you call me immediately and I take care of everything, if this is going to be catered then again the sooner you call the better. I book at least 2 mos out on most of my events so even if you are calling a few people, the earlier you call, the more choice you will have. Be honest with these people. If you have the budget for $6 per person, tell them. I know I personally appreciate open lines of communication with my clients and want to ensure this works for everyone. For $6 a person you may not get prime rib, but you will get the best I can do for you for $6 and if someone isn't willing to do that for you, then I would consider going else where. If this is at a restaurant, some offer a seperate catering menu, usually with a break in cost, for large crowds so ask about these so you can see all the options.
- My last suggestion is the most important...take notes! Start a folder or notebook to record what you are doing. Save your bids that you get from caterers, pricing on venues, guest list(s), record the dates you booked things or made phone calls, etc. This is invaluable for you for next year and if you are passing the torch of annual duty at your place of work or organization, the person who is in line next year will be greatful and hopefully keep the tradition up!
This is as far as I can take you but I sincerely wish you luck in planning any and all occasions that call for a gathering of people close to you for any reason.
If you need me....call me 804.7924 or shoot me an email polishedcomfort@yahoo.com for any help you need!
Cheers ~ Cari
First Thursday Coming Up!
by Cari Steinbrook on 07/08/11
Ok everyone - hold on to your panties b/c the Sunrise Rotary's August "First Thursday" is coming up!! August 4th, Majestic Courtyard 2nd St, Downtown Chillicothe starts at 5 pm.
It the "Taste of Chillicothe" and why am I so excited?
Well....we entered last year as a brand new business and WE WON! Yes, little "Polished Comfort" took home the big prize and guess what? I WANT TO DO IT AGAIN THIS YEAR!! It is all about votes so I need all my loyal clients, friends, family, out-of-town guests, anyone at all to come out and enjoy the event! Oh and there has NEVER been a back-to-back winner for any of their 'First Thursday' events....oh yeah...let's do this!
There will be some favorites return from last year's menu, but be ready to be impressed by a newbie & a great booth space too! We will have a ticket conceirge to take your tickets if you want to vote for us and my friends and family will be serving you some great food that you can not get anywhere else. No lie. It is awesome.
Now, of course there is a comedic part of our win. Shocker right? So I got over-heated and had to go home. My mom literally had to drive me home. I was so embarrassed. My husband, who had been sweating over the grill in a sleeveless shirt & shorts with holes in them, had to get up in front of everyone and accept the award! He did a great job, took the mic from Randy and made a great speech. Needless to say, I am hoping not to make him do that again. I literally had to find out we won via text, picture mail and phone calls from all my friends and family that were down there! It was pathetic!
So this year we will have a big fan, plenty of shade, seats & cool beverages to ensure I can with-stand the whole thing this time. Oi Vey. Make sure you stop by and see us! If you go away from our booth hungry, I don't know what is wrong with you.
Most important this is a fundraiser! The Rotarians do a wonderful job with the event and support so many great causes in our area with the proceeds! Everyone should come out to help them keep the coffers full and ensure they can continue their efforts. It is only $2 to enter the event and $1 for all your 'food' tickets to taste all the entrants.
I hope to see everyone down there eating my food and voting for Polished Comfort!
