So good and so good for you – Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds
Imagine this – crunchy, nutty almonds coated in a thin dusting of cocoa – not really chocolate, but more like dark chocolate fairy dust. Mmmm! These almonds used to be kind of hard to find – it was hit or miss in the grocery store but last week I hit the jackpot …Sam’s Club carries them in a 38oz canister. Whoo-hoo! I have to guard them from my teen-age son who eats them by the handfuls. But I have found a handful of these almonds in the mid-afternoon is a perfect protein pick-me-up and satisfies a chocolate craving at the same time. You can’t beat that!

Patent Leather Flats –
In eye-catching turquoise or sunshine yellow –

What a fun way to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe! Last year I found a pair of yellow patent leather flats – so cute and so comfortable. And what fun to wear with denim capris and a T, just about any color of T will work. I felt as if my feet were smiling! A few weeks ago, I spotted the cutest pair of turquoise flats on my stylish friend, Liv. She looked adorable with a khaki skirt and white top and her colorful flats. Simple – stylish – and just a bit sassy! But you don’t need to limit yourself to turquoise or yellow – pick up some flats in your favorite color and add a smile to your wardrobe, too.

Toasted Sesame Oil - mmm!

I love the flavor that Toasted Sesame Oil adds to salad dressings and stir fries. You don't need a lot - just a tablespoon or two adds a wonderful nutty flavor. Use it to add a little bit of "mmmm" to an Asian salad or a favorite stir-fry. Just for fun, here's one of my favorite salad dressing recipes that features Toasted Sesame Oil.

2 T sugar

1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

1 T toasted sesame oil

1 tsp salt

1/4 c oil

3 T vinegar

Toss together with mixed greens, a few green onions and some slivered almonds for a simple Asian salad. Top with grilled chicken strips and you have a delicous main dish salad.