So, it's officially the weekend and as I'm writing this I'm shoving an apple cinnamon rice cake in my mouth. Problem is, it's my fourth and there are "ecstasy amounts" of carbs in each one. Um... and I've already had two bowls of cereal. BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND!








"BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" is the lamest and most used excuse for today's women! I say this because I use it almost every weekend--so I'm just taking a stab in the dark that it applies to a large percentage of America's female population. I say "America's" because I just can't see a French woman or Tokyo native using this excuse as often as we do. If you can prove me wrong, please let me know.

Why do we use this excuse time after time? I think it all comes down to 1) a lack of moderation and 2) stress. We read so many articles about "how to lose those last 10 pounds" that deprivation gets the better of us and we cave. At least I do.

So I'm making a vow to try a different angle for next weekend. Instead of saying "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" and so having another drink or falling off of the clean-eating wagon, I need to take that "split-second" moment before the backslide happens and say "No." I think the weekends are for rewarding one's self, but not so much that it undoes all of our hard work throughout the week.

As I mention often, a lot of damage can be prevented by having a sense of moderation and stress management. I'm trying to make daily efforts to work on both of these points.

Instead of... "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND," so... :

-I'll have a snack MARATHON. Let me lace up my tennis!
- I'll chill on the couch all day
- I won't do my ab exercises
- I can abandon my healthy lifestyle
- I'll drink what I want, when I want
- I'll party like it's 1999

Let's try... "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" so:

- I'll eat healthy snacks so I'm ready to hit the ground running come Monday
- I'll get in some "active rest" like taking the dog for a walk or cleaning the house
- I'll do my ab exercises because I'm on a constant "Abs like Alba" quest
- I cannot abandon my healthy lifestyle
- I will curb my drinking somewhat
- I'll reach out to the people I can't catch up with during the week due to "strestic mode." ("Strestic" is a made up word combo of "hectic" and "stressed" that shouldn't be used when talking in certain circles, such as the educated).

Come next week I will be brutally honest and blog about how it turned out. Regardless, making a plan is always the first step. Count Me Healthy helps to prevent weekend slips. Look down at it. It's on your wrist for motivation. Count your glasses of wine, snacks, or just move a bead over when you've had a "clean eating" weekend day. It will keep you motivated to move over that next "clean-eating day" bead. As always, keep counting.

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, count me healthy jewelry, eating healthy, fitness, fitness tips

I recently had an amazing, quick trip to Austin for the South By Southwest (SXSW) music festival. Thousands of music lovers gathering to listen to hundreds of established and up-and-coming artists. I rendezvoused as a guest blogger for ful (www.ful.com) since my "other career" is with ful. Below is a fun little minute on the street trends at SXSW. Enjoy!

So the "Hipster Runoff" worshipers and music makers were in full swing at SXSW this year. As the Creative Director for ful, I went down to be a part of our party with Paste Magazine and Vanguard Records. What a ride. What amazing music!

It was my first year at the festival and I heard from devotees that the event was "going back to its roots," despite the fact that the band count and wild parties surpassed last year. All I can say is that SXSW was a feast not only for the ears, but for the eyes. And so let's discuss "Street Style" at SXSW.

Shades
Some types weren't surprising, like the Wayfarers and the Aviators dotting the crowds. However the new front-runner was Carrera and I need me a pair. I want the sun to shine into my office windows right now so I can justify putting them on at my desk!












Boots abound!
For the women, it was all about the boots--flat, faded, black or rich brown tones. All-out Western style was nowhere to be found, replaced by a pull-on, slightly rounder toe.


The Watson Twins


















Love the woven leather toe



















The Skinny on Denim
The skinnier the better, for gals and guys. Dark wash or black was the staple (dark washes elongate and also don't show when you sit in the mud or some jack spills a Heini on you).

Everything about her ensemble just "worked"



















Sweet Prints
Sweet prints were everywhere, from spring dresses paired with booties or eye-catching, billowy tunics paired with tight William Rasts.




















Bags
Lots of backpacks, cross-body Rocker bags, and messengers. Hands-free bags to hold your swag and clothing are essential at any music fest. I'm partial, but ful was everywhere!

ful "Smoke N' Gun"

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, street style, sxsw, travel

March is officially Nutrition Month so I wanted to share some "food for thought." A lot of us get discouraged when the warm weather rolls around because we feel we need to overhaul our physique. It's been burned into our brains that we need to have this rock star workout routine, but sometimes our lives don't support it at the moment.










(Pink and her Rock Star abs)


My earlier post was my personal "Spring Cleaning," which included my workout routine I HOPED to achieve. HOPE is stressed. There are many times when my day starts at 5:00 am and I don't stop until late at night. And I realize that you are no different (um... especially new moms who are up at all hours of the night). However, I think it's important to maintain a positive attitude and continue to plan your workouts like you would appointments even if you know you'll have to miss some.

But, if you are at a place in your life when you can't hit the gym on a consistent basis, remember the golden, 70% rule. Your physique is determined by 70% nutrition, 20% sweat sessions and 10% genetics.

Based on your diet, the 70% rule can be a God-send or your demise. If you are a consistent, clean eater, isn't it fabulous to know that you can forgo that extra snack and two glasses of wine because you didn't get to pilates and still come out ahead?

Or that you substituted white fish for the hamburger you may have eaten if you ran those three miles (workouts and eating "entitlement" is a whole other topic) and you are still on your way to having abs like Alba? The first step toward a better body is a nutritional adjustment.









Guest Blogger: Susie Rahaim

I thought there would be no better person to blog on the positive life changes clean eating can bring than Susie Rahaim. Not only is she schooled in holistic nutrition, she's also the busy mother of three beautiful girls, ages 5, 3, and 1. Her personal quest for better eating is inspiring and I've had friends tell me that they've learned so much from her about how to raise their children to eat (and enjoy) whole foods.

Stay tuned for Susie's first blog with us, "Do You Know What You Are Really Eating?" And as always, Keep Counting for a balanced and beautiful spring!

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, eating healthy, healthy living

So, I have to take a minute to blog about the Oscars because 1) Count Me healthy bracelets were featured in the official Oscar baskets last year (Yay, it was amazing) and 2) It's the most fabulous of all Hollywood events!

There is no better excuse to throw a get together with girlfriends to dress up and try really flashy cocktails that you would never go out and even attempt to order in public!

I've been reading up on Oscar parties and sorry to say, I just don't feel like sending out the invitations that look like movie director clapboards or giving out Golden Boy statutes (there is such a thing as prop overkill). Sometimes I think themed parties go just a little too far, like wearing a sequins blazer AND skirt. So, if I was going to throw an Academy Awards Soiree, this is how I would do it. And, I just might. So all of the girls who read this and see me on a regular basis, I am divulging all of the surprises that may be awaiting you.

Invites:
VIP passes, of course. Since this is last minute, it will be an "E-VIP" pass. Please note, I am all about beautiful paper invitations but time is of the essence.

Attire
It is a "Cas (as in Casual) Oscar Gathering." This is a twist to try. Friends can dress in their favorite denim, casual tops, but wear the biggest, funkiest earrings, cocktail rings, tiaras, and necklaces you can find. If you want to take it a step further, try an updo to accentuate your massive CZ earrings. If you wear the real thing, I have my gun license and would not only act as hostess but also as your bodyguard. Top it off by wearing satin evening shoes that we can all Ooooh and Aaaahhh over. So fun!


Festivities
Everyone will have to arrive early to watch the pre-Academy Award show on the E! Network for the Red Carpet arrivals. The hits, the misses, and the "Trash Your Sylists." I would hand out a form to each friend with the Award categories and contenders and before the Oscars start everyone would need to turn in their picks (in pen, no erasing!) It would be like Super Bowl betting, only better. Then, when it was over we'd tally up who had the most correct answers and the winner would get a fun prize. Okay, the gold statuette as a prize would be appropriate here I guess.

Oscar Cocktail:
I'm normally a vodka soda with lime (or red wine) gal, but signature events call for signature cocktails!

Red Carpet Martini

Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces pomegranate liqueur (recommended: PAMA)
- Champagne
- Gold leaf, for garnish

Directions
Pour vodka and pomegranate juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with gold sugar and top with a splash of chilled Champagne. Float gold leaf and serve.

Menu:
For a minute I tried to be all creative and "channel" appetizers based on the nominees. Then I realized that I would probably just make or buy what I like and what I think my guests would enjoy!

Just a sampling of the appetizers (taken from of all places, Disneyfamily.com)

Spinach-&-Brie-Topped Artichoke Hearts
These made my mouth water, plus they are (somewhat) healthy. Plus, they are a pretty twist on the classic spinach and artichoke dip, so people will think you are uber-creative. Creamy brie is the topper, but parmesan would also work for a lighter version.

In this deconstructed version of hot spinach-artichoke dip, we stuff artichoke hearts with lightly seasoned cooked spinach and melt brie on top.


Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ready in: 15 minutes
Yield: 18 servings
Ease of Prep: Easy

Ingredients
- 1 9-ounce box frozen artichoke hearts
- 2/3 cup cooked chopped spinach
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 18 thin slices brie

Directions
Preheat broiler. Prepare artichoke hearts according to package directions.
Combine spinach, lemon pepper and salt in a small bowl. Top each artichoke heart with the spinach mixture and brie. Broil until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.

Tomato-Basil Skewers
These are for the hostess who is Oscar glam but short on time. Skewering mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes makes them easy to nosh at a party.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ready in: 10 minutes
Yield: 16 pieces
Ease of Prep: Easy



Ingredients
- 16 small fresh mozzarella balls
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle
- Coarse salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions
Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Spicy Sweet Turkey Meatballs
So, since we're only having apps, it's good to serve something hearty for those who like a little more than the fruit and veggie scene. These bake in the oven which makes for fuss-free cooking and quick clean-up.

Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 meatballs




Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 scallions, very finely chopped
- 1/2 cup very finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup fine, dry bread crumbs (unseasoned)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten

Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 or 3 slices fresh ginger smashed with the side of a heavy knife

Directions
- To make the meatballs: Heat the oven to 400.
- Gently mix together the ingredients (hands are best for this), then form meatballs by rolling tablespoon-sized scoops between your palms.
- Arrange on a lightly oiled or parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until well-browned and cooked through. Serve with toothpicks for dipping.
- To make the dipping sauce: In a small pot, stir all the ingredients together over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer 3 or so minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Fish out the ginger and serve in small cups for dipping.

Are you throwing an Oscar soiree? If so, what are you serving? May the stars align for you and as always... keep counting!

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, countessess, entertaining, party

Aggghh it's finally March and THE BEGINNING OF SPRING! What comes to mind when you hear the word spring? I imagine flowers, green grass, spring cleaning and the start of my own personal "bikini body ready" routine! Yep, shapeless tunics won't cut it. I'm going to have to give in and show some skin.

I think you should read the health mags and blogs with their "bikini body ready" plans to get you in shape. But while reading, remember that no two people are the same. Motivation, taste buds, and "vices to adjust" are all personal. Read the articles with an open mind and always remember to adapt a program to you.

This year, I'm looking at my own bikini body ready prep as just a facet of the larger, overall spring cleaning of my current life. I think that winter naturally throws our lives out of balance due to poor eating, lack of sunshine, and the "laziness of a hibernating bear" that comes with darkness greeting us so early each evening. If you Spring Clean Your Life as a whole, I truly feel it is easier to lose weight and keep it off.

Here are some steps to Spring Clean Your Life (write these steps down and build your plan)

1). Choose your Motivation
2). Choose your Workout Plan
3). Change Your Eating Habits for the better
4). Healthy Habits that need to be priority
5). Organize Your Work Space

Please just use my personal plan below as a rough template to adapt to your own spring cleaning!

The 2010 Spring Cleaning of My Life

1). CHOOSE YOUR MOTIVATION (both "body" and "organization" motivation)

My Body Motivation! Hmmm... nice weather, my cousin Corey's June wedding in Michigan, photo shoot in late April, and getting body "baby ready" for whatever may come my way in a year (or three).

My Organization Motivation! Everything is easier when you have a clean work space. Plus, being organized means feeling less scattered, which would make me way more apt to stick to my workout plan.

2). CHOOSE YOUR WORKOUT PLAN

My Workout Plan (I plan for six days a week, but if I only hit 5 because of a busy schedule, no problem). I'm a morning person, so if I don't do it in the morning... it's not happening):

- Monday: 30 minute treadmill and pilates with Crystal B
- Tuesday: Rest
- Wednesday: 30 minutes on treadmill and pilates with Crystal B
- Thursday: 30 minutes on treadmill and Tracey Anderson video
- Friday: 45 minutes on treadmill
- Saturday: 40 minutes mix on treadmill/elliptical + legs
- Sunday: 40 minutes mix on treadmill/elliptical + abs & arms

3). CLEAN UP YOUR EATING
My Clean Up! These are the personal "eating vices" I hope to address, as well as healthy foods that I enjoy and would like to add more of in my diet. Everyone's tastes are different, so please insert your own. For some of the foods, I added my favorite brands and/or how I prepare. By the way, Count Me Healthy is great at tracking some of these bullet points!

- Ditch sweetener
- Reduce diet soda
- Ditch energy bars full of fake stuff because all they do is hurt my stomach
- Ditch soy crisps
- Reduce caffeine
- Reduce sodium
- Reduce I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (yes, I'm admitting that I spray it on everything)
- Drink more water



Foods I love and want to eat more of:
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Fish (love all white types)
- Brussel sprouts (broiled at 450 with olive oil spray, sea salt and pepper )
- Broccoli & cauliflower
- Sashimi (the salmon sashimi with chives from Whole Foods is AMAZING)
- salads
- Almonds and Unsweetened almond - milk (I am going to turn into an almond I eat so many. I need to watch my portion size)
- Green tea
- Stevia, (I prefer the liquid in the dropper)
- Decaf coffee (Newmann's Own)
- Oatmeal with fiber (I mix 1/4 cup of the dry organic with almond milk, cinnamon, stevia and Renew Life Fiber Smart)
- Protein pancakes
- Kombucha (GT's No. 9 is my fave and found at Whole Foods)
- Red grapefruit
- Hummus
- Kashi bars

4) Healthy Habits to Make and Break
Here are mine:
- Limit my drinking to one glass of wine a night (or not at all)
- Remember I owe it to myself. I AM WORTH IT.
- Stop eating snacks that are over 5 grams of sugar and don't contain fiber
- If I want to snack late at night... go to bed
- Read more (book club bound)
- Get more sleep
- Take my Vitamins
- Schedule my health maintenance: Doctor, chiropractor, dentist, hypnotist (yes, I want to try a hypnotist... it worked for Fergie, enough said)

5) Organize Your Work Space

This means cleaning my office at ful (picture below is my purple office at ful) and my home office. This also includes backing up my Mac on my hard drive, shredding documents that I no longer need and organizing my notes.

Here's to a healthy, fabulous spring. Remember, Balance=Beauty! As always, keep counting.

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, eating healthy, health tips, healthy living, March, spring cleaning

I LOVE Valentine's Day. I'm being totally honest when I say it's not only the affection I get from my babe that I love about the holiday--it's largely the symbolism surrounding the heart shape and the power of the color red that I love.

Oh, how I dig the candy hearts, heart-shaped doilies, heart-boxed chocolates, and tiny hearts stitched on hand towels and children's socks! (On a related note, don't even get me started on how fun those Target dollar bins are at the front of the store. They are Valentine's Day "party prop heaven" for anyone throwing a soiree.)



And what would the holiday be without the color RED? When Valentine's Day comes around, entire store aisles turn crimson, red velvet is the cupcake of choice, and head-to-toe garnet seems totally doable for a night out on the town. Yes, red is the color of fire, of passion!












However, this symbolism has changed a bit for me. This past year, I've been working with WomenHeart: The National Coalition of Women With Heart Disease, to design a special, Count Me Healthy "Helping Hearts" bracelet. It has heart-etched beads and is used to count things for heart health, such as fruit and vegetable servings or miles walked per week. Twenty-five percent of every sale of Helping Hearts goes toward WomenHeart's heart disease prevention programs.

I feel blessed to have worked with this amazing team because 1) they are a fabulous group of people and 2) I've learned so much about the dangers of heart disease and how it is critical to raise awareness. Heart disease can strike any woman, even the young and supposedly fit.

So this February, for me, the heart and color red has come to symbolize, not just cute aesthetics or a passion for my sweetie, but a passion for a healthy lifestyle. That's why Count Me Healthy is celebrating American Heart Month in a big way! We are proud to be part of some of the upcoming NYC events celebrating strong, accomplished women and their fight against heart disease---the number one killer of women in this country.

I'm going to focus on all things "heart-esque" on Counting with Chelsea all month long, including coverage on the "Getting Red Dress Ready" with Womenheart and Nutrisystem, the Woman's Day Magazine's coveted "Red Dress awards," and the "Red Dress Fashion Show" in Bryant Park. Count Me Healthy Helping Hearts will be on the wrists of many of the women as they "wow" the crowd in their red gowns. We'll also do a Q&A with Kathy Kastan, a recipient of this year's Women's Day Red Dress award, as well as feature fun recipes to help you get sexy and Red Dress Ready!

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, friendship, helping hearts, inspiration, red dress, women heart

If you're like me, you revel in finding the perfect gift for someone. It doesn't have to be expensive; instead it should be thoughtful, individual, and original. And if it's really strong, bring about a possible "copy-cat give." (This is where the friend who received the gift from you creates her own "copy" to give as a gift because she wants the receiver to feel the same "wow" vibe she felt when opening.) Copy-cat giving should never be confused with re-gifting and I guarantee that a re-gift will not happen when you give a card box.

So, what is a card box? Well, it's a filing system for the cards you write to your loved ones throughout the year. I believe they have pre-made card boxes, but it's always more fun to create one. I am the antithesis of Martha Stewart and this project is tres simple. Plus, you will have a blast putting it together.

Go to Target and get a bright colored folio box with tabbed hanging folders. Add your flare (stickers, sparkles, marker, scrapbook appliques). Keep it cute, but tasteful. Label the tabs according to card types (Birthday, Congratulations, Sympathy, Thank You, etc). Then head to your nearest Hallmark and stock up. When I'm making one, I often buy two of each so I can add to my card box. You also don't have to go hog-wild on the amount of cards. It is the thought (and your creativity) that counts.

Reaching out to someone via snail-mail is one of the most thoughtful things you can do in our tech nation today. One of the uses for the Count Me Healthy Happy and Blessed bracelet is to count thank you notes or "thinking of you" cards written per week. It promotes good karma and well being. Aside from creating a card box, I want you to try to send, say, seven "hello"or "thank you" cards for a week. Just a test; see how it makes you feel. Do you have any gifts that result in a copy-cat give? Ooohh, I'd love to hear. And as always, keep counting.

Labels: count me healthy, friendship, gift ideas, healthy living

So, we leave for Vegas tomorrow. It's for work, but unless you are an alien there is a pretty heavy "fun element" laced throughout any business trip to Vegas. I've been there about 50 times and it never gets old. Some people say, "Oh, but I'm not a Vegas person." Who exactly is a Vegas person? They must like drinking, gambling, partying, and eating at the buffet. I don't agree with this (although all of the before-mentioned activities are fun to me). I think this view must have come from watching National Lampoons and the Hangover. But Vegas has so much more to offer. It's not just bright lights and bunny ranches. Vegas is a shopper's paradise, spa heaven, and home to the best shows on earth.

But alas, when it comes to maintaining my Healthy Travel Moderation (HTM) it is truly Sin City. By actually writing out some temptations beforehand, maybe it will give me pause--a sense of realization--before I fall headfirst off my HTM wagon.

Temptation #1) Usually, upon landing, the casino picks us up and we ask if we can swing the limo through the In-N-Out Burger. I never eat fast food... except in Vegas. If I am truly feigning this Christian culinary delight (In-N-Out has bible passages on the bottom of their drink cups), I will go for the "protein style, no cheese, no sauce, no onions." Protein style is wrapped in lettuce and I know I saved some major calories by forgoing the sauce and cheese.

Temptation #2) I'm dehydrated because it was dry on the plane and we're in the desert. As I've mentioned before, when you're dehydrated, sometimes you have a tendency to misinterpret thirst for hunger. I am one who always does this and if I don't eat healthy snacks to tide me over it won't be pretty.

Temptation #3) Okay, bright lights, music, no idea what time it is outside, that equals a party to me. And what is served at parties? Alcohol. Here it flows with abandon, while making me abandon my healthy food choices and hard-earned willpower.

Temptation #4) So, we are having a blast and I have to keep the energy up so I reach for caffeine in the form of Sugar-free Redbull. This stuff will tweak you up, dehydrate you, and leave you crashing hard the next day (like a bad lover).

Temptation #5) Since I don't know what time it is and my body clock is tossed from the caffeine, I guess there is nothing better to do than order room service at 2 AM!

So here is a recap of five temptations that could throw off my HTM (let me disclose that these are in no particular order of prominence):

1) In-N-Out
2) Misinterpreting Thirst for Hunger
3) Alcohol
4) Caffeine leading to NO SLEEP
5) Night Eating

I'm going to go pack now. I'll let you know how I fair in LV now that I've put these little potholes down on paper. How do you stay healthy in Sin City, while still having a good time? Can you maintain your HTM? As always, keep counting.

Labels: count me healthy, eating healthy, health tips, travel, vegas

I'm continuing my fall kick with a great recipe that is tasty, easy, healthy, and will impress your guests.

Brown Sugar Squash Bowls (From the Kitchen of Michelle Charles)

(Serves 6)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy

Ingredients:
3 Acorn squash (halved and deseeded)
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tbs butter or light butter
1/2 teaspoon salt


Directions:
- Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
- Place water in the bottom of a shallow, glass 9x12 baking dish (about the length of your fingertip).
- Place the acorn squash halves face down, so the flat surface of the squash is submerged in the water.
- Bake squash at 350 for 35 minutes.
- Remove squash from the oven and place each section, face up, in its own, small bowl. Put pat of butter and brown sugar inside the bowl-shaped acorn squash. Serve immediately.

What are some of your "wow" recipes that are also easy and healthy? I'd love to mention them here.

Labels: count me healthy, eating healthy, food tips, healthy recipes, recipes

We've all heard of wine and cheese parties, but to celebrate Autumn, how about bringing friends together for an Apple tasting party? I grew up loving a few different kinds of apples my parents always picked up from the store (for my dad it was Red Delicious; my mom loves Granny Smith.) But alas, I haven't been exposed to the hundreds of crispy, sweet, and sour types that 1) aren't so main stream and 2) weren't even available until a few years ago (like the Grapple--a Washington apple that looks like an apple but tastes like a grape). Visit this site for a list of all of the varieties grown in the US.

Now, let's get started on our Fall Apple Tasting Party!

1). Get about eight different types of apples. Gather a few well known ones like Green, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, and then grab some more that are not so well known like, Indared, Jonathan, Newtown Pippin, and Paula Red. The best place to get these this time of year would be a cider mill (grab some cider, donuts, and turnovers while you're at it.)

2) Set one of each apple next to a 3x5 note card, and next to the whole apple, have some slices on a cutting board with a knife for party-goers to cut more slices themselves.

3) Label the top of the 3x5 card with the type of apple.

4) Beyond the apples, have some cheese (maybe some cheddar, Camembert, and some melted Brie with almonds and marmalade--yum).

5) Then, choose some wine pairings. Don't worry about pairing the perfect wine. If you are blessed with a sommelier at your local fruit market, ask him for around six varieties. I have a feeling if you are throwing this party though, you are a wine-lover yourself and there is nothing wrong with highlighting your "go-tos" to your friends.

6) Throughout the night, the guests will pair the wine with the apples and leave their comments on the cards. So, things like "Jonagold is perfect with the pinot noir, but too sweet with the zinfandel," or "Rome Beauty is my fave all around." Who knows what you'll do with the comments, but it's fun conversation. At the end of the night, try to see if there was a clear-cut winner. As ambiance you may want to light some autumn Yankee candles and use a huge vase filled with all of the apple varieties as your centerpiece.

7) As a special way to top off the evening, send each couple home with a candy apple to share.

Now, this is just my take on a grown-up apple tasting, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to the apple varieties, appetizers, and of course, the paired beverages. How about Hot Toddy's or Spiced rum cider? Do you like to throw pairing parties? If so, what do you pair? I'd love to hear your creative ideas.

Labels: apple and wine pairings, autumn, count me healthy, entertaining, fall, food tips

For a while, I tried to fight watching reality television. This was due to the instant, undeserving fame these people get from the tabloids (Speidi, anyone)? Bad memories of Omarosa making the front cover of one of the weeklies because it was her "implant tell all" kept coming to mind. Alas, I gave in and tuned in, but I'm doing it for a good cause. I tape the episodes the night before and then watch them to help me through my morning cardio. Nothing gets me more motivated than a mental breakdown over tulle on Project Runway or the philandering of the ex-porn star who stole the rest of the contestants dirty socks to stuff her bra on Rock of Love Bus (yes, I watched Rock of Love, all three seasons.) I'm loving The Bachelorette, Bachelor, and I even liked More to Love, although there was something missing... oh yes--construction paper cards asking if he/she would like to spend the night with he/she in the honeymoon suite. (As a side note, I thought Tali was genuine and gorgeous on More to Love.) I'm also psyched about the new season of Dancing With the Stars. I watched the premiere and I just don't see the talent I saw last year, but then I remind myself I'm not an expert. Of course, the most motivational, wellness-wise, is the Biggest Loser, hands down. I do tire of the show's blatant, product promotions (i.e, trainer Jillian, "When you're fighting a craving, the best thing to do is chew Winterfresh sugarless gum from Carefree.") I do understand that Wrigley's or Carefree shelled out an amazing amount of money for the trainers to whip out the pack during opportune times--then followed by a commercial break featuring the product. Hey, I understand the game... in fact, I may have just purchased a pack on my way home yesterday!

They say spending countless hours in front of the flat screen is bad for you, but I really think it can be a good thing as long as you are moving while you're watching. Do you have any suggestions on other "must see" television? What show gets you through your workout rut? It can be drama, comedy, even sci-fi (within reason). I'd love to hear from you and will test watch whatever must-see you mention. And as always, keep counting.

Labels: count me healthy, count me healthy jewelry, fitness, fitness tips, health tips, reality tv

Countesses,

The 100-calorie pack is marketing gold and, if used correctly, can be a great way to waylay the damage from snack attacks. I have no problem paying a bit more for someone to measure my calories and vacuum pack them into colorful, shiny, and come-eat-me-and-don't-feel-guilty packaging. However, 100-calorie packs can only help so much with discipline, so I feel the packaging is missing something... WARNING LABELS!

And I don't mean the warning you often see after the ingredients ("product contains wheat, eggs, dairy, and is manufactured in a facility that processes nuts.") I think they need to stamp the following warning, "Distractions and stress may lead to overconsumption of 100 calorie snack packs leading to 'the 400 Calorie Meal.'" This warning may help those of us not quite satisfied with our meager, measured portions as we're surfing the web, watching Oprah, or on deadline.

Let me know if this sounds familiar. I go to the grocery store's "100-calorie pre-packaged section" (which is offering more and more choices every month) and decide to stock up--100 calorie almond packs, Oreo Crisps, Nutter Butters. Sometimes my pantry looks like the 100-calorie pack aisle, just so I can have a wide variety on hand if I NEED THEM. Problem is, when I'm stressed and not aware, I go back and forth to the pantry three or four time... in one sitting (all the while tricking myself into thinking I'm being healthy because of the 100-calorie title). Pre-portioned snacks are not going to be friendly, weight-loss solutions unless we practice awareness while eating them. If you are a 100-calorie portion controller, use your Count Me Healthy to monitor the amount of 100-calorie packs and/or snacks you consume a day. I know it's better to cut down on processed food altogether, so I'm making a more conscious effort to eat whole foods. However, if I eat one of the packs, I move a bead over and move on. The bracelet serves as an excellent awareness tool.

Have you used Count Me Healthy to better your life? Let us know by entering the Healthy Her contest (click here to enter). We'll highlight a new Healthy Her on our blog, Facebook, and Twitter, complete with pictures and details about the winner's health & lifestyle goals. Plus, we'll give the winner a Sassy Stack so she can continue to keep multiple wellness goals top-of-mind.

Keep counting and be proud of the goals you've set for yourself!

--Chelsea Gossett

Labels: count me healthy, countessess, eating healthy, sassy stacks

Dear Countesses,

Welcome to the new Count Me Healthy Jewelry.com! Based on the amazing positive feedback we’ve received about the jewelry, I thought it was important to have a platform for you to share your goals, success stories, and suggestions.


Also, check back for frequent blog posts about new health trends, CMH happenings, new products, interviews, and topics sent in by you.

Count Me Healthy isn't a magic bullet, but it is a great way to keep you accountable while looking beautiful. Remember, the real magic happens when the small, positive changes you make lead to life-altering, life-long positive changes. You can do it.

Hope you enjoy the new site -- and remember, you can drop us a line anytime. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Make the most of this day and keep counting..
--Chelsea Gossett

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, count me healthy jewelry, healthy her, sassy stacks