www.ginabriganti.com

Sweet & Spicy Taco – Dedicated to Childhood Friendships Which Have Stood the Test of Time

~ Gina Briganti ~ Leave a comment

Miriam, Melissa and Charlene. We met in our school days. Charlene and I met on our Elementary school playground. Melissa and I in our 7th grade homeroom, simply because of the alphabet. Miriam and I were kismet from day one. These three women have been part of my life for more than thirty years. I am blessed!

Grammar Girl had a podcast about made up languages, which added to my fond reminiscing about those school days. We had made up languages that I think are known as carnival talk, z language and the ever-popular pig latin.

We were sweet and spicy as children, as we are now as women. The name for the recipe came first as I was trying to get more vegetables into my taco lunches and so added onions and corn. That made them too sweet for me, so I added green chiles. Now I had a little fire in them. Miriam’s family introduced me to glorious homemade Mexican food and then, voila, I wanted to dedicate this recipe to the women who were such a huge part of my childhood.

When you try these tacos, I hope it reminds you of your formative friendships, and to maybe call one of them, or visit, if you’re close by.

As we’re all grown with families now, it’s handy that this is a good make ahead meal. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a jar or food saver bag once in a while and have tacos at a moments notice.

Sweet & Spicy Tacos (pic with chile guy prop and recipe name in it)

Ingredients are listed per person so you can easily adjust for the crowd you have. All of the Thrive Life ingredients in this recipe are Preferred items and Preferred customers get free shipping on them when the order is over $100. Find out more about the Preferred customer program here. link

2 Tbsp. sweet corn

2 Tbsp. sliced onions

2 Tbsp. green chiles (if you like it spicier, add another tablespoon) link

2 Tbsp. cooked, leftover meat of choice

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. salt

Combine all of the above ingredients in a saute pan set to medium heat. Stir. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, until all of the ingredients are tender. Remove the lid, stir and cook until vegetables have the color and texture you want. For me, this is another 5-7 minutes.

Corn tortillas

Guacamole

Pico de gallo

Use two tablespoons of filling per taco. Top with guacamole and pico de gallo.

Thank you for walking down memory lane with me!

Gina

I hope you’re receiving my newsletter, where I love to share exclusives. Sign up is easy and takes moments.

Product Review – Hskyhan Pitcher Water Filter

~ Gina Briganti ~ 1 Comment

Here’s the answer to one of the most common questions I am asked – what water do I drink. Here’s the super easy answer – I use this pitcher filtration system.

Like many Amazon shoppers I looked on Amazon and chose a system with good reviews and a price that matched up with what I thought was reasonable. Lucky for me, the pitcher turned out to be a winner. On the first try!

It’s so awesome I gave one to my daughter for her place and she loves it, too.

The features I like best about this pitcher are the most important to me: the water tastes clean and the filter is easy to use. I change it once and month since it’s mostly just for me and Lucy. My next favorite feature is how fast it filters. Bonus, it looks good enough to sit on the counter or the table.

Here is my amazon affiliate link for the pitcher, which comes with two filters.

Here’s my amazon affiliate link for a two-pack of replacement filters.

Drinking a minimum of 50 ounces of water daily is important for my health.

Do you drink enough water?

 

As always, thank you for the time you spend with me!

Gina

 

P.S. You know what else helps with living a balanced life? This book!

K.I.S. Cover for KindleContains amazon affiliate link

What You Need to Know About Probiotics, According to Reviews.com

~ Gina Briganti ~ 2 Comments

pexels-photo-576831

 

What You Need to Know About Probiotics

Since there’s still not a lot of research on probiotics, the research team at Reviews.com recently spent months studying and testing 277 top-rated supplements on the market to determine which strains are most effective for various issues. Here are some of their findings.

Although the idea of beneficial bacteria has been around since the late 1800s, and probiotic supplements have been around since the 1930s, there haven’t been many human clinical trials. We do know that probiotics produce enzymes that help break down chemicals that the normal human gut has a hard time with, such as the oligosaccharides in legumes. That digestive assistance results in less gastrointestinal distress and better absorption of nutrients.

A small but growing body of research on our gut tenants suggests that hacking your microbiome can not only improve the digestive process, but also contribute to a laundry list of ancillary health benefits. We’re talking weight loss, lower cholesterol, decreased anxiety, improved immune function, fewer seasonal allergy symptoms, and relief from a host of gastrointestinal maladies, from irritable bowel syndrome to traveler’s diarrhea.

 

The Bottom Line

The science is still young, but we know a few things: Probiotics work better in a pack; prebiotics mixed in with probiotics are just a marketing ploy because there isn’t enough prebiotic to make a difference; and shelf life matters most. Look for multi-strain products and check for a “viability guarantee” through the expiration date to make sure your probiotics will be in full force when you take them.

 

Through the course of our research, we came across a number of studies that indicated some lesser-known benefits of taking probiotic supplements, like decreased anxiety. We put together our top picks based on which strains had solid evidence backing up a connection:

 

Anxiety and Allergies

Relevant strains: L. Casei, L. Rhamnosus, Paracasei

 

Weight Loss

Relevant strains: B. Brevis, B. Lactis, L. Acidophilus, L. Gasseri, L. Rhamnosus GG

 

Lactose Intolerance

Relevant strains: L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus

 

Lowering Cholesterol

Relevant strains: B. Lactis, E. Faecium, L. Acidophilus, L. Curvatus, L. Fermentum, L. Plantarum, L. Reuteri

 

Women’s Health

Relevant strains: Bacillus Coagulans, L. Fermentum, L. Rhamnosus GG

 

Take Action 

Start small. Generally, it’s best to start out with a lower CFU count and ramp up as needed. Starting out with the high-proof stuff can cause unpleasant physical side effects, like cramps and bloating, as well as monetary ones — higher potency supplements are almost universally more expensive. Of course, follow your doctor’s guidance. The verdict on ideal colony count is still out.

 

Take your probiotic with a meal. This raises the pH in your stomach, which means more bacteria will make it through to your gut, including the few non-acid-resistant strains like S. Thermophilus. And take them with plenty of water; that will further dilute the acidity of gastric juices.

 

Get your prebiotics in. There are tons of the simple carbs probiotics love in whole fruits and vegetables, including onions, garlic, bananas, asparagus, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, and artichokes. If you’re worried you might not be getting between five to 20 grams per day, consider taking a prebiotic supplement, usually a powder or drink mix.

 

Keep up your probiotic routine. Probiotics stick around for a while, though for how long isn’t precisely clear. You have to keep taking them to continue to reap the benefits.

 

To see the rest of their guide to probiotics, go to http://www.reviews.com/probiotic-supplement/

 

 

 

Thank you for the time you spend with me!

Gina

 

I hope you’re receiving my newsletter, where I love to share exclusives. Sign up is easy and takes moments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reiki for Dogs: Using Spiritual Energy to Heal and Vitalize Man’s Best Friend By Kathleen Prasad – An Invitation to Buddy Read

~ Gina Briganti ~ 5 Comments

51B9hpXaXxL

 

If you have read Animal Reiki by Elizabeth Fulton and Kathleen Prasad then you may already be a fan of how in-depth the experiences they shared are. I kept both ladies on my author list because they helped me take my animal Reiki practice to new levels. I have confidently taught students to give Reiki to a variety of animals, and I have taught animals to give Reiki to people, and even to other animals. What a sight that is! So touching!

 

ART III (ART) Manual

There’s a section in my upcoming release, The Reiki Cafe Reiki III (ART) Manual, offering techniques I’ve expanded into over my years as a Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner.

I love to read one non-fiction book at a time, and I love to choose the book intuitively. That is how I chose Reiki For Dogs, which I will be starting in a few days. Would you like to read along with me and talk about it?

Let me know!

 

As always, thank you for the time we spend together!

Gina

 

I hope you’re receiving my newsletter! There is an exclusive happening there that I know you are going to love! Sign up is easy and takes moments.

 

Spring & Summer Butterflies

~ Gina Briganti ~ 1 Comment

 

Spring & Summer Butterflies

I hope that when you see my spring & summer butterflies, you are reminded of how enchanting nature is. How colorful. How much joy those bright colors and fluttering wings bring.
Zazzle is having a site wide sale that ends today. It’s a good time to head over there and get in on those savings!
If you would like to see my butterflies on a different item, please let me know and I will try to make it happen. There were a lot of firsts for me with this design; my first USB drive, first gift box, first leggings and first party cups. Every time I play with design it feeds my spirit. I hope that my results do the same for you.
As always, I appreciate the time we spend together!
Gina

Are you receiving my newsletters, exclusives and announcements?  If you’re not, you can easily sign up for it here.

 

 

The Reiki Cafe Reiki III (ART) Manual!

~ Gina Briganti ~ 1 Comment

ART III (ART) Manual

I am thrilled to share that I have made rapid progress on my first Reiki manual! You are hereby invited to the virtual launch party on Saturday, July 15th!

Beautiful gifts are waiting for the first five of you to buy an autographed paperback copy directly from me.

Thirteen more will receive gifts with their copies, Kindle or paperback. All of the first eighteen will be entered to win a free virtual workshop with yours truly. I hope your day just got better. I know mine did!

If you would like to share a release day post, please let me know. I’m planning my blog tour now.

Thank you to all of my Reiki students, to my Reiki guides and to Cyhndi Mora, my Reiki Master Teacher! The reason I know what I know is because of you.

Last fall Cyhndi, Mary, Linda, Alex and Robin were kind enough to read through the manual and give great feedback. Each of you will receive a free copy of the book, entries for the drawing and one of these beautiful swag bags.

Diane, thank you for being there though out my journey and for being the first to pre-order the manual last fall, before we decided to revamp it. I appreciate you more than you know. I have beautiful thank you gifts for you, as well.

Reiki Master Teachers, I hope you enjoy the unique techniques shared with me by my Reiki guides and that you will in turn teach them to your Level III students!

 

As always, thank you for the time we spend together!

 

Gina

I hope you’re receiving my newsletter, where I love to share exclusives you will not want to miss. Sign up is easy and takes moments.

 

 

Refreshing Chocolate & Raspberry Frozen Treat – Guilt Free!

~ Gina Briganti ~ 7 Comments

Dairy-free Chocolate Raspberry Frozen TreatI read Fiesta Friday every week to drool over lots of talented contributions, promising myself that I will bring a dish worthy of the fiesta. Today is the day! I hope you’ll visit Fiesta Friday #175 to see the features and next week’s entries.

This week’s hosts are Monika @ Everyday Healthy Recipes and Suzanne @ A Pug in the Kitchen.

Recipe:

1/2 Cup frozen banana slices

1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Tbsp. freeze-dried raspberries or freeze-dried raspberry powder

Add all three ingredients to the blender. Use the blend button, stopping to move chunks down, until you have creamy, frozen deliciousness.

Now you can taste and adjust if you want more chocolate or raspberry flavor. I shared what tastes good to me.

Eat immediately or freeze for later. This is enough for one person.

If you haven’t played with freeze-dried foods, you are going to be so surprised! They are packed with flavor, color and versatility. They chose my recipe for the site, too! So exciting!

See you at the fiesta!

Gina

I hope you’re receiving my newsletter, where I love to share exclusives. Sign up is easy and takes moments.

10 Reasons To Spice It Up

~ Gina Briganti ~ 1 Comment

The more Thrive Life food I eat, the better I feel. How good will you feel?

IMG_20170506_152621_426

Remember, you have to have a Q to get that amazing price on the broccoli. My faves from this month are peaches, green chiles, zucchini and Chef’s Choice. Not in that order.
 Start Your Q
When you commit to the Q for at least $100 each month you will receive a lot of free bonuses, like free food, a free mini analysis or a free chakra balancing and bonus Q points you redeem for free food whenever you like for each dollar you spend.
I suggest you save them up for our next big sale in November. That’s what I’m doing!
Having a Q allows you to order the new instant quinoa right away instead of waiting until the 8th.
I Can Help Manage Your Q

Choose the option to allow me to help you with your Q by updating your consultant access Q setting. You will be able to view any changes made to your Q and you can change the setting back whenever you like. I will not be able to view or update your payment information which protects you and me.

The Opportunity
Check out our career plan to see how big your opportunity is with Thrive Life.
When you join The Thrive Tribe, you also receive a free chakra balancing and a free mini nutrition analysis. Why? Because I want you to glow!
Free shipping this month saves you at least $10.99.
         Questions? Please ask. 

No questions? Feel free to place orders directly through the Website

 

Thank you for thriving with me!

Gina

 

I hope you’re receiving my newsletter, where I love to share exclusives! Sign up is easy and takes moments!

 

 

 

5-Star Review: Keeping It Clean: A Do It Yourself Guide To Non-Toxic Housekeeping by Cyhndi Mora

~ Gina Briganti ~ 4 Comments

41ypbRYLxGL

Having this book in my reference library is like a security blanket against any stain we can manage to make in our home!

The question I ask myself about any new book is, “What does this book have that I can’t get somewhere else. Like the all-searchable internet?” The answers to that with this book are many. That’s how I knew it was a must have.

Recipes for any cleaner I could possibly need to make! Excellent recipes, in fact. I’ve been using the multi-purpose cleaner for years. I’m excited to try a couple of new ones, too, like the toilet ring remedy and making my own laundry soap. DIY laundry soap has been on my wish list for years now, but the recipes I saw were too complicated. The one in “Keeping It Clean” is perfect for me because, as the book says, I probably already have the ingredients. Which I do!

Essential oil index for cleaning and other household tips. I love having this index at my fingertips!

Cleaning tips for every room in my house. I learned so much on my first read through of the book. I know I’ll be learning from this book for years to come.

Best of all? A fast way to see which of my cleaners should be replaced.

You are going to love saving money on your cleaners and customizing your scents!

I don’t know if a print version of the book is planned for the future, but for now it is only available on Kindle. If a print version becomes available it will be on my holiday gift-giving list.

At the risk of stating the obvious, I encourage anyone with an interest in non-toxic cleaning to have a copy of this book.

Here are some links for you to explore:

Blooming Clean’s Facebook Page – this is the page the author uses for her cleaning service.

Cyhndi Mora’s Amazon Author Page

As always, thank you for the time we spend together!

Gina

I hope you’re receiving my newsletter, where I love to share exclusives. Sign up is easy and takes moments.

The Reiki Cafe’s Latest Healthy Habits Challenge Starts Today!

~ Gina Briganti ~ 3 Comments

It’s time for our newest Healthy Habits Challenge! We will focus for the next 21 days on foods, drinks and activities which are known to improve your pH overall.

        Why would you want to increase your pH? To feel great!

     You’re savvy, so you may already know that the pH of your blood is automatically maintained by your body. We’re not trying to alkalize our blood. Some of you may see an improvement if you test your urine, however.

     What we’re doing is challenging and supporting one another to eat foods which are known to have a high alkaline-forming effect, choose drinks which are known to have a high alkaline-forming effect and to participate in activities which are known to have a high alkaline-forming effect.

     We will check in twice each week to share tips, progress and encouragement. The group is on Facebook. If you were in the last Healthy Habits Challenge then you should have received a notice today that we are starting a new challenge.

Questions? Feel free to ask!

 

As always, thank you for the time we spend together! I hope to see you challenge yourself!

 

Gina

Holistic Health Consultant, B.S. Holistic Nutrition

 

Wait! Are you receiving my newsletter? I hope so. If you’re not, sign up today before you miss any more exclusives!