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Kickin’ It With Fit and Spicy Life Blogger Mellissa Solin

by Cascade Ice on December 12, 2013

This week, we are “kickin’ it” with marketing manager and A Fit and Spicy Life blogger Mellissa Solin. Mellissa is a 30-something food-loving, wine-drinking, fitness enthusiast living in the Twin Cities. See her healthy living tips, below!

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

Healthy living is part of who I am, between working out and eating delicious and nutritious food. I focus on treating my body the best I can.

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

I really admire busy women who make fitness and healthy living a priority. As a blogger and marketing manger with a busy travel schedule I strive to keep it all in balance. While this can be difficult sometimes, I know when I put fitness and healthy meals as a top priority it makes me feel so much better. I have more energy, sleep better and stay healthy!

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

A big salad filled with lean protein, sunflower seeds, tons of vegetables and a homemade dressing. Adding a cup of soup is a great way to complete the meal.

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

Staying healthy doesn’t have to be hard, you just have to plan for it. Make a meal plan with healthy options and do as much prep work as you can on Sunday. If you have healthy choices in the fridge you are much more likely to eat healthy.

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

I believe you can have everything in moderation! I try to focus on lean meats, healthy fats, complex carbs and the occasional treat. If I’ve been a little too indulgent lately I step up the vegetables and cut out wine.

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?

As someone who travels a lot for work I focus on getting activity when I can; an extra walk in the airport, taking the stairs whenever possible and improvising with less than adequate hotel gyms.

What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?

The sparking coconut is my favorite. It makes me feel like I am on a beach!

 

Stay connected with Mellissa Solin by connecting with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.


Celebrate with Ho-Ho-Holiday Cocktails & Punch

by Cascade Ice on December 5, 2013

The holiday season is upon us! This year, be the “hostess with the mostest” with these Cascade Ice holiday drink recipes. Mix up some festive-favorites for both adults and children, like the Candy Cane-tini, Pomegranate Punch and Apple Cinnamon Sparkler!

The base for each of the beverages is a sparkling water that is calorie-free, sugar-free, sodium-free and gluten-free, making them a healthier alternative to traditional, high-calorie holiday drinks. Cascade Ice flavored sparkling waters are free of calories, sugar, sodium and gluten, making them a delicious and refreshing alternative to sugary juices and sodas.

Candy Cane-tini

Mix up a Candy Cane-tini to enjoy while appetizers are served. To mix, use 3oz of Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate, 2oz of vodka and the juice of a lime. Stir the contents in your shaker with a handful of ice and garnish with a skewer of cranberries or candy cane crumbs.

Pomegranate Punch

The Pomegranate Punch is a great alternative to traditional party punch. Simply pour 4 parts Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry over ice. Then, mix mint leaves, the juice of 1 lime and 1 part club soda together. Combine with Cranberry Pomegranate and you’re ready to serve!

Apple Cinnamon Sparkler

This one’s for the kids! Instead of serving soda for dinner, try our Apple Cinnamon Sparkler. Simply mix 4oz of Cascade Ice McIntosh Apple and 2oz of apple juice in a glass with ice. Garnish with a green apple wedge and a cinnamon stick to complete the yummy drink.


Kickin’ It With Karen Reinsch of Our Crazy Blessed Life

by Cascade Ice on November 21, 2013

We spoke with Karen Reinsch in today’s “Kickin’ It With Cascade Ice.” Karen is a mom, wife, teacher and food explorer who shares her recipes and experiences on her blog, Our Crazy Blessed Life. Read her healthy living tips below!

Our Crazy Blessed Life

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

Healthy living has always been a struggle for me, but as I get older I want to set a good example for my kids. They need to see healthy living as exciting and fun.

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

My neighbor and friend Amy Roth (author of the kids book “Captain Kale and the Super Foods”) is passionate about kids eating healthy and has been an inspiration to me in the kitchen!

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

I am in the process of finding more healthy go-to meals for my family, but one of our favorites is apples with almond butter, grilled chicken and a side of steamed vegetables.

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

Just do it! Make a menu and stick with it. Find some fun activities and go together as a family!

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

No, but I know that there are certain foods I shouldn’t buy because they won’t last more than a few hours in our house!

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?

I ran the Nashville half marathon last year. Consistency was key! The weeks I was inconsistent made running harder. Find something you love a jump in with both feet!

What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?

I love the coconut! It makes me feel like there is a little summer in the midst of the oncoming winter.

Stay up-to-date with Karen by following her on twitter and subscribing to her blog.

 


The Perfect Holiday Drink Recipes for Thanksgiving

by Cascade Ice on November 14, 2013

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Cascade Ice has prepared some delicious, low-calorie holiday drink recipes you’re sure to enjoy. Trade standard cocktails and sugary sodas for Cascade Ice’s delectable Cranberry Kiss Cocktail, Apple Cinnamon Sparkler and Black Raspberry Punch this Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Kiss Cocktail

Serve up a Cranberry Kiss Cocktail to enjoy while appetizers are served. To mix, use 3oz of Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate, 2oz of vodka and the juice of a lime. Stir the contents in your shaker with a handful of ice and garnish with skewer of cranberries.

Apple Cinnamon Sparkler

Instead of serving soda with your Thanksgiving dinner, try our Apple Cinnamon Sparkler. Simply mix 4oz of Cascade Ice McIntosh Apple and 2oz of apple juice in a glass with ice. Add a green apple wedge and a cinnamon stick to complete the drink.

Black Raspberry Punch

To try it, mix 4oz of Cascade Ice Black Raspberry, 1oz of club soda and mix in some fresh black raspberries and lime slices. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Thanksgiving is not complete without some pumpkin pie! See our Pumpkin Pie drink recipes including the Pumpkin Pie Float, perfect for desert, and Pumpkin Pie Spicer, an excellent after dinner nightcap. See the Where to Buy Map to find Cascade Ice retailers in your area.