Chicken Salad on Croissants, yum!

       Ingredients:

• 2 ( 12.5 oz) cans of chicken (or 3 cups diced cooked chicken)
• 3/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 green onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1/2 cup diced apple
• salt and pepper to taste
• pecans or cashews, optional

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, mayo, grapes, green onion, celery, apple, salt, and pepper.  Combine until well blended.
2. Serve on rolls, bread, or croissants sprinkle with some cashews or pecans.  This can also be served on a lettuce leaf.

Week of Workouts - Wednesday

Top 7 Most Dangerous Cars in America

How safe is YOUR car?  Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performed crash tests rating vehicles in four different areas.

"The IIHS’ four rating categories are:
1. A frontal offset crash test in which the vehicle travels at 40 miles per hour and hits a barrier head-on.
2. A side-impact crash test in which a 3,330-pound “SUV-like” object strikes the driver side at 31 mph.
3. Rollover ratings in which a metal plate hits the corner of a vehicle to determine how much force it can take before rolling over
4. A rear-impact protection rating that focuses on the ability of seats and seat belts to protect against whiplash.

The worst-scoring cars commonly received poor grades in the last two categories."  From this research, they were able to determine the top 7 most dangerous cars in the country.


And the top 7 are...
7. Suzuki SX4
6. Jeep Wrangler
5.  Nissan Pathfinder
4.  Mazda CX-9
3. Mazda CX-7
2. Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab
1. Dodge Ram 1500

Check out this article to read why these cars were ranked as the worst.

Golden Graham S'more Bars

Two words: Absolutely delicious!! These are fun and easy to make.  I managed to crumble the whole pan trying to eat them too soon (letting them cool is an important step). Either way, they still tasted great. Considering the ones at the store are about $5 a box, this recipe makes a whole pan for much less.

How Indianapolis Got Its Groove Back

Super Bowl 2012 gave people the opportunity to see Indianapolis for what it really is -- lots of loyal fans who are also loyal to and love their city.  Chances are, a number of those in town for the super bowl had never been to Indianapolis before; Maybe some had, just not in a number of years.  One thing we know for sure is that Indianapolis has gotten its groove back.  No more misconceptions and bad reputations -- it was evident to all who were there. Indianapolis may have seen some rough times years back, but this Midwest city has a lot to offer.

"For half a century, the city's biggest event was the Indianapolis 500, which attracts more than a quarter-million fans each Memorial Day weekend. But there was little nightlife, and even fewer places to stay.
Now, the city that had fewer than 500 hotel rooms downtown in 1970 has more than 6,500, and about a dozen new hotels have opened in the past decade, including a 1,000-room JW Marriott. The number of downtown restaurants and bars has doubled to 300 in the past 10 years, and there are more than 200 shops, according to Indianapolis Downtown Inc., the city's tourism agency.

On any given night, visitors can travel just a few blocks to see the Pacers at Banker's Life Fieldhouse, stage productions at the Indiana Repertory Theatre or live music at the Old National Centre or White River State Park. The downtown canal walk offers pedal boats, gondolas and bicycles for rent."

From 1970 to 2012, read here to find out how Indianapolis has evolved over the years and how it's come to be the loved city that it is.

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata

Chicken
Juice of 1 lemon (3Tbsp)
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp basil or oregano
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta
2 cups dried Penne pasta
2 Tbsp butter
Juice of 2 lemons (6 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 cup half and half (or heavy cream)
2 tsp dried basil
2 Tbsp capers
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese



Chicken
Combine first 6 ingredients and mix well.  Place chicken in a zip lock bag and pour marinade over chicken.  Marinate overnight in the refrigerator. (Overnight marinade may intensify the flavor but is optional. I cooked mine right after mixing.)  When ready, grill until done.  Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes and then slice into strips to serve over pasta.

Pasta
While chicken is grilling.  Cook pasta according to directions (10-12 minutes).  Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.  In same sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Whisk in garlic and lemon juice.  Pour in half and half and whisk until hot.  Add some salt and pepper to taste.  Add the Parmesan cheese, basil and capers, and heat until cheese is melted.  Check the consistency of the sauce and add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.  Toss in pasta.

Serve in pasta bowls with grilled chicken on top.  Sprinkle with more Parmesan if desired.

Week of Workouts - HAPPY Friday

How To Pull Off The Perfect Marriage Proposal

Spring is a popular time for weddings, so we thought this might spark more proposals as well. Don't forget to insure that ring along with things you may purchase like a home and cars. Also, you may want to find out if insuring your wedding would be the right choice for you. For some, bad weather or other unforeseeable events could mean a venue deposit gone to waste.

Erie Insurance makes a purchase, one with history.

Have you ever wanted to know just what really was going on with that little building across from Erie Insurance's headquarters?  Well, we've got the information you're looking for.

A January 23rd news story by the Achievement Center clues us in on the fact that they will be expanding (great news!) and therefore sold their building to Erie Insurance for $1.5 million.

Why is this interesting, you may ask?

"Constructed in 1910, the building, known at that time as the C.F. Adams Building, was purchased by Erie Insurance in 1938 to serve as its Home Office location. The company sold it to the Achievement Center, formerly the Erie County Crippled Children’s Society, in the mid-1950s. Erie Insurance views the transaction as beneficial to the Achievement Center and its clients, to the greater Erie community, and to the company. 

“We believe in the good work the Achievement Center is doing and want to support its expansion efforts,” said Chip Dufala, executive vice president of Services for Erie Insurance. “We view this as an opportunity to invest in the Bayfront neighborhood and add to the Home Office campus, reclaiming an important part of Erie Insurance history.” 

The Achievement Center has expanded to become the northwest region’s largest community-based provider of early intervention, physical rehabilitation, autism spectrum, ADHD, and children’s mental/behavioral health services. The agency must acquire other space in Erie in order to keep up with the demand for services for children with special needs. By its purchase of the East Sixth Street Achievement Center facility, Erie Insurance has made it possible for the agency to pursue a new headquarters that will improve and expand our services to local children. 

The Achievement Center provides therapeutic services to nearly 4,300 children annually with physical disabilities, developmental delays, emotional/behavioral problems, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders in Erie, Crawford, Forest, Warren, PA, and Chautauqua, NY counties."

Two-A-Days Workout... The Easier Way

Don't let yourself be the person who always has a reason as to why they can't workout today.  If you start today, and stick with it, you will see results.  Just remember, results take time but it will be worth it.  If it were easy, every one would be fit :)

Find 2 times throughout the day to squeeze in these exercises, whether it's before work, after work, before bed, or on your lunch break.

Copycat Recipe: Olive Garden's Salad Dressing

Italian Dressing

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian spices
• 1 teaspoon salt
• black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 envelopes Good Seasons Italian Dressing, prepared per directions on envelope with white distilled vinegar

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender on high until combined, about 30 seconds.
2. Pour into small bowl and cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Stir before serving.
4. **Don’t forget, add your 2 prepared recipes of Italian Dressing from the envelopes (I used Good Seasonings brand) to this.  Yes, it makes a good amount of dressing.  Halve the recipe or put it in the fridge, you’ll drink it later.

Week of Workouts - Thursday

Week of Workouts - Tuesday

Week of Workouts - Monday

Stuffed Green Peppers With Brown Rice, Italian Sausage & Parmesan

These were really good and a great way to mix it up from the usual chicken dish.  I don't suggest trying to reheat them as leftovers, as the green peppers become soft.  Check out Kalyn's Kitchen blog for step-by-step instructions on making this recipe.

Crab Stuffed Cucumber Cups

NO BAKING REQUIRED. So easy any one can make them. Quick and easy - those are the kinds of recipes we love. I used this recipe as "substitute sushi" for a cultural assignment and they were a huge hit. My sister then made them as an appetizer for a Christmas party. Click here for step-by-step instructions on this recipe. As always, enjoy!

Dessert Kabobs

Here is what you need:
- strawberries
- large marshmallows
- Sara Lee frozen pound cake
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
- kabob sticks

Wash the strawberries and cut off the tops. Cut the cake into 1 inch squares. Have the kids put all of the treats on the stick. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or on the stove. Lay the kabobs on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Drizzle with chocolate. Put in the refrigerator for the chocolate to set.





These are fun and easy and kids will love to help make them. They are a lighter, healthier dessert choice and perfect for summertime (or any time of year).

2-Day Cleanse To Look Fit

Too often, people wait until summer is only days away to try and get in shape.  It will never happen that fast, but in case you're in need of a quick fix... Try this 2-day cleanse.  After all, spring break is right around the corner for many of you.

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Ingredients:

-1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
-1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (I used the cream of chicken)
-1 cup salsa
-1 package taco seasoning
-1 cup sour cream
-cilantro, for serving (optional) (I also added a little shredded cheddar-jack, black beans and scallion on top)

Directions:

Put chicken, soup, and salsa in slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning over everything. Cook on low for 6 hours. If shredding the chicken, pull the breasts out and shred; return back to slow cooker. Stir in sour cream and heat just until everything is combined.


FYI: This recipe is good both in the crock pot and in the oven.  I meant to make it in the crock pot one day and forgot so I found myself making it in the oven when I got home and it turned out just as good. I suggest shredding the chicken beforehand if baking it.

The secret to a better body, really isn't a secret...

The secret to a better body really isn't a secret at all... Most people just don't stick with it.  These workouts are key to changing your body.  It's normal to get bored of the same workouts, but these are basic and target big muscles -- meaning they are guaranteed to give you the results you want.

Copycat Recipe: Olive Garden's Pasta e Fagioli

Luckily, we have had a very mild winter thus far.  It is however still February and feels like winter (admit it, you want to be on a beach).  My favorite dishes to make in the colder months are soups and chili's.  What makes this recipe so great? You can make it in the crock pot!!! Meaning very little work required :)  Check out this site for the full recipe. Enjoy.

'Insure Your Love With Life Insurance'

Happy Valentine's Day to all!  Insure your love with life insurance, literally.

One of Erie Insurance's recent articles talked about all the things we do for our loved ones.

"We work hard to provide them with a life filled with happiness, comfort and opportunity. In fact, there’s almost nothing we wouldn’t do for our loved ones. We re-arrange our schedules to never miss our kids’ sporting events. We put in extra time at work to save up for that special family vacation. We rush out of the office to make sure we’re home in time for dinner with our loved ones."

Followed by, what if you died tomorrow? What would happen to your loved ones? Although life insurance can't fix the loss of a loved one, it can help your loved ones maintain their sense of 'normal every day life'.

So we ask you, what says 'I love you' better than knowing your loved ones are taken care of, even after you're gone?




To read the full story, visit http://www.erieinsurance.com/Life/LifeIns_LovedOnes_012012.aspx

5-Week Countdown

Some people become more motivated when they have a plan.  In case you're needing that extra push to get you going... Here's a 5 day, 5 week workout plan. Saturdays and Sundays are your "days off". We all know it's difficult to commit to working out every day when you first begin.

No-Bake Banana Pudding

I felt very Paula Deen making this recipe.  When I'm craving dessert the faster it is to make, the better.  This was very tasty, but I suggest making it when it will get eaten right away.  I tried saving it for left over's only to find that the wafers got mushy (I like them crunchy).  Check out this cute blog for the full recipe and other recipes you may like. Enjoy.

FORBES: What future host cities can learn from Indianapolis

With numerous great restaurants, hotels and attractions, and hang-out spots all located downtown - Indianapolis has managed to create something many cities have not.

Indianapolis conveniently has many great things to do downtown for both adults and families with children, not to mention the close proximity to several other great towns such as Broad Ripple who always have events going on.

Check out this article and find out why FORBES thinks Indianapolis has a few lessons to offer future super bowl host cities.

..This city, is our city...

Okay, okay so I know we're playing major catch up since the super bowl, let alone our last post.  Now that everyone has recovered from one of the most exciting weekends of the year, we wanted to share this article.

Not only is Super Bowl Sunday something people look forward to all year, but this year was particularly special for us here in Indianapolis.  We got to experience, well, the NFL Experience -- which included days' worth of events, concerts, and television shows brought to Indianapolis to be hosted live.

One thing we are proud to say is that Indianapolis ROCKED(and is now known for possibly being the best super bowl host ever)! Check out this article to see what all the talk is about :)