Check out the bamboopink Look Book link below...this is a preview of some of the CORE pieces.  Its exciting to see and I can't wait to see the other pieces.  4 collections per year!!!  I especially love the turquoise and coral!

bamboopink Look Book

THE best super moist banana bread

This banana bread recipe is super moist and every time I make it, I love it more and more!!

1 stick of butter
2 eggs
1 c. organic Sucanat sugar, or brown sugar
1 1/2 c. organic unbleached flour
1 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
1 c. mashed bananas, super ripe
1 t. vanilla - pure
1/2 c. sour cream

Sieve flour, salt and baking soda.  Cream butter in mixer.  Once butter is fluffy, add the sugar and blend mixture well.  Then, add each egg, blending in between.  Mix in 1/3 dry ingredients then 1/3 banana.  Repeat twice.  Add vanilla.  Blend in sour cream.  Turn batter into a greased loaf pan.  Let batter sit 15 mins.  Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Shakeology - check the article by Oprah at the bottom!!!

!I know I talk about SHAKEOLOGY all the time but I am telling you it has been a lifesaver for me!  I'm am going to tell you what it has done for me not ABOUT Shakeology.  Now...no judgement!  :)  First of all I will tell you that I had been doing P90X (so I was getting in shape and losing weight) before I started Shakeology, and surely didn't want to spend the $119...what could it possibly do for me that I needed to spend that kind of money right?

Well let me tell you AS SOON as I started taking it, there was a change within me!  Now this won't necessarily happen with everyone, some people have to wait a couple weeks to see the results.  But, for me...holy cow!  I instantly lost my bloating (which I then lost inches!), and was regular for the first time in a long time.  I am not sure if I have/had IBS but I sure would hurt and be doubled over in pain sometimes! ---remember no judging!  lol.  The next thing I noticed was my energy...it was thru the roof!  I didn't need a nap anymore (and anyone who knows me knows I always needed a nap, everyday!), I could focus, my brain didn't feel so scattered and cloudy feeling, and I was just getting things done!  I will tell you it did WONDERS for my mood.   I am bi-polar (mostly mania for me! - anyone for shopping??? - again no judging) and obviously it affects your moods, and I really can't even describe how much better it made me feel.  I will be the first to tell you that I will never go off my medications (THAT is the reason you stay stable people-that is a whole other topic for discussion!) but the only way I can really explain it, is to say I feel ALIVE.  Not just living day to day, plodding along.  The other thing that I realized was people were telling me I looked good, and it wasn't just a physical thing they said...they said I was glowing! (and Lord knows I'm not having anymore babies! lol)  Shakeology is a MEAL REPLACEMENT, so it replaces one meal a day!  So you do the math --- $119/month ($4.00 a day!)  OR....if you sign up to be a coach $89/month ($3.00 a day!)  Um...you can't buy McDonalds or ANY fast food for that price!

When your body gets all the proper nutrients this is normal!  We should be feeling this good, but with todays diets, preservatives, artificial flavors, hormones, steroids, and all the other "secret" names of terrible things they put into some of our food...how can we help but NOT feel good, sluggish, down, bloated, and the best one...."craving the bad food"???

I signed on to be a Beachbody Coach so that I could get a discount on my Shakeology and to help people make a change in their lives.  Its important to take care of you!  If you would like to try a sample of Shakeology, just send me a message!!  Check the article below....in Oprahs magazine!  AWESOME!

www.shakeology.com/allisoncrooks

http://www.oprah.com/health/Superfoods-of-Peru-Kaniwa-Maca-Yacon-Susan-Casey/1

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Dip

• Grilled Salmon with Avocado Dip
• 
  
• 2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 3 tablespoons Greek-style yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pounds salmon steaks
• 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil grate.
2. In a medium bowl, mash together avocados, garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Rub salmon with dill, lemon pepper, and salt. Place on the prepared grill, and cook 15 minutes, turning once, until easily flaked with a fork. Serve with the avocado mixture.

A poem for a friend....

         If Ever You Need Me

                                        by Becky Williams

If ever you need me, I'll be right here, To chase away the sadness, And wipe away a tear. If ever you need me, I'll be two steps behind, To follow in your footsteps, And hear what's on your mind. If ever you need me, You'll never have to fear, That your presence isn't important, And your love isn't dear. If ever you need me, I'll always be around, To bring back the laughter, Where deep in your heart it's found. You'll never have to worry, For I'll always be here, To chase away the sadness, And wipe away a tear.

This poem is for my best friend, Monica...I love you!

Did you know.....

Turquoise is formed, over a span of millions of years, by a chemical reaction that occurs when water leaks through rocks which contain specific minerals such as copper and aluminum.  The percentages of those various minerals in the rock dictate the gemstone’s shade.  Turquioise is one of my very favorite stones!! 

Did you know......Coral color ranges from white to red. Coral is not actually a gemstone, it is actually calcified skeletons of sea creatures that grow in branches that look like underwater trees. Beautiful coral jewelry is made and worn in many parts of the world, most coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific, the most valuable colors of coral are red, black, and pink which is known as angel skin coral. Coral in the form of coral stone and gold jewelry is among the most ancient of gem materials, coral jewelry has been made in many parts of the world and used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral inlays and coral jewelry  have been found from the Iron Age. Coral has a history of religious significance.

Did you know.....Rhodium is a precious metal. In fact, it's about ten times costlier than gold! But it is generally not considered a feasible material to make solid jewelry from because it is stressed and brittle, is very difficult to "work" properly for jewelry making, and it's price is very volatile (sometimes it's 5x as costly as gold, sometimes 25x) But rhodium is fabulous as a plating for jewelry because it is glitteringly, dazzlingly, white and mirror-like. It's like chrome, only more so, and much whiter.  Rhodium plating makes diamonds look bigger and better because it's so bright that it's hard to see where the stones end and the metal begins....Nothing sets off diamonds like rhodium plating does!

 

All these leaking pictures!

Can I tell you I am wild with excitement?  All the leaking photos from pre-launch parties in California are making me jealous!  I'm already ready to be wearing these pieces!  I can't wait to host some parties!  BTW...please go sign-up at www.bamboopink.net/allisoncrooks

if you choose you can sell and be a consultant, if not...

you will be one of my preferred customers!! 

Veggie Melts

So over the weekend we had a party and I always like to make these.  I had several people ask me for the recipe so I thought....I would share it here!  They are always a huge HIT!!!

VEGGIE MELTS

1 package (11 oz) refrigerated French bread dough
3 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 zucchini or squash, thinly sliced
8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. fresh basil, or 1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, pressed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Bake your French loaf on a cookie sheet until done OR I use Pampered Chef Bread Tubes (just spray the tube and lids with cooking spray and put the entire French loaf in the tube and bake for 50-60 mins ; cool 10 mins and remove from bread tubes)  After bread has cooled completely cut into 1/4" slices and place on a baking stone.  Slice tomatoes, zucchini and mozzarella cheese.  Combine mayonnaise, basil and garlic - mix well.  Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture over all the bread slices, top with zucchini, tomato and mozzarella cheese.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.

bamboopink Compensation Plan and NEW pictures!!

They released the compensation plan for bamboopoink on Friday night, and I have to tell you I'm BLOWN away.  I have never been soooo excited...there is serious cash to be made!!  We have an incredible Fast Start Bonus,  Fast Start Jewelry Bonus,  Power Team Bonus,  Jewelry Retail Profit (25%-30%), Matching Check Bonus (7%-20%),  Advancement Bonus ($5,000, $10,000, $25,000 in JEWELRY!), Car/Lifestyle Monthly Bonus ($1,000, $2,500, $5,000) AND we are paid 7 deep on our downline!!  Plus we can earn free jewelry AND there is a Global Bonus Pool coming in Jan. 2012!  No one else can beat this!  Part-time, full-time...make it your own!!

We are moving out of the country for a couple years and the fact that we can do "virtual" trunk shows is what really excites me...I can set up parties and all my friends, family can preview, and shop from their home, in their pajamas!!  While I'm thousands of miles away (in my pajamas!!) :)

The opportunities are endless with bamboopink...please join my team, check it out -sign up and atleast be one of my preferred customers!...share this info with your friends...never judge you never know who might be interested in this ground floor opportunity!  Please have them check out my website -- www.bamboopink.net/allisoncrooks   Check out the new pics below....AMAZING!!

 

Spring has sprung....

All the trees are blooming and the yellow pollen is flying everything (mostly sticking to my car - and everything in my house!) but...you know what that means??? Summer will be here soon so...enjoy this pictures for the day!  I can almost feel the sand between my toes!!

New picture of a bamboopink by JudeFrances ring!

This was another sneak peak of a ring that will be available thru bamboopink by JudeFrances!  I want this one soooo bad!!  :)  

Not to late to sign up for FREE!!!  I would love the support, and if you decide you don't want to sell you will just remain one of my preferred customers!  www.bamboopink.net/allisoncrooks

bamboopink Announces Susan Bush as Chief Operating Officer With over 30 Years' Experience in the Fashion Industry Susan Bush Joins the bamboopink TEAM - CNBC

bamboopink Announces Susan Bush as Chief Operating Officer With over 30 Years' Experience in the Fashion Industry Susan Bush Joins the bamboopink TEAM - CNBC

Gonna start a new round of P90X...Lean Version

I'm gonna start a new round of P90X..and I'm going to do the Lean Version.  I've never done that version, I've only done the classic version.  This one begins with Core Synergistics and for me....my core has NEVER been very strong, so my goal is to really have a strong core.  I know that since my core is not strong it has lead to me having some lower back issues and I KNOW this will elevate those problems!  The awesome thing about Beachbody is that I compete against - MYSELF...so I do have goals...one of them is being able to do that darn Dreya Roll (again no core strength to get myself up!)

I have to tell you since I started doing P90X, one of my favorite DVD's is YogaX!  I'm absolutely and totally in love with it!!  I sweat all over the place, feel like my heart is jumping out of my chest, fall over, still can't do the crane!!...but it is the most incredible workout!  45 minutes of Hard Core Yoga and the last is poses, stretching, and "playing dead!" ahhhhh, talk about relaxation!!  :)

If you have any question about Beachbody, P90X or any of the other products that we offer...please reach out to me, I would love to help you reach your goals!!  xoxoxo

www.beachbodycoach.com/allisoncrooks

Follow my blog...would love your support!

I am new to blogging and would love it if you would follow my blog!   Your support means so much to me!  xoxoxo

Feta Baked Chicken - from my friend J.

I have to share this recipe you with you..it is one of my new ALL time favorites!!  Thanks so much for sharing J. <3

Feta Baked Chicken

6 Chicken Breasts
2 Tbsp. lemon juice - divided
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 pkg. Athenos crumbled Feta Cheese with Basil and Tomato
1/4 c. finely chopped red pepper
1/4 c. finely chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Arrange chicken in a 13 x 9 pan.  Drizzle with 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice.  Season with salt and pepper.  Top with Feta Cheese.  Drizzle with remaining lemon juice.  Bake 35-40 minutes.  Sprinkle with red peppers and parsley.   ** The green beans pictured below are - 3 cups hot cooked green beans, 2 plum tomatoes - cut into wedges, a splash of light italian dressing and 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil.  YUMMY!!

Why bamboopink???

I am sure you have seen me writing about bamboopink on Facebook.  I'm sure you have seen me say..."Free to sign-up"..."opportunity of a lifetime".  "join my team", and I still want to jump up and down and tell you to join me!!  I am so excited about this opportunity with bamboopink that I can almost not put it into words.

I have two passions, one is Beachbody and helping people get fit and healthy and feel better from the inside out  I mean who else but Tony Horton and P90X has given me these results!!  Second is bamboopink, since I have always loved jewelry and being able to be all dressed up and girly!!!  The fact that bamboopink hasn't even launched is what really excited me...how many other companies do you know where you can get in on the ground floor and build a career?  And the facts remain that you are going to be working with a company that sells jewelry....NOT a direct sales company that just decided that they would sell something or a flyby night company.  JudeFrances' jewelry is sold in Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue and their pieces sell for $2000-$80000 each, and we all know the quality of stuff at those stores!!  They started bamboopink so that the everyday woman could have fashionable, trendy, yet classic pieces at incredible prices -- $19 - $100!!  Be confident in the fact that we have our OWN manufacturing site with the same quality control as Judefrances.   All our pieces are designed by Frances herself and every piece you will get is top quality.   Along with the fact that bamboopink will have 4 collections per year!

I want you to join me on this journey...what have you got to lose?  You can sign up for free, watch us launch, preview all the products, test drive all the incredible software and then decide if you would like to be a consultant, or you can just remain my customer and receive sneak-peeks and preview new releases or opt-out all together!  YOU decide!

Imagine if you were in the living room with Mary Ash when they decide to start Mary Kay?  Imagine if you were there with the initial launch??....This is your opportunity today!

bamboopink by Judefrances -- to donate to Japanese Disaster Relief

For Immediate Release:

bamboopink to Launch Company by Donating to Japanese Disaster Relief Efforts

bamboopink to Donate a Portion of Their First Month’s and Future Proceeds to Relief Efforts of those Affected by the Earthquake in Japan and Tsunami in the Pacific

Irvine, California, March 17, 2011—Giving back to the community is something that is very important to all of us at bamboopink. With the recent tragedies occurring in Japan and the Pacific, as a new company, we feel we have a unique opportunity to help those that are in need.

With the upcoming launch of our company, we want to lead the way showing our dedication to giving back. bamboopink, through the support of their consultants, will donate a portion of our first month’s and future proceeds to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund dedicated to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. For us, bamboopink is more than jewelry, it’s a lifestyle. In the bamboopink lifestyle we are committed to promoting personal growth including giving back to the community that has helped us thrive, and those in need that can benefit from our help. We have an opportunity to make a difference and help the people of Japan regain their sense of hope and prosperity. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

About bamboopink:

bamboopink is more than jewelry, it’s a lifestyle. bamboopink is affordable luxury. It is your very own direct sales business managed by you which gives you the freedom to create your own destiny. Just like the bamboo plant representing strength and prosperity, along with feminine softness of the color pink, our company is designed to help you grow personally, financially and give you the freedom to blossom. bamboopink provides you the tools to fashion your own future by empowering you with the latest technologies, beautifully designed jewelry and the experience of successful entrepreneurs supporting you every step of the way.

Bamboopink

I have loved jewelry forever!!  I have made my own jewelry and I was lucky enough to even be able to sell my jewelry.  When I saw this opportunity on Facebook, I jumped!  I truly had no idea anything about Bamboopink so I googled it and found that this was going to be a direct line from JudeFrances!  Then I dug a little bit deeper (I'm a huge google researcher) and realized that this was not a joke or scam it was actually the opportunity of a lifetime!  These opportunities DO NOT come along very often (Think ground level, day one with Mary Kay or Avon).  Bamboopink is going to always be free to join - you will have a trial period to see if this is the right opportunity for you...what other company would EVER do that?  JudeFrances' name is riding on this and what an incredible history they have!  Please join my team in the opportunity of a lifetime or join me as a customer!  www.bamboopink.net/allisoncrooks