Spotlight on Texas-Based Wholesome Meats...Featuring Mediterranean Beef Cauliflower Rice Bowls #regenerativefarming #texasbased #healthy2021 #healthybeef

Today, I'm excited to tell you about Wholesome Meats, a Texas-based company that's literally changing the way beef is raised! Ranchers across the country -- including just outside of San Antonio -- are utilizing regenerative agriculture methods to produce better beef. Wholesome Meats is a San Antonio-based beef brand that's dedicated to regenerative agriculture. Their flavorful premium ground beef helps heal the planet via regenerative grazing practices. This approach rebuilds rich topsoil by capturing harmful carbon from the atmosphere -- which produces a carbon-negative product. This week, I received a sampling of their beef products to create some healthy beef recipes. Wholesome Meats beef is grass fed...and it's raised without chemicals, pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. I used their 85/15 ground beef to modify one of their recipes to meet the macros of my OPTAVIA lifestyle. My Mediterranean Beef Cauliflower Rice Bowls are hearty, lower in carbs, and bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors. The beef is lightly spiced with oregano, garam masala...typically found in curry...and a bit of minced shallot. Fresh in-season Summer veggies, reduced fat feta, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt top a base of cauliflower rice. The end result is filling...without being heavy. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes. It can be ready in even less time if you prep your veggies earlier in the day.

Build a Healthy Salad with Bolthouse Farms Creamy Yogurt Dressings...Featuring Summery Lemon Basil Shrimp Salad #Healthy2021 #salad #summereats #shrimp #lemonbasil

Summer is in full swing here in Texas...which means we're eating more main dish salads for dinner! It's a win-win situation, because I don't have to heat the oven...and it's an excellent way to make sure we're eating plenty of healthy veggies. What many people don't realize is that the majority of the calories and fat found in most salads comes from the dressing used. Because I don't want to sacrifice flavor -- or creamy texture -- I use Bolthouse Farms Yogurt Dressings in many of my salad creations. Today, I'm featuring their tangy, herbal Lemon Basil Yogurt Dressing to flavor my Summery Lemon Basil Shrimp Salad. A 2-TBS serving of this delicious dressing has just 40 calories...and only 2.5 grams of fat! What this gluten free dressing doesn't have is artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives. Today's salad creation features a delicious chunky shrimp salad served on a bed of in-season Summer veggies...and heart-healthy avocado. The end result is a seasonal dinner entree that's filling...without leaving you feeling stuff and bloated. To save a bit of prep time at dinner, the shrimp salad can be made early in the day and stored covered in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad(s) later that evening.

Celebrating National Tequila Day In Style...Featuring Tequila-Shrimp Confetti Guacamole #NationalTequilaDay #guacamole #shrimp #summerappetizer

So...LAST Saturday was National Tequila Day! I planned to celebrate this festive occasion by sharing my very favorite tequila-infused Summer appetizer. However, a technical glitch kept this amazing recipe from posting as scheduled. Better late than never...I declare that EVERY Saturday is a good time to celebrate tequila! My Tequila-Shrimp Confetti Guacamole is a flavorful layered dip that features a base of tequila and lime-infused guacamole that's spooned into a large margarita glass. The guacamole is topped with a layer of boozy pico de gallo -- which is crowned with sweet shrimp tossed in a tequila-infused cocktail sauce. This gorgeous appetizer is colorful to look at…and even better to eat!

My New OPTAVIA® Healthy Lifestyle...Featuring Creamy Queso Chicken #optavia #Healthy2021 #chickenleanandgreen #yummyanddelish

I need to take a moment to apologize for being a bit MIA around here so far this Summer. I've been focusing pretty much exclusively on my health the past few weeks...and now I want to share my experience with you! As a stroke recovery patient, my cardiologist and pulmonologist have strongly encouraged me to lose weight -- at least 50 pounds -- for a couple of years! The trifecta of reduced endurance post stroke...medications that make it difficult to lose weight...and hazards of cooking/recipe development + eating out as a busy food blogger! I've tried several diet plans over the past couple of years, with mixed results. When I saw my cousin this Spring, she looked amazing and had lost 60+ pounds. When I asked what she had done to achieve weight loss success, she told me about the OPTAVIA® plan. Based on her successful results, I decided to give the plan a try, so I started on May 7th. As of July 9th, I've lost 28.2 pounds and 13 total inches! Even better? I have tons of energy, and I'm sleeping better than I have in ages. 

I personally follow the OPTAVIA® 4&2&1 Plan. Every day, I eat four OPTAVIA® Fuelings, two healthy Lean & Green meals that focus on lean proteins and vegetables, and one healthy Daily Snack. Fuelings include shakes and smoothies, protein bars, savory items like mashed potatoes, and even desserts like pudding or brownies. I literally eat every 2-3 hours during the day, so I'm rarely hungry. As the picture at the right shows, my skin is clearer...and my face is already looking less full. This is truly the easiest weight I've ever lost. I wanted to share a sample Lean & Green recipe with y'all today so you can see how I'm eating these days...as well as the types of recipes you can expect to see me share here going forward. Creamy Queso Chicken is my personal spin on an OPTAVIA® recipe. I made it for us to enjoy while watching the Astros-Yankees game last weekend. It's warm and creamy...and very hearty. 

This warm dip is served with crudite veggie dippers in the original recipe. However, I used the Creamy Queso Chicken to make chicken guacamole tostadas using cauliflower round thins instead of tortillas for dinner. This recipe is simple to whip up and makes four generous servings. Tweaks I made to the original recipe include using scallions in place of chopped cilantro, subbing 2% four-cheese Mexican blend for sharp cheddar...and adding a bit of dry Ranch dressing mix for extra flavor. The end result is a creamy, versatile dish everyone loved!

Summer Sips with Torani® Puremade Zero Sugar Syrups...Featuring Zero Sugar Peach Raspberry Sparkling Iced Tea #zerosugar #summersips #Healthy2021 #icedtea #summerpeach

Summer is in full swing...which means staying adequately hydrated is especially important! Here in Texas, iced tea is very often the Summer beverage of choice. However, it's typically is sweetened with tons of sugar...which means excess calories and carbs. Today, I'm sharing a recipe for a refreshing sparkling iced tea that features tons of natural peach flavor thanks to the addition of Torani® Puremade Zero Sugar Peach Syrup. Puremade Zero Sugar flavoring syrups are GMO-free...and they contain ZERO artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or sweeteners. I especially love that Torani® Puremade syrups are sweetened with natural erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit instead of artificial sugar substitutes! My Zero Sugar Peach Raspberry Sparkling Iced Tea is fizzy and fruit forward thanks to the addition of flavorful Puremade Zero Sugar Peach Syrup, a simple puree of fresh peaches and raspberries, and fragrant peach herbal tea. The fizz comes from raspberry and peach sugar-free sparkling waters. This colorful iced tea also makes it a perfect mocktail for Summer entertaining!

Hi-C Orange Lavaburst is BACK at McDonald’s #mcdonalds #hiclavaburst #summersips

I’ve got some exciting news to share today! McDonald’s restaurants nationwide—including San Antonio area locations—welcomed back a long-time customer favorites beverage this month. Just in time for Summer sipping, Hi-C Orange Lavaburst is back! The name of the original Hi-C Orange was changed to Orange Lavaburst in 1993…but it still has the iconic orange TASTE you likely loved when you were growing up! McDonald’s first introduced this refreshing non-carbonated beverage more than SIX DECADES ago…it’s been a customer favorite since 1955. McDonald’s locations have added this classic orange beverage as a Core offering at their in-store soda fountains…making it easily available for cooling off on hot Texas afternoons! McDonald’s is known for offering its customers a wide range of beverage options, so Hi-C Orange Lavaburst is now available for all Combo Meals as a non-soda option. As part of the company’s overarching nutrition goals—in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation—kids Happy Meal beverage options will consist of water, milk, and apple juice.

Disclosure: This is a compensated post for McDonald’s. All-nighter opinions expressed are solely mine.

Unreal Deli Vegan Deli Meats Available at H-E-B Locations in Texas...Featuring Vegan Turk'y Wrap With Avocado-Garlic Aioli #veganmeat #plantbased #Healthy2021 #healthyanddeliciuos

What if I told you that you could enjoy delicious plant-based vegan deli meat?!?!? Thanks to Unreal Deli, this is a delicious reality! You may have seen Unreal Deli on Shark Tank, where Mark Cuban signed on to partner with the company. Unreal Deli is quickly becoming the leading provider of plant-based deli meat across country. Their products are now available at 140 H-E-B locations here in Texas! Unreal Deli started in founder Mrs. Goldfarb's home kitchen. She's got true deli credentials thanks to her family's more than a century in the traditional meat-based deli business. Many people have misconceived notions about plant-based meats...but they're becoming increasingly popular as people seek to eat healthier and live a cruelty-free life. However...taste and texture are also important!

I'm happy to report that Unreal Deli plant-based meats have a meaty texture...and they taste great! I used their Turk'y to create my healthy and tasty Vegan Turk'y Wrap with Avocado-Garlic Aioli. It features Unreal Deli's flavorful Turk'y and vegan provolone cheese, a creamy vegan avocado-garlic spread, and plenty of in season Summer veggies. Everything is wrapped up in a high-fiber, low-carb Lavash flatbread. The wrap is served chilled, making it a perfect lunch for hot Summer days. However, the true test was how my meat-loving Texan Dad would react when I served this wrap to him for lunch this week. More on the results of his taste test after I share the recipe. 

Gearing Up for July 4th...Featuring Texas-Creole Crawfish Potato Salad #july4th #potatosalad #crawfish #summereats

Looking at the calendar, I just realized that July 4th is literally around the corner! Today, I'm sharing one of the most popular recipes I've ever shared...and it's perfect for July 4th grilling. It's a modern spin on an American classic: potato salad. Don't get me wrong: I LOVE old-fashioned potato salad. But? Sometimes it's fun to try something a bit different. Texas-Creole Crawfish Potato Salad is my take on a recipe from Brennan's of Houston restaurant. This acclaimed restaurant is known for combining Texas and Louisiana Creole flavors in delicious, creative ways! I made a few tweaks to their recipe to suit our taste buds. It has enough classic potato salad ingredients to taste familiar: creamy mayo, boiled eggs, tangy pickles, and celery. Then? It takes a sharp detour with the addition of Cajun-spiced crawfish tails! I know you might be skeptical...but sometimes different is good.

Gearing Up for Father's Day with FreshJax Organic Spices....Featuring Grilled Greek Turkey Burger with Quick Tzatziki #Healthy2021 #summereats #fathersday #burgers #grilling

Father's Day is coming up NEXT weekend...which means it's time to get your game plan in place! My Dad loves to grill, so I created a delicious grilled turkey burger for him that's a step up from the typical grilled hamburger! I teamed with my friends at FreshJax Organic Spices to create my Grilled Turkey Burger with Quick Tzatziki. This recipe features the Authentic Greek Herb Blend from their flavorful Taste the World Organic Spice Sampler Gift Set. According to FreshJax, this spice blend features, "...fragrant herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and a hint of spearmint." I used this spice blend in both the burger patties AND the creamy quick tzatziki sauce. If you're firing up the grill for Father's Day celebration this year, this healthy and delicious burger will definitely make everyone sit up and take notice! 

Vegetarian-Friendly Brunch...Featuring Italian Baked Portobello Eggs #Healthy2021 #vegfriendly #brunch #meatless #eggs

One of my health goals for this year is to incorporate more plant-based meals to my diet. That means I'm always on the lookout for vegetarian recipes that are filling...and taste great! Today, I'm sharing a recipe that features eggs baked in a meaty portobello mushroom cap. My Italian Baked Portobello Eggs feature a simple tomato-based Italian sauce, eggs, and a bit of cheese...all of which are stuffed into a large portobello mushroom cap. The mushroom caps are then baked until the eggs are completely cooked and the mushrooms are tender. Whether you choose to eat this dish for breakfast, weekend brunch...or even a hearty brinner? It will work perfectly!

Kicking Off Summer...Featuring Tomato-Zucchini Pesto Flatbread with Chèvre and Balsamic Drizzle #summercooking #flatbread #gardenveggies

It's hard to believe Summer is officially starting now that Memorial Day weekend is here! My Dad is growing his annual warm-weather veggie garden...and he starting picking tomatoes and zucchini this week. That means it's time to create some warm-weather dishes to showcase his fresh veggies! This Tomato-Zucchini Pesto Flatbread with Chèvre and Balsamic Drizzle is a great example. These veg-friendly flatbreads pair economical in-season tomatoes and zucchini with shallots, herbal pesto, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic reduction. They're a snap to make thanks to using naan for the base. Don't feel like turning your oven on? No worries! These flatbreads can also be cooked outside on the grill. 

Healthy 2021 Recipe: Weekend Brunch Salad #healthy2021 #healthyanddelish #salads #proactivehealth

Hi, everyone...sorry I've been a bit quiet so far this month. But? I've been adjusting to a new healthy eating plan. The good news? I'm two weeks in and seeing excellent results so far! I plan to share a full update in the coming weeks. However, rest assured I'll still be sharing plenty of delicious recipes in here...mostly with a healthier profile. Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite recent recipe creations that's the epitome of brunch. My Weekend Brunch Salad includes some of my favorite breakfast items...presented in a main dish salad form. The taste is familiar...yet new and refreshing. It's also filling without leaving you feeling overly stuffed! As the weather continues to get warmer, this is an ideal light Summer lunch or brunch. The fact that it's lower in fat and carbs is simply a bonus.

Celebrating a McDonald's Classic...the Iconic Baked Apple Pie #mcdonalds #applepie #since1968

The ICONIC McDonald's Baked Apple Pie...a customer 
favorite since 1968!

If you're like me? You visit your local McDonald's to enjoy your favorite menu items you likely grew up enjoying...and have oved for decades. That definitely includes their delicious warm Baked Apple Pie, which has been making McDonald's customers smile with delight since 1968. This convenient handheld pie combines classic apple pie flavor with a homemade taste and aroma. In honor of this month's National Apple Pie Day, it's the perfect time to shine the spotlight on this iconic sweet treat! 

Sugar-topped lattice crust and
warm apple filling

The McDonald's Baked Apple Pie is a five-decade customer favorite made with 100% American-grown apples. The filling is wrapped in a tender, flakey lattice-topped crust...as a crowning touch, they're topped with a sprinkle of sugar before going into the oven. McDonald's Baked Apple Pies contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives...and each location bakes them fresh daily so they're served warm. These signature Warm Apple Pies are McDonald's best-selling dessert item that's purchased with a beverage...and 25% of the pies are purchased before 10:00 am for a sweet on-the-go breakfast.

Although a freshly baked McDonald's Baked Apple Pie is totally delicious on its own? I have a special insider pairing suggestion to make it taste extra amazing! Simply pair a warm, freshly baked apple pie with a McDonald's Hot Caramel Sundae for an over-the-top twist on classic Apple Pie a la Mode. Imagine a combination of warm apples, sweet flaky crust, creamy vanilla soft serve, and gooey warm caramel. Mind blown...talk about a seriously swoon worthy dessert or afternoon pick-me-up! 

Disclosure: This is a compensated post for McDonald's. All opinions expressed in this feature are solely my own.

ABRAMS Dinner Party Spotlight : Myron Mixon Keto BBQ...Featuring BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts #ketobbq #chicken #bacon #protein

The next book I'm sharing via the ABRAMS Dinner Party blogging group is Myron Mixon's Keto BBQ: Real Barbecue for a Healthy Lifestyle. Just in time for the Summer BBQ season, this cookbook shows how to transform traditional BBQ so it fits within Keto guidelines. If you're following a Keto lifestyle, this book is a must to transform your BBQ game. Not Keto? No problem...I'm not either! The book is chock full of excellent recipes that taste amazing for EVERYONE! If you're not familiar with Mixon, he's the "winningest man in barbecue" -- with more than three decades of winning BBQ contests. That means he knows his smoked meat! Mixon lost 100 pounds following the Keto eating plan, learning how to eat the food he loves and maintain his weight loss for more than 2 years.

Keto BBQ has a ton of amazing recipes -- including White Chili with Smoked Chicken, Blackberry Spareribs, and Smoked Bacon Cheeseburgers. However, my family quickly decided Mixon's BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts -- which feature an easy BBQ sauce/marinade and a simple homemade sugar-free chicken spice rub -- was the perfect dish to feature. Before hitting the grill for smoking, each marinated and spice-rubbed chicken breast is wrapped in bacon. The end result is chicken breast that's supremely juicy and flavorful...with a perfect smoky flavor. Everyone gave this recipe and enthusiastic thumbs up!

FreshJax Organic Spices Launches Bloody Mary Spice Duo Kickstarter...Featuring Spicy-Smoky Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail #spicy #smoky #bloodymary #baconsalt #shrimp #summerappetizer

I'm excited to share some very exciting news -- especially those who enjoy their food and cocktails on the spicier side. My friends at Florida-based FreshJax® Organic Spices is launching a Kickstarter campaign today to introduce their two newest spice blends. Both items are plant based...and also vegan-friendly! Their one-two punch of Triple Dog Dare™ Bloody Mary Mix and Happy Hamlet™ Bacon Salt will ensure you make the best spicy-smoky Bloody Mary cocktail -- one that everyone can enjoy! I received a sneak preview of both spices to play around with in my kitchen. Today, I'm sharing a recipe for a fun appetizer that features both of these bold new spices.

My Spicy-Smoky Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail features all  your favorite Bloody Mary flavors in a no-cook appetizer that features sweet Gulf shrimp, creamy avocado, and a selection of flavorful additions. The Triple Dog Dare™ brings bold, balanced spiciness to the Bloody Mary base -- thanks to the inclusion of Habañero pepper. The shrimp are poached in a flavorful brine that features a generous amount of smoky Happy Hamlet™. This smoky spice also rims the serving glasses, and it's even sprinkled on the tortilla chips that are served on the side of each serving of shrimp cocktail. One bite and you'll quickly realize that you've found an ideal Summer appetizer...or even a light lunch! 

ABRAMS Dinner Party Spotlight...Featuring Toasty Cheese and Chile Jam Sandwiches from Getaway #ABRAMSDinnerParty #grownupgrilledcheese #travelfoodmemories #cheese

Have I got a great cookbook...and recipe...to share with y'all today! The latest featured cookbook for my ABRAMS Publishing Dinner Party blogging group is Seattle Chef Renee Erickson's Getaway -- Food and Drink to Transport You. Erickson shares her favorite travel experiences -- including regional food and cocktails -- from some of her favorite vacation getaways. Then, she shares recipes that bring those local flavors home to the reader's kitchen! The book is divided into sections that feature the signature food and cocktails of Rome, Paris, Normandy, London, Baja California, and her home base of Seattle. This cookbook resonated with me because it combines two of my favorite things...travel and food! Our personal foodie travel experiences have been very memorable. It's both educational and tasty to sample regional cuisine from different states and countries! 

My featured recipe from Getaway is a deceptively simple five-ingredient sandwich from the cookbook's London section -- one that elevates the childhood classic grilled cheese to grown-up levels of deliciousness. Toasty Cheese and Chile Jam Sandwiches feature sharp aged cheddar cheese, spicy-sweet chile jam, sourdough bread...and a secret method to ensure a perfect crunchy, toasted grilled cheese. It's simple...but it results in a perfectly toasted grilled cheese. One try with Erickson's method, and I'll never make grilled cheese any other way! Since this sandwich uses only a handful of ingredients, please be sure to use the best quality ingredients that you can. The end result is a grilled cheese that explodes with flavor and crunch.

Take Simple Eggs to New Levels...Featuring Individual Tex-Mex Baked Egg Skillets #brunch #breakfast #brinner #eggs #texmex

Most of us enjoy a good hearty breakfast...but actually finding a pocket of time to cook and leisurely enjoy breakfast can be a challenge! Today, I'm sharing a one-dish skillet meal that's perfect for weekend brunch...or a weeknight brinner. My Individual Tex-Mex Baked Egg Skillets feature all of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors. Simply add some warm tortillas on the side...and  you have a complete meal in just over 30 minutes. Don't have small individual skillets? No problem! Simply bake the ingredients in a medium cast iron or non-stick skillet and cut into wedges to serve.

Delicious, Healthy Food...Featuring South of the Border Chicken Cobb Salad #healthy2021 #maindishsalad #warmweatherfood #eatyourveggies

The weather is starting to turn warmer here in Texas...so my thoughts are turning to refreshing, lighter meals. My South of the Border Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is perfect as Spring and Summer settle in! It's ready to eat in about 30 minutes...and requires no oven since the ingredients are grilled outside. Eating healthy has never been so easy – or full of flavor! This salad contains my favorite Tex-Mex flavors in a light, yet filling healthy Cobb-style salad. One bite, and this salad will be in heavy rotation in your kitchen all the way until Fall!

Texas McDonald's Restaurants Hiring 25,000 New Employees Starting This Month #mcdonaldshiring

Are you a Texan who's seeking employment? If so, you're in luck! Texas McDonald’s restaurants are planning to hire 25,000 new employees starting this month -- including 1,100 new employees in the San Antonio area alone! Hiring will be made via a special three-day Hiring Event, which will be held from April 13-15. This hiring effort is a collaborative effort between McDonald’s restaurants across Texas to keep up with the company's hiring demands. Job openings available vary per participating restaurant location. Open positions include both crew and management positions. 

Working at McDonald’s offers restaurant employees an
opportunity to build a successful career...and more -- including an opportunity to learn transferable soft skills like teamwork, customer service, accountability, and communication in a safe and respectful environment. To ensure a healthy, safe working environment, McDonald’s restaurants have implemented more than 50 COVID-19 safety procedures to protect both crew and customers. These safety features include wellness and temperature checks, social distancing floor stickers, protective barriers at order points, masks and gloves for employees, and additional new procedures and training

Globally, McDonald’s and its independent franchisees provide jobs for almost 2 million people. They're committed to inspiring workplaces where everyone – from local restaurant crew members to the corporate C-suite level – is equally supported and empowered to realize their full potential. According to local McDonald's Owner/Operator Maria Acosta reflects this McDonald's company goal:

It's not just a job, but a path for success, growth, and unlimited opportunity. Our priority is to give all employees the tools for success: learn a new skill, receive promotions, and write your own success story. Our hiring process is straightforward and streamlined. Many applicants can start [working] the day after their interview. Any person looking for new opportunities and a promising future is welcome to take a look at McDonald’s. We’d love to talk to you!

 

To get the job application process started, interested job seekers can visit McDonalds.com/careers/*-    qYT231a321.0`1al McDonald's restaurant near them.

 

In addition to providing local jobs, McDonald’s continues to invest in the communities it serves via three major scholarship programs: HACER® National Scholarships, Thurgood Marshall Black and Positively Golden Scholarship, and McDonald’s/APIA Scholarship program.

Disclosure: This is a compensated article for McDonald's. Any opinions expressed are solely my own.

Cookbook Spotlight On Katie Lee Biegel's It's Not Complicated...Featuring: No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake #ABRAMSDinnerParty #katieleebiegel #cheesecake #dessert #peanutbutter #nobakedessert

It's time for another fun and delicious ABRAMS Dinner Party cookbook feature...and this one's definitely a keeper, folks! Katie Lee Biegel's -- who you likely recognize from her Food Network appearances -- latest cookbook It's Not Complicated features recipes that fit her new cooking motto: Things don’t need to be complicated to be good! This is definitely my type of cooking: recipes with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen time that yield flavorful dishes that appeal to a wide range of eaters. What can be better than that?!?!? I literally had a dozen recipes flagged to potentially feature for this post...including Brown Sugar and Sriracha Bacon, Lobster Cobb, and Sticky Soy-Ginger Garlic Chicken Thighs. I ultimately went with her No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake to serve for our Easter meal dessert. 

With just five ingredients you may already have in your kitchen, no oven required, and the ability to make ahead and chill overnight? This creamy cheesecake is a total kitchen win! We served slices of this dreamy cheesecake with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a peanut butter cup flavor profile -- but this addition isn't part of Katie's original recipe. If you have peanut butter lovers in your family, this is a perfect dessert. It literally takes 15 minutes to assemble, then it chills in the fridge up to overnight. Then? Sit back and wait for the compliments to roll in!