Slimming Turkey Day Tips

With Thanksgiving just a few days away it's time to share some realistic tips to keep you on track. There is nothing wrong with eating on Thanksgiving, even over-eating is allowed, but you can go complete off the deep end. I am making November 27th a cheat day, the goal is to eat very clean the rest of the week and let loose, like a 2 dollar whore, on Thursday. 

All the tips might not be for you, I'm hoping at least one of them will help you cut a few unneeded and unwanted calories on the bug day.

Did you know the average American consumes over 4500 calories on Thanksgiving?

Slimming Turkey Day Tips

Avoid the gravy not the mash

Gravy is pretty much liquid calories, try to go easy on the gravy 

Fill your plate with salad and vegetables first

I usually have 2nds and even 3rds on the big day, make sure to fill your plate with green stuff on your first round, your body will thank you later

Drink 2 cups of water before the festive fest

Drinking water before any meal is a great habit to adopt 

Eat until your full not until you can't move

It's easy to over-eat  stay mindful of how full you are, take breaks instead of shoveling it in fast 

Wear something body conscious, sweats make it easy to expand

Usually everybody wants to wear sweats and oversized clothes on an official fest day, but opting for skinny jeans and a body conscious sweater will remind you of your health goals 

Pick 1 favorite calorie abundant dish and enjoy it

No explanation needed

Skip what you don't want or need 

I don't eat meat so skipping turkey and ham will be simple for me. I love potatoes, I will not be skipping them

Don't let family pressure get you off track

I am the smallest in my family and whenever I eat around them I see them eyeing my plate and usually get a few comments. It used to bother me, but not anymore, I could care less about there opinion, I'm the one that has to squeeze into my size 8s

Workout before the big dinner

To me there is nothing more rewarding than exercising on big holidays, especially big holidays that require you to eat, eat and over eat. I'm going to attend a bikram yoga class first thing in the morning. I won't feel as guilty about over indulging as long as I get a good sweat in 

Workout the day after Thanksgiving 

Skip the early Black Friday shopping, hit the gym instead

Don't beat yourself up  

Even if you go buck wild don't beat yourself up. It's ok to loose yourself on Thanksgiving 

Skip the skin

I cannot and woulf not do this one, the skin is the best part of the meat to me, but 1 ounce of skin contains up to 80 calories. Good luck with this one 

Watch your portions

I'll be posting a portion cheat sheet trmw

Avoid or limit your bread intake

Bread bloats me and makes me feel full, go easy on the bread and stock up on your favorites 

Avoid pie crust 

Pie crust is full of butter, shorting, and flour, eat the pie and skip most of the crust 

That's it today folks

Peace & Love,

Mary

Challenge Tuesday

Challenge Monday Tuesday

Fitness Challenge
Complete my Quick fix workout everyday this week

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to complete my Quick Fix Workout everyday this week 4 sets, 12 reps of each exercises

Why Why Why

• These particular exercises target your entire body while raising your heart rate and challenging your endurance
• Squats tone the entire lower body and abdominals while lifting your butt and toning your quads
• Lunges tone lower body, challenges balance and is a functional exercise 
• Reverse crunches target your abdominals, especially your transverse abdominals which keeps your stomach flat

Materials
Just yourself

Directions

My Take
It's officially the holiday season and you're going to be seeing friends & family that you haven't seen in a while. These basic exercises give you a lot of bang for your buck. Complete this simple routine everyday this week, if you're up for a bigger challenge do the routine twice a day. You should see results sooner rather than later. 

Nutrition Challenge

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to drink at least one mug of green tea everyday this week

Why Why Why

• Green tea is loaded with vital nutrients, minerals and antioxidants 
• Green tea improves brain function & lowers risk of certain cancer 
• Green tea boosts metabolic rate 
• Caffeine can improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids the turning them into energy 
• Green tea can be used as an appetite suppressor 

Material

• Green tea
• Hot water
• A big mug
• Depending on your preference natural sweetener, lemon and/or milk 

Directions
Drink at least one mug of green tea a day 

My Take
I used green tea to spark my weight loss journey, and with the holiday season coming up I going to pull out all my trick to ensure I stay in shape. 

Self Improvement Challenge

Challenge Synopsis
Repeat this positive affirmation everyday this week, while looking in the mirror 

Why Why Why

• Studies have proven people who constantly entertain themselves with positive words and thoughts rather than negative words and thoughts are happier and more satisfied with their lives
• Experts claim positive affirmations can have positive effect on the subconscious 

Materials
A mirror

Directions
Everyday this week look in the mirror stare deep into your eyes and repeat:

I am kind, I am loving, I am happy, I am beautiful

Try to do this a few times a day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing before bed

My Take
I am a firm believer in positive affirmations. I use them on a daily bases and I've improved my self-esteem and self-worth. I hope this affirmation can do the same for all of you.

That's all today folks,
Peace & Love,
Mary

Loooong Weekend

Hi Friends

This birthday was the best birthday ever. My entire family came to my house, I prepared a delicious healthy meal and we hung out to the wee hours of the morning. I've been running my Mom and Dad around all weekend. I put them on a plane late Sunday night and my sister flew out early Monday morning now all I want to do is rest. 

Challenge Monday is moving to challenge Tuesday this week, I hope you guys understand, I've been too busy to even think about challenges. 

I hope everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving. I'll be sharing some holiday healthy tips to make sure you don't get too off track during the holiday season. 

That's all today folks!

Peace & Love,

Mary 

Cauliflower Mash

Hi friends!

I'm getting everything together for my birthday weekend and I'm slightly stressed out, so this post is going to be short and sweet. 

I had another great day today...great day. I went to my Bikram yoga studio after being on vacation and almost passed out during my 90 minute class. I had to lay down for 3-4 postures which I've never done before. I also had to talk myself into staying in the room which is not like me at all. If you didn't already know bikram Yoga is taught in a 109 degree room with 20% humidity. Today the room felt like it was 120 degrees with 30% humidity, I got light headed, dizzy and a little sick to my stomach. I'm so proud of myself for staying in the room, I wanted to flee after the first pose, but I quieted my mind, visualized my happy place and got in a serious sweaty workout. 

I suffered through a little pain only to spend the rest of the day pampering myself. I got a triple oxygen facial at Bliss Spa. This facial has been my birthday ritual for the last 2 years and I'm hoping to keep it going. I love this facial, it takes years off my skin by injecting oxygen into my pores.  

Check it out and tell me what you think...

Keeping with my low-carb no carb at night nutrition challenge I have a simple and delicious recipe for you guys to try... Tonight!

I've shared cauliflower rice, cauliflower fried rice, cauliflower pizza crust so it only makes sense that I post cauliflower mash aka cauliflower mash potatoes.

Yes, you read that right... Cauliflower mash! My boyfriends Mother shared this recipe with me last week in NY and since I'm a real potato lover I figured I had to give it a shot. 

Of course they don't taste exactly like mash potatoes but they did satisfied my starchy cravings and it's one of the easiest recipes I've ever prepared. Easy & delicious sound like the perfect 'Evolve With Mary' recipe. 

Let's dive in...

1 medium head of cauliflower
2-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
Salt & Pepper to taste

Steam or boiled cauliflower until soft, about 8-10 minutes 

Remove cauliflower from water and roughly chop 

Place cauliflower in blender or food processor start with  2 tbsp extra curtain olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Pulse mixture until smooth

Add more olive oil if needed

Eat immediately

That's all I have for you today folks!
Peace & Love,
Mary  

Dirty Girl Pasta

Hi Friends,
My Sister is here... My sister is here.... I'm so excited my sister is here.

We staid up to 4am last night but I'm still up bright and early ready to attack the day. I'm going to let her sleep-in then take her to our local breakfast spot where they highlight crispy deep fried French toast, fluffy scrambled eggs, and XXL omelets. After breakfast we can travel into the city for a day of pampering, nails, massages, and maybe even a facial. I'm hoping to get some shopping done and do a little sight seeing.

Today I'm featuring a sexy no-carb pasta packed with flavor. A few months ago my boyfriends Mother told me to purchase the Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer/Cutter  I found it at Bed Bath and Beyond for $12.99, and it's been one of the best purchases I've made in a while. 
You also need to run out and purchase this life changing kitchen gadget... ASAP

The 5 minute pasta sauce that packs a flavor punch. 

Dirty Girl No-Carb Pasta

Adapted from  www.thelondoner.me

Makes 2 servings

3 medium zucchinis
2-3 small anchovies (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/3 cup capers
1/3 pitted black & green olives
Chili flakes
2-1/2 cups smashed (canned) tomatoes 
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese

Heat pan over medium heat

Add 1-2 tsp olive oil, coat bottom of pan 

Add garlic and anchovies to heated pan 

Within 3-4 minutes anchovies will start to disintegrate and garlic will soften

Add chili flakes 

Add olives and capers to pan 

Stir mixture and allow to combine for 2-3 minutes 

Add tomatoes and allow to cook constantly occasionally for 5-6 minutes 

Put aside and allow to cool 

Using a your new Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer/Cutter to create zucchini pasta/ribbons 

Toss zuchinni well in warm pasta sauce 

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

Consume immediately 

That's all today
Peace & Love,
Mary

Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer/Cutter

Travelin' with Mary

Wow! The last 10 days have been a whirlwind for me. We were in New Orleans then made our way to New York, I ate everything in sight and slacked off on my workout routine. Surprisingly I didn't beat myself up for not staying on track, instead I embraced the much needed calorie counting break. I only made it to 2 bikram yoga classes, one in New Orleans and one in Manhattan, both were awesome, intense, and needed. I enjoyed the New Orleans studio the most, the teacher was awesome and the class flowed much faster then almost any class I've ever attended, plus it didn't seem as hot as my home studio. 

This morning I woke up and decided to hit the gym for some much needed cardio. I plan on attacking the stairmaster, spin bike, row machine, and elliptical with vengeance. The goal is to burn 1000 calories, it might take me 2 hours but that's ok, I need to make up for that excessive eating I did last week. 

My sister is coming in town today. I can't wait to spend some time with her hanging out, laughing, exploring our old stomping grounds, it's going to be great. I plan on spoiling her with mani and pedi's, facials, and massages. I can't wait to see her!!!

My 32 birthday is on Friday!! I can't believe I'm actually turning 32 and I'm excited about it. I look the best I've ever looked, I'm finally confident and comfortable on my skin. It took a long time to get here. I have a loving boyfriend that will do anything to make me smile. My family is in good healthy, I don't have many friends but I know the right ones will come around soon. Everything is falling into place. My relationship with my Mother has gotten better, my relationship with my Father is stronger then ever. My boyfriends mother and I are bonding which warms my heart. This blog is growing everyday, I am finally able to accept my faults and not torture myself because of them. 

I am Mary here me roar!! 

Enjoy the NY vacation pics

Standing in front of a "No Standing" sign with the Freedom Tower behind me

West Broadway & Canal

My kind of graffiti

Bikram Yoga Soho... Kicked my booty

Got my nails done at Akiko 

They have the coolest nail art I've ever seen 

Vegan Ramen at Momofuko

That's all I have for you guy today

Peace & Love,

Mary

Challenge Monday

Fitness Challenge

Kick it... Kick it real good 

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to complete front and side kicks 20 reps 4 sets

Why Why Why

• Kicks tones legs and abdominals
• This exercise can relives stress

Materials 

• Just yourself & maybe an awesome playlist 

Directions

Front Kicks

4 sets, 20 reps each leg

Start in a fighting stance hands in fists near chin, palms facing each other protecting face

With knees slightly bent shift weight onto left leg

Lift right knee to the side waist height and kick lower leg to the right  as high as comfortable 

Keep standing leg slightly bent 

*low kicks are a great place to start with this exercise 

*focus on activating your abdominals with every kick

*always look in the direction you are kicking 

Side Kicks

4 sets, 20 reps each leg 

Start in a fighting stance hands in fists near chin, palms facing each other protecting face

With knees slightly bent shift weight onto left leg

Lift right knee to waist height and kick lower let straight out in front of you as high as comfortable 

Keep standing leg slightly bent 

*low kicks are a great place to start with this exercise 

*focus on activating your abdominals with every kick

*always look in the direction you are kicking 

My Take
This exercise seems easy but the more rep you complete the harder it gets. I have a hard time keeping my legs toned, kicks help keep them under control and I can do them anywhere.

Nutrition Challenge

Challenge Synopsis
Cut out or decrease your carb intake at night for the next 7 days 

Why Why Why

• I do not recommend cutting all carbs out of your diet, carbs are a very important part of a balance diet, they provide energy and manage glucose levels 
• We usually eat bigger meals at night so cutting back on your carbohydrate intake will force you to consume more vegetables and protein 

Materials
Lots of vegetables to replace your nightly servings of carbohydrates 

Directions

• Replace carbs with and extra serving of vegetables 
• Try a carb substitute like cauliflower fried rice, zucchini fries, squash pasta...
• I'll be featuring no carb side dishes this week 

My Take
I cut carbs out of our diet about 4 months ago and I can really see a difference. I was traveling the last 10 days and ate carbs all day everyday.  I didn't gain any weight but I'm not as toned as I usually am. This week I'm jumping back onto the no carb at night wagon hope you guys join me.

Self Improvement Challenge

Challenge Synopsis
Write down 5 things your happy about everyday this week

Why Why Why

• This challenge will help remind you to be grateful and thankful everyday 
• By writing it down you are more likely to remember 
• Everyone gets a little down sometimes, this challenge should add a little sunshine to your day
• The holiday day season is upon us, the perfect time to reflect on life 

Materials 

• Pen & Paper 
• or Typing App on phone 

Directions
Everyday this week take a few minutes out to jot down 5 reasons why you are happy

Keep your list and share it / post it on your social media sites

My Take
Thanksgiving is coming up, this is the perfect challenge to remind you to be thankful for everything that you have. 

That's all today folks
Peace & Love, 
Mary 









www.bodybuilding.com
www.prevention.com

Travel Day

It's a travel day!!!

Not much more to say other then that. Sadly, we left New Orleans at 11:30am, heading to New York for the next 4 days. Check out my travel hat, it keeps my head warm and makes me feel safe.

Since we arrive in NY at 3 I want to sneak in a quick workout and go on the hunt for some delicious and healthy Greek or mediterranean food. 

That's all today folks!
Peace & Love
Mary 

My Last day in NOLA

Hi friends,

Another wonderful day in New Orleans. I finally made it to Bikram yoga this morning, just like I said I would, and I feel so much better. 

I'm tackling all of my challenges this week, not that I don't always but I'm making a conscious effort to stay on track.

I had a salad for lunch and it was delicious. I did my planks this afternoon and boy do my abdominals hurt. I usually do hands on ground planks but I've been tackling the elbow planks instead. They are a little more challenging and I can actually feel my body getting stronger.

After this week I'm going to increase my plank hold time to 75 seconds, just to add a little boost to the workout and make it interesting.

The selfie challenge is actually cooler then I though it would be. I love taking pictures, I usually don't take pictures everyday, especially of myself. I took today's selfie on the balcony overlooks Royal Street. 

Tomorrow is a travel day, we are heading to NYC. I'll probably take my selfie in the airport. 

Gifts for the family

That's it today folks!
Peace & Love,
Mary 

Just Another Day in New Orleans

Hi Friends,
Today was a special day for me. We had a loooong night last night on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, I've been here for the last 5 days and I don't think I ever want to leave. I've thrown all of my healthy eating habits out the window these pass few days and plan on getting back on track ASAP. I love indulging in local food when I travel, especially in New Orleans. The food can be very rich but that's half the fun of it.

I only got to exercise one day while I've been here. I did 2 hours on the elliptical and burned about 1000 calories. If I wake up in time I'm hoping to make it to a bikram yoga class tomorrow. I really need to sweat out all of the bad food I've put into my body. 

I didn't realize you are still allowed to smoke in establishments here and my hair and clothes were full of smoke when I woke up this morning. It's a small price to pay when enjoying the Big Easy.

Check out my new hat!! I picked it up on Magazine Street at the Funky Monkey. I freakin' love this thing!!! What do you think???

After our awesome shopping trip we changed and went to dinner at August a John Besh restaurant. It was super fancy with down home southern charm. The food was excellent, my favorite was the gnocchi and the field salad. They really celebrate the food at this establishment.

While enjoying our wonderful meal I noticed Kathy Bates was sitting a few tables away from me and instantly got overwhelmed. 

I had the pleasure of serving her about 8-9 years about when I was overweight and had giving up in life. She took the time to talk to me and told me I was wasting my time serving other people food. She told me I was beautiful and a star, that I had some serious potential and I could be anything I wanted to be. 

She sparked something in me that manifested into 100s of pounds in weight loss and me to actually follow my dreams. I knew I had to thank her, but didn't want to interrupt and intrude on her meal.

My waitress had the great idea of writing her a note and put one of Mrs. Bates drinks on my bill. I took my time to write a heart felt note that the waitstaff delivered to her at the end of her meal.

That's when the stars aligned and magic happened. The wonderful Kathy Bates came to my table and asked me if I wrote the note. I told her I did and she leaned in close asking me to further the explain our first meeting. I told her I served her and she told me I could so better, she sparked serious change in my life. I tried to hold back the tears but ended up crying in the middle of my story. She was touched and replied "
I was brave enough to say that!" in a thick Southern accent.
Then she said " I believe God put me on the earth to play roles" she also told me I was a stunningly beautiful woman. With tears in her eyes as we embraced and Mrs. Bates again walked out of my life. She rekindled that old spark, inspiring me to do everything in my power to reach my dreams. 

I was dining with my boyfriend and another couple, we were all in tears after the exchange.

I really can't say anything else about the situation, as I'm typing my eyes are filling with tears, happy tears. I've come a mighty long way and I'm still not there yet.

Thanks for evolving with me!

Peace & Love,
Mary 

Challenge Monday

Challenge Monday

Fitness Challenge

Planks baby planks

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to complete 3 sets of 60 seconds planks everyday this week 

Why Why Why 

• Planks are an isometric exercise where you contract your muscles against a stationary resistance... gravity
• Planks strengthen rectus abdominials, transverse abdominials, obliques, chest, arms, wrists, hamstrings, quadriceps, as well as challenging your balance and endurance, while improving your posture
• Planks pretty much challenges your entire body
• Planks keep my stomach flat, even on calorie abundant cheat days 

Materials
Timer

Directions

Complete 3 sets of 60 seconds planks everyday this week 

Form is very important when doing planks 

Place hand on ground, directly under shoulders, arms shoulder-width apart. Feet together you body should be a straight line, make sure hips don't sag or hike. Head looking forward not down

Hold position for 60 seconds, if you need a break drop knees for a few seconds, then continue with plank, checking your form

Start strong and finish strong if you need a break

• Hand in ground planks are 'traditional planks' a great option for beginners to work on form.
• High planks uses your body weight to sculpt shoulders and arms
• Elbow planks Tend to be more challenging because you use more of you core muscles 
• Planks on knees are for beginners who core is not yet conditioned 
• Any plank are good planks so try them all out and enjoy the burn 

My Take
Like most effective exercises I have a serious love hate relationship with planks. They are effective and make my body tremble in pain. This challenge will be hard but stick with it and you will see results.

Nutrition Challenge 

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to eat salads for lunch everyday this week

Why Why Why

• Eating salads for lunch, at least 5 days a week, is one of the best healthy eating habits you can adopt
• Salads are a convenient way to work in your daily serving of fruit and vegetables
• Salads are a colorful, fun to eat and easy to customize to your personal taste

Materials

• Fruits and vegetable
• Low-fat dressing or vinaigrette 

Directions

• Eat Salads everyday this week
• Opt for mix greens, raw vegetable toppings, raw nuts and seeds, fresh fruits, add boiled eggs, lean chicken or beef or seafood for added protein
• Avoid mayonnaise based salads like tuna salad, pasta salad, and egg salad
• Salad dressing - Opt for salt and pepper, extra virgin olive oil and low fat vinaigrettes
• Avoid mayonnaise based salad dressings 

My Take
I've been eating salads for lunch the last 6 months and I can tell the difference. 

Self Improvement Challenge

Challenge Synopsis
I challenge you to take a selfie everyday this week 

Why Why Why

• "Self capture images allow people to express their moods states and share important experiences" - Dr Andrea Letamendi, a clinical psychologist @ UCLA
• Selfies can boost confidence and spark change
• It's fun to document different outfits, hairstyles, and non verbal cues that come across in selfies
• Taking pictures spark creativity
• Digital cameras and smart phones makes photography easier and less intimidating 

Materials
A camera, any camera

Directions

• Take at least one Selife, picture of yourself, everyday this week
• Keep these selfies and review them at that the end of the week
• If your brave... Share them on your favorite social media site * I'll br posting my selfies on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter 

My Take
I'm super juiced about this challenge. I am traveling for the next 10 days so I'll try to get different landmarks along with my all of my funky fashion choices. This one is going to be fun. 

That's all Today folks!
Peace & Love,
Mary 



References:
www.livingstrong.com
www.webmd.com

www.popsugar.com

Body Language Cheat Sheet

Hi Friends!

Happy Friday,
Today is a travel day, the perfect time to catch up on work.  

I've noticed #tbt on Instagram for a while now but I haven't participated. Today I posted my first Throw Back Thursday picture. It's crazy to see how far I've come and how much further I have to go. 

My very first comment was pretty nasty. 

I'm not that surprised but it is interesting to see the way some people decide to communicate on Social Media

Good thing I could care less about what others think about me.

This weeks Self Improvement Challenge is to be mindful of your body language but I didn't post any tips to go along with this challenge.

So here ya go... Your very own body language cheat sheet

Shifts eyes & avoids eye contact - Maybe hiding something 

Keeps constant eye contact - Making an effort to connect with you

Looking up - Searching for a memory or a thought

Looking down - Searching or making up a lie 

Looking somewhere else, avoiding eye contact - intimidated

Facial Expressions

Real Smile - Smiles with mouth and eyes **look for smile lines in corner of eyes 

Fake Smile - Weak smile with mouth only 

Dislike or Disapproval - Pursed lips, tight jaw, scrunched eyebrows

Feet

Feet pointed in the direction of the door
Egar to leave  

Feet pointed away from you
Person is not interested 

Feet pointed towards you
Person is engaged and interested 

Clusters 

Bored/Not interested 
Distracted, looking everywhere but at the person addressing then
Constantly checking phone 
Tapping feet, drumming fingers
Slouch and sags shoulders 
Excessive yawning 

I'm going to put together a cool graphic later on this week. I'll post it when it's ready.

Enjoy Your Weekend!
Peace & Love,
Mary 


Sent from my iPhone

Fettuccine with Pistachio-Mint Pesto

Hi Friends,

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... Make it count!!!

I spent the entire day getting ready for my upcoming trip to New Orleans & New York. I love to travel, I love airplanes, exploring new cities, and trying out new cuisines. 

I had to pack for 2 weeks and 2 different climates. New Orleans is still in the 60-70s and New York is in the 40-50s sooo I need to be ready for anything. Plus I left room in my luggage for all the new clothes I plan on purchasing!! This girl loves to shop, especially in The Big Apple.

The recipe I'm featuring today is absolutely delicious. It's healthy without tasting healthy if you know what I mean. I usually stay away from pasta but I'll break my diet for this beauty. My boyfriend is Italian and is pretty particular about his pesto sauce and yes... he loved this one. The pistachios and mint is a twist on normal pesto, they both have very strong flavors that mesh well with wheat pasta. 

FYI: Tony, my boyfriend, doesn't like everything I make, lots of recipes don't make it to the blog, some turn out bland or just plain disgusting. I wanted you guys to know I test out all recipes I share. 

This one is a keeper!

Recipe adapted from www.cookinglight.com

My favorite place to find healthy recipes

1/2 cup fresh mint 
1/2 cup fresh parsley 
1/4 cup + 4 tsp unsalted, shelled, dry roasted pistachios
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
5/8 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 large garlic clove
1 (9oz) package of wheat fettuccine
12 cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup shaved Pecorino Romano cheese
1 med sweet onion, coarsely chopped

Combine mint, parsley, 1/4 cup pistachios, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic into a food processor or blender
Pulse until mixture is coarsely chopped 

Cook fettuccine according to package directions, until just aldentè
Drain fettuccine over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water
Add pasta water to pesto mixture 

Sautéed onion in deep pan over medium heat for 5 minutes stirring frequently until onions are soft
Add pesto and pasta
Cook for 2 minutes combining all ingredients well

Add remaining 4 tsp pistachios and cherry tomatoes 
Top pasta with Pecorino Romano cheese and chopped pistachios 

Serve immediately  

That's all today folks!!
Peace & Love,
Mary