And "they" have spoken again.
Best Steak Fries:
Ore-Ida Country Style Steak Fries
Best Waffle Fries:
Alexia Seasoned Waffle Fries
Best Curly Fries:
Ore-Ida Golden Twirls
Best Classic Fries:
Trader Joe's Chipotle Ranch Fries
Results for Best Antiperspirants
Best Solid:
Secret Clinical Strength
Best Roll-On:
Mitchum for Women Dry Roll-On
Best Gel or Cream:
Dry Idea Clear Gel
Best Spray:
Dove Aerosol
Secret Clinical Strength
Best Roll-On:
Mitchum for Women Dry Roll-On
Best Gel or Cream:
Dry Idea Clear Gel
Best Spray:
Dove Aerosol
Shaving-Gel Tablets?
Really? Yep! Use the included dish to mix one tablet with water that turns into shaving gel. Keeps you from having to pack a shaving cream can, but I think I may stick with the tip to just use the hotel's hair conditioner as a shaving cream substitute. But if you were going on a long trip, these tablets may come in handy.
Travelon' s Travel Fresh Instant Shaving Gel Tablets
Travelon' s Travel Fresh Instant Shaving Gel Tablets
Mad Maps
A Get Outta Town map from Mad Maps is a pocket-size map that features destinations, roadside diners, back road charms and scenic overlooks just outside of major US cities. These maps have lots of information about hidden treasures close to a city. Check it out and see if your city is there.
Brownie Pan
I know people who would NOT like this...they like the gooey center of the brownie pan. But for those who don't (me!), this is a good solution. The Baker's Edge Brownie Pan creates crusty edges and leaves the gooey behind!
Bottle Trip-pod
I don't know if this would every be useful, but it's a good idea. "Snaps on a Bottle" attaches to the top of a water bottle and creates a spur-of-the-moment tripod.
That Stack of Frames
Extra picture frames lying around? Use some of the smaller ones to frame items on your refrigerator. Just add a magnet strip and dress up your icebox!
Use a larger frame as a tray for displaying items. Insert a colored piece of paper or cloth and then display vanity items, tea service, or office supplies.
Use a larger frame as a tray for displaying items. Insert a colored piece of paper or cloth and then display vanity items, tea service, or office supplies.
The Card Society
Port2Port Press is a card-of-the-month club that mails members two one-of-a-kind blank letterpress cards each month. Choose from 1 to 12-month subscription. Great gift idea for a letter-writing friend.
Best Salad Dressing
And the results are in...
Best Asian:
Maple Grove Farms Sesame Ginger
Best Balsamic:
Briannas Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Best Blue Cheese:
Kraft Blue Cheese Dressing and Dip
Best Ranch:
Cardini's Parmesan Ranch
Best French:
Briannas Zesty French
Best Italian AND Best Light:
Newman's Own Light Italian
Best Caesar:
The Silver Palate Julee's Caesar
Best Vinaigrette:
Garlic Expressions Classic Vinaigrette
Best Asian:
Maple Grove Farms Sesame Ginger
Best Balsamic:
Briannas Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Best Blue Cheese:
Kraft Blue Cheese Dressing and Dip
Best Ranch:
Cardini's Parmesan Ranch
Best French:
Briannas Zesty French
Best Italian AND Best Light:
Newman's Own Light Italian
Best Caesar:
The Silver Palate Julee's Caesar
Best Vinaigrette:
Garlic Expressions Classic Vinaigrette
Eye Makeup Remover
It's light, gentle and doesn't leave blurry vision!
Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Liquid
Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Liquid
Exercise Your Brain
A study of the 32 free games on Happy-Neuron showed that people who played the games three times a week showed significant improvement in cognitive function. Try it and exercise your brain! I just chased ladybugs.
Creamy Rigatoni with Broccoli and Brie
1 lb. dried rigatoni
1 head broccoli, cut int0 1/2-inch pieces, steamed
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
8 oz Brie, cut into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt and pepper
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return pasta to the pot. Add the steamed broccoli, pine nuts, Brie, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir until the cheese melts.
1 head broccoli, cut int0 1/2-inch pieces, steamed
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
8 oz Brie, cut into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt and pepper
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return pasta to the pot. Add the steamed broccoli, pine nuts, Brie, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir until the cheese melts.
Pretzels, Pretzels, Pretzels
Best Multigrain:
Trader Joe's Multi-Grain Nuggets with Sesame Seeds
Best Honey Wheat:
Shearer's Honey Wheat
Best Peanut Butter-Filled:
Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Filled
Trader Joe's Multi-Grain Nuggets with Sesame Seeds
Best Honey Wheat:
Shearer's Honey Wheat
Best Peanut Butter-Filled:
Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Filled
Clean Stove
Before you cook, apply a layer of car wax to the enamel surface with a soft rag, then wipe off. The thin layer that remains will prevent greasy splatter and spills from sticking.
Keyboard Cleaner
Keyboard Brush!
"soft brush with long fibers that gets between your keys without pressing them"
"soft brush with long fibers that gets between your keys without pressing them"
Votive Clean Up
Spray the inside of a votive candle holder with a thin coating of Pam cooking spray before lighting it. After it burns down, the spray will make it easier to remove the leftover wax.
Cleaning Wreaths or Flower Arrangements
An easy way to clean a pinecone or evergreen wreath...it even works on some artificial flower arrangements: place the item in a paper bag and pour in a quarter cup of table or kosher salt. Fold the bag and gently shake. The salt knocks off dirt and dust.
If you have a flower arrangement that is too fragile for that, try spritzing it with a little water from a spray bottle. (I usually lay mine in the bath tub to let them dry.) But don't get then too wet, they'll lose their shape.
If you have a flower arrangement that is too fragile for that, try spritzing it with a little water from a spray bottle. (I usually lay mine in the bath tub to let them dry.) But don't get then too wet, they'll lose their shape.
Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
I recently saw this idea...I suppose it will work, especially when you're trying to do some things ahead of time for a large meal. Peel, cook and mash potatoes ahead of time. Pour a half of cup of milk in the bottom of the crock pot and pour the potatoes on top. Then just turn on the crock pot a couple of hours before you are ready to eat.
Create your own Coaster
A great idea for a party...create your own coasters.
Print a four-inch picture, graphic, clip-art, poem, etc. and then use a spray adhesive to glue it to a piece of 4-inch square card stock or cork board. If you need them to be more heavy-duty, brush a coating of Modge Podge over it so that the ink won't bleed from condensation.
You can also print a map from National Geographic's MapMachine to use for a Bon Voyage party, Moving party or other geographically-themed parties.
Another idea...use a coaster as the actual invitation that you mail to guests. Use a print out of the party details along with a graphic.
Print a four-inch picture, graphic, clip-art, poem, etc. and then use a spray adhesive to glue it to a piece of 4-inch square card stock or cork board. If you need them to be more heavy-duty, brush a coating of Modge Podge over it so that the ink won't bleed from condensation.
You can also print a map from National Geographic's MapMachine to use for a Bon Voyage party, Moving party or other geographically-themed parties.
Another idea...use a coaster as the actual invitation that you mail to guests. Use a print out of the party details along with a graphic.
Book Subscription
I wrote here about a book subscription service. Another one is Bookswim.com. You can rent classic and new titles with free shipping. Subscriptions range from $15 a month for 2 books to $36 for 11 books.
Rug Design
I'm sure that by the time I need a new rug, this one will be long gone. But I wanted to post the picture as a reminder of colors.
Simple Spinach Quiche
Unroll a 9-inch refrigerated piecrust and press it into a pie plate. Combine 2 boxes of Stouffer's frozen spinach souffle with 4 beaten eggs, 6 oz. grated swiss cheese and 1/4 tsp of pepper. Pour mixture in the pie shell. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.
Washing Jeans
I have a new pair of jeans that I'd like to last...
"To keep jeans from fading, wash in small loads in cold water (with more water than clothes) with all-purpose detergent. It's common for jean to shrink in length, so hold them by the waistband and legs and gently stretch them vertically before drying. Dry on low or medium heat; overdrying causes extra wear and tear, so take jeans out when the legs are done but the seams and the waistband are slightly damp."
"To keep jeans from fading, wash in small loads in cold water (with more water than clothes) with all-purpose detergent. It's common for jean to shrink in length, so hold them by the waistband and legs and gently stretch them vertically before drying. Dry on low or medium heat; overdrying causes extra wear and tear, so take jeans out when the legs are done but the seams and the waistband are slightly damp."
Angie's List
Have you heard about Angie's List yet? It has thousands of detailed reports on service companies in your area, from plumbers to auto detailing. "More than 650,000 consumers use
Angie's List to find high quality contractors, service companies and health care providers." Reviews by real people.
Angie's List to find high quality contractors, service companies and health care providers." Reviews by real people.
LOTS of PHOTOS
MyHomeIdeas is a great website with tons of photos with a million ideas for home style and design. I like photos!
Calculating Your Water
An easy rule for figuring out how much water you should be drinking:
Figure your height in inches. THAT is the minimum amount in ounces you should be drinking per day. So if you're five-six, that's 66 inches or 66 ounces. Now get to drinking!
Figure your height in inches. THAT is the minimum amount in ounces you should be drinking per day. So if you're five-six, that's 66 inches or 66 ounces. Now get to drinking!
Sideswipe Blade
I'm surprised KitchenAid doesn't have something like this, but this one does fit a KitchenAid mixer. This mixer attachment scrapes ingredients as it blends which saves a little bit of time since you don't have to stop mixing to scrape the bottom and sides.
Glue Strips
Heavy duty glue strips that you can cut to the size you need. It's double-sided and much easier to use than regular glue.
UGlu
UGlu
Easy Chocolate Croissants
2 ingredients!
Unroll tube of refrigerated crescent rolls. Place about 10 chocolate chips on each triangle and roll the dough up. Place on a lined baking sheet and cook at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes.
Unroll tube of refrigerated crescent rolls. Place about 10 chocolate chips on each triangle and roll the dough up. Place on a lined baking sheet and cook at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes.
Hairdryers
My current hairdryer is dying a slow death, so I know I'll need this in the future.
Best rated hairdryer: ConairPro Silverbird
Other tips:
Best rated hairdryer: ConairPro Silverbird
Other tips:
- Fine hair needs only 1,200 watts
- Normal and coarse hair needs 1,400 watts
- Cooler temps give volume by roughing up the hair cuticles
- Higher temps work for sleekerlooks since heat smooths the cuticles
Veggie Storage
The best ways to store different veggies:
- Corn - refrigerate ears unshucked in a bag
- Cucumbers - keep in a plastic bag on a shelf toward the front of the refrigerator, which tends to be warmer
- Eggplant - refrigerate in a plastic bag in the veggie drawer
- Squash and Zucchini - refrigerate, unwashed, in a plastic bag in the veggie drawer
Tips to tame your Schedule
Just random info on schedules, life, stress, etc.
- Make a list of all the activities that you long to do more of...things that make you happy, relaxed or sane. Then rank the list in order of importance and pick one or two to focus on.
- "Devoting more time to what you love can help you get more done overall. Research shows that to be productive and creative, you must take time for recreation and relaxation. Trying to skimp on them hurts your motivation and often leads you to procrastinate. Plus, being a little selfish will keep you from becoming resentful, burned out, or cranky. And that's a good thing for everyone."
- A 2004 study shows that office workers are interrupted, on average, every 3 minutes. The study also showed that it takes about 23 minutes for people to get back to the task they were taken away from.
- "Limit distractions: resist the urge to check your email 500 times a day. Experts recommend checking only twice day - at noon and at 4pm. Those are the times when you're most likely to have responses to your previously sent e-mails." (I'm not sure if I could do this, but it sure would allow me to get a lot more done!)
- "Schedule a quick and brainless task first. This will allow you to cross something off your list right away and to start the day feeling accomplished. Schedule your most onerous task second, it's better to get it over with it."
- (My hubs does this, but I haven't perfected it yet.) On Friday afternoons, set aside a half hour to go through what has been accomplished for the week and map out the next week.
- "Force yourself to work on a procrastinated task for a short period of time - perhaps as little as one minute. When you realize how much of the anxiety was created in your head, you'll give yourself the jolt needed to follow it through."
Best Outdoor Tableware
Melamine Dinner Plates from Pier1 (out of season now)
$2 each...great price!
Melamine Dinner Plates from Smith and Hawken
$14 each
Duraclear Iced-Tea Glasses from Williams-Sonoma
$48 for 6
Zak Designs Park Tumblers from Target
$25 for 6
$2 each...great price!
Melamine Dinner Plates from Smith and Hawken
$14 each
Duraclear Iced-Tea Glasses from Williams-Sonoma
$48 for 6
Zak Designs Park Tumblers from Target
$25 for 6
Fish Bowl Temp
My fish, Peanut Butter, is going strong...even though I don't really regulate the temperature in the bowl. I now know it's supposed to be between 65 and 75 degrees.
Adhesive Wrapping Paper
Why hasn't anyone thought of this before??
"The first-of-its-kind product is coated on one side with a low-tack adhesive invented by Hallmark, which sticks firmly to packages, creating a beautifully wrapped gift without a lot of extra work. It is being sold exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores."
The entire back side is sticky, and it will supposedly peel off without leaving a mark!
Yogurt, Dill & Walnut Dip
Sounds good...hope to try soon!
Combine 2 cups of Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic (chopped), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped dill, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
Serve with carrots, cherry tomatoes or blanched green beans.
Combine 2 cups of Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic (chopped), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup chopped dill, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
Serve with carrots, cherry tomatoes or blanched green beans.
Design your own Rug
"FLOR carpet squares let you easily design area rugs to fit any size space or install wall-to-wall in minutes. Available in a variety of beautiful colors, patterns and textures, FLOR's easy-to-install tiles give you creative control over the largest canvas in your home - your floors!"
Very cool...just put in your floor dimensions and start designing!
Very cool...just put in your floor dimensions and start designing!
Instant Nail Lift
Creative Nail Design Solar Oil
Apply a drop to your nails and rub in for an instant shine of jojoba, vitamin E and sweet almond oil.
Apply a drop to your nails and rub in for an instant shine of jojoba, vitamin E and sweet almond oil.
Drink Pairings...on a budget
Backyard Bar-B-Q with burgers, franks, chicken, steak and ribs.
Red: 2006 Valentin Bianchi Elsa Malbec $9
White/Rose: 2006 McManis Family Vineyards Viognier $11
Beer: Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale $4
Happy Hour with cheese, crackers, nuts, olives, dip and chips.
Red: 2006 George Duboeuf Chiroubles Beaujolais $12
White/Rose: 2006 Big House Pink $10
Beer: Harpoon India Pale Ale $8.50
Casual Dinner with soups, salads, pastas, and light chicken dishes
Red: 2005 Michele Chiarlo "le Orme" Barbera D'Asti $14
White/Rose: Broadbent Vinho Verde $12
Beer: Blue Moon Belgian White Ale $8
Red: 2006 Valentin Bianchi Elsa Malbec $9
White/Rose: 2006 McManis Family Vineyards Viognier $11
Beer: Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale $4
Happy Hour with cheese, crackers, nuts, olives, dip and chips.
Red: 2006 George Duboeuf Chiroubles Beaujolais $12
White/Rose: 2006 Big House Pink $10
Beer: Harpoon India Pale Ale $8.50
Casual Dinner with soups, salads, pastas, and light chicken dishes
Red: 2005 Michele Chiarlo "le Orme" Barbera D'Asti $14
White/Rose: Broadbent Vinho Verde $12
Beer: Blue Moon Belgian White Ale $8
Easy Key Lime Pie
Mix a can of sweetened condensed milk, a can of frozen limeade concentrate and 1 cup of heavy cream. Pour into a graham cracker pie crust.
Email Organizing
I put a * in front of my most used email folders. And I put a "z" in front of the folders I use least. It's a small thing but it works well.
Tupperware storage
I'm shamed to admit that I'm drawn to this. It's because I still haven't found a good tupperware solution. I like this because all containers have a one-size-fits-all lid. And we don't have a lot space, so storage is an issue. The other thing I've considered is the Tupperware Flat-Out...containers that collapse for storage. Anyone found any other solutions that work?
Keyboard Organizer
I think I like this idea...don't know how practical it would be, but it sure has received a lot of rave reviews.
Best Beach Towels (a little late...or early!)
Best Bargain:
Cabana Fish Towel by Bed Bath and Beyond $8
Best Style:
Modern Damask Beach Towel by Christy $30 (hard to buy...London store)
Best for Traveling:
Beach Towel and Tote by Garnet Hill $34 (just noticed this one is now on sale for $9!!!!)
Best Oversize
Beach Blanket with Stakes by Lands' End $50
Cabana Fish Towel by Bed Bath and Beyond $8
Best Style:
Modern Damask Beach Towel by Christy $30 (hard to buy...London store)
Best for Traveling:
Beach Towel and Tote by Garnet Hill $34 (just noticed this one is now on sale for $9!!!!)
Best Oversize
Beach Blanket with Stakes by Lands' End $50
Missing Money
Do you have unclaimed money? You should check and see. Just submit your name and the states you've lived in. What if you were a millionaire and didn't know it? Okay, not likely, but it's worth checking, right?
MISSING MONEY
MISSING MONEY
Juice Choices
To piggy-back on my last post...
To go with my breakfast bar, a glass of juice is good too...makes me feel a little more well-rounded. Apparently the best juices based on calories are tomato (53 calories) and grapefruit (96 calories). Since I don't like tomato juice, I do drink a lot of grapefruit juice. All the other juices are more than 100 calories. According to the experts, the top 4 juices that pack the most nutrients with the fewest calories are cranberry, grapefruit, orange and tomato.
To go with my breakfast bar, a glass of juice is good too...makes me feel a little more well-rounded. Apparently the best juices based on calories are tomato (53 calories) and grapefruit (96 calories). Since I don't like tomato juice, I do drink a lot of grapefruit juice. All the other juices are more than 100 calories. According to the experts, the top 4 juices that pack the most nutrients with the fewest calories are cranberry, grapefruit, orange and tomato.
Breakfast Bars
Unfortunately, I often have to grab a breakfast bar in the mornings. I do feel better throughout the day if I eat a decent breakfast. If I'm gonna have to do a bar, this is what "they" say is better:
- 5 grams of fiber
- 5 grams of protein
- Less than 200 calories
RoadSide America
A great website for offbeat attractions on America's roadsides!
The results for places close to me:
The results for places close to me:
- Captured leg of Santa Anna
- World's Largest Catsup Bottle
- Purple Martin Capital of the Nation
- Popeye Statue
- Circus Performers Mass Grave
- 2-story Outhouse
- Museum of Funeral Customs
Interstates
I've heard this before but can never remember it when it's important. Thankfully, the hubs has a steel trap brain!
Odd-numbered highways run north to south
Even-numbered highways run east to west
(I still believe you can't always count on this!)
Odd-numbered highways run north to south
Even-numbered highways run east to west
(I still believe you can't always count on this!)
Stationery Website
Expressionery: A website I just found out about that has a lot of great stationery options, including some really cute, hand-drawn paper people. 
Quick and Easy Cocktails
For Taran!
Margarita = 1 Corona + 1 can thawed Limeade + 1.5 cups Tequila
Strawberry Daiquiri = 1 pint strawberry sorbet + 1.75 light rum (blend with 6 cups ice)
Sangria = 1 bottle red wine + 3 cups apple juice + 1 peach (sliced)
Margarita = 1 Corona + 1 can thawed Limeade + 1.5 cups Tequila
Strawberry Daiquiri = 1 pint strawberry sorbet + 1.75 light rum (blend with 6 cups ice)
Sangria = 1 bottle red wine + 3 cups apple juice + 1 peach (sliced)
Scar Prevention
Massage a new scar for five minutes twice a day. Applying pressure forces the body to make scar tissue that is flatter and lighter in color. Start massaging 2-3 weeks after the injury and continue for up to a year.
Best Ice Cream Pops
Winner of the best-tasting and least calorie ice cream pop:The Skinny Cow Mini Fudge Bar
"big chocolate taste for only 50 calories"
BTW, did you know that the way to get rid of "brain freeze" from eating ice cream too fast is to press your tongue to the roof of your mouth or drink a glass of warm water? I didn't, but I plan to try it next time.
Most Economical Online Photo Printing
I should've known! Walmart won. In second place...Snapfish.com.
4x6 inch prints were $.09 at each place.
5x7 inch prints were $0.79 at Snapfish but $0.58 at Walmart.
4x6 inch prints were $.09 at each place.
5x7 inch prints were $0.79 at Snapfish but $0.58 at Walmart.
Fur Fighter
I haven't tried this yet, but it looks like it might help with all our Bailey fur. (We do keep a sheet on our couch most of the time so that it's not as hard to clean when we have company.) The Scotch Fur Fighter Hair Remover supposedly removes embedded pet hair from upholstery.
Gel Pack
I often need frozen gel packs when I have a headache, and I didn't realize you could make your own. Freeze one part rubbing alcohol with three parts water in a Ziploc. I like the soft gel packs better than the ones that freeze solid.
Best Face Sunscreen
The best face sunscreen for the traveler: California Baby Sunblock Stick
- Compact and easy to pack
- Wide stick for face or body
- Does not sting eyes
- Created for those who can't tolerate fragrance
Berry Vodka Spritzers
Halve four limes and squeeze into a pitcher. (If desired, cut the squeezed limes into small pieces and add to the pitcher.) Mix in 3 Tbs. sugar. Add 1 liter club soda, 1 cup berry-flavored vodka, 1 cup blueberries, and 1 cup raspberries. Pour over ice. Serves 8.
Umbrella Today
“It’s like totally the simplest weather report ever, Julie.”
Very true! Go to Umbrella Today and type in your zip code. It will tell you if you need an umbrella. Can't get any easier than that!
This was my answer for today:
Very true! Go to Umbrella Today and type in your zip code. It will tell you if you need an umbrella. Can't get any easier than that!
This was my answer for today:
Next Vegas Hotel
Next time we're in Las Vegas, I want to stay here. This is the picture that sold me!
"Wet Republic features two spectacular saltwater pools, eight individual pools and spas, exclusive VIP Bungalows, hip party cabanas, spacious daybeds and oversized deluxe chaise lounges."
Yes, please.
-
"Wet Republic features two spectacular saltwater pools, eight individual pools and spas, exclusive VIP Bungalows, hip party cabanas, spacious daybeds and oversized deluxe chaise lounges."Yes, please.
-
MUG CAKE
A friend sent me this recipe. I haven't had a chance to make it, but I'm definitely intrigued by it. A chocolate cake in a MUG!!!
5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons cake flour (that's plain flour, not self-raising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla essence
1 coffee mug
Put dry ingredients in mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla essence, and mix again.
Microwave for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake
will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT!
Note: This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous.
5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons cake flour (that's plain flour, not self-raising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla essence
1 coffee mug
Put dry ingredients in mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla essence, and mix again.
Microwave for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake
will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT!
Note: This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous.
How many appetizers do I need?
People often ask me this question when planning food for a party or group.
The time of your party is important. For parties planned later in the evening after people have probably had dinner, you should plan for 6-8 appetizers per person per hour.
If your party is earlier in the evening and some people may just smooch off of you for their meal, you should estimate about 14 appetizers per guest per hour.
The time of your party is important. For parties planned later in the evening after people have probably had dinner, you should plan for 6-8 appetizers per person per hour.
If your party is earlier in the evening and some people may just smooch off of you for their meal, you should estimate about 14 appetizers per guest per hour.
Pancake House
First, Mr. Ginger loves breakfast. We recently took a garden walk in a local neighborhood that was partially sponsored by The Original Pancake House. After going to the website, I discovered that there are lots of them all over the U.S. I guess I've just never heard of it. Anyway, there are 2 that are close to us so we'll have to check them out.
Clark and Armitage
State and Bellevue
Clark and Armitage
State and Bellevue
Credit Card Info
Real Simple has some really good answers to common questions about credit cards like:
How many credit cards are too many? And is there such a thing as too few?
What should I consider when weighing a card with mileage points or other incentives against another card?
Is it better to keep a big balance on one card or spread the balances over several cards?
What should I do with cards that I don’t use? Should I leave them open or close them?
Check it out here.Weigh-In's and Food Diaries
I always wondered about this...
I've never been a person that weighs on a regular basis, and definitely never daily. In fact, I don't have scales anymore. But research shows that women who weigh every day and then act accordingly, either increasing exercises or being stricter about their eating, are 82 percent less likely to regain lost weight than those who don't weigh in as often.
"They" also say that keeping a food diary can result similarly IF you're totally honest and record EVERY morsel you eat. I do that pretty regularly. Another suggestion was to wear or try on a pair of slim-fitting pants each week and gauge by that.
I've never been a person that weighs on a regular basis, and definitely never daily. In fact, I don't have scales anymore. But research shows that women who weigh every day and then act accordingly, either increasing exercises or being stricter about their eating, are 82 percent less likely to regain lost weight than those who don't weigh in as often.
"They" also say that keeping a food diary can result similarly IF you're totally honest and record EVERY morsel you eat. I do that pretty regularly. Another suggestion was to wear or try on a pair of slim-fitting pants each week and gauge by that.
Universal Nail Polish
Do you ever need to know which shade of nail polish will look best on you? Or have you ever bought a polish and find out that it just doesn't go well with your skin? These polishes are universal and look good on everyone.
Opi The Thrill of Brazil
L'oreal Mango Get'em
Opi La Paz-itively Hot
Essie Delicacy
Revlon Sheer Nude
Maybelline Racing Rubies
Opi The Thrill of Brazil
L'oreal Mango Get'em
Opi La Paz-itively Hot
Essie Delicacy
Revlon Sheer Nude
Maybelline Racing Rubies
Protect Your Shoes
I didn't know this and haven't tried it. But apparently if you spray a light coat of starch on brand-new tennis shoes, dirt and grime will be repelled and preserve the life of your sneakers.
Cake by Mail
Want to mail a birthday cake to someone? Just go to Carousel Cakes, pick your cake, and they'll ship it to the birthday girl/boy. My favorite is the Pink Velvet Cake for a Cure.
Boxes, Boxes, Boxes
Go to Used Cardboard Boxes next time you move to find discounted factory misprints and overruns. They sell them for 30% less and deliver them to you in 2 days. And from what I looked up, it's much cheaper than those last minute boxes you buy at the UHaul store!
Airfare Security
Best Teeth Whiteners
Best Paste
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste
Best Strips
Rembrandt Advanced Whitening Strips
Best Trays
Aquafresh White Trays
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste
Best Strips
Rembrandt Advanced Whitening Strips
Best Trays
Aquafresh White Trays
Quick-Fix for Flat Hair
Humidity makes my hair go even flatter than it already is...which on some days seems impossible! So by noon on humid days (or when visiting humid places), my hair needs help. The recommendation that I hope to try soon is to use an antihumidity hair spray like V05 Max! Hold Fast Drying Hair Spray. Supposedly I can lift several sections of hair, spritz the roots, give it a minute to dry and my hair will come back to life! We'll see!
Rough Dog Toy
Since Bailey goes through some toys very easily, it's worth trying this Little Bean that was rated as the toughest dog toy. And according to the ad, you can throw it in the dishwasher!
Sandal/Flip Flop Storage
Pleasing Displays
To add dimension and height to your next buffet, cake table or serving display, use wine or margarita glasses instead of bowls for nuts, fruit, crackers, candy, etc. Displays are so much more pleasing to the eye if not completely flat. I must have tall serving pieces when I set a party table. If you don't have tall serving pieces, drape a cloth napkin or silk scarf over a small box and place your dish on top.
LibraryThing
You can create a searchable catalog of your books using LibraryThing.
LibraryThing helps you create a library-quality catalog of your books. You can do all of them or just what you're reading now.It also has a widget you can add to your blog, a phone-friendly site to check while shopping for books, free copies of books in exchange for reviews, a shareable book profile, and a gateway to your local bookstores.
Ice Cream Cupcakes
I hope to make these sometime soon!
Here’s How:
Step 1- Make cake batter. Feel free to use a boxed cake mix if it makes your life easier.
Step 2- Bake off cupcakes. The trick here is that you don’t want to fill the cupcake papers with as much batter as you normally would for a cupcake. You just want the cupcakes to bake up to fill the cup half way. That way you have plenty of room for the ice cream. I used about 2 Tablespoons of cake batter per cupcake tin.
Step 3- Remove ice cream from the freezer to soften. Let cupcakes cool. And clean out your freezer if you’re making 48 ice cream cupcakes. You’ll need lots of space!
Step 4- Run a spoon under hot water to warm it slightly. Working with the cupcakes still in their baking pans, quickly scoop ice cream into each cupcake. Smooth as much as possible. If the spoon becomes difficult to work with, run it under warm water again to clean and warm it, and continue working.
Step 5- Once cupcakes are all topped with ice cream. Return to the freezer for at least 2 hours. Give them time to firm up.
Step 6- Make Chocolate Ganache. The recipe is simple, and this chocolate sauce freezes perfectly on top of the cupcakes.
Chocolate Ganache
3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (I used chocolate chunks)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Put chocolate chips in a small bowl. Bring cream to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan. Pour cream evenly over chocolate. Let stand for one minute to soften, then stir until smooth. If frosting is too loose to spread, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, frosting will continue to thicken as it stands.
Step 7- Remove the frozen cupcakes from the freezer and place on a serving plate. Top each Ice Cream Cupcake with chocolate ganache and decorate with sprinkles. Return to the freezer to harden the ganache. Serve and eat quickly!
Animated ClipArt
I often need animated clipart but so many clipart sites have SO MANY pop-ups! I can't stand it. This is one I found that is free and is relatively ad-free. I can never remember it, though, so I'm putting it here.
AMAZING ANIMATIONS
And my all-time favorite place for free clipart, including animated ones is Discovery Education's School Resource section. They have some of the cutest and most original clipart.
AMAZING ANIMATIONS
And my all-time favorite place for free clipart, including animated ones is Discovery Education's School Resource section. They have some of the cutest and most original clipart.
Best Glasses?
I hear that these are some of the best glasses. Picardie Bistro Glasses are the iconic glass of French cafés and bistros. They are made of tempered glass and so they are very difficult to break. They are also good for both hot and cold drinks; "the smallest ones are perfect for an espresso with a dollop of steamed milk; the medium sizes are just right for a cocktail or bedtime glass of water; and the largest size hold an entire can of soda water. They have a vintage charm but a practical durability."But my question, living in a small loft in the city, do they stack???
Cupcakes in Chicago
Yesterday I added a blog all about cupcakes. These are the places that are in Chicago. Next time I need cupcakes, I'll know where to go.
Alliance Bakery
Chicago Cupcakes
Molly's Cupcakes
Sugar Bliss
Swirlz
Alliance Bakery
Chicago Cupcakes
Molly's Cupcakes
Sugar Bliss
Swirlz
NetFlix for Books?
Yep. At Booksfree you can pay a monthly fee and borrow from a library of 40,000 paperbooks and return them when you're finished. Seems like a good deal for someone who doesn't have easy access to a library. They also have audio books. Prices range from $9.99 for 2 books at a time to $37.99 for 12 books at a time.
Dining Etiquette - UPDATED
I've been at several dining events in the last year with people I assumed should know the proper placement of dishes on the table. In a group where I'm the youngest, why am I the only one who knew? Anyway, here's an easy way to remember it: BMW (bread, meal, water). Your bread plate is on the left and your glasses on the right. Left to right...bread, meal, water.
Update: One more thing...
When you are finished eating, your utensils should be placed diagonally on the plate, side by side, with the handles at four o'clock. The knife blade should face the center of the plate.
Update: One more thing...
When you are finished eating, your utensils should be placed diagonally on the plate, side by side, with the handles at four o'clock. The knife blade should face the center of the plate.
City Info
A few websites I use if I'm visiting a city and want info on dining, hotels, shows, festivals, etc.
CitySearch
Digital City
Trip Advisor
Metromix (limited to larger cities)
CitySearch
Digital City
Trip Advisor
Metromix (limited to larger cities)
Dishwashers
It's official! It's in writing and I'm proven right!
"Most new dishwashers are so powerful that there's no need to prerinse dishes. So you save time - and water."
Argument over.
"Most new dishwashers are so powerful that there's no need to prerinse dishes. So you save time - and water."
Argument over.
Angel Lush with Pineapple
This is one of those easy ones you always see in magazines. I always say I'm going to remember it to have for those last-minute needs.
1 pkg (4-serving size) instant vanilla pudding
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 cup thawed Cool Whip
1 prepared angel food cake
1 cup fresh berries
Mix dry pudding mix and pineapple in medium bowl. Gently stir in Cool Whip.
Cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer on serving plate; top with 1/3 pudding. Repeat layers twice.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with berries before serving.
1 pkg (4-serving size) instant vanilla pudding
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 cup thawed Cool Whip
1 prepared angel food cake
1 cup fresh berries
Mix dry pudding mix and pineapple in medium bowl. Gently stir in Cool Whip.
Cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer on serving plate; top with 1/3 pudding. Repeat layers twice.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with berries before serving.
Strawberry Whipped Sensation
4 cups fresh strawberries, divided
1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tub (8oz) Cool Whip, thawed, divided
8 Oreo's, finely chopped
1 Tbs butter, melted
Line loaf pan with foil. Mash 2 cups of strawberries in large bowl. Stir in condensed milk, juice, and 2 cups of Cool Whip; pour into pan.
Top with Combined chopped cookies and butter; press into mixture. Cover.
Freeze at least 6 hours. Invert onto plate. Remove goil. Frost with remaining Cool Whip. Top with remaining strawberries, sliced.
12 servings
1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tub (8oz) Cool Whip, thawed, divided
8 Oreo's, finely chopped
1 Tbs butter, melted
Line loaf pan with foil. Mash 2 cups of strawberries in large bowl. Stir in condensed milk, juice, and 2 cups of Cool Whip; pour into pan.
Top with Combined chopped cookies and butter; press into mixture. Cover.
Freeze at least 6 hours. Invert onto plate. Remove goil. Frost with remaining Cool Whip. Top with remaining strawberries, sliced.
12 servings
Crispy Pacific Cod with Parmesan-butter Dipping Sauce
1 lb. Pacific cod, skin removed and cut into 2.5-inch-long pieces
2 tsp. olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 cup corn flakes, crushed
1 stick of unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Heat oven to 400. Rub the cod with the oil and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Dip the top side of the fish pieces (not the bottom side, from which the skin has been removed) in the corn flakes and place on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until just cooked through and opaque, about 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the Parmesan and 1/4 tsp salt. Serve butter with fish for dipping.
2 tsp. olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 cup corn flakes, crushed
1 stick of unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Heat oven to 400. Rub the cod with the oil and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Dip the top side of the fish pieces (not the bottom side, from which the skin has been removed) in the corn flakes and place on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until just cooked through and opaque, about 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the Parmesan and 1/4 tsp salt. Serve butter with fish for dipping.
Best Cuticle Trimmer
This La Cross Cuticle Trimmer was voted #1. I'll have to try it...I have a favorite that they don't make anymore!
Best Peanut Satay
I love peanut satay and this was voted #1. I haven't looked for it yet in the store, so I don't know if I can find it.
Sharwood's Indonesian Satay Curry
Sharwood's Indonesian Satay Curry
Tranferring Cassettes and Videos
I have a few cassettes of me singing when I was a kid. Audiomover will transfer those cassettes to CD or MP3.
I'd also like to have our wedding video tape transferred to a DVD. VHStoDVD can do that.
I'd also like to have our wedding video tape transferred to a DVD. VHStoDVD can do that.
Helpful Blogs
Here are some blogs that might be worth checking out. They are all right up my alley.
Apartment Therapy - decorating ideas for homes of all sizes
Hostess Blog - all kinds of info on entertaining paraphernelia
Unclutterer - strategies and products to help with all our "stuff"
Cupcakes Take the Cake - news, trends and photos, all about CUPCAKES!
Budget Fashionista - deals on clothes and accessories
Omiru - "style for all"
The Sartorialist - a fashion-loving photographer posts stylish looks of real people from city streets around the world.
Apartment Therapy - decorating ideas for homes of all sizes
Hostess Blog - all kinds of info on entertaining paraphernelia
Unclutterer - strategies and products to help with all our "stuff"
Cupcakes Take the Cake - news, trends and photos, all about CUPCAKES!
Budget Fashionista - deals on clothes and accessories
Omiru - "style for all"
The Sartorialist - a fashion-loving photographer posts stylish looks of real people from city streets around the world.
Note Clips
Man, I'd be in heaven with these things! Clip-Rite Clip-Tabs combine a paper clip with a sticky note. You can instantly clip and tab documents — at the same time! (Yes, I get excited about small things.)
Measurement Cheating
I have 2 different magnets like this on my refrigerator that help me with measurement conversions. I just can't remember any of those that I learned in 4th grade! This Mix-n-Measure also looks like a great idea. The 16-ounce cup includes measurements for teaspoons and tablespoons, cups, ounces with breakdowns for "tumbler", "wine glass", "teacup" and more, grams, and milliliters. I'll guess I'll have to add this to my wish list.
No more rust rings
If you have a container of some kind (like a shaving cream can) that rusts and leaves a ring in your bathtub, you can paint a thin layer of clear nail polish around the base of the can and that will keep it from rusting.
Clip-On Earrings
I have a lot of my mother's jewelry, including clip-on earrings. I have pierced ears, so I don't have much use for them. However, I recently saw that jewel-studded clip-on earrings can be used to dress up a pair of pumps. Attach them slightly off center, and it looks pretty cool.
PlanningWiz
This is the best online room mapping tool that I've seen yet. I've used several in the past when I've moved to a new place, re-arranged a room or even re-arranged my office. I'd rather "see" it before I start moving furniture around! PlanningWiz is great.
(ht: Matthew)
(ht: Matthew)
Travel Shampoo and Conditioner
I believe I read about this travel tip (or maybe my husband told me about it) but just hadn't gotten around to posting it here yet. I tried it this weekend and it works great.
I filled an old contact case with shampoo on one side and conditioner on the other. Then carried that with me on my trip. It's enough for one shower and doesn't take up much space in my toiletry bag. I actually had several old contact cases so I filled up two. It obviously wouldn't work on a long trip or if you had really long hair or like A LOT of shampoo, but for a short trip, it was great for me!
I filled an old contact case with shampoo on one side and conditioner on the other. Then carried that with me on my trip. It's enough for one shower and doesn't take up much space in my toiletry bag. I actually had several old contact cases so I filled up two. It obviously wouldn't work on a long trip or if you had really long hair or like A LOT of shampoo, but for a short trip, it was great for me!
Creamed Eggs
I'm visiting my Dad and he made a breakfast recipe that he made when I was a kid. I've always wanted the recipe. I got it from him tonight, so I'm posting it here before I forget it. They may not sound good, but they are!!!
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups cold milk
2 cups shredded cheddar
salt and pepper to taste
6 boiled eggs
Melt butter in saucepan. Add in flour and stir slowly as it thickens. Add milk and cheese and stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Slice boiled eggs and add to sauce. Serve over toast or biscuit. Yummy!
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups cold milk
2 cups shredded cheddar
salt and pepper to taste
6 boiled eggs
Melt butter in saucepan. Add in flour and stir slowly as it thickens. Add milk and cheese and stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Slice boiled eggs and add to sauce. Serve over toast or biscuit. Yummy!
Plantwire
Plantwire is a fun, easy way to find and learn about plants. Information is provided on many of the world's most beautiful, interesting, and important plants.
You can search by plant name, flower color, or by tags. The database now includes over 300 plants and is growing quickly. More than 6000 images are included.
You can search by plant name, flower color, or by tags. The database now includes over 300 plants and is growing quickly. More than 6000 images are included.
Greeting Card Organization
This was a tip that was sent to me...BUT I already do it! But I thought I'd share it here.
Quick Tip: If you send out a bunch of birthday cards, consider doing them all at once. Write the date they need to be sent where the stamp goes and keep them in chronological order. When you mail them out the stamp will cover the date.
Quick Tip: If you send out a bunch of birthday cards, consider doing them all at once. Write the date they need to be sent where the stamp goes and keep them in chronological order. When you mail them out the stamp will cover the date.
Google Health
(Well, it may take me a while to get all my "health" recorded, but it looks kinda cool.)
Google Health puts you in charge of your health information. It's safe, secure, and free.
- Organize your health information all in one place
- Gather your medical records from doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies
- Keep your doctors up to date about your health
- Be more informed about important health issues
SeatGuru and TripKick
I thought I had already posted about SeatGuru. You can look up any seat on any airplane with any airline and it will tell you which seats are best to book. Maybe not a huge deal for short flights, but priceless for long ones!
Now there is TripKick that will tell you the best rooms to book at a particular hotel. I looked up the Drake Hotel in Chicago
Now there is TripKick that will tell you the best rooms to book at a particular hotel. I looked up the Drake Hotel in Chicago
How to Pit an Avocado
I thought I knew how...but I didn't know the last trick!
Check out the handy video.
Check out the handy video.
Mood Swings
Pick your mood, click the button and Wild Mood Swings will open an appropriate website in a new window.
I put in "moany" and was led to a website on how to complain.
I put in "on top of the world" and was led to the astronomy picture of the day.
Kinda cool.
I put in "moany" and was led to a website on how to complain.
I put in "on top of the world" and was led to the astronomy picture of the day.
Kinda cool.
TravelZoo's Top 20
I love this new email subscription! TravelZoo's Top 20. Every week you get an email with the top 20 travel deals for that week...hotels, flights, car rentals, etc. I haven't used any yet, but I hope that one day it will lead to my dream of a spontaneous trip to a fun place! You can sign up here.
Cookthink
Wouldn't it be cool to have a tool that could listen to what you were craving and then suggest something good to cook? Cookthink is that tool. To find a recipe based on what you're craving, tell Cookthink what you want, choose ingredients, what kind of cuisine you want and what mood you're in.
For ingredient, I chose cheese. For cuisine, I chose middle-eastern. For mood, I chose excited. Cookthink suggested Asparagus-Fontina Gratin, which sounded great to me!
For ingredient, I chose cheese. For cuisine, I chose middle-eastern. For mood, I chose excited. Cookthink suggested Asparagus-Fontina Gratin, which sounded great to me!
ZIPSkinny
This is a cool website that gives stats, demographics, maps, and school information of any zip code.
Wikitravel
Wikitravel is a project to create a free, complete, up-to-date, and reliable worldwide travel guide. So far we have 18,478 destination guides and other articles written and edited by Wikitravellers from around the globe.
Dry Skin Remedy
This lotion was recommended to me by a friend. I haven't tried it yet, but will next winter!
Hand and Foot Smoother Retexturizing Seaweed Therapy
Hand and Foot Smoother Retexturizing Seaweed Therapy
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Eclair Dessert
This is one I want to try...haven't yet.
1 3/4 cup milk
1 small box of instant vanilla pudding
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 8 oz tub of Cool Whip, thawed
24 graham crackers
6 square of semi-sweet baking chocolate
3 Tbs. butter
Pour milk into large bowl. Add pudding and mix until well blended. Add peanut butter and stir. Gently stir in Cool Whip. Layer 1/3 of the graham crackers and half the pudding mixture in a 9x13 dish, breaking crackers if needed. Repeat layers. Top with remaining grahams.
Microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Spread evenly over crackers.
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
1 3/4 cup milk
1 small box of instant vanilla pudding
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 8 oz tub of Cool Whip, thawed
24 graham crackers
6 square of semi-sweet baking chocolate
3 Tbs. butter
Pour milk into large bowl. Add pudding and mix until well blended. Add peanut butter and stir. Gently stir in Cool Whip. Layer 1/3 of the graham crackers and half the pudding mixture in a 9x13 dish, breaking crackers if needed. Repeat layers. Top with remaining grahams.
Microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Spread evenly over crackers.
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Russian Chicken
This recipe doesn't sound good, but it is!
1 large bottle of Russian salad dressing
10 oz. apricot preserves
1 packet of Lipton dry onion soup mix
1 cup mayonnaise
6-8 Boneless Chicken Breasts
Mix the first 4 ingredients together and pour over chicken breasts. Cover and cook at 400 degrees for 45 minutes.
1 large bottle of Russian salad dressing
10 oz. apricot preserves
1 packet of Lipton dry onion soup mix
1 cup mayonnaise
6-8 Boneless Chicken Breasts
Mix the first 4 ingredients together and pour over chicken breasts. Cover and cook at 400 degrees for 45 minutes.
Coma Cake
This is a new cake recipe I've made several times recently. My husband has begun to refer to it as "Coma Cake" because he claims it puts you into a coma shortly after eating it. It's easy and good!
1 box of yellow cake mix
1 large box of instant chocolate pudding
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup warm water
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
Cool Whip
Mix the first 6 ingredients until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour into a bundt pan and cook at 350 degrees for one hour. (I've had to use different sized pans...but made sure to adjust my cooking time.)
You can drizzle some dark chocolate over the top and serve with Cool Whip.
1 box of yellow cake mix
1 large box of instant chocolate pudding
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup warm water
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
Cool Whip
Mix the first 6 ingredients until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour into a bundt pan and cook at 350 degrees for one hour. (I've had to use different sized pans...but made sure to adjust my cooking time.)
You can drizzle some dark chocolate over the top and serve with Cool Whip.
How many bottles needed?
Equation:
# of guests x # of hours/12 = # of bottles needed
(Assuming that the average guest will consume one 1.5oz cocktail per hour and that each 750 mL bottle of liquor serves an estimated 12 cocktails.)
# of guests x # of hours/12 = # of bottles needed
(Assuming that the average guest will consume one 1.5oz cocktail per hour and that each 750 mL bottle of liquor serves an estimated 12 cocktails.)
Best Concealers
Best Overall:
MAC Studio Touch-Up Stick
Best for Under Eyes:
Rimmel Recover Anti-Fatigue Concealer
Best for Aging Skin:
Chanel Pro Lumiere Correcteur
Best for Acne:
Benefit Galactic Shield
MAC Studio Touch-Up Stick
Best for Under Eyes:
Rimmel Recover Anti-Fatigue Concealer
Best for Aging Skin:
Chanel Pro Lumiere Correcteur
Best for Acne:
Benefit Galactic Shield
Salmon with Basil Oil
I've never been able to make salmon to my liking. Maybe this one will work.
4 6-oz salmon fillets, skin removed
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl half-way with ice water. Set broiler on high. Place the salmon on a foil-lined pan and season with 1/4 tsp of the salt. Cook, without turning, until the salmon is the same color throughout and flakes easily, 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Set aside. Meanwhile, add the basil to the pot and cook for 5 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the basil to the ice water. Drain and squeeze to remove the excess water. Place on a paper towel and pat dry. Place the basil, oil, pepper, and the remaining salt in a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer the salmon to individual plates and drizzle with the basil oil
4 6-oz salmon fillets, skin removed
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl half-way with ice water. Set broiler on high. Place the salmon on a foil-lined pan and season with 1/4 tsp of the salt. Cook, without turning, until the salmon is the same color throughout and flakes easily, 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Set aside. Meanwhile, add the basil to the pot and cook for 5 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the basil to the ice water. Drain and squeeze to remove the excess water. Place on a paper towel and pat dry. Place the basil, oil, pepper, and the remaining salt in a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer the salmon to individual plates and drizzle with the basil oil
Gmaps Pedometer
Google's Gmaps Pedometer allows you to trace a path you've walked and it calculates the miles and even calories. It's pretty cool!
To get started, type your zip code into the "Jump To" field. Then press "Start Recording". Double click to make marks along your path.
(It even works for Singapore!)
To get started, type your zip code into the "Jump To" field. Then press "Start Recording". Double click to make marks along your path.
(It even works for Singapore!)
Smashed White Bean and Avocado Club
2 15-oz cans white beans, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
12 slices multigrain bread
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, seedless and sliced thin
1 4-5oz container of sprouts
2 avocados, pitted and thinly sliced
In a medium bowl, combine the beans, oil, salt, and pepper. Roughly mash the mixture with the back of a fork. Place mixture on bread and top with onion, cucumber, sprouts and avocado.
2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
12 slices multigrain bread
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, seedless and sliced thin
1 4-5oz container of sprouts
2 avocados, pitted and thinly sliced
In a medium bowl, combine the beans, oil, salt, and pepper. Roughly mash the mixture with the back of a fork. Place mixture on bread and top with onion, cucumber, sprouts and avocado.
Basil Beer Bread
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
One 1 1/4-oz package of active dry yeast
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup (3 oz) grated Parmesan
1 12-oz bottle of beer, preferable ale
1 cup chopped or torn fresh basil
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Oil a baking sheet. In the bowl of a standing mixer on low or in a large bowl with a spoon, combine the flour, yeast, salt, pepper and Parmesan. Add the beer and mix just until the dough comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle with basil and knead gently until incorporated. Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer to the prepared sheet. Bake until the loaf is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Turn the loaf onto a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
One 1 1/4-oz package of active dry yeast
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup (3 oz) grated Parmesan
1 12-oz bottle of beer, preferable ale
1 cup chopped or torn fresh basil
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Oil a baking sheet. In the bowl of a standing mixer on low or in a large bowl with a spoon, combine the flour, yeast, salt, pepper and Parmesan. Add the beer and mix just until the dough comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle with basil and knead gently until incorporated. Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer to the prepared sheet. Bake until the loaf is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Turn the loaf onto a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Sesame Chicken
I love sesame chicken but can rarely find it the way I like it in restaurants. Maybe I'll like this one.
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 Tbs soy sauce
3 Tbs light brown sugar
2 Tbs sesame seeds, toasted
Cut chicken into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Heat the soy sauce and brown sugar in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the chicken and saute until cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with rest of chicken. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and toss to coat.
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 Tbs soy sauce
3 Tbs light brown sugar
2 Tbs sesame seeds, toasted
Cut chicken into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Heat the soy sauce and brown sugar in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the chicken and saute until cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with rest of chicken. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and toss to coat.
Tomatillo Roll-Up
I can't wait to try this one.
1 3-4lb rotisserie chicken, shredded
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup tomatillo sauce (also called green salsa)
3 Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets and steamed
4 pieces of thin flat bread or tortillas, warmed
2 avocados, one diced and one sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl. Add the steamed broccoli and toss. Divide the mixture into tortillas, top with diced avocado and roll up. Serve with remaining avocado and limes.
1 3-4lb rotisserie chicken, shredded
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup tomatillo sauce (also called green salsa)
3 Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets and steamed
4 pieces of thin flat bread or tortillas, warmed
2 avocados, one diced and one sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl. Add the steamed broccoli and toss. Divide the mixture into tortillas, top with diced avocado and roll up. Serve with remaining avocado and limes.
Food Safe Cleaners
Who knew there was such a thing? I've always wondered as I was spraying stuff in the kitchen if the drops were landing on anything that might eventually end up in my mouth and if that was a bad thing. Who knows! It could be a ploy to get me to buy one more cleaning solution. But I guess I could try Lysol Food Surface Sanitizer.
Sponge Care
I've always put my dish sponges in the dishwasher to clean and de-germ them. Apparently, though, you should put them in the microwave for one minute.
Take care of your Tootsies
I've had a lot more blisters lately than normal, mainly because I have to wear high heels and stand on my feet way more than I used to. I've blogged about my constant travel companion, Band-Aid Blister Block Cushions. (I even have one on now.) But here's some more helpful reminders for achy feet.
1. SofSol True Comfort Sooth - anti-friction balm that prevents blisters, for runners, but recommended for strappy sandals too!
2. Aerosole Shoes - I have had many pairs over the years, and highly recommend them. I'm hoping to get something from their sandal line for summer.
3. Airplus for Her Ball-of-Foot Cushions - perfect for making high heels a little more tolerable.
1. SofSol True Comfort Sooth - anti-friction balm that prevents blisters, for runners, but recommended for strappy sandals too!
2. Aerosole Shoes - I have had many pairs over the years, and highly recommend them. I'm hoping to get something from their sandal line for summer.
3. Airplus for Her Ball-of-Foot Cushions - perfect for making high heels a little more tolerable.
Online Coupons and Deals
I haven't had a chance to look at these and see if they are really worth it, but I plan to come back to them and figure it out. I should be using more coupons in my life.
Coupon Cart
Fat Wallet
Tech Bargains
Slick Deals
Coupon Cart
Fat Wallet
Tech Bargains
Slick Deals
Keeping up with stuff
I often put an important item in a "safe place" so I won't lose it, and then forget where it is. I've tried using the technique below with Excel, but I don't always have access to the file.
So here's a good solution my hubby found using a passport as an example - make a private, searchable database of locations via email:
So here's a good solution my hubby found using a passport as an example - make a private, searchable database of locations via email:
I put the item back and then I emailed myself:
Subject: Passport
Message Body: In your backpack in the closet.
I also applied the label "Stuff." This way when I lose my passport next time I can simply pull up my email and see where it is located.
My Kind of Gardening
This caught my eye: "Some plants thrive on neglect." Bingo! Maybe I can have flowers on my balcony after all.
Succolents. Never heard of them. "They love to bask in the sun, and they won't dry out, because their fleshy leaves have a built-in water supply."
Aeonium
Echeveria
Black Rose Aeonium
Blue chalksticks
Rattail
*Make sure to use a fast-draining, soilless potting mix designed for succulents and cacti.
Succolents. Never heard of them. "They love to bask in the sun, and they won't dry out, because their fleshy leaves have a built-in water supply."
Aeonium
Echeveria
Black Rose Aeonium
Blue chalksticks
Rattail
*Make sure to use a fast-draining, soilless potting mix designed for succulents and cacti.
Simple Substitutes
If you need help with a substitution for a recipe, check out Switcheroo. Did you know that a mixture of milk and vinegar will work if you don't have buttermilk?
Best Nail Polish
I have awful nail problems in the winter and will try anything to make my nails look fairly decent. These are ranked the best:
1. For brittle nails - Nailene Titanium Strength
2. For soft, peeling nails - Opi Nail Envy Soft & Thin
3. Best top and base coat - Essie 3-way Glaze
1. For brittle nails - Nailene Titanium Strength
2. For soft, peeling nails - Opi Nail Envy Soft & Thin
3. Best top and base coat - Essie 3-way Glaze
Quick Crab Cakes
2 1/2 cups potato chips
1 lb. lump crab meat
1/3 cup tartar sauce
1 1/2 Tbs Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs butter, thinly sliced into 6 pieces
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Heat broiler. Crush potato chips. Add crab meat, tartar sauce, mustard, and peppers. Stir to combine. Form into 6 patties and place on foil-line baking sheet. Top each with a pat of butter and broil until browned, 1-2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
1 lb. lump crab meat
1/3 cup tartar sauce
1 1/2 Tbs Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs butter, thinly sliced into 6 pieces
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Heat broiler. Crush potato chips. Add crab meat, tartar sauce, mustard, and peppers. Stir to combine. Form into 6 patties and place on foil-line baking sheet. Top each with a pat of butter and broil until browned, 1-2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Garden in a Pail
Everyone knows I don't have any shade of green thumb, but I might be willing to give this a try. Garden in a Pail is a galvanized pail filled with everything you need...gloves, soil, and seeds for your own mini herb garden or flower bed. This might look nice on my balcony, but I wonder how long it would take for me to kill it!
They have other items that would be fun to try or great for a gift:
Gardens in a Bag
Blooms in a Bag
Pocket Gardens
Mini-Bouquet Favors (I'm always a sucker for a party favor!)
Perfect Food Pairings
1. Tomatoes and Avocados
(How convenient that I love and often prepare a tomato, avocado, mozzarella, and olive oil salad!) Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene and the fat in the avocado helps the body absorb seven times more lycopene. Research suggests that lycopene is associated with reduced risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin.
2. Spinach and Oranges
Spinach is a great source of iron, but our body doesn't absorb it well when we eat it alone. Add an orange to your spinach salad and the vitamin C converts the iron into a form that is more available to the body.
(How convenient that I love and often prepare a tomato, avocado, mozzarella, and olive oil salad!) Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene and the fat in the avocado helps the body absorb seven times more lycopene. Research suggests that lycopene is associated with reduced risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin.
2. Spinach and Oranges
Spinach is a great source of iron, but our body doesn't absorb it well when we eat it alone. Add an orange to your spinach salad and the vitamin C converts the iron into a form that is more available to the body.
Down-Sizing
I'm very sentimental with "stuff" and it can be very difficult for me to get rid of it...even if I haven't used it lately and it needs to go. A couple of coping mechanisms that have worked for me are:
1. Take a photo of the item. I find that my mushy, sentimental feelings are triggered when seeing the item. So a photo creates the same warm feelings, but without taking up space.
2. Put items you are considering getting rid of in a box and keep them there for a week or two. Then look through the box again and make your final decision. Time to adjust to getting rid of it sometimes is all it takes!
1. Take a photo of the item. I find that my mushy, sentimental feelings are triggered when seeing the item. So a photo creates the same warm feelings, but without taking up space.
2. Put items you are considering getting rid of in a box and keep them there for a week or two. Then look through the box again and make your final decision. Time to adjust to getting rid of it sometimes is all it takes!
Games, Games, Games
I love games and would play them every night if I could. Here are the top games recommended to have in your collection based on the number playing. Fortunately, I have a lot of these.
Games for Two or Just a Few:
Games for Two or Just a Few:
- Othello (doh! I got rid of mine. But I found an online version here.)
- Scrabble (we have the travel edition and take it on the road with us)
- Mancala (have it and love it!)
- Lost Cities (never heard of it...guess I should add it to my wish list)
- Twister Moves (no, thank you! apparently this version comes with a CD that calls out the moves.)
- You're Pulling My Leg (never heard of this one, but it looks really good...recommended for "getting to know you")
- Clue (I thought we had this one, but I don't see it in my stack.)
- Uno (of course!)
- Cranium Turbo Edition (don't know about "turbo" but we have the regular one...Mr. Ginger doesn't like it!)
- Apples to Apples (have it! love it!)
Mouth Wash
I don't really like mouthwash, but I know I should be using it. The different types also confuse me. But I read recently that if you want all around protection you should use a fluoride (ACT, Colgate) rinse at night and an antibacterial (Listerine antiseptic, Cepacol) rinse in the morning.
Dirty Keyboard
(I plan on doing this to my keyboard at work tomorrow...I haven't been exactly careful about keeping crumbs out of it!) You can take a piece of scotch tape and slide it between the rows of the keyboard. All those yucky crumbs stick to the tape.
Find an Apple Orchard
All About Apples is a cool website...um...all about apples. They also have a map of the US with all the apple orchards. I love apple picking!
Complaint Letter
Have you ever wanted to write a complaint to a company but never know what to say or how to word it? Consumer Action has a template for you to use to make it much easier.
Tasting Party
I have hosted a Chocolate Tasting party several times, and everyone has always enjoyed it. This book has ideas and information for different kinds of tasting parties like tea, wine, cheese, honey, balsamic vinegar, or apples. I'd love to do them all!
Tasting Club
Tasting Club
Easy Omelets for a Group
- Bring water to boil in a large pan.
- Beat eggs, salt and pepper.
- Have bowls of omelet fillings...like spinach, bacon, ham, cheese, peppers, etc.
- Pour about a cup of the eggs into a quart sized Ziploc.
- Add whatever filling you'd like.
- Close bag...let all the air out.
- Drop bag into boil for about 8 minutes.
- Open bag and slide the omelet to a plate!
- Easy. Perfect make-your-own breakfast for guests or large groups.
Measure Walking Distance
Since we've moved to the city, we're walking a lot more. I often wonder how far we've walked. Now I can calculate it!
- Go to Ask.com.
- Enter addresses.
- When you're map is returned, click the "Walking" tab.
- It gives you the walking miles and even a walking time estimate.
- Then you can move the pushpin icons around to recalculate different walks/distances.
Old School Craft Idea - Tin Cans
With the fun and stylish paper (scrapbooking, wallpaper) and fabric (scarves, cloth napkins) that you can find these days, you can cover a tin can for multiple uses:
Pencil cup
Party favor container
Flower vase
Candle holder centerpieces at a funky party
Holder for craft table supplies
Pencil cup
Party favor container
Flower vase
Candle holder centerpieces at a funky party
Holder for craft table supplies
Best Face Powder
Reasonably priced:
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Pressed Powder
$12.50
Best for "mature" skin: (I'm not getting any younger!)
Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Pressed Powder
$7
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Pressed Powder
$12.50
Best for "mature" skin: (I'm not getting any younger!)
Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Pressed Powder
$7
Simple Sauces
CREAM SAUCE
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan
Mix ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
BASIL PESTO SAUCE
1 small garlic clove
1/4 pine nuts
3 cups fresh basil leaves, washed
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Combine and pour over steaming pasta.
OLIVE OIL and GARLIC SAUCE
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup pasta cooking water
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds, making sure it doesn't brown. Add pasta water, red pepper, salt and parsley and bring to a boil.
POMODORO
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, including liquid
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
12 fresh basil leaves, torn
Heat oil in saucepan. Add garlic and cook until light brown, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and juice, salt, pepper and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer , crushing tomatoes with a wooden spoon until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in basil.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan
Mix ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
BASIL PESTO SAUCE
1 small garlic clove
1/4 pine nuts
3 cups fresh basil leaves, washed
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Combine and pour over steaming pasta.
OLIVE OIL and GARLIC SAUCE
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup pasta cooking water
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds, making sure it doesn't brown. Add pasta water, red pepper, salt and parsley and bring to a boil.
POMODORO
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, including liquid
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
12 fresh basil leaves, torn
Heat oil in saucepan. Add garlic and cook until light brown, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and juice, salt, pepper and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer , crushing tomatoes with a wooden spoon until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in basil.
Home Inventory
Know Your Stuff has a free software download you can use to do a household inventory by logging items room by room, uploading digital photos, and scanning receipts. There are MANY reasons to do this inventory...so JUST DO IT!
**Hint - once you do this, store the information somewhere besides your house.
**Hint - once you do this, store the information somewhere besides your house.
Carpet Dents
I've always heard that you can use an ice cube to revive dents in the carpet from furniture legs. I recently read that you can also use the tines of a fork to fluff the carpet fibers back.
Easy Greeting Cards
Whether you need a last minute birthday card and can't get to the store or whether you want to be really organized and plan paper cards to be mailed throughout the year or whether you live oversees and it's hard to mail domestic cards...CARDSTORE is for you.
They will print and mail your card the next business day, either to you or directly to your recipient, INCLUDING addressed and stamped envelopes. Or you can upload addresses, create a card, and set reminders throughout the year.
They will print and mail your card the next business day, either to you or directly to your recipient, INCLUDING addressed and stamped envelopes. Or you can upload addresses, create a card, and set reminders throughout the year.
Finding Airfares
Pink Ribbon Jewelry
I just love this gorgeous hand painted "pink ribbon" jewelry by Angela Moore. And 15% goes to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
Digital Camera Tip
Tips when buying a digital camera...because I can never remember this.
Look for:
Ignore:
Look for:
- a 3x zoom (or 6x if you take lots of close-ups)
- a fast shutter button
- an ISO rating of 800
Ignore:
- megapixels - all new cameras have plenty
Sink Strainer
Again, I don't need one of these now, but may have a sink in the future where I will need one.
Oxo Good Grips Strainer
Why I like it: Flips inside out for easy disposal of muck into the trashcan
Oxo Good Grips Strainer
Why I like it: Flips inside out for easy disposal of muck into the trashcan
Caramel Apples
The best apples to use for homemade caramel apples are: Granny Smith, Gala, and McIntosh.
Freezer Basket
I don't need this for my current freezer but have in years past, so maybe I will in future years.
Plastic coated metal bins for freezer storage, one deep and one shallow at The Container Store.
Plastic coated metal bins for freezer storage, one deep and one shallow at The Container Store.
Best Brownie Mix
Best Cakey Brownie Mix:
Cherrybrook Kitchen Fudge Brownie
(I've never heard of this brand or seen it in my stores.)
Best Fudgy Brownie Mix:
Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge
Cherrybrook Kitchen Fudge Brownie
(I've never heard of this brand or seen it in my stores.)
Best Fudgy Brownie Mix:
Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge
Parmesan Polenta
1 Tbs kosher salt
1 cup instant polenta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 Tbs unsalted butter
Bring 4 cups of water and the salt to a boil. Stirring constantly, add in polenta. Cook while stirring until polenta thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and butter. Cover until butter melts.
1 cup instant polenta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 Tbs unsalted butter
Bring 4 cups of water and the salt to a boil. Stirring constantly, add in polenta. Cook while stirring until polenta thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and butter. Cover until butter melts.
Speed-drying a Manicure
You can use Pam cooking spray to speed up the drying process of a manicure. You can also dip your fingers in ice cold water to set your polish.
Grainy Mustard Sauce
1 cup heavy cream
3 Tbs chicken broth
1/4 cup coarse-grain mustard
2 Tbs chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Whisk together all the ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly about 3 minutes. Pour over beef, chicken or pork.
3 Tbs chicken broth
1/4 cup coarse-grain mustard
2 Tbs chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Whisk together all the ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly about 3 minutes. Pour over beef, chicken or pork.
Best Bath Salts
Best bath salt for dry skin:
Archipelago Botancals Milk Oat Salt
Best bath salt for soothing a cold:
Kneipp Eucalyptus Herbal Bath Oil
Best bath salt for relaxing:
Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Soaking Solution Lavender
Archipelago Botancals Milk Oat Salt
Best bath salt for soothing a cold:
Kneipp Eucalyptus Herbal Bath Oil
Best bath salt for relaxing:
Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Soaking Solution Lavender
Arugula Tortellini
1 lb. cheese or meat tortellini
4 oz. sliced bacon
6 Tbs unsalted butter
2 cups arugula (you can also use spinach or basil)
1/4 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 oz. sliced bacon
6 Tbs unsalted butter
2 cups arugula (you can also use spinach or basil)
1/4 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cook tortellini according to package.
- Cook bacon until crisp and break into pieces.
- Brown butter in a skillet
- Them add arugula, salt, pepper, and cooked tortellini.
- Toss well. Serve.
Helpful Scents
Smells that can change your perception:
To make a room seem bigger - green apple scent
Energy boost - buttered popcorn or strawberries
Increase learning - floral scent
To suppress your appetite - peppermint or banana scent
To make a room seem bigger - green apple scent
Energy boost - buttered popcorn or strawberries
Increase learning - floral scent
To suppress your appetite - peppermint or banana scent
Stinky Freezer
If your freezer is not smelling good, wipe down freezer shelves with pure vanilla extract.
Cool Sugar Dispenser
The Sugar Please Automatic Sugar Dispenser dispenses 1/2 teaspoon at the touch of a button. It's pretty cool looking also.
You can buy it here.
You can buy it here.
Polish Remover
A no-mess fingernail polish remover from Barielle...just press down on the pump to saturate your cotton ball. I guess this is similar to what they use in nail salons, so I guess you could just buy one of those bottles and fill it yourself.
Barielle's Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
Barielle's Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
Travel Alarm Clock
I can't travel without a sound machine, so this looks like a great option. The Sharper Image Travel Sound Soother with clock, alarm, radio, and sound machine.
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - February 2007
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - February 2007
Best Lotions
Living in Chicago, dry hands are part of life. Knowing the best rated lotions is essential.
Best Value: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Best Fragrance-Free: Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream with Shea Butter
Real Simple - December 2006
Best Value: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Best Fragrance-Free: Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream with Shea Butter
Real Simple - December 2006
Glossy Greetings Gift Tags
Sparkly Dishwasher
You can use a packet of lemonade Kool-Aid to clean your dishwasher. Pour one packet into the detergent cup and run the washer while empty. It works very well!
Travel Detergent
Dropps are easy washing detergent packets for travel or for smooth walks to the laundromat.
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - May 2006
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - May 2006
Personalized Notepads
You can send a digital photo, choose a notepad size, and PicPads will create a personalized notepad.
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - May 2006
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - May 2006
Ohso Travel Toothbrush
This wouldn't be good for a really long trip, but would be okay for a short one. The Ohso toothbrush has a vacuum pressure that sucks toothpaste from your tube at home into the toothbrush, so that you have toothpaste and toothbrush all-in-one. It might also make a creative gift for a traveler who has everything.
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - May 2006
You can buy it here.
Real Simple - May 2006
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