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

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

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Gas Buddy

With gas so expensive these days, this is a handy website. Find the lowest price near your home at Gas Buddy.