Foldable Hanger

Today I wondered if you could get such a thing...and Mindy found one. It doesn't help me for tomorrow but here's the info if I ever decide to spend the money on such!

Passenger Foldable Travel Hanger

POSH PARTY BOX

"Memorable Celebrations delivered to your Door!"

If you're hosting a party and don't have time to pull it all together...you can order a Posh Party Box that comes with everything you need for the party!

Green-Papaya Brightening Mask

This is a great brightening mask that "exfoliates and stimulates circulation in the face, resulting in a warm, rosy glow."

Here's why it works: Unripe papaya contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells. Yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture, and honey helps skin retain moisture. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly; if you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain.

1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.

FaceBomb

FaceBomb is a new tool that enables you to upload a photograph of your choice to the site and then apply an effect to the area or portion of the photograph that you want. The results are saved on your computer, and you can then start using that picture. It's a simple, quick, and easy way to jazz up your pics! Plus...it's free!

Wasting Time

Online Solitaire

'Nuf said!

TripIt

This looks fabulous...gotta remember it for my next trip.

TripIt: An Effortless Online Travel Organizer

Anyone who's ever travelled is surely familiar with the dreaded Manila Folder—that sheaf of printouts, receipts and tickets we rely on to stay on schedule during a trip. Now TripIt promises to free us from those manila shackles with an online service that organizes all the pieces into a single, consolidated itinerary.

TripIt then searches the web for complementary information, including Google maps and directions, weather from the NOAA, SeatGuru airplane seat advice, Wikipedia city information, current events information from Eventful, city photos from Flickr, and dining reservations from OpenTable.

Edible Greeting Card

'Nuf said!

Edibles Inc

"Christmasy" Scent

So apparently my next real Christmas tree should be a Balsam Fir! They maintain their scent longer than most other trees.

Hanging Pictures

Yes...as I'm packing to move, I'm also trying to clean out. So I'm putting all those notes here...finally!

I'll need this one when I get settled in to a new place:
When hanging a picture on a plaster wall, place a small piece of tape on the wall where the nail will go to prevent the plaster from chipping when you hammer the nail in.

Aha!

Broadway Box

Check Broadway Box for free discount codes for Broadway shows...some savings up to 50%!

Journey Woman

I haven't spent much time surfing yet, but it looks pretty cool! Journey Woman is "the premier travel resource for women".

Italian Getaways

Two recommendations for our trip to Italy:

• The Grand Hotel Minerva in Florence (if you're going with family, the 2-bedroom suites are the way to go)
• Il Pellicano in Tuscany (a seaside splurge!)
  

Mayan Riviera

In case I win the lottery (do you have to play to win?), this is one for a remote resort get-away! (No one under 16 is allowed January through April.)

Maroma Resort & Spa

Maui Hotel

This one is for when I get to go to Maui again!
Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Unclaimed Baggage

If I'm ever in Scottsboro, Alabama, I think it would be fun to go to the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Over 1 million items a year end up here after going unclaimed at the airport. And it's all on sale here! Plus it's also pretty fun to check out the website and see some of the strange things that go unclaimed!

Flavored Water

I saw a report the other day about making your own flavored water with flavorings that are helpful to your digestive system as well as giving you overall health benefits.

Mix 4 ingredients with your water:
LEMON
CUCUMBER
GINGER
MINT

Cure for Coffee Drips

I saw a good idea the other day that made a common mess look less messier! :>)

Put a small dish of pebbles or marbles underneath the coffee maker spicket (or any kind of beverage dispenser) to keep a brown mess/stain from dripping on the tablecloth. This made the beverage presentation much more pleasant.

Facial Help

I'm sure no one out there has wrinkles, right? I didn't think so. So this tip is for all the other people!

Ranked the best:
Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

Aveda Enbrightenment Correcting Serum

Out of Dishwasher Detergent?

I was, but needed to get some dishes clean (without the elbow grease!) So I looked up a substitute and decided to post it here in case I need it again. It worked great!

**Note: Everyone strenuously stressed that you use ONLY 3 drops of liquid dish soap or you would be cleaning up suds!

• 3 drops liquid dish soap
• Fill 1/2 of the detergent compartment with baking soda

Some More Travel Sites

Airfare Watchdog - locates last-minute deals, plus has a section of the Top 50 Fares of the Day
Cruisemates - Advise and reviews about cruising
LastMinute - Last minute weekend packages, sometimes saving 70% on unsold airplane seats.
WorldAirportGuide - check out maps of any airport
FlightStats - displays up-to-date arrival and departure boards for major airports

**Note: The best time to buy an airplane ticket is:

• 5:15 pm on Saturday if you're doing it by phone
• after midnight on Sunday if you're doing it online

Some More Travel Tips

Most hotels still leave a shower cap in your bathroom. But if you're like me, you don't ever need a shower cap for it's intended purpose. So I save them anyway and use them to put over any shoes in my suitcase that may be dirty so they don't rub against my clothes.

If you know you're traveling and intend to purchase breakable items or souvenirs, pack a couple of kids arm floaties. They don't take up much room in your suitcase and you can blow them up a little bit to protect any special items, including bottles of wine.

A Few Recipe Subsitutions

I've had to make several of these substitutions in the past...always handy to have.

• Substitute for 1 tsp lemon juice: 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
• Substitute for 1 cup cake flour: 1 cup less 2 Tbs of all-purpose flour
• Substitute for 1 cup buttermilk: 1 cup milk plus 1 Tbs lemon juice
• Another substitute for 1 cup buttermilk: 1 cup plain yogurt
• Substitute for 1 cup brown sugar: 3/4 cup sugar plus 1/4 cup molasses
• Substitute for 1 cup heavy cream: 2/3 cup milk plus 1/3 cup melted butter
• Substitute for 1 cup ricotta cheese: 1 cup cottage cheese

Last Minute Lasagna

• 1 26-ounce jar pasta sauce
• 2 30-ounce bags frozen large cheese ravioli, unthawed
• 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess water
• 1 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spoon in a third of the sauce.

2. Arrange 12 ravioli on top and scatter the spinach over them. Top with half of each cheese. Cover with another layer of ravioli and the remaining sauce and cheese.

3. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more or until bubbly.

Basic Quiche Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, diced
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 8 ounces Gruyere, grated
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 store-bought frozen piecrust in a tin

1. Heat oven to 375° F.

2. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Cover and cook until the onions are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the parsley and cook, covered, for 2 minutes more.

3. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half. Stir in the Gruyère, nutmeg, the remaining salt and pepper, and the onion mixture.

4. Place the piecrust on a foil-lined baking sheet. Scrape the egg mixture into the piecrust; it will be very full. Bake until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

**Note: Tailor this quiche to your liking by stirring in a handful of chopped cooked ham or sautéed vegetables when you add the cheese.

Chickpea Pasta!

I love chickpeas!!

1 Tb olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
7 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
Kosher salt
12 oz angel hair pasta
1 (15.5 oz) can chickpeas (rinsed)
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute (do not let it brown).
• Add the broth, red pepper, and 3/4 tsp salt and bring to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook, stirring until the broth is nearly absorbed the pasta is al dente, about 6 mins.
• Stir in the chickpeas and parsley.
• Sprinkle with the Parmesan and almonds before serving.

Quick and Easy Soup!

Here are 2 recipes that start with two cans of chicken noodle soup. Add the rest of the ingredients and act like you cooked for hours!

**Note: The winner of the best canned chicken noodle soup was Campbell's Select Harvest Chicken with Egg Noodles.

Tortilla Soup:
Bring two, 14-19 oz cans of chicken noodle soup to a simmer. Add 1 cup of frozen corn kernels and 1 tsp. of hot sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Ladle into bowls and serve with an avocado slice and tortilla chips.

White Bean and Chicken Soup:
Bring two, 14-19 oz cans of chicken noodle soup to simmer. Add 1/2 bunch of kale, leaves torn into 2-inch pieces (about 4 cups), and cook until tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in one 15-oz can of rinsed white or cannellini beans and cook until heated through.

CardTrack Calculator

This may not be information anyone really wants, but...

CardTrack has a web calculator that will tell you how long it will take you to pay off a credit card balance. You just enter the amount you owe, the interest rate, and how much you pay each month.

Best Workout Music

Since I'm a MAC, I can't really use this right now. But I'll save it for sometime in the future...just in case my iTunes are ever on a PC again.

It's pretty cool! As most of us can guess, faster music causes us to exercise longer. BeatScanner is a free, PC-compatible program that searches your music library and finds upbeat tunes for you to use when you exercise.

And if you are a MAC, the site does have pages of playlists of recommended workout songs, as well as a search feature that lets you pick your pace and music genre.

Party Plum

One of my new favorite party supply websites.
PARTY PLUM

I love LISTS!

Real Simple has over 50 checklists for almost anything you can imagine. I love Real Simple, and I love checklists! Some of my favorites:

Picnic Packing Checklist
Camping Checklist (I have one of my own I've used for years, but this is a great one!)
HouseGuest Prep Checklist
Warm Weather Packing Checklist
Moving Checklist

Sweet Potato Risotto

A great vegetarian dish!

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 small sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

2. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring frequently, until absorbed.

3. Measure 3 1/2 cups of water. Add 3/4 cup at a time and cook, stirring occasionally and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. It should take 25 to 30 minutes for all the water to be absorbed.

4. Stir in the Parmesan and oregano.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Can't wait to try this one!

CRUST:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from 14 graham crackers)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

FILLING:

• 1 2.5-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 8-ounce bar cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Make the crust: Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Transfer to a 9-inch springform pan. Using a straight-sided dry measuring cup, press the mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.

2. Make the filling: sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup boiling water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until dissolved, about 5 minutes.

3. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin, sour cream, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Mix in the gelatin mixture until incorporated.

4. Chill: Pour the mixture into the crust and refrigerate, covered, until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Another Plant Idea for Me

I've written before here and here about possible options for my black thumb! This one caught my attention also. Maybe I could maintain and not kill plants in a Terrarium. This is a good how-to article by Real Simple. Maybe I'll try sometime.

It also includes a few websites where you can buy terrarium plants.
Logees
Glasshouse Works

Spa Relaxation Products

Who doesn't need to relax?

Bath by Bettijo Shower Infusers - place one on the shower floor while you shower and enjoy the aromatherapy. (Sudacare has vaporizing shower soothers to help congestion. I've tried them and they work very well.)

Lather Cucumber & Ginseng Facial Mist - just a little spritz any time during the day to hydrate skin and reduce anxiety.

Origins Lavendar Body Smoother - bedtime lotion with a calming scent

Bath & Body Works Instant Aromatherapy Roll-On - lavender balm to rub on pulse points before hitting the sack! (They also have lots of other aromatherapy versions: Mental Clarity, Crave Relief, Stamina Boost, Headache Relief, Energy Boost, etc.)

Hostess Gifts

I like these hostess gift suggestions...just act surprised if I ever give you one!

Scented Drawer Papers - I love the designs!

Olive Set - Bella Cucina has a lot of other great ideas too!

Good Karmel - flavored caramels!

Dean & Deluca's Famous Black and White Cookies - And, tons more of great bakery items (like these birthday cookies)...I could spend hours on this website. But beware, you'll get hungry!

Fast Fix Buttons

This is a good addition for a clothing emergency kit. Button pins...temporary button replacement on men or women’s button-up shirts. Sometimes you just don't have time to sew!

Brie en Croute

This one I will be trying very soon! I love brie!

1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet)
1 egg
1 tbsp. water
1/3 cup dried cherries, softened*
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves or tsp. dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 (13.2 ounces) Brie cheese round
1 pkg. (26 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Crackers

• Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes or until it's easy to handle.
  
• Heat the oven to 400°F.
  
• Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork.

• Unfoldthe pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
  
• Roll the pastry sheet into a 14-inch square.
  
• Stir the cherries, pecans, honey and rosemary in a small bowl.
  
• Spread the cherry mixture into the center of the pastry square.
  
• Top with the cheese round.
  
• Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg mixture.
  
• Fold two opposite sides of the pastry over the cheese.
• Trim the remaining two sides of the pastry square to 2-inches from the edge of the cheese.
• Fold the sides up onto the cheese and press the edges to seal.
  

• Place the pastry-wrapped cheese seam-side down onto a baking sheet.
  
• Brush the pastry with the egg mixture
• Decorate the top with pastry scraps or additional rosemary, if desired. Brush the pastry with the egg mixture.

• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is deep golden brown.
• Let stand for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with the crackers.
  

*To soften cherries, mix the cherries and 1/2 cup hot water in a small bowl. Let stand for 1 minute. Drain and pat the cherries dry.

Croissant and Chocolate Bread Pudding

6 large egg yolks
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
6 croissants, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, cut into chunks

• Heat oven to 375.
  
• Butter an 8-inch square or other shallow 2-qt baking dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg.
  
• Add the croissants and chocolate and mix to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake until set and a knife inserted comes out clean, 30-40 minutes.
• Serve warm or at room temp.

Need a Cheese Guide?

This one is pretty good! Mmmmm...I love cheese!

Gorgonzola - Italian blue cheese that can be buttery or firm, crumbly and quite salty.
Pairs well with: hearty breads, figs, pine nuts

Pecorino Romano - Hard Italian cheese with a sharp, very salty flavor
Pairs well with: fava beans, radishes, arugula

Mascarpone - Triple-cream, milky-white cheese
Pairs well with: pears, hazelnuts

Parmigiano Reggiano - Sharp, complex taste with slightly gritty texture
Pairs well with: pesto, honey, walnuts

Ricotta - Fresh, slightly sweet cheese
Pairs well with: almonds, spinach

Lantern Remote?

There have been many times when we're camping and settling into the tent, when a remote control lantern would have been nice! I had no idea that Coleman created such a thing.

Doileez

This modern twist on a classic doilies really make me smile! They are silicon and you can re-use them!

David Aubrey Bangles

I really like these bangle bracelets! He is always designing new ones so there's always a variety.

Mulled Wine

Nice and warm for the winter...

1 navel orange
4 cups apple juice
2 Tb honey
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
6 whole allspice berries
10 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle dry red wine

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the orange in long strips.
In a large saucepan, gently simmer the zest, apple juice, honey, ginger, allspice and 2 cinnamon sticks for 20 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook just until heated through. Serve hot with the remaining cinnamon sticks.

Meal Plan

I like meal plans that are already figured out for me!
(These are 1,775 calories per day.)

DAY ONE
Breakfast: 2 egg white omelet, 1 slice wheat raisin toast, 4 oz orange juice
Lunch: salad with spinach, sunflower seeds, carrots, 4 oz grilled chicken
Dinner: 4 oz grilled pork chop, 1 cup green beans, 1/2 cup brown rice
Snacks: banana, 6 oz orange juice

DAY TWO
Breakfast: 3/4 cup oatmeal with sliced almonds, flax seeds, blackberries; 4 oz orange juice
Lunch: green salad with gorgonzola, dried cherries, toasted pecans
Dinner: 95% lean turkey burger with lettuce, tomato, avocado (no bun); 2 cups fruit salad
Snacks: handful of trail mix

DAY THREE
Breakfast: 2 egg white omelet, 1 cup fruit salad, 8 oz orange juice
Lunch: 2 slices wheat pizza with red. fat cheese, mushrooms and pineapple
Dinner: 2 grilled bar-b-q chicken breasts, 1 cup peapods, 1 cup whole wheat pasta salad
Snacks: 8 oz protein shake

DAY FOUR
Breakfast: 1 cup nonfat cottage cheese with pineapple, strawberries; almonds; 1 banana
Lunch: 3 slices turkey, 2 TB hummus, lettuce, and tomato on whole wheat wrap; 1 cup fruit salad
Dinner: 4 oz grilled salmon, 1 cup steamed green beans, 1 cup brown rice
Snacks: 1 cup Edy's lowfat ice cream

Cereal Tips

Key elements to look for when buying cereal (if you wanna be healthy!):
1. The first ingredient is a whole grain, such as whole wheat or whole oats.
2. It has 120 calories or less per serving.
3. It has at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.
4. It has no more than 8 grams of sugar (or corn syrup or molasses) per serving.

Tea Cures

In looking for home remedies for my nerve pain, I came across this information about various teas.

Lemon Balm: helps with insomnia, nerve pain
Chamomile: helps with insomnia, anxiety, upset stomach diarrhea
Cinnamon: helps with cold symptoms
Ginger: helps with upset stomach, nausea
Peppermint: helps with vomiting, heartburn, congestion from colds

Shredding Schedule

I've been asking people this for a while, and I finally found some recommendations.

• Monthly bills - shred them once you verify that the charges have been paid in full
• Credit card statements - shred them after you've verified the transactions and paid at least the minimum amount due
• Monthly investment statements - shred as soon as you receive your annual statement
• Bank statements and cancelled checks -shred them after 4 years
• Annual investment statements and tax returns - shred after a decade

Cheat Meal

I was recently reading about various meal plans and how you should not deprive yourself of a craving. Research shows that you fall much harder if you don't give in to your cravings...moderately, of course. So they were talking about adding a cheat meal or a cheat snack to your routine. The method they give for doing that and not going overboard or feeling like a failure: "follow every cheat meal with at least 5 healthy meals." I like that idea, and I'm a rule follower. So if I decide that's the rule, then I'm good!

Ultimate Trail Mix

I haven't made this yet, but it's on my list!

1 cup whole almonds
1 cup pecan halves
1/3 cup plain oats
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup orange-flavored dried cranberries
1 cup dried apricots

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Place the nuts and oats in a bowl and coat lightly with cooking spray.
• Drizzle with 1 Tbsp hone and mix in cinnamon.
• Spread nuts uevenly on a pan and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Once they've cooled, add the second tablespoon of honey and dried fruit.

(4 servings at 170 calories per serving)