Golf Tees

Great idea to mark food at parties: Use colored golf tees!

Pink for cranberry, blue for blueberry, etc.

Or pink to mark rare hamburger patties.

Party Playlist

The average number of songs needed for a three-hour party playlist? 40.

And for more fun, get an account at Songvote and have friends vote and submit on songs for the party. Then it links to iTunes to create the playlist.

Pasadena Farmer's Markets

If you have never been to a Farmers' Market, you are in for a real treat. You'll love the experience of buying directly from the farmer that grows the food. What you'll love even more is the fresh, delicious taste of locally grown, nutritious fruits, vegetables and farm products.

Camping Spots?

Possible Beach Camping Spots:
Sycamore Cove
Thornhill Broome Beach
Leo Carillo State Park - Site 138 or any along that edge

Reservations can be made here...although many of the tent sites are not reservable!

Pasadena Restaurants

Places to try in Pasadena or places to take guests:
Burger Continental
Celistinos
Slaw Dog

Pasadena Food Tour

Here's an interesting idea, Old Pasadena Food Tasting Tour.

Hot Dogs

Fab Hot Dogs...in Reseda!

Pinks in West Hollywood.

Old Pasadena Film Festival

Another to add to the list:
Old Pasadena Film Festival

Olive Tour

A tour to try out sometime: Ojai Olive Grove

Lasagna Verdi

Angelini Osteria in L.A. made the list on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate...Cheesy".

NOLA Crab Au Gratin

Next time we're in NOLA, we gotta try Bon Ton Cafe's Crab au Gratin.

Mac & Cheese

The mac and cheese at Cafe de Artistes made the Food Network list. Guess we gotta go!

Email Invitations

Everyone knows about Evite but here are a few others I try to remember:
PaperlessPost
Pingg (they will also mail paper cards for a fee)
Cocodot

The Whole Enchilada

Played a new game this weekend and need to remember the rules.

1-take no tricks. 10pts each
2-take no hearts. 10pts each
3-take no queens. 25pts each
4-take no king of spade. 100pts each.
5-don't take last pack. 100pts each.
6-whole enchilada.

Ravinia-Style at the Rose Bowl

Lawn Concert at the Rose Bowl...I'm so there!

---

Fireworks POPS Spectacular

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Come celebrate with the Pasadena POPS as we inaugurate our new summer home located on the spacious Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl! We’ll fill the sky with an explosion of color and delight your senses with a feast of musical favorites from Carmen, Firebird and Swan Lake to Bohemian Masquerades, Saber Dances and Toreadors. The POPS and the world-famous performers of Cirque de la Symphonie will dazzle you with a display of thrilling acrobatics and breathtaking theatrics set to music.

I ♥ NY

Saturday, July 17, 2010

No need to take a holiday. Let the Pasadena POPS put you in a New York state of mind! Experience the glamorous and spectacular sounds of the Big Apple performed by famed Broadway singers Lisa Vroman and Doug Labrecque. Selections from West Side Story, Ragtime, and The Lion King plus favorite hits by Berlin, Bernstein, Porter and Gershwin will make want you to be a part of it—unforgettable musical moments from the city that never sleeps.

All That Jazz

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Pasadena POPS has arranged a cool-cat night just for you with Cuban jazz sensation Alfredo Rodriguez performing Rhapsody in Blue. The orchestra will paint a symphonic portrait of Porgy and Bess and you’ll shimmy and shake with jazz vocalist Valarie Pettiford to hit songs All That Jazz, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Come Rain or Come Shine and much more.

Hooray for Hollywood!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The POPS issue you a backstage pass to the nostalgic sounds of Old Hollywood and the glitz and glamour of the New. Explore the artistic and musical geniuses that connect films with their audiences through the magic of music. Jodi Benson, the voice of the Little Mermaid, will enchant you with songs from Titanic, The Wizard of Oz, Nine and other blockbusters. The orchestra will sweep you away with beloved film moments by Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams including a special tribute to Star Wars. We’ll provide the POPcorn!

Best Cinnamon Rolls?

Someone told us to find them at Pie 'n Burger. Can't hurt to try, right?

BEST Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please.

BEST GRILLED CHEESE in LA? Others claim it, we OWN it - the DA VIN CHEESE @LOCALI, 1st place award winner, 2010 Grilled Chesse Invitational!

In Hollywood...5825 Franklin Avenue

Seaside Dining in Malibu

Can't wait to try them all!

Gladstone

Geoffrey's

Sunset

Weekend Villa

Half way between Los Angeles and San Diego.
South Coast Resort

Beachy Cream

Another for the LaLa List...
At its best, it’s a Ginger Wipeout. The perfectly proportioned hunk of candied ginger ice cream smushed between molasses spice cookies started it all for Beachy Cream. Sugar cookies get loaded with strawberry balsamic swirl ice cream for Strawberry Surfer Girl, while coconut oatmeal cookies are piled high with tart citrus ice cream for Key Lime Cowabunga.

Testing PING!

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)

Best Frozen Fries

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

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

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.

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

Eye Makeup Remover

It's light, gentle and doesn't leave blurry vision!
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.

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

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"

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.

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.

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."

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.

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!

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

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.

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:

• 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