Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!!
February Best Buys
It’s time for our monthly deals:
The following is a list of the items to purchase in February:
Outerwear:
February is the best month for buying a wool or down coat. With the mild weather this winter season, retailers are left with loads of unsold inventory, so this is one of the best years to snag a deal.
Tablets:
Rumors are that Apple is set to release IPad 3 at the end of February. If these rumors prove to be sure, you can expect to see drastic markdowns on the iPad 2.
Furniture:
Furniture showrooms look to get new inventory this month, so look for discounts around 25-30%.
Happy Shopping!!
The benefits of Dry Brushing
Dry Brushing…I first heard about it about a year ago. Sources say that dry brushing in the morning before you shower is helpful in releasing toxins, it tightens the skin and can also reduce the age old enemy…cellulite. I’ve only been doing it for a few months..and while I can’t say I see any concrete results yet, I have to say, it’s an invigorating way start to the morning. And in a recent Glamour magazine feature, Molly Sims swore by it.
The correct way to dry brush:
First you must choose a natural bristles brush, if you don’t you may hurt your skin. Now, starting with your feet, work upwards using quick short circular brush strokes. When you get to you abdomen, use circular motions around your belly button, this will help with your digestive system. Go lightly around the breasts and do not use on your face (the bristles are too course for your facial skin). Always brush towards the heart. I don’t know why they say this, but I just go with it! Also, wash your brush once a week…you’re brushing off a bunch of dry skin cells. I’m going to do it for at least 6 months…I’ll let you the results!!
Easy & fun to make – Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza
This pizza is great as an appetizer and very simple to make (and it’s really fun if everyone gets involved making it!). If you want, you can also add prosciutto and/or carmelized onions. A tip: I buy my pizza dough fresh from my local pizza place, it’s convenient and super inexpensive. Mangia!
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 1 Bosc pear, thinly sliced
- 2 ounces chopped walnuts
- 2 1/2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Place pizza crust dough on a medium baking sheet. Layer with Provolone cheese. Top cheese with Bosc pear slices. Sprinkle with walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned. Remove from heat. Top with chives and slice to serve.
Avocado – Fruit or vegetable? Good or bad for you?
Avocados contain antioxidants, and are rich in protein and fiber. Once thought as a “fat food”, actually most of the fat in an avocado is monounsaturated — the “good” kind that actually lowers cholestoral levels.
Did you know it also helps you to lose weight?:
Thanks to the monounsaturated fats; which avocados contain, it helps your stomach feel full much more quickly, and reduces the temptation to eat chocolate and sweets. Also, avocado prevents vitamin and mineral deficiency which are often a result while dieting.
Pregnant?
Avocados are loaded with folic acid (vital to forming your baby’s brain and nervous system), potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 (which not only helps baby’s tissue and brain growth, but may also help with your morning sickness),
Avocados should be purchased when the skin has started to blacken (like shown in the picture above) and are soft to the touch. Try some! Slice some up and put it on your sandwich. Top off your salad, incorporate it in your breakfast. Oh and for the record, I still don’t know technically if it’s a fruit or vegetable!!
The king (or should I say Queen) of wine openers
This is the wine opener. Made by Oster, it’s sleek, reasonably priced and best of all electric! It can open up to 30 bottles of wine on a single charge and removes the cork in seconds. I’ve given this as gifts and my friends love it. You can find it at Target, Walmart or Amazon.com at around $18
MiniEmergency kit for a busy girl
Broken nail, lose an earring backing, hem come loose on your skirt? This little miniemergency kit has it covered. By Mr. & Mrs.; this miniemergency kit includes everything from bandaids to ponytail holders to dental floss. These are great gifts as well as one to own a carry all the time. Buy at Sephora.com
Miniemergency kit
January Best Buys
Everyone loves a deal, but did you know that they are certain times during the year you can snag items at the best discount?
The following is a list of items to purchase in January:
Linens:
During the month of January, department stores have “white sales”, typically up to 60% of sheets, blankets, towels and more.
Gift wrap and anything holiday:
Typically up to 75% off gift wrap, ribbons and tags. Looking for an artificial tree or new decorations? You come get these at up to a 90% discount!
Carpet and floor coverings:
Few people purchase carpet in the month of January, so carpet and flooring companies offer discounts to help business. Purchase before end of February though, as people get their tax refunds, they look to spend on home improvements.
Furniture:
Furniture showrooms look to get new inventory in February, so look for discounts around 15-30%.
Happy Shopping!!
Happy New Year!!
Happy 2012!!
I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2012. I found a quote recently that says “Cherish the little things in life because looking back, they were the big things”. So true. Cheers everyone!!
Baked Shrimp Scampi by Ina – so easy and oh so good!
Feeds 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (12 to 15 per pound) shrimp in the shell
- 3 tablespoons good olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 1/4 cup minced shallots
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 extra-large egg yolk
- 2/3 cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Peel, devein, and butterfly the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and toss gently with the olive oil, wine, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature while you make the butter and garlic mixture.
In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with the garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes,lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, panko, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until combined.
Starting from the outer edge of a 14-inch oval gratin dish or a baking dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer cut side down with the tails curling up and towards the center of the dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve with lemon wedges.