Puppies & Kittens!

This idea is cute & sweet plus giving to charity is so trendy! so... If you're getting married and love pets, this is for you!

Had to share.

The "Samamborgini" ... before you run out and try to buy one, you can't. But it would be fun to own and zoom around in, parking would be so easy too. Unfortunately there would be no room for any shopping bags, so if there is ever a mass production of this car, I hope the designers put in a hitch for a trailer. Ok, enough joking around... I saw this image and I just had to share! :)

Black Bean Veggie Burgers

I got this recipe from VegCooking.com. They are easy to make and taste delicious. :)

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, minced
2 cups black beans
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. cumin
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup flour

• In a saucepan over medium heat, in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, mash the black beans, then add the sautéed vegetables, corn, and bread crumbs and mix well. Season with cumin, cilantro, and salt and mix again.
• Shape into 6 patties, then coat each in flour.
• Place a pan over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Cook each patty for about 5 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.

Makes 6 small patties

Summer Party Themes.

For all of us on the northern east coast [Yay - New York!] the weather finally warmed up, the pollen count is down... so we have the prime setting for an outdoor party or bbq. I hosted two bbq's already and decided that my third is going to have a theme to it.

Theme parties are so much... better! I prepared a little list of outdoor friendly themes:

For the day time:
- Luau - Hawaiian shirts, coconut cups for tropical drinks, very vibrant colors.
- Tea Party - big brimmed hats, flavored iced teas and lemonades, light snacks, pastel colors.

For the evening:
- 007 Bond - fabulous martinis, intricate hoers d'oeuvres, poker tables, rich colors.
- Color Theme - pick a color, any color.
- Vicars & Tarts - a fun fave import.
- Woodstock - hippies, kegs, tye-dye everything, bonfire, classic vinyl music.

Enjoy! :)

Peeling Skin Remedy

Peeling skin ruining your favorite outfit? Here is a great tip to smooth the edges of that peeling skin - use your favorite heavy hand cream. Neutrogena has a great one, but my favorite is Burt's Bees "Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Creme." For more info check out burtsbees.com.

aw... those TICKS!

My dear friend whom I appropriately call "The Spammer" actually sent me something useful today. It's a method for taking out ticks, Enjoy! ... and since I just read about it, I haven't tried it yet, but please leave your comments about it if you did.

"Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away."

Vay-cays & Sunblocks

Just got back from my vacation... burned to a crisp! I used SPF50 the entire time, applied and re-applied it and still that was not good enough! There is a lesson here... not all sunscreens were created equal and doing research before buying just anything is an important step I failed to take. So I am doing the research now and you all can reap the benefits.

According to consumersearch.com the BEST rated sunscreen is

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55, for the full report click here.

This upcoming weekend I will be testing this sunblock out so stay tuned!!! :)

Bargain Alert!!!

Just an FYI, you do not have to endure the hassle of rummaging through the overstuffed racks at the discount store to get a good price. My favorite bargain shopping place is on my comfy chair, with a lovely cup of tea and the calvinklein.com website displayed on my laptop. There is a sale everyday, and if you are patient aditional discounts show up from time to time. A hot pink CK summer shirt for $10, AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO FIGHT THE CRAZY LADY FOR IT? I'll take it!!!

ps. almost every label that sells online has SALES, CLEARANCES or CLOSEOUTS, but the CK website has the best stuff to choose from. Happy Shopping!

Ahhh..... Allergies!

Definitely a late sprig, but the allergy season has been upon us for quite some time. My mother, who is super sensitive to any pollen whatsoever, turns to her prescriptions at this time of year... and I [with hesitation] turn to the common Benadryl. Is there a better way?

For the severe allergies, most likely not. If it's a choice between your well being, your life or the allergy medication, TAKE THE DAMN PILL. Your life is not worth self experimentation, but for those like me, who don't even sneeze all that much, just itch and bitch about it, there might be something to try here...