Best of Christmas 'Beauty' Presents 2012

   Hoping a joyous Christmas was had by all! I was blessed with a touch of a white Christmas this year, just enough to make Christmas Eve beautiful. But now we begin to sort through our gifts and begin the New Year’s ‘organization’. There were a few inside & out beauty gifts that I received this year that I would like to share with you. These were not inexpensive by my standards, which is why they made a great gift! All ranged from $25.00-$40.00:

~ Dream Skin Beauty Pillowcase – claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles with fibers that hydrate skin. Being a stomach sleeper this was important to me. So far so good. I’ve been enduring a head cold since Christmas – feeling all dry & pruney & after a few nights, the pillowcase is so soft & comfortable & my skin is super soft when I wake up. It doesn’t seem to absorb the facial moisturizers I go to sleep with. There is a website: www.dreamskinpillowcase.com, mine was ordered from www.beauty.com.

~ Two products came from the Josie Maran Argan Oil line of skincare products. The first is the Argan Cleaning Oil. With a slight citrus scent & great cleansing ability, a little goes a long way! I know earlier this year I thought the drugstore lines would be flooded with cleansing oils – well not yet so this is so worth the $32.00 at Sephora. I would rate it higher than Philosophy’s oil which is wonderful too. ($28.00)

~ The second from Josie is the 100% Pure Argan Oil Moisturizer. This is fragrance free & absorbs beautifully into the skin. A real treat, but not under makeup. Use in the evening or during stay-at-home-days. This will not break you out, just moisturize with luxury…

~ The last great gift is for inside beauty. I will mention it again on my New Year’s blog – Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Romancing the Ordinary. Turns out the book isn’t the easiest to find (out of print) & appreciate the effort my sister-in-law put forth in getting me a copy. I had borrowed from the library and needed my own copy for sure to read & reread. This book is a month by month reflection of the year, so if you need to get a jump start finding it before January! Amazon has it & here is the link to all her books (don’t forget Simple Abundance – that book begins your journey on January 1^st):

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sarah ban breathnach books

It is a Wonderful Life!

   Frank Capra’s 1947 classic movie “It’s a Wondeful Life” has aired once this year already & will air again tonight, Christmas Eve. Never intended as a Christmas movie, the film’s wonderful message comes through at the end during Christmas. George Bailey, the main character, is a man who struggles with the reality of his life & the dreams he could never say ‘yes’ to. He wanted to see the world. His younger brother goes off to war and becomes a war hero & George, because of a medical 4-h, hangs back in Bedford Falls to run the family savings & loan business. When a large bank deposit is lost & the business is about to go under, George, regretting the life he never had & unable to deal with the life ahead of him tries to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. He is thankfully saved by a novice angel, Clarence, trying to earn his angel wings. Clarence shows George what the people & town of Bedford Falls would have become without his selfless, kind heart & compassionate spirit. His wife & kids, family & friends come through in the end raising enough money to pay back the loan & saving the business & town. George’s brother toasts him in the end… “to George Bailey, the richest man I know”. This movie is such a ‘wonderful’ reminder of the kindness of others, family & the true Christmas spirit; the spirit that isn’t wrapped on Christmas morning, but that we hope & pray stays with us year round. 

     So if you find yourself this season at that proverbial bridge, too stressed, too unhappy for a myriad of reasons… remember there are friends & family out there that are forever in your corner, always within an earshot shout-out who will be there & listen & help & provide unconditional love to you (and a few laughs ~ because friends will always remind you to not take it all so seriously). They will help you across that bridge without a hiccup on your part and remind you that it really is a wonderful life! Merry Christmas to you all!!!

Cheese Breakfast/Brunch Strata

   I realize there are many of you who entertain overnight guests for the holidays. Here is a wonderful breakfast/brunch recipe that you can make the night before. It is so easy and delicious, everyone will be impressed. Serve with fresh fruit & mimosas & you’re all set!

Cheese Breakfast/Brunch Strata

12 slices of bread, buttered on one side, trim crust (Type of bread is your choice. I use a whole grain white.)

½ lb. shredded sharp cheese

4 eggs

2-1/2 cups milk

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. ground mustard

Salt & pepper to taste (a pinch or two)

Bacon, ham, sausage, spinach, etc. (optional)

    By hand, beat eggs & milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt & pepper. Line 13 x 9 Pyrex dish (or coated pan) with 6 slices of bread butter side down. Sprinkle with ½ grated cheese (add bacon, ham, sausage, etc. here if you like) & ½ of egg mixture. Put remaining 6 slices of bread on top, butter side up. Sprinkle with remaining cheese then egg mixture. Let stand at least one hour. (Conveniently you can make the night before.) Bake 40 minutes in 350 degree oven covered for first 25 minutes, then uncover. Will puff up, bubble & be slightly browned when ready.

Holiday Cookie Baking Tips

    Here are just a few cookie baking tips to get us through these last few days of holiday prep. Right about now is when the baking begins full force. This first tip is something I’ve never tried before, but makes perfect sense.

~ Use butter whenever possible – nothing beats it, but melt first & let cool to room temperature. Melted butter will dissolve the sugar much better! Make sure to cream butter & sugar well, no shortcuts here!

~ In keeping with using butter, use the best ingredients available (ie. real vanilla extract, chocolate). It will make a difference.

~ Follow cookie/recipes closely. You don’t want a too dry or wet outcome. Refrigerate dough that requires this, a sufficient amount of time or you will have cookie that spread way too much, are way too thin.

~ Mix just enough when adding dry ingredients to make sure your ingredients are properly blended but then STOP. Overmixing leads to hard cookies that do not rise properly.

~ Make sure your ingredients (ie. flour, baking powder, baking soda) are not old – again the outcome will not be the same.

~ A sugar cookie shortcut is to buy the refrigerated Toll House dough especially if this is the kid’s cookie project.

~ Make sure to line the cookie sheets for those cutouts with parchment paper. That way the cutouts remove easily & there are fewer lost heads!!

~ An oven thermometer is great to use throughout the year to make sure your temps are what is expected.

~ Use cooling racks & transfer to cookie CANS if possible. They make a difference. Make wax paper circles to separate each layer in the can.

~ Finally, if you find your cookies that should be soft getting hard over the holiday weeks, add a slice of bread every few days. The moisture in the bread will transfer throughout the can!

Holiday Tea Recipe

   I posted this tea recipe last winter but it is so good, it bears repeating with the name Holiday Tea. It’s the perfect hot drink to serve guests for breakfast or dessert time this holiday season. It’s EASY & delish.

Holiday Tea

1 teaspoon cinnamon bark (about 1 whole cinnamon stick)

1 teaspoon whole cloves

6 teabags or 5 heaping teaspoons loose tea (your choice)

Place above in cheesecloth & tie with teabag string. Boil in 1 quart water for 5-10 minutes. (smells WONDERFUL!)

Add:

1/3 of 12-oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate

3 tablespoons lemon juice or 6T. Real Lemon

1-1/2 cups sugar (optional)

1 quart boiling water

Store above syrup in refrigerator. ADD: equal parts water to serve.

There are many healthful benefits to this tea too! The tea itself & oj are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C respectively. The cinnamon is now considered a superfood; It helps regulate blood sugar. The cloves have one of the highest antioxidant ratings of any spice – great for anti-aging. If you have stomach/digestion problems, then throw some star anise into the mix.

Enjoy!!

Molasses Gems with Raisins Cookie Recipe - Holiday Recipe Week continues...

    It’s time for a great holiday cookie recipe! This is a crowd favorite, it’s easy & it’s usually unique to the scores of other cookies you see at parties.

    This is an old Sun-Maid raisin cookie recipe:

Molasses Gems with Raisins

¾ c. butter       2 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. sugar         2 tsp. baking SODA

¼ c. molasses    1 tsp. cinnamon

1 egg                 ½ tsp. cloves

¼ tsp. salt         ½ tsp. ginger

1 cup raisins      extra sugar or fancy sugar to coat

Beat butter & sugar until light & fluffy. Add molasses & egg; beat well. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger & salt. Add to molasses mixture; mix well. Stir in raisins, Cover & refrigerate until chilled. (great to mix the night before.) Shape into 1-inch balls & roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. (grease if not coated). Bake in upper third of preheated 350 degree oven. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool 1 minute & transfer to wire racks. Makes 3 dozen. * Note – recipe can be made without raisins.

Warm Reuben Dip - Holiday Recipes continued...

    The parties have started so it’s time for Holiday Recipe Week! I will pass along some fan favorites this week. All get rave reviews…

    This is a Kraft recipe, but you can of course use any cream cheese or dressing you like. If you like a reuben, you will love this.

Warm Reuben Dip

4-oz. cream cheese, softened

½ cup Thousand Island dressing

¼ lb. sliced corned beef, chopped (about 1 c.)

¾ cup well-drained sauerkraut*

8-oz. swiss cheese chopped into tiny cubes/pieces

Triscuit rye crackers, soft rye bread rounds or cut up rye or marble rye for dipping/spreading.

Mix cream cheese & dressing in medium bowl; stir in corned beef, swiss & sauerkraut. Spread into 9 inch dish. Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until heated to bubbly.

*Note on the sauerkraut – I am a huge fan so when I cook sauerkraut, I cook an entire crock pot’s worth & then freeze portions for future use (and recipes). This makes for a softer kraut but is not necessary for this dip. Enjoy!

Holiday Recipe Week! - Pepperoni Bread

   The parties have started so it’s time for Holiday Recipe Week! I will pass along some fan favorites this week. All get rave reviews…

    The first is Pepperoni Bread. With only THREE ingredients you can’t go wrong – it doesn’t get easier.

Pepperoni Bread

1 frozen round of pizza dough (sold in grocery stores) or Rich’s Bread Dough, one frozen loaf

¼ Lb. thin sliced pepperoni

¼ Lb. Mozzarella Cheese

You will need some ahead of time prep to thaw the dough & let it rise. You can transfer the dough to fridge the night before. When ready spray a round pan with non-stick & place dough in center. Cover lightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough double its size before rolling out. (this can take 4-6 hours) Roll out on lightly floured surface to approx. 10” x 16”. Layer pepperoni over rolled out surface then cover with cheese. Roll up firmly and pinch ends & seam. Place on cookie sheet or jelly roll pan seam size down & Bake at 450 degrees until brown. Approx. 20 minutes. You can eat right away, obviously – yum, or let some loaves cool & freeze wrapped in tin foil. Just place in 350 degree oven when ready to reheat. The tin foil will prevent any further browning. Tastes like you just made them! Enjoy!

It's the Yeses in Your Life

    Recently watching one of those totally sappy Christmas movies I love so much, they spoke of the yeses defining your life & not the no(s). So I did a life inventory (sort of) and realized how important a statement that is. Really, not a sentiment – too wimpy… a statement.  Maybe introspection is not your thing; maybe it is. I am finding among friends & myself that this is pretty much what we are evaluating at this time in our lives anyway. It may not be conscious, it may just be from time to time, but at a certain age you can’t help it! I just have to weigh in on this. The yeses can be wonderful! If they haven’t been, then you need to find forgiveness in yourself for those particulars. You also need to replace some no(s) with a few yeses this coming year if not to shake things up bit! I know I’m 51 now, but yeses add to the excitement, the hope for the future! Without the yeses, life can get pretty boring. They add to that WOO HOO, what a ride! that you should be presenting (someday far, far in the future) at the pearly gates.

      A reminder from SBB, the 13^th century English mystic Dame Julian of Norwich prayed:  All shall be well. And all shall be well. And all manner of things shall be well. … A good thing to remember when embracing the future yeses in your life.

    So take this holiday season & New Year to come & think back on those often life defining yeses & no(s). Prepare for some yeses in your future. Be prepared that they don’t always work out but remember that they are so worth the woohoo ride!!!

Dollar Store - Food & Cleaning Supplies!

    Here is the last blog on ‘dollar store’ shopping. Especially this time of year, every ‘dollar’ you can save is a tremendous help. I just want to share the best items that I have found to be of value to my household on a regular basis. The Dollar Tree stores are the ones in my area. Everything is just $1.00. See link for locations or find a different chain in your area. There are thousands across the US.

http://www.dollartree.com/custserv/locate_store.cmd

    The next category is food items. There are aisles of products from bread/rolls/bagels, candy, snacks, crackers, pasta, soups, cereal, salad dressings, spices, beverages, etc. I especially love their Monet crackers this time of year – perfect for any dip, etc.! I’ve never had an issue with expiration dates but check anyway. There are plenty of ‘name’ brands if you prefer, but for a dollar try others. I don’t think you will be disappointed. The holiday bags for all your holiday baking/fudge making endeavors are wonderful!

   As for cleaning products, they have everything. My favorite is the ‘swiffer’ cloths. Not name brand but work beautifully. (Swiffer name brand is soooo expensive!) They have bleach, detergents, anything in a spray cleaning bottle! They have buckets, organizational supplies, kitchen gadgets & containers. There are festive cans & containers for holiday cookies, fudge & gifts. Take advantage of the great smelling candles/tea lights for the holidays too. Remember the gift bags, bows, ribbons, decorations & wrapping supplies!

    One last note on the ‘holiday’ decorations: Last year I attended a holiday luncheon at a local country club. They had multiple trees in different alcoves – very festive. One I admired a lot. On my way home I stopped at ‘Dollar Tree’ to pick up a few thinks. Guess what? EVERY ornament on that tree came from the Dollar Tree. It was gorgeous! Sometimes great things come in brown paper wrapping…

Holiday Prep ~ Three Things...

With the holidays upon us many of us will be entertaining or at the very least trying to hold it together. Three words: organize, prepare, enjoy.

    ORGANIZE ~ make lists (lots of them). Keep any and all coupons you come across in a folder in your car. You know those Bed, Bath & Beyond Coupons that NEVER really expire. Load up that folder. Update them week to week with coupons from Michael’s & AC Moore for the decorating discounts. Keep everyone’s wish list on your person & demand it by Thanksgiving. Keep all purchase receipts in one envelope & write on them. You will not remember… The better organized, the easier things come together. Assign tasks to family members & hold them to it. Check out the link below for free printable lists, etc.

    PREPARE~ again check out the cool link below for free printables from place cards, gift boxes, lists, all kinds of party printables. Fun site for the kids too! Having tasks like this done in advance is so helpful. I find that I decorate best when I’m in the mood, so take advantage even if it is the day after Thanksgiving. When you get tired, stop & move on to something else. Write a few cards at a time, shop in small doses, wrap for only a few hours. Breaking tasks up makes for a more enjoyable prep to the holidays. Which leads me to…

    ENJOY~ If you are not enjoying yourself, then why are you killing yourself? This holiday season is for you too! Maybe it has gotten to be too much over the years. If you’re not up to so much this year then cut back. Only bring out your most favorite decorations. I, myself, if having to choose would simply have my live tree. I am blessed this year with good health & a strong back so I will keep up my usual pace. I do, however, always find time to enjoy in my own ways during the prep. I overindulge in sappy Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. I love all Christmas music starting now! This year I am finally going to NYC to see the Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular. I am seeing the Nutcracker on stage where one of my GWA’s 6 year old daughter is playing an angel. I absolutely can’t wait for all this to get rolling so I can most of all ENJOY!

http://www.noelladesigns.com/PrintableSupplies/FreeWishLists.htm

Romancing The Ordinary

    I just finished reading Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Romancing the Ordinary ~ A Year of Simple Splendor. Once more, I feel this book came to me at just the right moment in my life. (published in 2002) It is sitting here, a library rental, but will soon be on my Christmas List. A slightly similar format as Simple Abundance, this book also takes you through the year but passages that read month by month, season by season ~ recipes too!. (Yes I read it all at once but can’t wait to read it slowly throughout next year!) Her gaining perspective helps Sarah to share wisdom galore (and wisdom of others) with her readers. Again, we are now on a journey but to find our essensual selves ~ your original self. She feels this book is sure to help every woman fall in love with Life. Please put her book on your Christmas list this year. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from this book:

** “When you learn to love and to let yourself be loved, you come home to the hearth of your own spirit.” ~ John O’Donohue,  Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

** “The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things.”             ~ Veronique Vienne

** Life’s only sin is a day without desire and a night without thanks. ~SBB

** No day is so bad that it can’t be made better with a nap. ~ Carrie Snow

** The cure for anything is saltwater; sweat, tears or the sea. ~ Isak Dinesen

    This book is so much more than a bunch of powerful quotes! Read & Enjoy!

Holiday Shopping Tips

   Well with Black Friday two short weeks away, I thought I would offer some go get ‘em, good luck tips. More & more is being said about the great deals on Cyber Monday, the Monday following Thanksgiving. Most of your favorite stores are starting these deals prior to Thanksgiving this year. Also, brick & mortar stores have, in the past years, have been opening later on Thanksgiving Day to get a jump on the competition. Whichever you choose, here are a few tips.

    Check out the awesome site bradsdeals with the link below. This site does all the legwork for you. It does find the best deal on whatever you may be shopping for. It links you to websites, offers up-to-date printable coupons from all your favorite stores, features an amazing deal of the day & more. I would start here & make a list…

http://www.bradsdeals.com/

    Next, I would check with family members on where they might be headed on Friday (or Thanksgiving) & maybe you can divide & conquer. You may be shopping for the same great deal & it saves so much time, sleep (ha-ha) & aggravation.

    If you are planning the brick & mortar shopathon (for some families it’s tradition!), make sure you bring your list, snacks, water & don’t overdress. Stores get real warm, real fast when standing in line.

    Don’t forget to shop local. On Saturday, November 24, is SHOP SMALL, small business Saturday. Many of the quaint local shops in your area will be offering discounts & specials. This is a great opportunity to find those unique gifts at a savings & supporting the local businesses in your community at the same time.

    I, personally, try all different ways to get through that list without losing any Christmas spirit. I traditionally do not get up early on Black Friday & shop. I will be checking bradsdeals on a regular basis & check out the site before I venture out on any shopping day. Good Luck to all & to all a good night!

Dolce Far Niente

   I know I can be a bit behind on books & movies but sometimes it’s serendipity that you read or watch something at the right time in your life. I finally had the pleasure of watching the Julia Roberts movie Eat, Pray, Love a few weekends ago. (I have to admit I did try to read the best-selling book years ago & found it slow to get into ~ not the right time I suppose) There is a barbershop scene in the movie while Julia’s character, Liz, is visiting Rome, Italy for four months. (see clip below) They start discussing the Italian phrase Dolce Far Niente. The meaning of the phrase being ~ the sweetness / pleasure of doing nothing ~ enjoying where you are in the present moment. Of course to the Italians this 90% of the time involves food, wine, sex or all of the above!

    So why it struck a chord so quickly with me was that I remember experiencing this firsthand in Italy a very long time ago (didn’t know there was a phrase for it at the time & honestly lost sight of how important this could in an authentic, happy life). I was studying in Siena for six weeks one summer. (Truly rough, I know) It was always a dream of mine to travel there & here was my opportunity in college. I, of course, like many ran myself around like a typical turista for weeks. There came an aha moment when it hit me ~ il dolce far niente ~ what everyone around me was embracing. So I slowed down & then some. I enjoyed the wine-filled, food-laden lunches even more, embraced the siesta & began seeing Italy through different eyes. I lay peacefully in piazzas at night counting the stars & had more aha moments. I realized Italian painter Giotto’s revolutionary use of lapis lazuli pigment for the skies in his paintings instead of gilt gold was no accident. The nighttime sky there really was that color blue! (Yes, I was an art history major!) It’s the slowing down, being with friends, being with family (without it being hectic ~ often a challenge), being alone but not lonely. Taking in your surroundings whether local or on holiday & slowing down long enough to truly appreciate the moment. This is not an easy task here in America (as stated on the movie clip). It may be an uphill climb but so worth that effort. Il dolce far niente ~ find pleasure in doing nothing totally & completely without guilt! I know I’ve discovered a way and our authentic selves know not to take those moments for granted. And now I have a name for it…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg3n9z5zuJg

Hurricane Sandy Follow-up

   Before I get back to the ‘dollar’ store blogs next week, I must say a few words about this horrific hurricane that was experienced by some but felt by all. My thoughts & prayers go out to many close by to me here east coast. I consider my own situation fortunate. A few days of lost power & a few trees & limbs down are minor in comparison to what many are experiencing. A few days of colder temperatures & no heat or electricity really is an in your face reminder for me to never take any of your blessings for granted. Every night – gratitude – gratitude – before sleep. Also, keeping things around you in a simple way would make for less complicated loss. Just by not overstocking a refrigerator/freezer with (processed) foods or too much food would have made my own situation easier. If you stick to fresh ingredients, you tend to go through them quickly & there’s less spoilage. Also, on a warmer note, don’t wait until a power failure to burn those candles. (my favorites are the tapers that have only a few inches left but you can’t bear to throw them away). I really enjoyed that part of this storm. Sounds odd to find a silver lining but reading by candlelight is so nice & I don’t want to forget that part of this learning experience. Playing cards, board games ~ a reminder of simpler times. So tomorrow when the outdoor cleanup begins, I will continue to count my own blessings & say a little prayer for everyone else…

Hurricane Sandy Preparedness Tips

   Sadly, a break from the usual blogs you see here to offer tips & a link to prepare for what the East Coast is about to experience by way of Hurricane Sandy & the nor’eastern storm in the next few days. 
  
The American Red Cross recommends the following preparedness actions:

Get or assemble an emergency preparedness kit:

A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:

• Water – one gallon per person, per day.
• Food – non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, and canned fruit. Make sure to include a manual can opener.
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• A first aid kit.
• Prescription and non-prescription medication items. Include medical supplies like extra hearing aid batteries, syringes, etc.
• Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards.
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
• Extra cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowls).

Prepare a family evacuation plan:

The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.

• Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered and why it is important to prepare for a disaster.
• Identify two meeting places; One right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
• Be sure to make advanced preparations for your pets. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in shelters. Contact hotels, motels, family members and animal shelters to see if they would allow pets in a disaster situation. Keep a contact list of “pet friendly” locations. If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you.
• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. During or after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance, especially if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your emergency contact person’s phone number and email address.
• Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water and electricity at the main switches. Turn gas off only if instructed by local authorities. Remember, if the gas is shut-off, only a professional can turn it back on.
• Plan your evacuation route. Use local maps and identify alternate evacuation routes from home, work and/or school. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home.

Be informed:

• Find out what types of disaster are likely to occur in your area and how to prepare for each.
• Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.
• If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. You may choose to evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time.

Know what to do if a hurricane WATCH is issued:

• Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.
• If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
• Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired.

Know what to do if a hurricane WARNING is issued:

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• If in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities.
• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
• Do NOT use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.

For more information about hurricane preparedness, visit www.redcross.org.

Dollar Store ~ Party Time!

   I am sure that Lady Murasaki c. 1008 was not referring to ‘dollar stores’ when the said “There is more here than meets the eye.” I just want to share the best items that I have found to be of value to my household on a regular basis. When you are there, think scavenger hunt & look beyond what you see. The Dollar Tree stores are the ones in my area. Everything is just $1.00 (sometimes 2 for $1.00 like greeting cards). See link for locations. There are thousands across the US.

http://www.dollartree.com/custserv/locate_store.cmd

    According to my quick survey it seems that the spaver is more likely to buy birthday, party, holiday goods & decorations than any of the other goods sold there. It’s true there is no better place to find gift bags, decorative tissue paper, wrapping paper, cards, Mylar balloons, etc. (btw, the Mylar balloons can be ordered ahead of time & be picked up on a scheduled date – a real convenience if you need many.) Also pictured at left are stem-less wine goblets, martini glass, paper goods for Halloween (every holiday will be found there), decorative trays, candles, etc. If you are having a party & don’t want to use your super expensive glassware, this is the place to shop! I love that they have all size cooking tins for any hot dish you may take with you to a party. The decorative bowls & trays are never a worry whether or not you may get them back. (Although my friends always seem to return them because they’re so pretty!) The seasonal items & special occasion items are wonderful. Shop early, the really special treasures go fast!

    Just use your imagination when planning your party. On an episode of The Nate Berkus Show last year (sadly cancelled since), he had a designer showing party ideas using only ‘dollar’ store items. A couple ideas that stuck with me were:

~ Offset the cost of fresh flowers mixing them with silk stems. Really pretty…

~ She actually took crepe paper streamers in multiple colors & basket weaved them for a table cover. Very cool & so simple…

~ For an adult party, don’t skimp on the candles, candle holders, glassware. At $1.00 there’s no reason…

 Happy party shopping! Stay tuned for grocery items next.

Dollar Store Shopping ~ Health & Beauty

    So you may be wondering why the poll on ‘dollar’ type store buying habits. (Thanks to all that voted!) There is a reason stores like Dollar Tree are exploding in numbers. They carry a bit of everything & it appears that’s what we shop there for. (2-3 times a month won the poll). There is a need to supplement the products we buy in a money saving manner. Face it, life does not just stop because we are having a harder time making ends meet. I just want to share the best items that I have found to be of value to my household on a regular basis. The Dollar Tree stores are the ones in my area. Everything is just $1.00 (sometimes 2 for $1.00 like greeting cards).

    I’d like to start with Health & Beauty products. There are many, like Softsoap hand soap, hand sanitizers, medicine cabinet items, poos & conditioners, razors, grooming items, saline spray (a favorite for warding off cold & flu season), etc. Some of my favorites are pictured to the left & described below.

   First the best whitening mouse rinse Lavoris (a company making products for 100 years now!) is a favorite. They also have all the name brand toothpastes, same as in all the stores now, most are becoming a smaller package size. Ultra Brite baking soda & peroxide whitening still is the full size tube & has gotten Consumer Reports top ratings for whitening & stain removal. I also love these Murine eye drops. All the makeup in the world won’t conceal bloodshot, tired eyes!

   The White Rain hair products even got a shout out on Big Bang Theory a couple a weeks ago. Sheldon criticized Penny for switching to the coconut scented shampoo because we know how he hates change. (He wanted her to stick with green apple). The teenage tester loves the coconut & they have the body wash too. Yummy, especially during the cold months. They have all the scents & are also Cocamide DEA free.

   The last two favorites are the Gold Bond ultra healing lotion, although a small size, it’s perfect for the purse & exceptionally moisturizing. And pictured also are some Velcro hair rollers. These are generally expensive so this is a great deal. Just pop a few in onto dry hair to get some root lift. Run the hairdryer over them a few minutes, let cool & voila! Really nice volume…

    So enjoy exploring the health & beauty aisles (generally two). You are sure to find some favorites. Next blog will be party/décor/misc., then grocery & finally cleaning products. Keep reading!

Woman's Day Mag's 75 Easy Decorating Tips

    This month Woman’s Day magazine is celebrating its 75^th anniversary. What an accomplishment! There is a section on 75 easy decorating tips compiled from the magazine over all those years. The relevancy to 2012 is astounding. We all want the same things out of our homes generation after generation. Here are some of my favorites from the 1930’s & 40’s. The link to the entire list is below.

   Also, make sure to take my poll at left. I’m looking to blog on the ‘very best’ from ‘dollar’ stores. Thanks!

"Enlarge" a Small Room

2 | Place a decorative mirror so it reflects a window. It will provide the illusion of space as well as a pleasing picture. January 1938

7 | Keep the patterns in the room small-scale and to a minimum. Multiple bold prints make a room seem crowded. November 1941

Make a Big Room Cozier

11 | Arrange your furniture so there is a focal point: a fireplace, a large window with a pretty view, a bookcase or a sofa with a chair at either side. November 1941

18 | Area rugs can help group furniture together, especially mismatched upholstered pieces. February 1961

Pick the Right Colors

29 | Whether you're starting from scratch or updating a room, make a plan before introducing new colors. Take into account the hues in the furnishings you already have so your new favorite shade doesn't clash. March 1943

32 | Buying a rug? It's one of the largest color areas in the room, and the more neutral it is, the more decorating options you will have. November 1941

Master the Mix

48 | Balance in a room makes it restful to the eyes. Extend drapery rods and curtains onto the wall on either side of an off-center window. March 1939

51 | Group furniture with proportion in mind: No high pieces alongside each other, and no low ones lined up monotonously. September 1939

Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

57 | Add pattern to just one wall so an architectural feature like a fireplace or niche will be set off. It's also a great way to put a single roll of discounted wallpaper to use. November 1941

58 | If a complete redecoration is beyond your budget, concentrate on small changes such as curtains and slipcovers. January 1938

http://www.womansday.com/home/decorating-ideas/best-home-decor-ideas#slide-1

Glorious October

    So October is upon us & I think it’s the most glorious month of the year. For me it’s the pumpkins & cider & apples (and pies!). Living here east coast/zone 7a, allows me to enjoy all four seasons at their best (and sometimes at their worst) Autumn here rarely has too many of the worst scenarios. It is rarely too hot or cold, (although last year we had snow at the end of the month – see photos), never too rainy or dry. You get Indian Summer spurts that are warm but rarely humid. It is my daughter’s & also my birthday month. I’m thinking of changing my blog header to read marypause51, but it doesn’t have as nice a ring to it! So here are some tips for the best month of the year!

~ Outside cleanup is underway with leaves galore! Instead of bagging or using the curbside pickup, think about using as many as possible as mulch in your beds & mowed into your lawn . See the nice link below. The only type I have found that doesn’t work for me are ginko leaves. (I have a 100+ year old HUGE tree so this is unfortunate…) They are too heavy & rubbery & never seem to break down. No wonder this tree was around in prehistoric times!

http://www.smilinggardener.com/organic-gardening-tips/mulch-types-how-to-choose-the-best-mulch

~ Leave seed headed perennials alone in your garden to feed the birds this winter. (Goldfinches do not migrate so the coneflower seeds are a treat for them.) The exceptions being any that showed signs of powdery mildew or other diseases at the end of summer. Dispose of these in the trash, not even with the garden waste.

~ Go shopping for Spring bulbs & consider buying a few to force indoors. My favorite to force are hyacinths. These require a few months of refrigerator time & then a bulb vase. This allows the bulb to sit with just a hint of water at the base. Soon roots will form & then the green leaves will peak through. Start to bloom is usually three weeks. Something about that wonderful smell come February… Check out the link below for outdoor planting.

http://www.americanmeadows.com/planting-flower-bulbs

And indoor planting…

http://www.gardeners.com/Growing-Bulbs-Indoors/5158,default,pg.html

~ Most of all get out and enjoy the crisp air & beautiful colors. There is nothing like it!

Passion For Fashion

   It’s a wonderful time of year; hot, hot weather is headed to the wayside & some crisp beautiful days are right ahead. It’s also the time we ‘switch our clothes over’ (a uniquely feminine thing I believe!) & begin to assess last year’s wardrobe. Yes, it should be considered a wardrobe & not just a bunch of disjointed clothes. So here are my tips for helping you develop at least a smallish passion for fashion!

    First things first, make sure when you are headed out to shop you are hydrated, fed & ‘in the mood’. You will have more patience & much more success. I love, love, love the discount stores but you need patience to go through the racks. My favorites are Ross, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx & Kohl’s (lots of discounts there make it worthy). The clothes & shoes pictured here all came from Ross. These stores are constantly getting new merchandise. I like to go Friday nights. The new merchandise is out & ready for the weekend, yet there are no crowds. I was able to purchase 4 dresses, one casual top, one workout top & these great Aerosoles peep toe shoes for $99! Yes, really.

    Secondly, decide what you already own & feel fabulous in. This may surprise you from year to year. Tastes change, this is a fact. In the last couple of years I have learned to embrace the dress! Nicely fitting jeans & pants were a tough find & I realized for the same cost (or less!) I could find many dress choices & they were much easier to fit. Immediately stylish, comfortable & put together, you will feel pretty. Moo moo dresses are out. Find styles that find your curves & land above the knee, but not too far. Wrap dresses accentuate the best parts of us. Go out of you comfort zone & choose some bright colors too. (Hard for me too, but not just black!) Shades of purple are very in this season. (see photo to left) Remember to check Juniors (you may go up a size) & Petites sections too in these stores. Lots of selection there!

    After scouring some fashion magazines these past weeks I realized the common denominator for the season are boots! Any and all kinds are a go this year. Equestrian, cowboy, high heel, low heel, ankle, it doesn’t matter. You will look immediately fashionable if you are wearing great boots. You can find great styles & prices at the above stores.

    Lastly, take the time & seek out a great go to pair of jeans. Find a great fit. Here is an Oprah link to a guide below. As with all clothes you just need to keep trying things on! Pants & jeans especially. Eventually you find a brand that’s you! For me it’s New York & Company, for a hard to fit girlfriend of mine, it was Bass. (Yes, we spent a great part of a GWA trying to get her out of Mommy jeans!!).

http://www.oprah.com/style/The-Jean-Buying-Fit-Guide

   Last piece of advice is to go outside of your comfort zone. Don’t keep buying the same ‘type’ of clothes. You’re spending hard earned money & you want rave reviews! If you always wear solids, find patterns. If you always wear black, find color. Don’t forget the great boots & shoes out there! They can have a wow factor all their own.

Beauty Buys under $5.00! Marypause50 tested & approved!

   It’s that time of year & the new products are rolling in. This Blogger always prides herself on finding the best on a budget. So here are some top picks from recent months. All pricing is Walmart but again great deals can be found at CVS, Ulta, etc. when using coupons, etc.

1)   Maybelline’s Baby Lips moisturizing lip balm $2.97-$1.00 coupon = $1.97. At this price I bought two. One non-tinted slight peppermint flavor with SPF 20. This is the one you use at night on lips & outside the entire lip line to keep wrinkles in check. The tinted flavor I bought is Cherry Me (yum). With aloe & Vitamin E it feels like silk, tints & STAINS lips slightly. A win, win, win with this product!

2)  Maybelline’s Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara (turquoise tube) $5.94-$1.00 coupon = $4.94 – Gives nice full coverage with an ample size brush. Will find all the ‘lost’ lashes. Slept with it on to test for flaking or rubbing off ~ A+ on that test! Remember to work the base of the lashes first back & forth then apply normally. Tested non-waterproof but comes in both.

3)  Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color $3.58 – I do my own manis & pedis (more on that in a future how-to blog). I appreciate the fast dry & love the durability of the product. It uses a unique brush which takes getting used to. Pick a fun color for fall. I chose 180 Rose Run which is the perfect shade of medium pink. My pedi will last three weeks or until I get bored!

4)  Organix Moroccan Argan Creamy Oil Body Wash / Creamy Oil Body Moisturizer 13-oz., $6.97-$2.00 coupon right on the bottle = $4.97 – This wash is delish & lathers up with very little product. My skin feels wonderful then I add THE BEST moisturizer I’ve ever used & WOW! We’ve really got a treasure here. I’ve blogged on the oil for the hair & the poo & conditioner. Just buy the entire line & be happy with your skin & hair!!!

5)  Freeman Facial Hydration Mask in Gogi-Berry .5-oz., $1.37. Wonderful 10 minute treat for you to give yourself. I’ve used it twice so far & have at least a couple treatments left! Lie back & relax… rinses off for a smooth feel.

6)  L’Oreal Evercreme Cleansing Conditioner 8.3-oz., $5.67-$1.00 coupon = $4.67 – The new idea of not washing your hair everyday to keep it healthier overall is a tough concept for some. This is part conditioner with a little bit of cleanser built in (but doesn’t lather). It’s fabulous! I use it every other shampoo. I alternate with the Evercreme shampoo & conditioner counterparts which I’ve blogged on before. My hair smells, looks & feels like thick silk. Trust me, my hair has never felt this good.

Revlon Colorstay Brow Enhancer $7.72-$5.00 coupon = $2.72! I wasn’t going to include this one because of the price point but realize they accept the foundation/moisturizer coupon for this product. One end is a waxed tinted pencil & the other end an under brow illuminator. Goes on effortlessly & fills in the sparseness perfectly. The wax keeps it all in check. I can’t imagine a better product for the job!