Most certainly not me! National Coffee Day is right around the corner…literally! Sunday, September 29th is the day you might wanna go out into the wild and grab a free cup of Joe. Several retailers will be participating in this holiday by offering free java or a BOGO (buy one get one) type of deal during the weekend.
Here’s the rundown on stores that have a free jolt:
If you remember last year, Starbucks didn’t do anything for National Coffee Day and received TONS of backlash! This year, they’re offering a sample of the new Ethiopian Blend
IKEA really knows how to reel me in! It’s not that hard, just send me a catalog, I’ll look through EVERY page, and write a mental shopping list! Yea, I’m fairly easy to please. Normally, you guys see the chic and stylish chairs that I love so much like this, this, and this but today, I’m in love with an ENTIRE sofa!
Of course it was the color that caught my eye first…it’s pink, that’s kind of a no-brainer!
Then very very very shortly after spying fuschia, I saw the functionality of this sofa. It’s a bed, storage area, and a couch…all-in-one! This made it absolutely irresistible! My next task will be heading down the road to the local IKEA to test the comfiness of this contraption (insert dramatic gasp, head shaking, sweating, and fist clinching.) If you’ve ever been inside an IKEA store, you know exactly what I mean. If you have yet to visit….I encourage you to bring: patience, a cell phone with emergency contacts, water, and comfortable shoes!
If you know me in the real world, you know that I rarely wear makeup everyday. Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE MAKEUP but showing a fresh face to the world is a thing of beauty. It shows confidence and your natural features. So when Lucky Mag and the Lucky Mag Community reached out to do a post featuring a new natural product, I jumped at the chance!
Disclosure:I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.
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And here’s what I received! Seventh Generation Boosts: Firming
I’ve been using this product for 3 days and my skin feels ahh-mazing!
As my style is already fairly natural, I figured what way to show that off than in my “natural” habitat?! At home, relaxing on the couch while enjoying some tv! Natural is comfortable for me. A chambray shirt from Old Navy and curls are all I need for a relaxing evening. Keeping it simple is my secret to effortless style.
There’s a problem we’re not discussing. That problem is my lack of self-control around sugary sweet treats! It’s like a never ending sweet tooth! Lately, I’ve been trying wholeheartedly to cut back my sugar intake and reach for healthier choices. With that said, I’m trying to get my hands to reach for more FRUIT!
Summer months tend to lend themselves to the tastiest fruits and it’s always during the summer, we’re looking for quick and easy snacks. Before going into the kitchen or even before going to the fruit market, be sure to check out thisFruits By The Season. This list will help you understand which fruits are currently in season and when to buy them. Now, let’s jump into a few quick, easy, sweet, and of course tasty treats!
Personal Quick Tips: I substitute sugar on the berries & cream with honey. Just because it makes it easier to dissolve when you’re not using a heavy duty mixer. Also, any Brandy will do for tossing the strawberries, you only need two tablespoons so unless you plan on getting tipsy later…buying a bottle bigger than a shot isn’t necessary.
Fruit Parfait ~ Another easy sweet treat that’s perfect for the hot summer months. You can use any fruits you like…fresh or pureed (I prefer pureed.) Simply, make sweet cream yourself by using heavy cream and sugar with a mixer or go the even easier route and use Cool Whip! The crunch in this dessert comes from granola.
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Personal Tip: Use vanilla ice cream for your “creamy” layers if you’re really looking for a cool down. Also, toss the granola in honey if you want to skip the cream all together for a sweet treat.
Fruit Kabobs ~ What’s easier than fruit on a stick? I’m thinking, nothing! There’s no cooking or real prep work! Purchase wooden kabob sticks from a craft store like Michaels or even grab them from the market. Get your favorite fruits and place them on the skewers in any way you like.
Bonus Tip: If you’re outside or doing some grilling…throw the fruit kabobs on the grill! Just make sure you’re using “heat” friendly skewers not plastic ones. The warm fruit seriously melts in your mouth!
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Homemade Fruit Popsicles ~ I’ve been making these since I was kid, definitely nowhere near the level in which these are but very yummy nonetheless! As a kid, I’d take my mother’s ice trays and fill them with juice and freeze them! Genius! Now we have these exotic fruit popsicles and I’m not in the least bit mad about it! Real Simple has a great article featuring the 6 Recipes for Homemade Popsicles to try.
Now, I’ve gotta run to grab everything you see here! I’ll be sure to post pics of everything I make!
I have to mention that this is a sponsored post, courtesy of the Lucky Mag Community and Dasani Drops!
Now head over and VOTE VOTE VOTE!
The challenge: Show Your Summer Color!
Challenge: Accepted!
I’m a tad late to the party but here to have fun nonetheless! During a day trip to Ann Arbor’s Gallup Park, I managed to squeeze in a little relief by dreaming of the tasty Dasani Drops! Trying to stay cool under the summer sun was a task but that dream kept me going! I chose two of my favorite flavors for inspiration…see for yourself!
These just happen to be two of my favorite colors too!
Thank you pure Michigan for these gorgeous views of the Huron River!
It’s summer and that usually means, it’s vacation time.
Well, if you’re like me……forever planning a trip but something tends to always pop up that prevents that trip from happening….yea, that’s me. It doesn’t happen that often but for some reason, summer 2013 has been vacation-less. So what happens when a chick that loves to travel gets stranded at home for most of the summer? She finds things to do around town! Below (or after the jump) are a few things I love to do.
Jump in…
I love sports but for anyone who doesn’t, a ballpark is a great place to meet new people and just enjoy the atmosphere. Plus, most ballparks have tons of other things to see and do besides watch the game. I took in a Detroit Tigers vs. Atlanta Braves baseball game earlier this summer and had a ball! Michigan: Detroit Tigers, Colleges and universities.
It’s not what you’re thinking! Ok, maybe it is but not exactly what you’re thinking…take a trip to a mall that’s further from home. Perhaps even plan a group outing to a local outlet mall (because what’s better than shopping? Discount shopping!) Malls are a great place to people watch, have lunch or just escape the heat of the summer. That last one is free so jump all over that one! Michigan: Twelve Oaks, Briarwood, Fairlane, Birchrun Prime Outlets.
This sounds really boring and lame, totally aware of that BUT hear/read me out. A good book by a great writer will have you so deep and involved with the characters that you’ll feel like you’re there! Now, if I head to the bookstore today, I won’t buy a book about clear water and white sand beaches…I’m not trying to be depressed here! I can say this…finding a book on a specific place you’d like to visit may be perfect. Michigan: Barnes & Noble, local libraries.
Every town, every city, and every state has some type of festival during the summer months. Find the one that speaks to your soul and have a go! There’s music, concerts, art festivals, garden festivals…literally, tons of festivals. Just take your pick. Michigan: VisitDetroit.com, Ann Arbor Art Fair.
It doesn’t matter if you’re young or young(er) there’s never a wrong time to learn something new! Check out your local community colleges for enrichment courses that focus on the topic you want to know more about. I’m almost positive you’ll find something you like. Whether it’s cooking, computers, dancing, or tennis, it’s out there waiting for you. Bonus, if you take a dance class or kickboxing class…that’s fun + a workout…so on point! Michigan: Schoolcraft.edu, YMCA.
Hmmm, maybe staying at home this summer isn’t such a bad idea! Hopefully these tips will give you a little inspiration for your “Summer Staycation.” Feel free to find me anywhere in the social media-sphere and share what you’re doing this summer!
It’s that time of year!! In just a few days we’ll bask in the glow of a night lit sky filled with fireworks and a day off! Whether you have plans to stay in town or take a nice vacation, you can have fun either way! The Fourth of July is always a fun time of year to spend time outdoors with family and friends (even for a person who’s allergic to grass and trees like me.) Whether you’re old or young, there’s something for everyone. I put together a list of the things you’ll need for the perfect July 4th and an awesome night. Ready? Let’s go!
You can have a little peace and quiet by yourself or you can turn up with your closest friends and do it big! (insert your mother speaking) Be responsible, don’t drink and drive and please for the love of God, wear sunscreen!
My curvy chicks…listen here! We’re sexy! We’re hot! We’re cute! There’s more to us than just our bubbly personalities and in 2013 swimwear makers are finally taking notice! Flaunt those curves!
I don’t care who doesn’t like flip flops, they are the cutest and quickest way to get out of the house in the summer time. Thankfully, if you don’t like the rubber or foam flip flops, you can always opt for a more “grown-up” pair of sandals. Just make sure your toesies are done!!
Because…if you have great hair, you’re bound to have a great day!! These hair ties and products are summer perfect! I have long, thick and curly hair…if you’re anything like me, hair is a hassle in the summer. So take your pick and style it up!
Whether you call them sunglasses, sunnies, or shades…you’re gonna need them! Protect those eyes from the sun rays and sex up your daytime look while doing it!
If you have dark, deep, or fair skin, a bronzer will give you a glow no matter what. I personally use Bare Minerals products which work very well for my deeper tone. Treat yo’self and give your skin a sun kissed glow.
Beach & Pool Accessories seems like a no brainer but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten something important….like a towel! You can’t go to a pool party or the beach without a big soft towel. Be sure that it’s one you can wrap around you when you don’t want to “air dry”
No self respecting Fourth of July bash is complete without barbeque! Ladies, just in case there isn’t a sexy shirtless man around to grill up a kielbasa for you….you’re gonna need a grill of your own. Thankfully, we’re not in the stone age anymore and they actually make pretty stylish outdoor cookware these days…so stylish that you won’t need fire for some models!
Yes, that was definitely a mouthful…literally and figuratively!
Soooo…. Influenster has a good thing going here! Not only do you get beauty products but sometimes there’s a treat or two in the box!! Thankfully and luckily, this little sugar-peanut butter-aholic got her hands on a TastyKake!!
A Peanut Butter & Chocolate TastyKake to be exact! Just what I needed to have a complete and total diet fail lol but a cheat day was in order! I took one little bite and entered heaven…seriously, heaven guys! I’m going to work out extra hard tonight, I promise!
These treats are a part of a new product line from TastyKake’s Kandy Bar Kake which includes; S’mores, Peppermint and Peanut Butter. Each “Kake” is made with a candy bar in mind. The peanut butter Kandy Bar Kake is made with real Reese’s Peanut Butter (which by the way is absolutely delish on its’ own!), peppermint is made with real York Peppermint flavors and the S’mores Kandy Bar is made with real Hershey’s cocoa!
Just go out and get one already!! I’m salivating just thinking about it!!
If you can recall, I absolutely love home decorating and anything involving interior design. In case you may need to refresh your memory…check out these posts from the past ( Daykoor )
Now that we’ve been reacquainted with my love of furniture, picture this lovely chair in your home.
The “Dane” is actually a recliner! Say goodbye to those once bulky and hunky recliners that your grandparents use to own and welcome the new stylish La-Z Boy!
It’s not everyday that you come across a reclining chair that looks so comfortable and so incredibly stylish! Put this bad boy um La-Z Boy next to some vibrant artwork or heck right next to your kids toy bin (if you have those little things.) If my future hubby wants a recliner, a recliner he will get…if it looks like that!
Are you ready for some football? With the super bowl right around the corner, it’s time to get the party planning percolating! Now that we finally know who’ll be playing to win the Tiffany Trophy aka The Vince Lombardi Trophy bka The Superbowl, we’re going to switch gears from high fashion to hot athletes. Well, maybe on the next post! On Sunday, February 3rd, the NFL will have a new champion between the San Francisco 49’ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Jokingly referred to as “The Harbowl” seeing as though the two head coaches of each team are actually BROTHERS! Yes, you read that right, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach for the Niners and John Harbaugh, the head coach for the Ravens are real life brothers. The siblings will coach AGAINST each other for this years championship!
Are you planning a Super Bowl party, going to one or will your hubby/boyfriend/partner/person who sometimes sleeps next to you and snores through the night, throwing or invited to a bowl bash? I’ve got a few things in store for you! Whether you’re going to a touchdown party or becoming the host for one, check out a few things you’re going to need.
There’s nothing like some good tasting, finger licking, taste bud appeasing foods to nibble on while watching the big game. From appetizers to dessert, I’ve got you covered with some fun-to-try treats. Now, I have to warn you, these aren’t for anyone who may be dieting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Ingredients 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken 1/4 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank’s Red Hot) 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 3/4 cups sharp Cheddar 1/4 cup freshly sliced scallions 1 cups all-purpose flour 3 eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups panko bread crumbs Vegetable oil, for frying Blue Cheese Dip: 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise 1/2 cup packed blue cheese, broken up 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon chopped garlic Directions Have oil heated to 350 degrees F. Pick the meat from the chicken and discard the skin. Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the hot sauce, pepper, cheese, and scallions, and toss to combine. Roll the chicken into 2-ounce balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg and then the bread crumbs. Set aside. When the oil is hot fry the chicken balls in batches. Cook for about 2 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken to paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil. To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a large bowl and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken alongside the dipping sauce.
1/3 cup mustard, such as Dijon, whole grain, spicy brown or yellow, for dipping
Directions
Split the kielbasa in half lengthwise and then cut each half into six 3/4-inch pieces, slicing on an angle. Cook the pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the skin is crisped and some of the fat has been released, about 5 minutes. Transfer the kielbasa to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece of puff pastry out to form an 8- by 11-inch rectangle. Using a 3 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 6 circles from the pastry; cut the circles out as close together as possible and reserve the scraps. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
Wrap a circle of puff pastry around each of a kielbasa, pinching the seams together to seal all the way around so no kielbasa is exposed and gently pulling on the ends to make a tapered football shape. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, seam-side down, and repeat with the remaining pastry and sausage.
Brush the rolled sausages with the beaten egg. Use bits of the pastry scraps to make laces on each “football” by placing 1 strip lengthwise on top of each and laying 3 smaller strip crosswise over it. Press down gently to adhere and brush the laces with a bit more egg.
Bake until the pastry is browned and crisped, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve the pigskins with mustard for dipping.
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
Directions
Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix the lime zest and 3/4 teaspoon salt together. Working in batches, fry the tortilla wedges until golden and crisp, about 1 minute, and transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet with a slotted spoon. Sprinkle the chips with the lime salt while they are still hot. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, jalapeno and a pinch of salt and cook until the onions just start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the beer and cook until all the liquid has evaporated, about 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Toss the muenster and Cheddar together and add them to the skillet. Stir once or twice to combine.
When ready to serve, preheat the broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned on top, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot with the chips.
Cook’s Note: Although this cheesy dip should be eaten fresh from the oven, you can have everything ready to go before your guests arrive. You can fry, season and cool the chips and store them for 2 to 3 hours in an airtight container. Cook the vegetables and reduce the beer, then remove the skillet from the heat. Grate your cheeses and combine them. When you’re ready to serve, stir the cheese into the vegetables, broil and enjoy.
Makes one 8×8 pan | Preparation: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line pan with a foil sling. INGREDIENTS: 8oz. cookie dough (ready-made or homemade) 16 Oreos 12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla Topping 3 oz.Whoppers, chopped 5 Oreos, chopped INSTRUCTIONS: Roll out or using your fingers, press cookie dough to an 1/8 inch thickness and bake until crisp. Place whole Oreos on top of baked cookie crust. To make cheesecake filling: Place cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla in a bowl and beat until blended. Pour mixture over Oreos. Sprinkle chopped Oreos and Whoppers on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting. *This can be prepared 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator tightly covered. Remove from refrigerator 20-30 minutes prior to serving. (Cut while cold for bars with nice clean edges).
Ingredients 4 pop sticks 3 cups vegetable oil 4 candy bars, such as Mars Bars, Snickers, and Milky Ways Powdered sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup milk 1/2 tbsp sugar 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt powdered sugar
Directions
Preheat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pierce each candy bar with a pop stick, place on the prepared baking sheet, and refrigerate 30 minutes. Whisk all batter ingredients until little to no lumps remain. One at a time, dip chilled candy bars in batter and coat well. Once oil reaches 390°F, carefully place candy bars in oil one at a time and fry about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve hot.
3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows 1/2 cup peanut butter 6 cups Kellogg’s® Cocoa Krispies® cereal Canned frosting or decorating gel Why use Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies®? 1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted. 2. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated. 3. Cool slightly. Using buttered hands shape mixture into sixteen 3-inch footballs. Decorate with frosting. Best if served the same day. MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add peanut butter, stirring until melted. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary. Note For best results, use fresh marshmallows. 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows. Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended. Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Let’s get ready to party!
Hope that helps! Have fun, be safe and always… Happy Shopping!
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