Curiosity, at its core, is all about noticing and being drawn to things we find interesting. Its about recognizing and seizing the pleasures that novel experiences offer us, and finding novelty and meaning in experiences that are familiar.
When we are curious, we see things differently; we use our powers of observation more fully. We sense what is happening in the present moment, taking note of what is, regardless of what it looked like before or what we might have expected it to be.
We feel alive and engaged, more capable of embracing opportunities, making connections, and experiencing moments of insight and meaning--all of which provide the foundation for a rich, aware and satisfying life experience.
Here are five of the mportant ways that curiosity enhances our well-being and the quality of our lives:
1. Health - It is possible that declining curiosity is an initial sign of neurological illness and declining health. Nonetheless, there are promising signs that enhancing curiosity reduces the risk for these diseases ans may even reverse some of the natural degeneration that occurs in older adults.
2. Intelligence - Studies have shown that curiosity positively correlates with intelligence. Other studies have shown that high levels of curiosity in adults are connected to greater analytic ability problem-solving skills and overall intelligence
3. Social Relationships - It is far easier to form and maintain satisfying, significant relationships when you demonstrate at attitude of openness and genuine interest. Curious people report more satisfying relationships & marriages. This approach supports the development of good relationships.
4. Happiness - 2 factors that had the strongest influence on how much enjoyment a person experienced in a given day: "being able to count on someone for help" and "learned something yesterday." Both factors supported by curiosity.
5. Meaning - This has important implications for how much meaning and passion we experience in life: The greater the range and depth of our curiosity, the more opportunities we have to experience things that inspire and excite us, from minute details to momentous occasions.
Hope you all enjoy this post, love to hear-see some comments ok, good or bad :)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
GIVE IT AWAY NOW :-)
**Dress for Success: (dressforsuccess.org) collects women's professional clothing & distributes it to disadvantaged women to help them compete in the job market and become economically independent.
**Homeless Shelters: generally takes nonperishable food, clothing & personal-care items to benefit those in need.(Go to homelessshelterdirectory.org to find one in your area.)
**International Book Project: (intlbookproject.org) acquires books in excellent condition for literary programs around the world.
**National Cristina Foundation: (cristina.org) accepts used computer equipment & directs donations to local nonprofit organizations, schools, & public agencies throughout the United States.
**The National Furniture Bank Association (nationalfurniturebank.org) collects good quality used furntiture for local organizations, including women's shelters & disaster-relief organizations.
**The Salvation Army: (salvationarmyusa.org) accepts clothing, furniture, household goods & more. The items are then sold to the general public and 82% of the proceeds help fund more than 150 adult-rehabilitation centers across the country.
**The Vietnam Veterans Association: (clothingdonations.org) will come to your house and pick up clothing and household goods, which are then sold to privately owned thrift stores. 68% of the proceeds go to Vietnam veterans and their families.
Everyone had a GREAT week & remember to SMILE on Monday :)
**Homeless Shelters: generally takes nonperishable food, clothing & personal-care items to benefit those in need.(Go to homelessshelterdirectory.org to find one in your area.)
**International Book Project: (intlbookproject.org) acquires books in excellent condition for literary programs around the world.
**National Cristina Foundation: (cristina.org) accepts used computer equipment & directs donations to local nonprofit organizations, schools, & public agencies throughout the United States.
**The National Furniture Bank Association (nationalfurniturebank.org) collects good quality used furntiture for local organizations, including women's shelters & disaster-relief organizations.
**The Salvation Army: (salvationarmyusa.org) accepts clothing, furniture, household goods & more. The items are then sold to the general public and 82% of the proceeds help fund more than 150 adult-rehabilitation centers across the country.
**The Vietnam Veterans Association: (clothingdonations.org) will come to your house and pick up clothing and household goods, which are then sold to privately owned thrift stores. 68% of the proceeds go to Vietnam veterans and their families.
Everyone had a GREAT week & remember to SMILE on Monday :)
Friday, April 23, 2010
road test ALL-PURPOSE CLEANERS
If you were stranded on a (dirty) desert island with only 'one' cleanigng product, which would it be? Sprays, wipes & concentrates-Old standbys to new green contenders!
Sprays-your go-to options for counters, faucets, refrigerator doors, light switches, & other major traffic zones.
*Best Anti-Germ: Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface; Powered by thymol, an extract of thyme, to eliminate germs naturally. The intense herbal scent can be polarizing so sniff before purchasing. TO BUY: $2.50 seventhgeneration.com for stores
*Most Muscle: Fantastik With Bleach; Keep this on hand for times you're really angry at grime, incredibly powerful, it outperformed all others tested. (When removing a spot from a white wall, the spray left the wall whiter than it was originally) Not shy on chemicals, so keep the windows open. TO BUY: $3 at supermarkets
*Most Luxe: Murchison-Hume Counter Intelligence; The white-grapefruit scent is as pretty as the tinted bottle. Nice enough to sit out on the counter as a tidy-up reminder for the less vigilant. Like all the green picks here, this combats germs without chemicals, so it's safe to use in food-prep zones. TO BUY: $18 anthropologie.com
*Most Addictive: Parsley Plus; Green to the nth degree-nontoxic & effective, with an unbelievably fresh scent & cheerful parsley scent that you'll miss between cleanings. TO BUY: $5, ecos.com
*Best Unscented: Better Life what-Ever! Nothing but clean. There are no scents, dyes or ammonia, so it's good for checmically sensitive people, those with asthma, or any one trying to green the cleaning caddy. Popular among our cleaning-obsessed staffers. TO BUY: $7, cleanhappens.com
Wipes-for spot cleaning or for places where a spray isn't ideal--desktop, car, inside the refrigerator. All are biodegradable
*Best Smelling: J.R.Watkins in Lemon; We love the bright citrus scent and the retro packaging. Watkins has been making natural products for more than a hundred years, so even if you've never heard of this company, rest assured that it has serious green cred. TO BUY: $7 for 35 wipes, jrwatkins.com
*Most Versatile: Pledge Multi Surface; Keep stereo speakers perfectly clean, go at stainless steel w/o fear of streaking (many wipes warn against use on stainless) and
swab sealed wood & glass items to boot. These leave you with no excuse for dirty surfaces. TO BUY: $4.50 for 25 wipes, at supermarkets.
*Best Bang For Your Buck: Clorox Green Works; An abundance of wipes at a reasonable price. The muscle comes from corn & coconut, both natural cleaning agents. TO BUY:
$6 for 62 wipes, at supermarkets.
Concentrates: Mix up a batch to tackle big jobs, like walls and floors. Great for decks and porches, too, if you're really revved.
*Longest Lasting: Shaklee Get Clean Basic H2; Mere teaspoonfuls power gallons& gallons of home-mixed cleaner. Comes with instructions for creating 3 different strengths (for glass, personal cleaning & grease cutting) TO BUY: $12.50 shaklee.com
*Aromatherapeutic: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day All Purpose; Contains a pleasing mix of geranium, rose, & clove oils-famed spirit-lifters that smell like heaven. TO BUY: $8 mrsmeyers.com
*Mildest Scent: Ecover All Purpose; The soft, lemony fragrance is refreshing, not overpowering. Made by a super-green company, so you can feel extra good about choosing it. TO BUY: $6 findecover.com for stores.
STEP UP YOUR CLEANING GEAR! a couple prime props can make scrubbing more appealing.
*Glam Gloves: Home Trends Arm Length; If Lady Gaga did her own dishes, this is what she would wear:) The upper-body equivalent of waders, they'll protect your skin in even the splashiest cleaning fury. Thick textured palms create a nonslip grip, and the gloves are easy to spot under the sink, At about 22" long, one size indubitably fits all. TO BUY: $11, shophometrends.com
*Mod Bucket: Casabella Eclipse; It's made from recycled soda bottles(hence the color) with clever channels along the inside bottom that trap dirt down below, keeping water cleaner. Easy on the eyes, too. TO BUY: $13, containerstore.com
*Shimmery Sponge: Casabella Sparkle; A functional item transformed into a thing of beauty, this delicate scrubber handles glasses porcelain, and nonstick surfaces just as well as its supermarket rivals (without that toxic "new sponge" smell) Then it rinses bright and clean to perch like a little ornament on your kitchen sink. TO BUY: $9 for six, casabella.com
OK all good cleaning - GO GETTEM! LOL
Sprays-your go-to options for counters, faucets, refrigerator doors, light switches, & other major traffic zones.
*Best Anti-Germ: Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface; Powered by thymol, an extract of thyme, to eliminate germs naturally. The intense herbal scent can be polarizing so sniff before purchasing. TO BUY: $2.50 seventhgeneration.com for stores
*Most Muscle: Fantastik With Bleach; Keep this on hand for times you're really angry at grime, incredibly powerful, it outperformed all others tested. (When removing a spot from a white wall, the spray left the wall whiter than it was originally) Not shy on chemicals, so keep the windows open. TO BUY: $3 at supermarkets
*Most Luxe: Murchison-Hume Counter Intelligence; The white-grapefruit scent is as pretty as the tinted bottle. Nice enough to sit out on the counter as a tidy-up reminder for the less vigilant. Like all the green picks here, this combats germs without chemicals, so it's safe to use in food-prep zones. TO BUY: $18 anthropologie.com
*Most Addictive: Parsley Plus; Green to the nth degree-nontoxic & effective, with an unbelievably fresh scent & cheerful parsley scent that you'll miss between cleanings. TO BUY: $5, ecos.com
*Best Unscented: Better Life what-Ever! Nothing but clean. There are no scents, dyes or ammonia, so it's good for checmically sensitive people, those with asthma, or any one trying to green the cleaning caddy. Popular among our cleaning-obsessed staffers. TO BUY: $7, cleanhappens.com
Wipes-for spot cleaning or for places where a spray isn't ideal--desktop, car, inside the refrigerator. All are biodegradable
*Best Smelling: J.R.Watkins in Lemon; We love the bright citrus scent and the retro packaging. Watkins has been making natural products for more than a hundred years, so even if you've never heard of this company, rest assured that it has serious green cred. TO BUY: $7 for 35 wipes, jrwatkins.com
*Most Versatile: Pledge Multi Surface; Keep stereo speakers perfectly clean, go at stainless steel w/o fear of streaking (many wipes warn against use on stainless) and
swab sealed wood & glass items to boot. These leave you with no excuse for dirty surfaces. TO BUY: $4.50 for 25 wipes, at supermarkets.
*Best Bang For Your Buck: Clorox Green Works; An abundance of wipes at a reasonable price. The muscle comes from corn & coconut, both natural cleaning agents. TO BUY:
$6 for 62 wipes, at supermarkets.
Concentrates: Mix up a batch to tackle big jobs, like walls and floors. Great for decks and porches, too, if you're really revved.
*Longest Lasting: Shaklee Get Clean Basic H2; Mere teaspoonfuls power gallons& gallons of home-mixed cleaner. Comes with instructions for creating 3 different strengths (for glass, personal cleaning & grease cutting) TO BUY: $12.50 shaklee.com
*Aromatherapeutic: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day All Purpose; Contains a pleasing mix of geranium, rose, & clove oils-famed spirit-lifters that smell like heaven. TO BUY: $8 mrsmeyers.com
*Mildest Scent: Ecover All Purpose; The soft, lemony fragrance is refreshing, not overpowering. Made by a super-green company, so you can feel extra good about choosing it. TO BUY: $6 findecover.com for stores.
STEP UP YOUR CLEANING GEAR! a couple prime props can make scrubbing more appealing.
*Glam Gloves: Home Trends Arm Length; If Lady Gaga did her own dishes, this is what she would wear:) The upper-body equivalent of waders, they'll protect your skin in even the splashiest cleaning fury. Thick textured palms create a nonslip grip, and the gloves are easy to spot under the sink, At about 22" long, one size indubitably fits all. TO BUY: $11, shophometrends.com
*Mod Bucket: Casabella Eclipse; It's made from recycled soda bottles(hence the color) with clever channels along the inside bottom that trap dirt down below, keeping water cleaner. Easy on the eyes, too. TO BUY: $13, containerstore.com
*Shimmery Sponge: Casabella Sparkle; A functional item transformed into a thing of beauty, this delicate scrubber handles glasses porcelain, and nonstick surfaces just as well as its supermarket rivals (without that toxic "new sponge" smell) Then it rinses bright and clean to perch like a little ornament on your kitchen sink. TO BUY: $9 for six, casabella.com
OK all good cleaning - GO GETTEM! LOL
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Facebook | Eric Routenberg
Facebook | Eric Routenberg: "hey check this outMillerCoors brewery taps into recycling
www.daytondailynews.com
The state’s second largest brewery has made a concerted effort to reduce its environmental footprint by reducing and reusing all of the waste —from grain to glass —produced at the plant."
www.daytondailynews.com
The state’s second largest brewery has made a concerted effort to reduce its environmental footprint by reducing and reusing all of the waste —from grain to glass —produced at the plant."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Facebook | Messages - Fight Global Warming/Train
Facebook | Messages - Fight Global Warming/Train: "Fight Global Warming/Train
Fight Global Warming - Train" WOW! it affect us all....yes?
Fight Global Warming - Train" WOW! it affect us all....yes?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Money, Speed Cleaning, Fresh Pick
Sell your Stuff-here's how to turn your castoffs into cash.
+Clothing - sell it on: eBay.com, list your items for seven days to get best offer.
+Furniture - sell it on: Craigslist.org Price pieces 10to20% higher than what you're willing to accept, to leave room for bargaining.
+Shoes & Handbags - sell them at: Consignment shops Sandals, comfortable flats, name-brand sneakers & solid-colored purses are the most popular.
+Books, CDs, DVDs & Video Games - sell them on: Amazon.com Hot items include textbooks & titles that have recently been made into movies.
A Spick-and-Span Computer, in 5 minutes or Less
>Min 1 - Unplug all electrical cords (if you have a laptop remove the battery). Dip a foam swab in rubbing alcohol & very carefully run it over any vents & openings on the monitor's frame & base (speaker holes, cord inputs); follow up with a dry swab. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water & give the rest of exterior a once over.
>Min 2 - Wipe the screen top to bottom with a barely damp cloth. Turn the keyboard upside down over a trash bin & shake it to dislodge crumbs. Holding a can of compressed air upright, shoot small bursts in the gaps between the keys to whisk away additional dirt.
>Min 3 - With an alcohol-dipped swab, traces the edges of the keyboard and the outside of the key.
>Min 4 - Swipe the top of each key gently with a fresh cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol-no need to press down.
>Min 5 - Rub the mouse, including the bottom, with the rubbing-alcohol cloth. You're done!
Asparagus - the meaty flesh & the grassy flavor of these spears make for fresh springtime dishes. Here, four tasty ways to enjoy them.
**Lemon asparagus w/hard-cooked eggs: boil asparagus, then run under cold water to cool. Drizzle with olive oil & fresh lemon juice, sprinkle w/chopped hard-cooked eggs amd chives.
**Gingery sauteed shrimp & asparagus: saute' cut-up asparagus in olive oil w/peeled & deveined shrimp, sliced shallots & grated fresh ginger. Toss with mint before serving.
**Thyme-roasted asparagus & potatoes: toss cut-up asparagus & quartered small new potatoes with olive oil & fresh thyme sprigs. Roast in a 400*F oven until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
**Crunchy asparagus salad with Feta: toss thinly sliced raw asparagus with olive oil and crumbled Feta.
...some good cleaning then enjoy some GREAT asparagus, ill be right over LOL
+Clothing - sell it on: eBay.com, list your items for seven days to get best offer.
+Furniture - sell it on: Craigslist.org Price pieces 10to20% higher than what you're willing to accept, to leave room for bargaining.
+Shoes & Handbags - sell them at: Consignment shops Sandals, comfortable flats, name-brand sneakers & solid-colored purses are the most popular.
+Books, CDs, DVDs & Video Games - sell them on: Amazon.com Hot items include textbooks & titles that have recently been made into movies.
A Spick-and-Span Computer, in 5 minutes or Less
>Min 1 - Unplug all electrical cords (if you have a laptop remove the battery). Dip a foam swab in rubbing alcohol & very carefully run it over any vents & openings on the monitor's frame & base (speaker holes, cord inputs); follow up with a dry swab. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water & give the rest of exterior a once over.
>Min 2 - Wipe the screen top to bottom with a barely damp cloth. Turn the keyboard upside down over a trash bin & shake it to dislodge crumbs. Holding a can of compressed air upright, shoot small bursts in the gaps between the keys to whisk away additional dirt.
>Min 3 - With an alcohol-dipped swab, traces the edges of the keyboard and the outside of the key.
>Min 4 - Swipe the top of each key gently with a fresh cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol-no need to press down.
>Min 5 - Rub the mouse, including the bottom, with the rubbing-alcohol cloth. You're done!
Asparagus - the meaty flesh & the grassy flavor of these spears make for fresh springtime dishes. Here, four tasty ways to enjoy them.
**Lemon asparagus w/hard-cooked eggs: boil asparagus, then run under cold water to cool. Drizzle with olive oil & fresh lemon juice, sprinkle w/chopped hard-cooked eggs amd chives.
**Gingery sauteed shrimp & asparagus: saute' cut-up asparagus in olive oil w/peeled & deveined shrimp, sliced shallots & grated fresh ginger. Toss with mint before serving.
**Thyme-roasted asparagus & potatoes: toss cut-up asparagus & quartered small new potatoes with olive oil & fresh thyme sprigs. Roast in a 400*F oven until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
**Crunchy asparagus salad with Feta: toss thinly sliced raw asparagus with olive oil and crumbled Feta.
...some good cleaning then enjoy some GREAT asparagus, ill be right over LOL
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
America's Riskiest Online Cities & Location, location, location
Norton released a report in March, 2010, revealing those cities most succeptible to cyber crime--which cost Americans more than $560 million in 2009. Few things sidetrack e-commerce like cyber crime threats. This is a good reminder for e-commerce professionals (especially in the below cities) to ensure consumers that their information is secure - through privacy badges and a full description of all measures you take-including data encryption-to protect sensitive information.
1. Seattle, WA
2. Boston, MA
3. Washington, DC.
4. San Francisco, CA
5. Raleigh, NC
6. Atlanta, GA
7. Minneapolis, MN
8. Denver, CO
9. Austin, TX
10. Portland, OR
Location, Location, Location
Two announcements from Facebook, one officially released and the other to be made at the f8 developer conference at the end of April, indicate perhaps the strongest push yet by the social network for smaller-business advertising dollars. First came news of an alliance with business optimization software provider Omniture, aimed at helping companies more easily integrate Facebook as a marketing channel through "relevant conversations" withs its more than 400 million active users. Then came the widely reported but unconfirmed news that Facebook will reveal the arrival of location as a status update available to users. This move will open the doors even wider for local advertisers, and be a direct challenge to Google for small-business ad revenue. It will also very likely rankle millions of users concerned about their privacy, which Facebook has so famously done before.
**Have a GREAT weekend filled with SMILES!
1. Seattle, WA
2. Boston, MA
3. Washington, DC.
4. San Francisco, CA
5. Raleigh, NC
6. Atlanta, GA
7. Minneapolis, MN
8. Denver, CO
9. Austin, TX
10. Portland, OR
Location, Location, Location
Two announcements from Facebook, one officially released and the other to be made at the f8 developer conference at the end of April, indicate perhaps the strongest push yet by the social network for smaller-business advertising dollars. First came news of an alliance with business optimization software provider Omniture, aimed at helping companies more easily integrate Facebook as a marketing channel through "relevant conversations" withs its more than 400 million active users. Then came the widely reported but unconfirmed news that Facebook will reveal the arrival of location as a status update available to users. This move will open the doors even wider for local advertisers, and be a direct challenge to Google for small-business ad revenue. It will also very likely rankle millions of users concerned about their privacy, which Facebook has so famously done before.
**Have a GREAT weekend filled with SMILES!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Font Fun with WordPress
According to WordPress' official download counter, this open-source blogging software has been downloaded more than 6.6million times. Chances are, if you are running WordPress, your site has a lot in common with some other sites out there, your site has a lot in common with some other sites out there. And that raises an important question: How do you make your site stand out from the crowd?
One way, without labor-intensive hacks, is by altering your website's fonts.
If the default font in yur WordPress installation is leaving you uninspired, & the concept of tweaking CSS fies seems a bit daunting, try the following WordPress plugins to dress up your design & have some fun.
Five Sites for FREE FONTS:
***dafont.com
***urbanfonts.com
***acidfonts.com
***fontstock.net
***fontspace.com
One way, without labor-intensive hacks, is by altering your website's fonts.
If the default font in yur WordPress installation is leaving you uninspired, & the concept of tweaking CSS fies seems a bit daunting, try the following WordPress plugins to dress up your design & have some fun.
Five Sites for FREE FONTS:
***dafont.com
***urbanfonts.com
***acidfonts.com
***fontstock.net
***fontspace.com
Sunday, April 11, 2010
sum food, sum cleaning, sum $
"What's a good go-to chicken recipe that's ready in under 20mins?"
chicken, zucchini & prosciutto - total time 15 mins, serves 4
-2 tablesppons olive oil
-4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, kosher salt & black pepper
-1/4 pound sliced prosciutto
-3 small zucchini, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced
-1 clove garlc, thinly sliced
-1 lemon, halved
**Heat oven to 400* F.Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over med-high heat. Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt & pepper & cook until golden, 2to3 mins per side. Transfer the skillet to oven & roast until the chicken is cooked through, 6 to 8 mins.
**Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a second skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto & cook until crisp, 1 to 2 mins per side; transfer to a plate. When cool, break into pieces.
**Add the zucchini, garlic & 1/4 teaspoon each salt & pepper to the skillet & cook, tossing occasionally, until just tender, 3to4 mins. Fold in the prosciutto & serve with the chicken and lemon.
"What can I do to get pesky____stain out of my clothes?"
-Stain Plan of attack (washable clothing)
-Grass Apply a prewash treatment (like Resolve) to the stain & let it sit for about 15mins, work the liquid into the area with a toothbrush. Wash using an enzyme detergent (which most standard laundry detergents are).
-Ink Put glycerin on the spot (hair spray will work,too) then treat with a mild detergent (like Woolite)& a tiny amount of water. Gently rub to form suds & rinse.
-Coffee Stretch fabric over a bowl & pour boiling water from a kettle held one foot above. If the coffee had milk, apply an oil solvent(like Carbona) Sugar? Treat with glycerin. In both cases, let sit for a half hour, then wash.
-lipstick Apply an oil solvent, let dry, then remove residue. Apply liquid soap & water; rub & rinse. Use an eyedropper & diluted ammonia to remove remaining color. Rinse
-Mud Let dry, then brush off excess. Apply Woolite & water Rub to form suds, then rinse. Lighten remaining stain with a combination of white vinegar & water. Machine wash.
"How can I rein in my everyday spending?"
Bookmark these sites: the following online money-mgmt resources will help you get(and keep)your daily cash flow in check.
**billshrink.com - audit your cell-phone bill to find a cheaper plan that fits your calling habits.
**cardtrack.com - compare credit cards to find the best one for your needs.
**ecoupons.com - swap unwanted grocery coupons for ones you'll use.
**freeshipping.org - score free-shipping codes for more than 2,000 e-commerce sites.
**gasbuddy.com - search by ZIP code to find the cheapest gas in your area.
**priceprotectr.com - alerts you if you are entitled to a price adjustment on a recent purchase.
**restaurant.com - buy gift certificates to local establishments for less than their redeemable values.
**retailmenot.com - find discount codes & coupons for 50,000 stores, plus some free shipping codes.
:) hope these are helpful, let me know if you have any luck or which site works best!
chicken, zucchini & prosciutto - total time 15 mins, serves 4
-2 tablesppons olive oil
-4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, kosher salt & black pepper
-1/4 pound sliced prosciutto
-3 small zucchini, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced
-1 clove garlc, thinly sliced
-1 lemon, halved
**Heat oven to 400* F.Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over med-high heat. Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt & pepper & cook until golden, 2to3 mins per side. Transfer the skillet to oven & roast until the chicken is cooked through, 6 to 8 mins.
**Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a second skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto & cook until crisp, 1 to 2 mins per side; transfer to a plate. When cool, break into pieces.
**Add the zucchini, garlic & 1/4 teaspoon each salt & pepper to the skillet & cook, tossing occasionally, until just tender, 3to4 mins. Fold in the prosciutto & serve with the chicken and lemon.
"What can I do to get pesky____stain out of my clothes?"
-Stain Plan of attack (washable clothing)
-Grass Apply a prewash treatment (like Resolve) to the stain & let it sit for about 15mins, work the liquid into the area with a toothbrush. Wash using an enzyme detergent (which most standard laundry detergents are).
-Ink Put glycerin on the spot (hair spray will work,too) then treat with a mild detergent (like Woolite)& a tiny amount of water. Gently rub to form suds & rinse.
-Coffee Stretch fabric over a bowl & pour boiling water from a kettle held one foot above. If the coffee had milk, apply an oil solvent(like Carbona) Sugar? Treat with glycerin. In both cases, let sit for a half hour, then wash.
-lipstick Apply an oil solvent, let dry, then remove residue. Apply liquid soap & water; rub & rinse. Use an eyedropper & diluted ammonia to remove remaining color. Rinse
-Mud Let dry, then brush off excess. Apply Woolite & water Rub to form suds, then rinse. Lighten remaining stain with a combination of white vinegar & water. Machine wash.
"How can I rein in my everyday spending?"
Bookmark these sites: the following online money-mgmt resources will help you get(and keep)your daily cash flow in check.
**billshrink.com - audit your cell-phone bill to find a cheaper plan that fits your calling habits.
**cardtrack.com - compare credit cards to find the best one for your needs.
**ecoupons.com - swap unwanted grocery coupons for ones you'll use.
**freeshipping.org - score free-shipping codes for more than 2,000 e-commerce sites.
**gasbuddy.com - search by ZIP code to find the cheapest gas in your area.
**priceprotectr.com - alerts you if you are entitled to a price adjustment on a recent purchase.
**restaurant.com - buy gift certificates to local establishments for less than their redeemable values.
**retailmenot.com - find discount codes & coupons for 50,000 stores, plus some free shipping codes.
:) hope these are helpful, let me know if you have any luck or which site works best!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
health, beauty & style options
"Where can I find a pair of black pants that really fit?"
*If you have hourglass figure, try: Banana Republic's Jackson Wide Leg stretch-wool pants, $98, bananarepublic.com
*If you have full hips or thighs, try: Loft's Julie polyester-blend pants, $69.50, loft.com
*If you have a bit of a tummy, try: White House Black Market's Legacy polyester-blend pants, $88, whitehouseblackmarket.com
*If you're straight up & down, try: Theory's Max C stretch-wool pants, $245, theory.com for stores.
*If you're a plus size, try: Lane Bryant's Right Fit Houston polyester-blend pants, $49.50 to $54.50 lanebryant.com
"Which moisturizer should I be using for my skintype?"
*normal skin-Clinique Youth Surge SPF15 moisturizer, to buy: $48.50 clinique.com
*sensitive skin-Eucerin Redness Relief SPF15, to buy: $15, drugstore.com
*dry-Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Day Creme SPF15, to buy: $95 lauramercier.com
*oily-DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing DewSPF15 to buy: $38, ddfskincare.com
"I just can't seem to keep the weight off, especially as I get older. What can I do?"
*Eat breakfast-78% of participants who ate breakfast kept weight off who had lost 30lbs or more for 1 yr
*Build up your strength-to rev up your resting metabolism, lift weights & do exercises that focus on large muscle groups, such as squats, push-ups & planks.
*Be accountable-start a food journal, use the free Lose It! iPhone app(which tracks your daily calorie intake & expenditure), or join weight-loss program Weight-Watchers
*Snack Smartly-eating 2 or 3 healthy snacks a day can squelch cravings & make your metabolism more efficient. Try a hard-boiled egg, apple slices w/peanut butter, or 2 slices of deli turkey & grapes.
*If you have hourglass figure, try: Banana Republic's Jackson Wide Leg stretch-wool pants, $98, bananarepublic.com
*If you have full hips or thighs, try: Loft's Julie polyester-blend pants, $69.50, loft.com
*If you have a bit of a tummy, try: White House Black Market's Legacy polyester-blend pants, $88, whitehouseblackmarket.com
*If you're straight up & down, try: Theory's Max C stretch-wool pants, $245, theory.com for stores.
*If you're a plus size, try: Lane Bryant's Right Fit Houston polyester-blend pants, $49.50 to $54.50 lanebryant.com
"Which moisturizer should I be using for my skintype?"
*normal skin-Clinique Youth Surge SPF15 moisturizer, to buy: $48.50 clinique.com
*sensitive skin-Eucerin Redness Relief SPF15, to buy: $15, drugstore.com
*dry-Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Day Creme SPF15, to buy: $95 lauramercier.com
*oily-DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing DewSPF15 to buy: $38, ddfskincare.com
"I just can't seem to keep the weight off, especially as I get older. What can I do?"
*Eat breakfast-78% of participants who ate breakfast kept weight off who had lost 30lbs or more for 1 yr
*Build up your strength-to rev up your resting metabolism, lift weights & do exercises that focus on large muscle groups, such as squats, push-ups & planks.
*Be accountable-start a food journal, use the free Lose It! iPhone app(which tracks your daily calorie intake & expenditure), or join weight-loss program Weight-Watchers
*Snack Smartly-eating 2 or 3 healthy snacks a day can squelch cravings & make your metabolism more efficient. Try a hard-boiled egg, apple slices w/peanut butter, or 2 slices of deli turkey & grapes.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Money, sneaky fee & by the numbers
3 Ways to Avoid Getting Audited
1: Report all your income - You must tell the IRS about every penny of income that you make, including stock dividends, cash payments, gambling winnings, jury-duty payments & unemployment benefits. The amounts must match the forms that are submitted to the federal govt by your employer, banks, or 3rd payers. If there is even one digit off, the IRS could note the mismatch & generate an inquiry.
2: Be cautious when claiming deductions - Be prepared to back up every deduction, particularly car write-offs, charitable contributions, and business purchases--with written documentation, especially if you are self-employed or make more than $100,000
And be precise: Deductions rounded to the nearest hundred-dollar amount could up your risk. "That signals you are not keeping records," says Frederick W.Daily,author of Stand Up to the IRS(Nolo, $35).
3: Check your work - A simple math error won't automatically trigger an audit, but it can give the IRS a reason to revisit your return, which increases the odds that it might find other problems. When figuring your taxes, check your math. Twice! Or hire a reputable tax preparer (but never sign your return until you have reviewed it). You can also use a computer program, like Turbo-Tax(turbotax.intuit.com). The software won't make silly mistakes.
Sneaky fee-Ticket convenience fee:
*The cost: Varies, but it averages about 10% of the ticket's face value.
*Why you're being charged: To cover credit-card fees & other processing costs, and to generate more revenue, a ticket agent(such as Ticketmaster)adds this fee when you purchase tickets online, over the phone, or at a retail outlet, such as Macy's or F.Y.E. In most cases, you can avoid the fee if you buy tickets at the box office.(However, some venues charge the fee at the box office, too, so double-check with the location before investing time & gas to get there). Occasionally you can dodge the charge by picking up your tickets at the venue's will-call window.
By the numbers:
*5.9 minutes the length of time customers thought had passed when they were left on hold without any background music. In reality, they were on hold for 'only 3 minutes
*Avoid being put on hold - Go to gethuman.com for steps you can take to get a live person at more than 1,000 businesses.
*Some of the companies that you'll find on the site:
AT&T
Comcast
Delta
GE Appliances
Hertz
JPMorgan Chase
MetLife
1: Report all your income - You must tell the IRS about every penny of income that you make, including stock dividends, cash payments, gambling winnings, jury-duty payments & unemployment benefits. The amounts must match the forms that are submitted to the federal govt by your employer, banks, or 3rd payers. If there is even one digit off, the IRS could note the mismatch & generate an inquiry.
2: Be cautious when claiming deductions - Be prepared to back up every deduction, particularly car write-offs, charitable contributions, and business purchases--with written documentation, especially if you are self-employed or make more than $100,000
And be precise: Deductions rounded to the nearest hundred-dollar amount could up your risk. "That signals you are not keeping records," says Frederick W.Daily,author of Stand Up to the IRS(Nolo, $35).
3: Check your work - A simple math error won't automatically trigger an audit, but it can give the IRS a reason to revisit your return, which increases the odds that it might find other problems. When figuring your taxes, check your math. Twice! Or hire a reputable tax preparer (but never sign your return until you have reviewed it). You can also use a computer program, like Turbo-Tax(turbotax.intuit.com). The software won't make silly mistakes.
Sneaky fee-Ticket convenience fee:
*The cost: Varies, but it averages about 10% of the ticket's face value.
*Why you're being charged: To cover credit-card fees & other processing costs, and to generate more revenue, a ticket agent(such as Ticketmaster)adds this fee when you purchase tickets online, over the phone, or at a retail outlet, such as Macy's or F.Y.E. In most cases, you can avoid the fee if you buy tickets at the box office.(However, some venues charge the fee at the box office, too, so double-check with the location before investing time & gas to get there). Occasionally you can dodge the charge by picking up your tickets at the venue's will-call window.
By the numbers:
*5.9 minutes the length of time customers thought had passed when they were left on hold without any background music. In reality, they were on hold for 'only 3 minutes
*Avoid being put on hold - Go to gethuman.com for steps you can take to get a live person at more than 1,000 businesses.
*Some of the companies that you'll find on the site:
AT&T
Comcast
Delta
GE Appliances
Hertz
JPMorgan Chase
MetLife
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
What's New in 2010 & Comparison Shopping Sites
*On the Rocks - breathtaking cinematography and get a superb soundtrack featuring Modest Mouse & James Mercer of the Shins, the film 180" South retraces legendary 1968trip to Patagonia (180south.com)
*Rookie To Watch - Buster Posey highly touted prospect & big-league Giants catcher
*Run the Wave - Reebok's new (and rather, uh..subtle) ZigTech running shoe works like a springy-retaining & transferring energy through oneself-to propel you forward. This new kind of energy transfer-resulting in 21% less wear & tear on your muscles, for starters-should allow you to add more mileage to your runs ($100; reebok.com)
*Submersible Shooter - the pocket-size Kodak Playsport waterproof video camera captures 1080p HD shots at depths of up to 10 feet ($150; kodak.com).
*Freeze your Head - the brilliance behind ThermaHelm's design is its simplicity; Upon impact, the helmet triggers a chemical reaction that cools the rider's head, reducing swelling ($475; thermahelm.com).
*Analyze This - Pedal Brain is an app/accessory that mounts your iPhone or iPod Touch on your handlebars and works with wireless sensors to compile and analyze the largest amount of training and racing data of any device out there. You can also download it all to an onine training log ($169 to $199; pedalbrain.com).
'April' is the Best Time to buy...Raincoats; shop sales at retailers like Wilsons Leather & Kenneth Cole for up to 25% off.
Comparison Shopping Websites-these URLs will help you find the lowest prices on thousands of items; from day-to-day essentials (groceries, pain meds) to now-and-then splurges (a Kate Spade handbag, a flat-screen television).
**CouponCabin.com - type in the item you want and this site will tell you prices at more than 2000 retailers (including price, taxes, shipping, & availability).
**Giftcardgranny.com - score discounted gift cards from various stores in one handy location. You can find cards from iTunes, Old Navy, and Michaels for up to 50% off, plus free shipping.
**Pricegrabber.com - browse items by category, or create a price alert for a specific product. Also try its free iPhone app.
**ShopitTome.com - select your favorite brands (like J.Crew, Nike,& Tory Burch) and your size & receive an e-mail list of items that are on sale from online retailers.
**Slickdeals.net - search for a product and you'll find discounts submitted by fellow users. Comments may reveal even better deals.
Tomorrow ---- 3 Ways to Avoid Getting Audited!
*Rookie To Watch - Buster Posey highly touted prospect & big-league Giants catcher
*Run the Wave - Reebok's new (and rather, uh..subtle) ZigTech running shoe works like a springy-retaining & transferring energy through oneself-to propel you forward. This new kind of energy transfer-resulting in 21% less wear & tear on your muscles, for starters-should allow you to add more mileage to your runs ($100; reebok.com)
*Submersible Shooter - the pocket-size Kodak Playsport waterproof video camera captures 1080p HD shots at depths of up to 10 feet ($150; kodak.com).
*Freeze your Head - the brilliance behind ThermaHelm's design is its simplicity; Upon impact, the helmet triggers a chemical reaction that cools the rider's head, reducing swelling ($475; thermahelm.com).
*Analyze This - Pedal Brain is an app/accessory that mounts your iPhone or iPod Touch on your handlebars and works with wireless sensors to compile and analyze the largest amount of training and racing data of any device out there. You can also download it all to an onine training log ($169 to $199; pedalbrain.com).
'April' is the Best Time to buy...Raincoats; shop sales at retailers like Wilsons Leather & Kenneth Cole for up to 25% off.
Comparison Shopping Websites-these URLs will help you find the lowest prices on thousands of items; from day-to-day essentials (groceries, pain meds) to now-and-then splurges (a Kate Spade handbag, a flat-screen television).
**CouponCabin.com - type in the item you want and this site will tell you prices at more than 2000 retailers (including price, taxes, shipping, & availability).
**Giftcardgranny.com - score discounted gift cards from various stores in one handy location. You can find cards from iTunes, Old Navy, and Michaels for up to 50% off, plus free shipping.
**Pricegrabber.com - browse items by category, or create a price alert for a specific product. Also try its free iPhone app.
**ShopitTome.com - select your favorite brands (like J.Crew, Nike,& Tory Burch) and your size & receive an e-mail list of items that are on sale from online retailers.
**Slickdeals.net - search for a product and you'll find discounts submitted by fellow users. Comments may reveal even better deals.
Tomorrow ---- 3 Ways to Avoid Getting Audited!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
How Twitter can Help you Save! 4/3/2010
Many retailers now advertise limited-time sales, coupon codes, and free-shipping offers through Twitter. In less than five minutes, you can create an account on twitter.com and subscribe to specific companies or check out feeds that combine discounts from multiple e-retailers. Here are the top streams worth following and a sampling of deals offered by each.
Retailers**
@amazondeals - Calphalon Commercial 12-quart stockpot with lid for $40(orig $61).
@expedia - round-trip flight from San Fran to Washington, D.C. from $199.
@homedepotdeals - 40 percent off select Hunter ceiling fans.
@kayak - Travel packages to Paris starting at $719.
@kmartdealsnnews - Samsung SL40 digital camera for $70 (regularly $130).
@overstock - 30% off a handwoven Chaitali Border Sisal Rub.
Discount Feeds**
@cheaptweet - $499 for a Sharp 42-inch 1080p LCD HDTV plus free shipping.
@couponbot - $20 off a purchase of $125 or more at Ace Hardware.
@dealtaker - Gevalia Coffee Maker, now only $25 (regularly $65).
@ebates - Free skin-care-product samples with any purchase of $25 or more at Sephora.
@momswhosave - $25 restaurant.com gift certificate for $4, and a free $15 gift card to FTD.
[these offers are representative only].
Well I'm going to add these! Great deals come up all the time! Happy Easter to ALL!
Retailers**
@amazondeals - Calphalon Commercial 12-quart stockpot with lid for $40(orig $61).
@expedia - round-trip flight from San Fran to Washington, D.C. from $199.
@homedepotdeals - 40 percent off select Hunter ceiling fans.
@kayak - Travel packages to Paris starting at $719.
@kmartdealsnnews - Samsung SL40 digital camera for $70 (regularly $130).
@overstock - 30% off a handwoven Chaitali Border Sisal Rub.
Discount Feeds**
@cheaptweet - $499 for a Sharp 42-inch 1080p LCD HDTV plus free shipping.
@couponbot - $20 off a purchase of $125 or more at Ace Hardware.
@dealtaker - Gevalia Coffee Maker, now only $25 (regularly $65).
@ebates - Free skin-care-product samples with any purchase of $25 or more at Sephora.
@momswhosave - $25 restaurant.com gift certificate for $4, and a free $15 gift card to FTD.
[these offers are representative only].
Well I'm going to add these! Great deals come up all the time! Happy Easter to ALL!
Go Green Fashion Friday 4/30
Go Green Fashion Friday!
Lexus RiverCenter
633 W 3rd St
Covington, KY 41011-1203
Friday, April 30
6-9 p.m.
Want to be earth friendly and fashion savvy at the same time? Join us for an eco friendly fashion show featuring trends by the Mustard Seed Boutique and Alternative Motive that are good for the earth and look fab too. Enjoy a cocktail and make your friends green with envy with your new environmentally friendly finds from our vendors.
Enter to win a free weekend Lexus lease and a beautiful silver bracelet from Richter and Phillips.
Event is free to attend
No R.S.V.P required
Brought to you by Cincy Chic (www.cincychic.com), an online publication for women in Greater Cincinnati
Sponsored by Lexus RiverCenter
Co-hosted by Green Drinks Mason and Potterhill Homes
Lexus RiverCenter
633 W 3rd St
Covington, KY 41011-1203
Friday, April 30
6-9 p.m.
Want to be earth friendly and fashion savvy at the same time? Join us for an eco friendly fashion show featuring trends by the Mustard Seed Boutique and Alternative Motive that are good for the earth and look fab too. Enjoy a cocktail and make your friends green with envy with your new environmentally friendly finds from our vendors.
Enter to win a free weekend Lexus lease and a beautiful silver bracelet from Richter and Phillips.
Event is free to attend
No R.S.V.P required
Brought to you by Cincy Chic (www.cincychic.com), an online publication for women in Greater Cincinnati
Sponsored by Lexus RiverCenter
Co-hosted by Green Drinks Mason and Potterhill Homes
Friday, April 2, 2010
5 new uses for NEW things
*CROCS as hanging Planters - before you retire those gardening clogs, consider this: You can use them as hanging planters (the holes are perfect for drainage) Line the toes with moss, then plant pansies, violas, or pincuchion ivy. Hang them by the heel strap.
*Cupcake carrier as knickknack organizer - for the 359 days of the year when you're Not hauling cupcakes, use the cups to store jewelry or craft supplies.
*Silicone cutting board as place mat - no more crying over spilled milk from tumbled cereal bowls, thanks to this nonslip surface.
*Digital camera as New-City navigator - spare yourself the embarrassment of looking like a tourist. Snap a photo of your map and it will look as if you're scrolling through snapshots, not street names! :)
*UGG Boot as pot holder - over the UGG craze? Cut a square from the shaft of a boot and use it to grab hot pot handles. Just be sure to clean the shearling first.
HAPPY EASTER Holiday too ALL! don't forget to SMILE! this weekend!
*Cupcake carrier as knickknack organizer - for the 359 days of the year when you're Not hauling cupcakes, use the cups to store jewelry or craft supplies.
*Silicone cutting board as place mat - no more crying over spilled milk from tumbled cereal bowls, thanks to this nonslip surface.
*Digital camera as New-City navigator - spare yourself the embarrassment of looking like a tourist. Snap a photo of your map and it will look as if you're scrolling through snapshots, not street names! :)
*UGG Boot as pot holder - over the UGG craze? Cut a square from the shaft of a boot and use it to grab hot pot handles. Just be sure to clean the shearling first.
HAPPY EASTER Holiday too ALL! don't forget to SMILE! this weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)