Favorite products, happenings, & trends

1. PJ Perfection: snuggle up in these handmade linen pajamas from Sandmaiden Sleepwear. Custom fit to your body and colored with low-impact dyes, they'll give you a great reason not to get out of bed in the morning. Sleep shirt $80, boxer shorts $48, sandmaiden.etsy.com
2. Taken and Bake: there's nothing quite like slicing into a loaf of homemade bread. So be the bearer of just-baked goodness by whipping up a batch of quick bread and delivering it to friends in these handy(and just-rustic-enough)wooden bakers. Get ready to bake, give, and rise among the ranks of friend popularity in one fell swoop. Set of 6, $15, kingarthurflour.com
3. One World: glance at a Futre Map, and you might wonder, "How'd Africa lose so much weight?" Pre-1970s cartographers used straight lines of longitude that distorted countries near the poles-Greenland alone ballooned by 554 percent. But Future Maps' equal-area projections produce a flat map that keeps everything in proper proportion. Plus, the bright gradient colors blur country bounds and put the world in a new perspective. Starting at about $40, futuremaps.co.uk
4. Send Love: the message in a Bottle Letter Service from Miniature Rhino is sheer love-liness, bottled and corked. Send a message to your loved one in a glass vial and choose a charm and wax seal with the letter of your choice. $18, miniaturerhino.com For the long-distance lover, this letterpress postcard from Rar Rar Press is proof that love can make far, far away seem like mere inches. Request stamped hearts on your specific locations, and feel the miles start to melt away. $3 rarrarpress.etsy.com For the one who blinded you with science, a geek chic card from Clementine Press says it all: "You plus me equals chemistry." $3 clementinepress.etsy.com
5. Clog-tastic: if you put a pair of Swedish Hasbeens in the ground, it could biodegrade along with your veggie scraps-that's how eco-friendly it is. The shoes come in bright, vegetable-dyed hues and are made with sustainable wood and natural-grain leather. Slip in Super High, $172, swedishhasbeens.com or generra.com
6. Check Your Coat: Kristen Wentrcek from Wintercheck Factory wanted an extra-functional storage unit that could hold shoes, bags, keys, and other stray things. "For the Arthur, we added stroage components and utilized a cleat to free up floor space," Wentrcek says. And the name?"It's named after Jerry Stiller's character on The King of Queens, Arthur Spooner. $295, wintercheckfactory.com
7. Stick to It: It's happened to all of us at one time or another: too much glue on a paper craft and--bam! It's ruined. But after trying out a Scotch Wrinkle-Free Glue Stick for the travel journal project, we think we've found a new go-to. With a few swipes of adhesive, our rogue edges and wrinkles were under control. About $3, scotchbrand.com
8. Milky Smooth: well-made soap can be a daily indulgence, especially if it comes in a cute box with a cow on it. Hailing from Japan, Cow Beauty Soap has been in production for more than 100 years. The milk base can reduce redness and skin irritations--perfect for winter skin. Lather up! $6, hickorees.com
9. Eco-Clean: almost six years ago, Robin Levine set out to combat toxic chemicals in cleaning supplies after her sister was diagnosed with cancer. Her Eco-Me line uses all-natural ingredients like vinegar and olive oil that you can get premixed or as a DIY kit. Healthy products that clean like the dickens? We're in. Starting at $6, eco-me.com
10. Flight Risk: wrap a pair of these Hermes-inspired pant legs around your ankles to keep your bike chain--and your pants--snag-free. Windrider Reflective Bicycle Clips, $18, aplusrstore.com

EVERYONE HAVE AN INCREDIBLE WEEK! & REMEMBER TO SMILE & BE NICE! :)

What's To Fear...

What's to fear? The color-what else do you eat that's this purple? They're also weirdly shaped and can be really slimy on the inside if you prepare them wrong.

Get Over It: Make sure you buy the
right fruit. Always pick smaller egg-plants. Full-size ones may have hard
seeds and can be bitter. Choose a firm, smooth skinned eggplant that's
heavy for its size; avoid those with
soft or brown spots. Gently push the
middle with your thumb. If the flesh
gives slightly but then bounces back,
its ripe. If the identification remains,
its overripe and the insides will be mushy.
The easiest way to to prep an
eggplant is to cut it in slices and grill it.
For a quick eggplant parm, clip the
spices in egg and bread crumbs, then
bake with pasta sauce and cheese.

SMILE! BE NICE & T.G.I.F.!!!

Fast And Furious 5 (Official Trailer) HD

Niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

All You Need in Your Cleaning Cabinet

*Latex gloves that extend to the forearms, for serious leverage
*Half-height bucket that fits under the faucet and holds plenty
*Distilled white vinegar, for cutting boards, coffee stains & even sanitizing the wishwasher or washing machine
*High-octane disinfectant, to kill bacteria in the bathroom
*Mild abrasive, for everything from stainless-steel pans to rust and lime marks
*All-purpose cleaner in a scent you love
*Disposable wipes, for quick jobs, like fixtures and floor corners
*Nylon sponges with soft and scrubber sides
*Microfiber cloths need just a spritz of water to clean (and nothing at all to dust)

THE EXPERTS

Don Aslett, author or No Time to Clean!(Marsh Creek Press)
Carolyn Barnes, creator of Clean Momma(cleanmomma.com)a regimen that merges exercise with cleaning
Gisela Lowenstein, creator of a cleaning-and-organizing method called the Glow System

BE NICE! SMILE! GIVE UP YOUR PARKING SPACE, BUY SOMEONE'S COFFEE IN THE MORNING :)

INCREDIBLE!!! PEACEFUL!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6OeGhFfqbQ&feature=player_embedded

All You Need in Your Desk Drawer

*Black permanent marker, for addressing packages
*Silver one, to use on dark paper
*An angle tip highlighter
*Personal stationery, for heartfelt notes
*Forever stamps, do you don't have to worry about changes in the postal rate
*Correction tape, to fix mistakes(similar to the liquid stuff)but w/o drying the time
*Favorite pens: Use(and lose)only one at a time
*Mechanical pencils, so you don't need a bulky sharpener
*Classic stapler in bright color that's easy to spot, in case it escapes the room
*Small and large sticky notes, for reminders, shopping lists and epiphanies
*Weighted tape dispenser that holds a fat roll of tape
*Paper clips aesthetically pleasing cost about same as standard ones
*Titanium scissors, because they stay sharp for years

THE EXPERTS

Beth Alcazar, organizing & cleaning blogger(getneater.blogspot.com)
Heather NcNulty, co-owner of the stationery shop Rock Paper Scissors, in Charlottesville, Virginia
Donna Smallin, author of A to Z Storage Solutions(Storey Publishings)

SMILE! BE HAPPY :)

All You Need in Your Tool Kit

*Putty Knife, for removing old caulk or opening paint cans
*Standard flat-nose claw hammer(12-16ounces)with a steel head
*Multihead screwdriver: Phillips-head, flathead,& Torx(six point star shape)
*12-volt cordless drill, for DIY work, like hanging curtains, mounting heavy art
*Assorted fasteners: a kit with nuts, bolts, washers, anchors, nails, various sizes
*Duct tape, for quick fixes, like patching a torn bicycle seat
*Metal tape measure that's at least an inch wide, so it won't flop when extended
*C-clamp, for holding together glued pieces while they dry
*Needle-nose pliers, for minor jewelry repairs & pulling out small nails
*Adjustable wrench, instead of a set with different sizes
*WD-40, for lubing bike chains and loosening rusty hinges
*Slip-joint pliers, which adjust to grip items of various sizes
*Crosscut saw, 14 to 16 inches long, for small carpentry projects

THE EXPERTS

Ken Brooks, owner of Northbrook Construction Management, in North Bend, Washington
Tim Chopko, carpenter in Newark, Delaware
Janet Rickstrew, cofounder and CEO of girl-friendly tool company Tomboy Tools (tomboytools.com)

SMILE TODAY, FLOSS, EAT AN APPLE, DRINK WATER, ENJOY THE SUN OUTDOORS! BE NICE :)

All You Need in Your Utensil Drawers

*Instant-read thermometer, to take the guesswork out of steaks, chops & roasts
*Microplane grater, for cheese, citrus zests, ginger, chocolate & garlic
*Straight-edge wooden spoon, for getting in the corners of saucepans
*Classic wooden spoon, for everything else
*Natural-bristle basting brush, holds more liquid than silicone versions
*Nesting measuring cups conserve space
*Stainless-steel measuring spoons last longer than plastic ones
*Metal spatula, for pancakes, burgers, & cookies
*Can opener that pops bottles, too
*Large slotted spoon, to scoop food out of boiling water
*Long tongs, for tossing salads, turning chops & plucking veggies from a steamer
*Standard spoon for sauces
*Y-shaped peeler, more control than the standard variety
*Silicone spatula, for mixing & getting the last bits of batter from the bowl
*Vegetable scrubber, palm-size, offers serious leverage
*Mini offset spatula, to free lasagnas, frittatas, and brownies(to frost cupcakes)
*Whisk, to get air into eggs and batter
*Fish spatula, thin, flexible, perfect for fragile foods, flounder to eggs
*Ladle, for soups, stews and sauces
*Potato masher, great for breaking up canned whole tomatoes for sauce

THE EXPERTS

Sara Moulton, TV chef/author of Sara Moulton's Everyday Family Dinners(Simon & Schuster)
Ilana Rosengarten, graphic designer, blogger(mommyshorts.com)NYC resident with an impossibly small kitchen
Jennifer Rubell, author of Real Life Entertaining(Harper Collins)

LAUGH, SMILE, BE HAPPY!

All You Need in Your Medicine Cabinet

*Children's ibuprofen and acetaminophen (your doctor may recomment either)
*Calamine lotion, for insect bites & exposure to itch-inducing plants
*Hydrocortisone cream, for rashes, eczema & skin irritation
*Antibiotic ointment, for killing bacteria & soothing cuts
*Alcohol pads, instead of a big bottle, for disinfecting
*Flexible bandages, in a multipack, sum giant-size ones for big scrapes
*Kid's cough medicine, in a favorite flavor
*Shea butter, for chapped lips and cheeks
*Floss picks, easier for kids
*Dental floss, better for adults
*One tube of toothpaste, stock extras where there's more room
*Replacement toothbrushes, for forgetful overnight guests
*Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for adult aches
*Benadryl, an oral antihistamine, for allergic reactions
*Hard-core cough syrup [Robitussin] for grown-ups
*Saline nasal spray: a small bottle for each family member, so you don't pass germs
*Chewable antacids work for kids and adults
*A digital thermometer, quicker and safer than the breakable version
*Tweezers with angled tips, for splinters
*A small nail clipper

THE EXPERTS:

Betsy Ellis, school nurse in Memphis
Jenny Kuzjak, ER nurse in Charlottesville, Virginia
Julie Kardo & Naline Lai, pediatricians in Bucks County,PA & founders of the blog Two Peds in a Pod (twopedsinapod.com)

REMEMBER TO BE NICE! SMILE! & HOLD THE DOOR FOR SOMEONE TODAY :)

Amazing Hand Dancing (with a straight face yet!) - more than 4,000,000 views

Amazing Hand Dancing (with a straight face yet!) - more than 4,000,000 views

http://www.socialnetworking-weblog.com/29561591/companies_to_invest_more_in_social_networking_presence_in_2011_study_reveals.php

http://www.socialnetworking-weblog.com/29561591/companies_to_invest_more_in_social_networking_presence_in_2011_study_reveals.php

Very True. Look into my company: http://infotrustllc.com and please email me, eric@infotrustllc.com with any questions you might have re: a digital media marketing campaign for your business or individually. Thanks for viewing InfoTrust

BlackBerry Storm 3 Spy Pics and Specs Point to September Launch [REPORT]

BlackBerry Storm 3 Spy Pics and Specs Point to September Launch [REPORT]
Which do you prefer? Verizon iPhone or BlackBerry Storm 3 ?

Verizon iPhone Available in Late January? [UPDATED]

Verizon iPhone Available in Late January? [UPDATED]
Comments please?

LinkedIn Secrets To Success..

5 Ways to Get the Most from the Most Overlooked Social Network!

Plenty has been written about Facebook and Twitter, and how those sites can help you make more money online. Yet, LinkedIn - a very powerful tool to target business professionals - remains under the radar.


http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/pages/linkedin-secrets-to-success.aspx

Useful tidbits, timely trivia - TGIF!

17 - the number of letters in " quasquicentennial ", the tongue-twisting term for a 125th anniversary. On February 2, the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, will celebrate the quasquicentennial of Groundhog Day. And the next time you feel like you're stuck in a rut--well, just think about poor Punxsutawney Phil.

6000+ - the number of cards in Hallmark's 2011 Valentine's Day collection. The company paid 12 writers to spend their days penning those love notes (just not to one another) On another note(ha), check out the new Real Couples, Real Funny line. One gem: "You had me at 'babysitter." :)

45% - How much less moderate pain 15 college students felt while looking at their significant others. In a recent study, conducted by a team of neuro-scientists at Stanford University and the State University of New york at Stony Brook, a hot probe - yikes! - was placed in the palm of each subject's hand as he or she gazed at the face of his or her paramour.(These were relatively new relationships, mind you--nine months long or less.) The study study concluded that moments of intense passion can be as effective at blocking pain as powerful drugs, such as morphine and cocaine.

$711.66 - the amount paid for Frederick Douglass's freedom by his friends in 1846. The bill of sale, along with more than 200 artifacts celebrating African American culture and achievement, can be seen from February 2 to May 1 at the National Geographic Museum, in Washington, D.C., in the exhibition America I AM: The African American Imprint. The exhibition will visit 10 metropolitan locations over the next three tears.

500 - the most avocados a single California avocado tree can produce in one year. Holy guacamole! Hass avocados, which make up 95 percent of California's avocado output(the Golden State is the nation's largest producer), are entering their peak season, so stock up. After all, February is American Heart Month, and the fruit (yes it's a fruit) is full of good monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.

146 :) - how many muscles are used to smooch, according to A Compendium of Kisses (Harlequin, $14) In the book, author Lana Citron dives into what's really behind a kiss, including the various styles and cultural meanings. In Africa, for example, Citron discovered that some tribes don't kiss on the mouth for fear of losing their souls. (Now, that would be a stolen kiss)!

T.G.I.F!! SMILE, LEND A HELPING HAND, BUY LUNCH + A GLASS OF WINE FOR ANOTHER :)

5 things worth admitting to..

In this era of TMI tweets and status updates, we often offer up the most trivial details while keeping the important stuff to ourselves. Here, five experts weigh in on what's really worth sharing.

1. You don't have all the answers: By and large, people don't like to live in the realm of "not knowing." It's terrifying. Which is why everybody wants to have all the answers. Atheists think science has the answers. Religious fundamentalists believe their particular theology does. But "not knowing" is a richer and more gratifying place to be. I have no idea what's going to happen to me, why the universe is the way it is, or what will happen to my life force once my body stops working. You probably don't, either. So just breathe and live in the great, beautiful mystery. And floss reg.
Rainn Wilson, Dwight on 'The Office', also co-founder of the website SoulPancake.com

2. You spent a small fortune on yourself: Even in this day and age, many people still don't level with their spouses about how much they paid for some coveted service or item, like a salon treatment or a fancy grill. Indeed, it can be difficult to own up to, say, a $70 haircut at a chic salon when your husband shells out just $22 at the barber. But keeping money secrets in a relationship creates bigger conflicts down the road. Sure, in this economy, sharing such information may lead to a discussion about cutting back. But your partner will also get a better understanding of what you value most-and those conversations will ultimately bring the two of you closer.
Terri Orbuch, PH.D. is a marriage & family therapist

3. Everything: Be frank about your age, your sexual orientation, your criminal record(if you have one), your tattoos, your scars, and your prescriptions. Admit to your bad moods, your neuroses, your fantasies, and your fears and it will be so cathartic you won't need therapy. Better still, you'll be able to gossip without hypocrisy. I am candid about myself in my column, and that frees me to investigate the private lives of public figures. The same applies to everyday gossiping: No one can fault you for talking about other's indiscretions if you're the first to reveal those things about yourself.
Michael Musto, a gossip write, La Dolce Musto, in the Village Voice for 26 years

4. Your house is usually a disaster area: The next time you entertain, don't pretend that your place is always perfect. It's as annoying as a stick-thin model saying she eats lke a horse. If someone compliments your home, be honest and say, "I've spent the last two days cleaning up. You have no idea what was behind this side-board." It's impossible to keep it together at all times. Wouldn't you rather be friends with someone who owns up to her imperfections? I know I would.
Yifat Oren, an event planner in Los Angeles

5. You're tired of hearing about it: Life is too short to listen to people talk about the same problems over & over again. I have a friend who is often in victim mode. If she calls me to rant at the end of a long day, I'll say to her, "I love you, but I can listen for only three minutes and then I have to go." I'm not cruel. I'll say it in a lighthearted way. That helps soften the blow. Friends have to be honest with each other to have emotionally healthy relationships. Otherwise we would all be screening every call, and that's not how I want to live.
Judith Orloff, Psychiatrist & author of "Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself From Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life."

SMILE! TODAY, HELP OTHERS :)

Not For Sale | Faces of Slavery

No-Gut Fill-Up Nutrition

You don't need to scrimp on protein, vitamins & minerals-or taste-to lose weight. These nutrient packed eats give you so much bang for your buck, you'll never get hungry.

Pork Tenderloin (6oz cooked 244 calories)
*High in protein & lower in calories than boneless, skinless chicken breast, tenderloin also packs 3x as much zinc, a vitamin essential for muscle repair & DNA production.
Cook It: *Mix a few of your favorite fresh herbs and spices and rub on meat's surface. Toss it on a hot grill or roast in the oven at 425"
*Marinate in 1 cup of apple juice concentrate, mixed with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp crushed dried rosemary, & 2 finely chopped garlic cloves. Broil until lightly charred.
*Cut 1lb trimmed tenderloin crosswise into 1/2 thick pieces. Flatten with a meat mallet to 1/4" thick slices. Saute the meat in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil about 2 mins each side. Remove meat from pan, add 1/2 cup sliced shallots, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, 2 tbsp each lemon juice & Dijon mustard & if you want a bit of a salty, peppery bite-a couple of tbsp of capers. Mix everything together, return pork to pan & simmer for 1 minute. Let the meat rest a few mins. Season to taste with salt & pepper before serving.

Fat-Free cottage cheese (1 cup, 104 calories)
*Each serving has nearly a third the protein of sirloin steak, none of the fat & almost twice as much bone-building calcium as half a glass of milk. Plus you can eat it plain or mixed with almost anything.
Fix It: *Combine a cup of cottage cheese with 1/2 cup of thick & chunky salsa; serve with toasted whole wheat pita bread chips.
*Stir 1/2 cup of cottage cheese into warm or cold pasta dishes, such as pasta salad or spaghetti with marinara sauce.
*Skip cream cheese in favor of cottage cheese on whole-wheat English muffins.
*For a lean dessert, blend 3/4 cup cottage cheese in food processor until smooth then add 1/4 cup fat free lemon yogurt. Stir in as many fresh or frozen thawed, sliced strawberries as you want.

Quinoa (1 cup cooked, 222 calories)
*This nutty-tasting grain is remarkable for its high protein content, particularly the amino acid lysine(which your body needs to build muscle)A cooked cup boasts 5 grams of filling fiber, 30% of the daily value for magnesium, and nearly 10% of your daily potassium needs. It also provides the raw marerials for building superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that guards cells against damage while working out.
Cook It: *Serve mixed into stir-fry vegetable & meat dishes
*For a hearty salad, toss cold, cooked quinoa with raw or cooked vegetables and cooked chopped chicken.
*Add 1/4 cup raisins to warm cooked quinoa for an instant breakfast
*Stir cooked quinoa into your favorite canned or frozen vegetable soup.

Tomatoes (1 medium, 22 calories)
*Almost 95% of their weight is water, which is why they're an easy way to fill your belly and squelch cravings. They're also high in vitamin C to fight infection, beta carotene for vitamin A production and lycopene, which helps to protect your prostate
Fix It: *For a DIY salsa, mix chopped red onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers to taste. The calories are nil-eat as much as you want.
*To make a chilled soup, puree' fresh chopped tomatoes, peeled cucumbers, red bell peppers, red onions and celery in a food processor. Season & serve.
*Mix canned chunky tomatoes with freshly sauteed garlic and onions, Add benas for chili or add fresh basil to serve over whole wheat pasta.
*Make your own pizza substitute by spreading low-fat shredded cheddar cheese and sliced tomatoes over a whole-wheat tortilla. Nuke until warm.

SMILE TODAY! & HONOR YOUR MOM AND DAD :)

$ Discount & Deals: Snow-Day Staples

The cure for cabin fever: These products, hand selected will keep you entertained when it's frightful outdoors.

1.) One Up! Word Game: if scrabble is a bit S-L-O-W for your taste, try this fast-paced alternative. Original Price: $11.25, uppityshirts.com

2.) 'Futurama' Volume 5/24: The Complete Series/Glee Gift Set - Laugh over the mishaps of a cryogenically frozen cartoon, watch the clock tick as Jack Bauer fights the bad guys, or sing along with the kids at McKinley High. Original Price: $30 plus free shipping, foxconnect.com

3.) Jimmy Beans Wool Scarf Kit: Everything you need to keep your neck warm(by 2012, perhaps?): four skeins of Rowan yarn(available in two color sets)needles, and an online pattern Original Price: $56(crochet) jimmybeanswool.com

4.) Nantucket Throw From Z Gallerie: Curl up under this cotton cable-knit blanket with your favorite page-turner. Original Price: $70 zgallerie.com

5.) Great Card Games for One Activity Book: Tired of solitaire confinement? Try one of these 100 variations. Original Price: $8 spoonsisters.com

6.) Urban Accents Popcorn & Seasonings Set: Dust cooked kernels with one of three toppings(dill pickle, white Cheddar or kettle corn) Original Price: $21 urbanaccents.com

SMILE! HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYBODY :) BE NICE TO PEOPLE, LEND A HELPING HAND TODAY!

Green Drinks Mason + The Wine Guy Bistro

http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1596272030219&sk=messages#!/event.php?eid=115731511831373 Coming January 26 - Looking forward too meeting some NEW wine friends! Thank You