If you’re in need of cleaning supplies, go to Target for super-cheap toilet brushes.
Buy 2 Up & Up toilet brushes, regular price $1.19. Use a 1.50 off two Up & Up household cleaning items coupon. Total: $0.44 each!
I like to stock up on these and bleach cleaner so I always have a full stockpile.
I drink a lot of water, which I know is good for me, but sometimes gets boring. I find that with a few simple additions, water can be much tastier! If you’re looking for something that’s low-cal, hydrating, and tastes awesome, try this recipe for Citrus Chillers.
You’ll need a clean pitcher, 2 oranges, and 1 lemon. Squeeze the citrus juice into the bottom of the pitcher. Add plain or sparkling water to fill. Mix well. Do a taste test. I like it tart, but if you need it sweeter, add a little Splenda or sugar. Chill until icy cold. If made with sparkling water, it needs to be drunk fairly soon; if plain water is used, it will keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
Pour into nice glasses. I like to add a twist of lemon for the snazziest look. Citrus Chillers make a great drink to serve at any summer party!
Do you like citrus?
Pins are an often overlooked accessory, and I can’t fathom why! They are so pretty and versatile. I think some ladies are unsure what type to buy and how to properly place them, so they skip pins all together.
Start by deciding if you want silver or gold. Look for small to medium-sized. For daily wear, I’d pick something simple that has a special meaning for you. If you identify closely with a certain symbol or animal, a pin is ideal. In my family, we all seem to be drawn to certain animals—cats, bees, alligators, butterflies, etc.
If you don’t like animals, try a leaf or a flower.
Birthstone pins are also awesome. I’m a turquoise (December), but I love February’s amethyst since purple is my favorite color. If you have a special man in your life that asks what gift you want, ask for a double-heart pin. You will think of him every time you wear it.
Now that you have a pin picked out, you may be wondering where to place it. Pins can be worn a variety of ways, some of which are unconventional:
* Lapel (If you’re left-handed, wear it on the left side and vice versa. We tend to lead with our dominant side and this gives the pin maximum exposure.)
* Collar (place in the center of a V-neck, Peter Pan, or crew)
* Shoulder (against shoulder blade, not on top)
* Dress (between the bust, can gather extra fabric if slightly bunchy)
* Hair (used to accentuate a bun, headband, or ponytail)
* Hat or Beret (tends to look retro, but in a good way)
* Scarf (can be done with a heavy winter scarf or light silk one)
* Skirt (place at the waistband, top must be tucked in for this look)
* Evening wear (try pinning to small clutch or shoes)
There’s a very good pin tutorial with many more ideas and pics here.
While pins are nearly goof-proof, there is one disaster we should all avoid and that’s overkill. I don’t recommend wearing more than 1 pin at a time, especially if you’re wearing other jewelry. It’s simply too much. Take a cue from Jennifer Aniston in Office Space; you really don’t need that much “flair” to be stylish.
Do you like pins?
BookLook Bloggers gave me a copy of The Loving Kitchen to review. The Loving Kitchen is a Southern food cookbook, written by popular food blogger, LeAnn Rice.
The tone of the book is very folksy and down-home, similar to Paula Deen. LeAnn shares her take on many Southern classics, like fried chicken, grits, BBQ, and sweet potatoes.
Most of her recipes are not suitable for the Jewish kitchen. There is way too much pork and meat/cheese combos. Those aren’t things I want to make, but I would adapt her basic recipes to suit my own tastes, if possible.
Another thing I didn’t care for was the high level of fat. Her version of spaghetti squash contains an entire stick of butter! That’s simply outrageous. My version contains none. I think the food would be good for a special occasion, but this shouldn’t be daily fare for anyone concerned with healthy eating.
I did enjoy her section on desserts. For a treat, any of them would be wonderful! Her take on peanut butter pie, banana pudding, and something called “Elvis Cupcakes” look especially tasty.
While I may not agree with LeAnn’s “calories be damned” attitude, I loved her ideas on using food to build bridges. Giving food to someone who’s hurting or experiencing stress is always a blessing—both for the giver and receiver. If someone you know is sick, or unemployed, or getting divorced, bring them a little something! It won’t go unappreciated.
I give The Loving Kitchen 5 stars for attitude, 3 stars for recipes, and 1 star for nutrition.