Favorite Pet Food

Love your dog or cat? Get them a great pet food! This brand is my current favorite dog food brand Castor & Pollux Pet Works. This is one of the reasons I was sold onto this brand. "Beyond complying with stringent USDA organic regulations that extend from field to bowl, we use independent labs to test all inbound ingredients prior to production, and again to test all finished products for toxins and contaminants before any product is released for sale."


With all the recalls happening nowadays I want to play it safe with my pets and that gives me comfort in knowing my dog is eating safe food. Also, the product in itself is also awesome go check out the ingredients! Free range chicken? No corn, wheat, or meat by-products. It also includes a many organic ingredients! I love feeding my dog this healthy food and she loves eating it! 


http://www.castorpolluxpet.com/store/organix/organix%C2%AE_adult_canine_formula

http://www.castorpolluxpet.com/

www.shenanigansdaily.blogspot.com

Feed The Homeless

Christmas time is when many families prepare huge feasts. Most of this food remains uneaten and becomes leftovers, soon they end up in the garbage. So this year I think it may be a good idea to package the uneaten portions and hand them off to organizations that deal with feeding the homeless. Also, I read online that one organization started when one man started distributing food from the trunk of his car to homeless people in need. So if you're able get together with a group of friends and maybe distribute some food to the needy in your area.

I see it happening all the time. Why not be a part of something good?

Favorite Nail Polish 2010

OPI- Bubble Bath

What can I say about this color but it is timeless. I will always have it in my collection. It's beautiful and every single person complements me on it. Also, it is the same color that Giada De Laurentiis wears on her Food Network cooking shows. 2 coats make it perfect.


Essie-Berry Hard

This color is a very dark red. So dark that it seems from far away it is brown. It's simply delicious!


OPI-Samoan Sand

The name describes the color -it is a peachy sand color. Almost matches pale skin tone. It's wonderful and I love it. 2 coats make it perfect.


OPI- DS Radiance

I just got this today and I really like it. I think it is perfect for a night out or for New Year's. It is super silver and not just nail color with silver glitter in it ( which I cannot stand ). This color is new and is also apart of OPI's designer series.


Essie-Hot Coco

I have been looking for color like this for years and finally found it in this color! It is new for 2010 and is the color of well you guessed it! Hot Coco! :)


Essie-Playa Del Platinum

I really like this color it is a marriage of white and gray ,which everyone knows is what is the current trend.

OPI-William Tell Me About OPI

I really like this color it is similar to one of my other picks (Essie's Berry Hard), but it is more of a very dark purple rather then a red.



OPI-You Don't Know Jacques!

I just got this color today and the girl at the store told me it is their current best seller. She said it's a dark gray color and that is what is the current trend but it looks more dark brownish to me. It is also now one of my favorites. It is also kind of similar to my other pick Essie's Hot Coco.

Holiday Toy Shopping Tip

Last year I bought toy gifts for the kids in my family. I would finish buying something then an ad the next day would have something great as well for a super deal. So I would go and purchase that as well. This happened all the way up to Christmas. I ended up with a lot of gifts. This year I have done some shopping but I am waiting for the last couple of weeks because Toys R Us, and Target tend to have last minute super deals that go on sale.  So if you have not found that perfect gift for a perfect price for a child don't panic. Just look for the ads.

Delicious And Healthy Breakfast Idea

I have heard pearled barley is very healthy to eat. Even read somewhere it may be even healthier for breakfast then oatmeal! I have come up with a yummy recipe and I hope you will try it.

Ingredients:

1) 1 cup pearled barley

2) 2 cups water

3) 1/2 tsp cinnamon

3) 1 tsp pepitas

4) 1/4 cup berries of your choice 

5) 1 palm full nuts of your choice 

6) 1 tbsp maple syrup, or honey.

Steps:

1) Rinse the pearled barley, put it in a saucepan and add the water. Cover the pan and turn the heat to low (keep an eye on it so it won't burn or get mushy). Cook until all the water has been absorbed. I would say about 15-20 minutes. 

2) Let it sit a bit, about 5 minutes or so to rest.

3) Put some of the pearled barley in a heat safe bowl and let it sit again for a few minutes as to dry a bit. Then add the cinnamon, nuts, berries, pepitas, and sweetener. Mix and enjoy!!!

Recipe by: www.shenanigansdaily.blogspot.com

= YUMMY!!!

Great find!

I was at the store the other day and I was looking for some relief for my dry hands. I had read about Johnson & Johnson baby oil gel so I decided to check it out. Well the oil was too oily for me, I read you're supposed to put it on after the shower or when your hands are wet, but I wanted something more convenient. I stumbled upon Johnson & Johnson baby creamy oil in Aloe & Vitamin E. OMG, it is wonderful. Sinks in right away into my dry skin and absolutely no greasiness. I love it! It also comes in Shea and coco butter but I don't like the smell of coco butter products. I also noticed online I guess they make the regular scent one in a bigger bottle? This stuff is great and a must have for anyone! Check it out!

Trader Joe's Finds

Quite a few weeks ago I purchased from Trader Joe's some dog treats. And, I must say that even the most picky eatter will love them! My dog who is a picky eatter loves these treats and always looks forward to them. They are also organic. So if you have a dog or know someone you know with a dog this would be a good buy. They aren't that expensive either and they are quite large so for smaller breeds I recommend breaking them in half or smaller sizes.

The treats are called Trader Joe's Organic Dog Treats in Assorted Meat Flavors. The box is a pretty good size and includes 1pound of treats. So you might want to get some for your canine friend! He or she will be glad you did. Oh and they are cut out in cute shapes too as an added bonus. Some of the shapes include a single shoe, fire hydrants, cats, sofa, car, dog bone, and a squirrel. 

Volunteering For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving for many is a Holiday to give thanks for all that we have. I think it is also a good idea to volunteer to help out those that unfortunately are not as lucky. This website is a good site to find organizations to volunteer for in your area. You can volunteer for many types of organizations such as working with children, the disabled, the elderly, and animal organizations. Volunteering can go even further then just the Holiday season, volunteer year round if you are able. Check out this site and find a place to volunteer near you. http://www.takepart.com/

Thank You!

Baking Tools

If you're like me and you love to bake you need measuring spoons, mixing bowls, etc. Even if your not a person who is always baking something up you still on occasion with make some cookies or a box of Pillsbury cake. I used to use cheap quality plastic mixing spoons and bowls until I got into using stainless steel stuff because I find it to be a healthier option. I like the way that stainless steel looks as well. I do also use a large glass Pyrex mixing bowl which I love!

The mixing spoons and bowls I use are from Macys. You can also purchase them in store or online. They are awesome and I am so happy with them. The mixing bowl set has 4 bowls inside! The sizes vary from 5quart, 3 quart, 1.5 quart, and 24 oz. The regular price is $20.00 but they are always on sale for about $9-$10 so watch out for that.

Then there is the 10 piece measuring and prep set which includes 4 stainless steel measuring cups, 5 stainless steel measuring spoons, and a stainless steel 2 quart mixing bowl! This also goes around $20.00 as regular price but once again is always on sale for about $9-$10.

You can probably get these items cheaper if you search online for coupons or if you have them mailed to you by Macys if you're a Macy's cardholder.

With the Holidays coming up most people even if they only cook or bake once or twice a year will want to get these so I thought I would share!

 http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=279385&CategoryID=47102&LinkType=PDPZ1

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=108219&CategoryID=47178&LinkType=PDPZ1

How to: Stove Top Popcorn

It's Friday night! I found this video online and thought it would be a nice one to share with you guys. So get a movie, call a friend, and make some homemade popcorn.

Holiday Gifts

Do you have people in your life that like cool things? Are you looking to get a good deal on a gift that is thoughtful and awesome at the same time? This website has lots of items like that. And, when you shop here the money is going to a good cause! Check it out!!!

Items range from cloths to jewelry to even home and garden stuff.

https://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/site.do?siteId=310&adId=13413&placementId=1460&origin=ETH_111110_GlobalVillageBuilders_F

Black Bean Dip

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This recipe is very healthy, delicious, and is also vegetarian. Buying dried beans in bulk and storing them at home is always a good idea because they are always nice to have on hand and don't go bad for a very long time. They are inexpensive and healthy as well. Which is always a good thing. 

Ingredients:

1) 3 cups dried black beans
2) 1 tsp. kosher or sea salt
3) 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
4) 1 tsp ground red pepper
5) 1 tsp ground cumin

Directions:

1) Soak the beans overnight. Soak them in water that generously covers them and put them in a large bowl because they will absorb most of the water and expand.

2) The next day put the beans and all the spices in a large pot and cover with water that is 1 1/2- 2 inches above the beans.

3) Turn stove on to medium heat until the water begins to boil. Then once it does turn the heat to low.

4) Cook for 1 1/2- 2 hours until the beans have absorbed alot of the water but there is still some left (about half but no more or else the dip won't firm enough). Turn stove off and let beans rest a bit.

5) Either use a handheld immersion blender to puree the beans or put the beans in a regular blender. Blend until 99% of the beans are pured but 1% are still chunks or whole. Put beans back into the pot and boil while stirring for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is even thicker. The consistency you are looking for is that of a thinned out with a bit of water can of refried beans. But don't freak out because the mixture will thicken in the refrigerator or as it rests.

6) You can eat warm or cold. You can use this as a dip for chips, veggies, crackers. You can eat it out of a bowl with some sour cream and melted cheese, or you can even make a Pizza with it by spreading it onto tortilla or pita bread and topping off with mozzarella.

*Note: If you prefer the beans for some other use such as to make a black bean salad do not blend them and drain the remaining liquid after they are done cooking. Then cool them down and use them for that purpose.

Enjoy!

Recipe by www.shenanigansdaily.blogspot.com

Black Friday 2010

Here is a list of some websites that show the deals stores will be having for Black Friday 2010.

Remember if you don't find what you're looking for or can't make it to the stores you always have the opportunity to get some good deals online on Cyber Monday!

http://www.iblackfriday.com/

http://www.black-friday.net/

http://theblackfriday.com/

http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/

Delicious Penne With Turkey

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Ingredients:

1) 1 Box whole grain Penne Pasta
2) 1 Pound of ground lean turkey
3) 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
4) Jar of pasta sauce (I prefer Francesco Rinaldi Tomato Basil)
5) 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
6) 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
7) 2 tsp. salt
8) 2 tsp. ground black pepper
9) 1 tsp. ground red pepper
10) 2 tsp. dried oregano
11) 1 tsp. dried mint
12) 2 tsp. dried tarragon
13) 2 tsp. chopped garlic
14) 1 cup frozen chopped spinach
15) 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Steps:

1) Boil the pasta per instructions on the box. Drain and set aside when done.

2) While the pasta is cooking put the oil in deep pan along with the ground turkey. Cover on medium heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic ,and all the herbs and spice and mix the ground turkey breaking it into big chunks. Then add the mustard and mix. Lower the heat to low and let it cook for 15 minutes. Now it's time to add the pasta sauce and spinach. Mix and cover once again and let cook for another 5-10 minutes you might want to raise the heat a bit here.

3) Put the pasta back in its original pot and add the ground turkey onto it and mix to combine.

Enjoy!

Recipe by www.shenanigansdaily.blogspot.com

Ketchup

I LOVE ketchup. I put it on almost everything. In sandwiches, on eggs, on mac n cheese, and even on rice! I'm crazy for it. Well just recently I had ran out of my bottle of Heinz. So I stopped by the grocery store to get a bottle. I ended up getting the store brands organic ketchup because it was on sale ,and I was wowed.

Can ketchup get any better then it normally is?!?! The Answer is, YES it can!!! Organic ketchup uses real organic sugar and not that nasty corn syrup that is in EVERYTHING nowadays! That is why it tastes so amazing! Companies probably use corn syrup because it is cheaper for them to do so. I looked online and Heinz does make organic ketchup yay! So go ahead and try this stuff, I know you'll love it just as much as I do!

There are also many other companies that make organic ketchup so if you're more into trying their brands go ahead and do so. Annie's makes it too. And, while you're trying their ketchup, buy some of her yummy organic mac n cheese or my personal favorite their Organic Alfredo Shells & Cheddar too.

Amazing Pumpkin Butter Oatmeal

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Ingredients:

1) 1/2 cup steel cut oatmeal (I use Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oatmeal)

2) 1 1/2 - 2 Tbsp. Pumpkin Butter (I use Trader Joe's Brand)

3) Handful of unsalted nuts (I use whatever I have almonds, pecans, walnuts)

4) 2 tsp. Pepita or pumpkin seeds

5) 1 1/2 cups water

6) 1/3 cup Berries to top off (I used blueberries, and blackberries)

Directions:

1) Put the oatmeal in a saucepan along with all the ingredients other then the berries. Cook on very low heat stirring occasionally. When you see the bottom of the oatmeal is dry/stuck to the pan and the top is a bit foamy you should stir so the oatmeal does not burn. Cook until the oatmeal has absorbed the water and is soft and not runny. Kind of like rice. But this part is your preference. 

2) Turn stove off, and put your oatmeal in a bowl and top with the berries. I also recommend using a nonstick saucepan. 

Enjoy!!!

Recipe by: www.shenanigansdaily.blogspot.com

Trader Joe's Finds

I love shopping at Trader Joe's they have such great stuff. Most people go there for the food but I have to admit I like looking at all the other stuff they have too. I never before paid attention to their non edible products until they opened up a new store closer to home which led me to explore their aisles in turn I paid more attention to their other products as well.

I found one of the most amazing creams that I have used and as an added bonus the cream is also pretty inexpensive. It's called Trader Joe's A Midsummer Night's Cream. Moisturizing Cream Extra Dry Formula and it comes in a pump bottle that is 16 ounces. During this time of year the weather gets a bit windy which leads my skin to crave moisture. I need the good stuff now. I put this stuff on at night and by morning I am feeling good. It says it's unscented which I love because those heavily perfumed lotions I find pretty gross. It does however have a light natural smell. It says it is made from an herbal blend with aloe so I assume the smell from those ingredients.

I also LOVE that it is not tested on animals and it uses no animal by products! The cream has alot of oils in it which is probably why it works so well. When it goes on it can be a bit greasy but later on it kinda sinks in (It is not greasier then the average lotion though, to me anyway). If you're going to wear it out you should probably put it on after showering that way it will absorb into your skin and not leave a greasy feeling! I love this stuff you should check it out to if this sounds like something that might interest you!

Yummy Gingerbread Loaf

Yummy Gingerbread Loaf

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Ingredients:

1) 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2) 1 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder

3) 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

4) 1 teaspoon ground cloves

5) 2 teaspoons ground ginger

6) 1 cup sugar

7) 1 cup lowfat milk ;or you can use ( soymilk, ricemilk, or almond milk)

8) 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Optional: you can add nuts or dried fruit if you'd like

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1) Mix all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl

2) Mix all the wet ingredients in a separate mixing bowl

3) Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated

4) Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and pour the batter into the pan

Bake for about 40 minutes but keep your eyes on it to make sure the Gingerbread does not burn. Insert a toothpick into the Gingerbread and if it comes out clean the Gingerbread is ready to take out of the oven.

Note: You can also make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk to pour onto the Gingerbread. Or you can simply dust it with powdered sugar, or spoon on a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy!!!

Recipe by:  www.shenanigansdaily.blogspot.com

Copyright 2010 NM