Friday, November 19, 2010

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. 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

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!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

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

Friday, November 12, 2010

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!!!

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

Thursday, November 11, 2010

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!





Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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

Sunday, November 7, 2010

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.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

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!!!





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!