Posts

Showing posts from November, 2013

Foodie Friday: Chicken Stew--Gusiada

So we are taking a break from the holiday over stuff, if you live in colder climate then you want a rich, warming stew. In Latin America they call stew--Guisada Chicken Stew/Guisada: 1 whole chicken cut up 1 jar of Tomato Sofrito by Goya 2 Bell Peppers 1 Onion 3 Cloves of Garlic 2 Potato's Diced 1 package of peas 1 Tablespoon of Canola Oil Marinade chicken overnight with the Goya Tomato based Sofrito, and the three cloves of garlic. In a heavy cast iron pot, add oil on medium heat, when the oil is warm, then add the veggies until translucent, then add chicken and coat with the veggies add 1 cup of water and simmer on a low heat until chicken is thoroughly cooked, almost falling off the bone. Serve Hot in bowls, with a lemon spritzer and one piece of bread. Cheers to a hearty stew!

Gifts for Everyone for Under $25.00

Yup!! You read the title right gifts for everyone for under $25.00 You shouldn't dread opening your credit card statements in Dec. then thinking about what you shouldn't have bought. We scoured the net and did some pricing in the Mall here's what we found: Teen Girls: Sephora: Lace Glitter Head Bands 3 for $5.00 Chloe Perfume two mini bottles for 15.00 HSN: Two OPI Nail Polishes with the glitter bands for $15.00 Target: Dry Erase Board of ONE DIRECTION for $3.00 Burt's Bees Lip Balm Packet of 2 for $9.00 Kohl's Rosetti Crossbody Handbags for $15.00 all colors pewter and purple are my favorite colors!! Teen Boys: Young Boys: Carmex Lip Balm and Pocket Size Hand Lotion-- Duane Read $7.50 Microfiber Sheets for their electronics: $10.00 Gift Card for Game Night at Dave and Busters for $25.00 Sports Hat of Favorite Team from Sport Authority: $20.00 Young Adults: College Age til 26 1. Calendars: Men with Cats--Target: 3.00 2. Calendars: Wizard

Affordable Glam

We read in the paper about 20's being stopped at Barney's for buying expensive items, then earlier this year the movie the Bling Ring came out, about teens and 20's something's stealing expensive things from Paris Hilton's home. However, we all want and deserve nice trendy things, but some things are really nice and affordable without having to be stopped by the police or committing grand larceny. This segment is devoted to "Affordable Glam" We scoured the Internet for all our findings: Military style is all the rage right now here's our find: Military Style Dress in Green with a lace collar where? Simply Vera Wang at Kohls.com  price 29.99 go to retailmenot.com for additional codes for savings. Jeans: Skinny Jeans and Boot Cuts aren't going anywhere as well. Faded Glory Jeans at walmart.com  are 24.95 for two pairs Handbags: Again Kohl's came on top! Apt. 9 bag for 24.00 silver tone looks like a 3.1. Phillip Lam Nine West H

Foodie Friday: Thanksgiving Recipes

My favorite time of the year has arrived!! We are dusting off grandma recipes and making traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Chestnut Stuffing: 2 Jars of Steamed Chestnuts from williamsonoma.com . 2 large onion 2 stalks of celery 2 bunch of parsley 2 bell peppers 2 rolls of turkey breakfast sausage 2 package of seasoned bread crumbs, I love Pepperidge Farms. In a sauté pan coat the pan with Olive Oil, add onions, celery, parsley, bell peppers, until the veggies are translucent, then add the turkey breakfast sausage--cook until all the pink is thoroughly gone, in the oven roast chestnuts for 25 min. to enhance, flavor. After 25 min roasting, put in the blending for a coarse chop, then add to the meat and veggie mix, then stir in bread crumbs until everything is coated. Bake in a casserole dish separate from the turkey, until everything is done. Cranberry Sauce: 1 Jar Cranberry and Orange Sauce at williamsonoma.com 2 bags of fresh cranberries In a saucepan pour 1 Ja

Gift Giving Guide: Business Associates

We are now in the Holiday Gift Giving Season. Here is a helpful guide for giving people who have a made a difference in your business: Nice elegant business gifts under $100.00 Food: Chocolate -- Who doesn't love it? 1. Bourbon Balls from www.crateandbarrel.com  is a fun, whimsical and delicious way to say "thank you to your business associates, they cost 9.95 and you can order 3 for the entire office without breaking the bank. 2. Sea Salt Caramels again from www.crateandbarrel.com  they are so good if you want to blow your entire diet for the year, then this is the item. Price check: 24.95 so you can buy two boxes for $50.00 for an entire office. 3. Toffee--Plenty of toffee makers now, no don't go to drug store and buy Werther's Original, not cool, but the best toffee in town is www.toffeebox.com 2 lbs. gift box in two flavors for $52.00, my favorite flavors are: Milk Chocolate Pecan and Dark Chocolate. 4. KIND BARS-- KINDS bars are great! They have a

Things Google Won't Tell You About Your Next Date

Google is great for letting us know if someone has ever been arrested and where they worked or if they have been in a tabloid. However these are things that Google won't tell you: 1. How Cheap Is Your Date: If your date has a good job and on the first date is using a voucher and still into the second is racking up those points on his American Express so he can score Knicks tickets, chances are the relationship is not going to last. 2. If He Has/Had An STD: No website can legally publish this information, but before you love or even kiss, if he has any noticeable "fever blisters" or "skin tags" or needs to "pick up" something from the drugstore on a biweekly basis, you really need to think twice about this dude. 3. How He Treats the Wait Staff and Door Men: Chances are if your guy throws tantrums when the waitress doesn't get his order right, or doesn't leave a tip, and can't say Good Evening to the Door Men in his building, he ha

TV Review: Girl Code

Normally, I don't watch television, however while waiting for my clothes to dry, the television was on MTV. Girl Code on MTV is a panel of your big sisters and big brothers who really care about you, and really tell you how life is about sex, pregnancy, and dating. Is it vulgar? Nope not all, it is really one of those shows where a young person can relate to and a mature woman can laugh at because at one point we did or thought something dumb. Birth Control A couple of things that really stood out was when you and your boyfriend are actually an item, you need to demand that he wears a condom before sex! The guy on the panel explained it that men equate condom as wearing a three piece suit in a shower and 9 out of 10 men won't wear one unless asked. Pregnancy Scare: All the panelists agree that a woman at one point of her life has had a pregnancy scare, which forces them to really evaluate the relationship that they are in, would they really want to be connected to thi

How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Dinner

Sure, everyone thinks that Thanksgiving is a license for them to over indulge; however you can by making the dishes you love a bit lighter. Brines: Everyone is brining a turkey, but brining is full of salt especially if you do it for more than a two days you really shouldn't serve it to anyone. Here's a helpful tip buy a Kosher turkey that already has been salted without the excessiveness of a brine. Also, when you get your turkey, use herbs such as rosemary, sage, garlic, parsley and onion in olive oil blend so it makes a paste and slather over the turkey. Excellent flavorful yet without 1/3 of the salt of a brine. Pies: Pies have tons of sugar! Instead of milk and heavy cream swap out for almond milk, if there are nut allergies then swap for a Vanilla Rice Dream, great tasting and flavorful. Spices, the aroma of nutmeg, vanilla, clove and cinnamon, all together gives the palate a sense of sweetness, use these spices instead of excess sugar. Sugar, use 100 percent Agav

Nov. Beauty Finds

We are constantly on the prowl for great beauty finds, especially with Thanksgiving and all the major holidays around the corner. We first start with our mani- review: Revlon: Smoldering is the amazing nail color that is silver, pinkish, it's called smoldering and we love it because it can take a person from day to night easily and if you put and glitter overcoat on it looks like high end nail art, check out this find at drugstores near you. Nail color lasted one week without retouching. Wet n Wild Nail Color: I know this is every girl's first nail polish, but what caught our eye was the new line dedicated to young professionals. This line is called glass glaze and with two coats and no top coat everyone thought I had a professional manicure. Colors for this season we recommend are the deep wine, blue green, and coral. Coral? Coral goes great with winter white ladies! SpaRitual: This nail color is 100 vegan free and does not smell like harsh chemicals, FFF VIP Box fe

MUST HAVE for Stress Relief!

Holidays can be very stressful, and we feel it throughout our bodies in our shoulder and backs. Here are two products that are a MUST HAVE for the Holidays: 1. CONAIR Shoulder and Back Massager: You do need Double A batteries and it can be purchased at Target. After you put the batteries in, turn flip the switch and it feels as though 10 people are massaging your back and shoulders. This is such an incredible feeling. Let's face it your man's hand get tired and you can't run to spa everyday; however this comes in a the number one product. After Black Friday and running around prepping for Thanksgiving, your feet will take a beating. 2. CONAIR Heated Footbath: Again, you can purchase it from Target, and fill it up with warm water and with the shoulder and back massager you can close your eyes and relax for 20 min. For an added special touch you can put lavender oil for relaxation. Wonderful! Cheers to a wonderful and relaxing Holiday Season!

Spa Week Wants Everyone Looking GOOD!

Hey Positive Peeps! Guys and Gals our friends at Spa Week want YOU looking your best for Thanksgiving and for you to get ahead on your Black Friday Shopping from NOW!!! So book a session at your favorite spa over 8,000 nationwide and get 15% off when you buy a gift card for someone else. So when you go to http://spaweek.7eer.net/c/97/92429/1991  this link specifically and enter SPAGIFT as the promo code when you buy a gift card for your mom, boyfriend, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, you will get the 15% off. Thanks again to SPAWEEK for allowing everyone to get ahead in terms of Holiday Shopping. Cheers to looking GOOD!

Things NOT to eat During Thanksgiving

Everyone goes on a juice fast before Thanksgiving, then gorges themselves at Thanksgiving, then January 1, goes on a diet. Anyway here are something that you shouldn't eat during the holidays to avoid massive weight gain: 1. Pecan Pie- Tempting, delightful, yet one slice has a whopping 1200 calories. PASS 1a. Coconut Custard Pie -- don't even LOOK at it! 2. Sweet Potato Casserole- with the marshmallows on top again way over the 1000 calorie mark 3. Stuffing with pork sausage--terrible not only does it have the bread but the fat from the sausage coating the bread is horrible. 4. Green Bean Casserole-- again with heavy cream and the fried onions on top totally a diet disaster. Rule of thumb if it is cream based or loaded with salt and sugar, then pass!!! Cheers to a slimming Thanksgiving!

Your First Thanksgiving at Your Significant Others House

Great you found your soul mate and now he wants to bring you home for Thanksgiving, for family approval. Here are some tips to get you through the day: 1. Follow the rules of the hostess: Ask to help politely, but don't expect to carve the turkey and pass out dessert. 2. Get a gift for the family, then for his mother: Family gift store bought pie-- Little Pie Company is my fave. Mother a gift --vases always go over well, something small from Waterford or Spode 3. Conversation is easy breezy! don't tell them anything negative about yourself i.e. overcoming an eating disorder, etc. Don't engage in any political, social issue or business matters. 4. Eat a hearty meal before your boyfriend picks you up! His parents can be the worse cooks or you just don't eat what they serve. 5. Dress Conservatively!!! Think Lilly Pulitzer circa 1972, flare dress with a cardigan and pearls. NO  Nail Art!! 6. Leave when your boyfriend gives you the cue, even if you engrossed

Great Pie Crust

It is Fall Pie Season and we all want to know the secret to a great crust. When, I was making pumpkin pie and yes I use fresh pumpkins! Anyway, I bought two generic pie crusts, that I noticed I some separation issues. Solution? Granola Bars... I just bought a box of granola bars and put them through the blender along with a stick of cold butter to form a paste. Spread the granola paste on the bottom of pie to reinforce the bottom and you have the most amazing and flavorful pie crust. Everyone wanted to know the secret to such a great crust. So when you are making your fall pies use the granola paste on the bottom and enjoy the culinary delight. Additional Secret: Love Apple Crisp, but don't have time to make the topping yourself? Solution: Take a couple of packets of instant Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, one stick of cold butter, instantly you have the best crumble topping for your apple crisp. Cheers to enjoying Fall Pie Season!!

Beauty Spot: Julep Polymer Top Coat

All of the beauty blogging world has heard about the Julep Nail Polish company. The famous Maven Boxes, so when I received a sample of their; Polymer Top Coat I was elated because I heard so many good things about the product. Well, holiday events are coming up and we can't afford to run into our nail salon every other day for a retouch, but we can use Julep Polymer Top Coat and get the most for our money. This is a really great product and can be used with any nail polish. So for this month's beauty spot, please go to julep.com

Before the GUESTS Arrive!!!

Nov. and Dec. this when we have all of our family members over. Good times for everyone and all around! Think again!! Last year I shared with you that a distant relative came over for Thanksgiving one year, just to shop and that was it and all that the family planned was insignificant. Anyway, before you get your feelings hurt and spend money you can't get back, when someone asks you if they can visit. Sit down with your hubby and make a list of what we will and will not tolerate in our house.: For example, we understand that you are madly in love, but this isn't Motel 6, so please refrain from having sex in our home. From occasion we enjoy a glass of wine with our meal, however according to Federal Law we can't allow minors under the age of 21 to drink in our home. We want you to enjoy yourself and our home, however certain rooms are off limits- Your Bedroom. We want to you to enjoy the nightlife this town has to offer, please call us at 1 am to let us know

DEDICATED: Exhale Spa Giveaway

Hello Readers! Our generous partners at Exhale Spa in New York City, Meatpacking District, has donated a 5 class gift certificate for one of our readers, who can give us the most innovative way to loose weight BEFORE the Thanksgiving Holiday. Our contest begins NOW and ends until Monday at 12pm. Good Luck Positive Peeps! Your Friends at Positive Expert and Exhale Spa

FFF VIP BOX: Our Favorite/Fab/ Favorite

Why we love FFF VIP Box! It's box season and everyone, I am certain has gotten boxes from other subscription companies, but we got our FFF VIP Box and this is why we love it: 1. Gorjana Scarf: It is perfect for the fall and winter months it's a neutral gray with a pop of neon pink, to keep you smiling. 2. Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Cleansing Foam: If anyone has had the Bliss Triple Oxygen Facial this comes in at a close second. Time to get in Shape before the Holidays so we have: Barre 3 Standing Slim DVD and online program, members also get a one -month promo code to access over 100 barre3 online workouts. 4. Starlooks 5 Shade Shadow Palettes: This eye make up is great because the combos contain matte, sparkle and satin shadows that create wonderful day to night looks! 5. Popcorn! Orville Redenbacher Popcorn: Great for when you have the case of the munchies, this is a 100 percent whole grain, gluten-free popcorn, which is well worth buying the real