- Strawberry Banana
- Tropical Mango
- NEW - Raspberry - NEW
Saturday, September 1, 2012
$1 small Bruger King Smoothies through Labor Day
From today through Monday (Labor Day) Burger King has the right recipe to enjoy the last big weekend of the summer - all small smoothies will be $1. You can choose from the following flavors:
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Book Review: Folly Beach - 8th in the Lowcountry Tales series by D. B. Frank
This book was provided to me for free through onceuponaromance.net in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this blog entry are solely my own and have not been influenced by Once Upon a Romance or any other third party.
This was an interesting book for me. At times it made me mad because of what the protagonist found out about her husband, it times it made me think about my grandmothers and the life they lived and the times they grew up in. No matter how much the role of women may have changed in society, in relationships the problems of my grandmothers still seem valid today.So while you can mandate equal treatment in society and at work, no law can prescribe how a man and a woman live their marriage. Overall, I found this book to be very enjoyable, a perfect beach / vacation read and it taught me an important lesson about Porty and Bess!
 |
| the book is available through amazon.com! |
Cate Cooper did not have an easy life. Becoming an orphan at an early age, even the love of Aunt Daisy could never fully make up for the loss of her parents. But her life really unravels at the funeral of her husband, who committed suicide by jumping off the piano. The piano is important to Cate because it is the one piece of furniture that serves as a memento to her mother and happier childhood times. Her married life turns out to have been a sham; a cheating husband who left her penniless and without a roof over her head.
But sometimes tough beginnings force you to re-evaluate your life and Cate Cooper does just that. By chance, her beloved piano remains in her possession and Aunt Daisy still lives on Folly Beach, where Cate and her sister grew up. So why not move back to South Carolina? But things even there seem to go all wrong; a fender bender in the supermarket parking lot before she even gets to her Aunt’s house. Cate does not seem to be able to catch a break or does she? The other driver acknowledges that it was his fault and the fact that he is very good looking does not hurt.
All accidents are better discussed over a meal and so out of the accident a friendship forms that seems to turn Cate’s life around. She moves into a house that used to be occupied by Dorothy and DuBose Heyward, the latter being the author of the book "Porgy" that served as the inspiration for the opera "Porgy and Bess" by Gershwin. The author now elegantly weaves the life story of Dorothy Heyward into the story of Cate Cooper’s life, showing the similarities between the experiences of both women.
I had heard of Porgy and Bess before reading the book, but was not at all familiar with the role of DuBose Heyward. The historic angle introduced by the author through the voice and reflections of Dorothy Heyward provide the reader with interesting insights into the creative process behind the famous Gershwin opera. The similarities between the lives of Dorothy and Cate also show that while women have come a long way since the 1930s, women in relationships still struggle with the same problems such as accepting traditional gender roles and how strong of a voice a wife should have in a relationship.
Product review: imPress Press on Nails by Broadway
As part of the blogging campaign for Influenster during which I was introduced to imPress Press on Nails by Broadway, I received two more sets of Press on Nails.
One set was a pattern, something which I am very excited to try out. The second set is a solid, a nice vibrant pink.
As you can see, Impress provides you with plenty of different sized press on nails, so any size hand can be fitted with the press on nails. If you are thinking about buying the nails or ordering them through the internet, I highly recommend you go to their website here and your their online app to see how the nails will look on your hand. I really enjoyed trying out the different patterns, but I am glad that for my first pattern I got a nice black/silver combo that is not too wild. Because I plan to use the nails this weekend and see whether they last for a week similar to the original colored nails that I received through my Influenster VoxBox.
As you can see from the above screenshot, you just select your pattern or color of choice, then click on it and the nails in the image are shown wearing those nails. In addition, a small inset shows the name the particular pattern or color and allows you to share your selection or like it, so you can easily remember for next time.
One set was a pattern, something which I am very excited to try out. The second set is a solid, a nice vibrant pink.
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheap - my two complimentary sets from Impress, love the pattern! |
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheap - the pattern is called Space Cadet. Love to have a pattern to try out! |
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheap - the online app to try on various patterns by Broadway! |
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Review: Summer Beauty Cravebox
Today was a very good day! I received my Summer Beauty Box from cravebox.com. I was really looking forward to this box because my earlier box had been filled with wonderful items for grilling and I am using many of the included items from the BBQ box on a regular basis, like the BIC lighter for my scented candles in the house.
Full size items at bargain prizes. What is not to love about that equation?
Here are the suggested retail prices for the items included:
Oatmeal Peppermint Soap from Garden Botanika = $7 (see here for Amazon.com order)
think Thin Protein Bar = $1.50 (see here for Amazon order)
Bic Soleil Bella disposable razors = $7 to $10 (here is one of the Amazon.com sites that lists them)
Totally Ageless Intensive Eye Treatment from Puristics = $18 (here is the listing from cvs.com)
Shea Sugar Body Scrub with Mango from Tree Hut = $7 (here is the Amazon.com listing)
Keep in mind, I got this selection for around $15 - a nice bargain and a wonderful selection of products to try out and blog about!
The above video walks you through my first impressions as I unpack the items. I am very, very happy with the selection, especially the mango body scrub, which is full-size, is a wonderful item to be included. I love everything mango and to get a full-size mango body scrub is fantastic.
I also look forward to trying the oatmeal, peppermint soap from Garden Botanika, which looks very luxurious. And we can always use more razors such as ones included from BIC Soleil Bella. And chocolate, can never have to much chocolate, especially from a company think Thin - possibly indulge in chocolate without remorse for a diet faux pas. We will see! Last item is one thing I am extremely curious to try out, the Totally Ageless Intensive Eye Treatment from Puristics. I do not have a lot or really noticeable crows feet, but I have been applying eye treatment regularly and Puristics does not sell any products involving animal testing - a big plus in my book - and so I am looking forward to trying their product and blogging about its effect on my eyes.
So a big Thank you from Cravebox for selecting me for the Summer Beauty Box - great selection of products and I cannot wait to try them out and blog about them!
disclaimer: For a nominal fee, I received a selection of products through cravebox.com in exchange for using the products and providing honest reviews and feedback. The opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own nad have not been influenced by cravebox.com or any other third party.
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheap - Summer Beauty Cravebox |
Here are the suggested retail prices for the items included:
Oatmeal Peppermint Soap from Garden Botanika = $7 (see here for Amazon.com order)
think Thin Protein Bar = $1.50 (see here for Amazon order)
Bic Soleil Bella disposable razors = $7 to $10 (here is one of the Amazon.com sites that lists them)
Totally Ageless Intensive Eye Treatment from Puristics = $18 (here is the listing from cvs.com)
Shea Sugar Body Scrub with Mango from Tree Hut = $7 (here is the Amazon.com listing)
Keep in mind, I got this selection for around $15 - a nice bargain and a wonderful selection of products to try out and blog about!
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheap - all items included, including the sweepstakes information for a Spa Party! |
So a big Thank you from Cravebox for selecting me for the Summer Beauty Box - great selection of products and I cannot wait to try them out and blog about them!
disclaimer: For a nominal fee, I received a selection of products through cravebox.com in exchange for using the products and providing honest reviews and feedback. The opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own nad have not been influenced by cravebox.com or any other third party.
Friday, August 24, 2012
5hour Energy - it does work without the caffeine buzz
Through smiley360.com I was able to sample 5hour Energy drinks. I got a sample of Pomegranate as well as Berry. I am not sure which flavor I like better, they both truly taste like indicated on the bottle. Not artificial, but like actual fruit juice has been added.
I had heard of 5hr Energy before this sample and several of my colleagues use it regularly. I like coffee and so I never felt the need to try out Energy drinks. Quite frankly, after I had tried Monster several years ago and could not get over the very artificial taste, I had been hesitant to buy energy drinks. So this sample through simley360 was a welcome opportunity to try one of the more recent additions to the energy drink market.
I liked when I read that 5hour Energy does not contain any sugar and really appreciated when they explained to you that you can use half a bottle to get an energy boost.
I tried the Pomegranate first and only half a bottle. It worked great and I felt refreshed and there was no sugar crash afterwards. The energy kept me going from my afternoon slump at 2PM, when I had the sip, until past dinner at 6PM. It was a buzz that had nothing of the caffeine jitters associated with it.
After I finished the Pomegranate flavor, I then tried the Berry flavor. Again, I settled for only half a bottle. This amount of 5hour Energy is working well for me. But you be the judge. Try half a bottle and if you need more of a boost, try a whole bottle the next time.
For more information on 5hour Energy, such as the flavors currently available as well as the detailed ingredient information, you can visit the 5hour Energy homepage here.
I had heard of 5hr Energy before this sample and several of my colleagues use it regularly. I like coffee and so I never felt the need to try out Energy drinks. Quite frankly, after I had tried Monster several years ago and could not get over the very artificial taste, I had been hesitant to buy energy drinks. So this sample through simley360 was a welcome opportunity to try one of the more recent additions to the energy drink market.
I liked when I read that 5hour Energy does not contain any sugar and really appreciated when they explained to you that you can use half a bottle to get an energy boost.
I tried the Pomegranate first and only half a bottle. It worked great and I felt refreshed and there was no sugar crash afterwards. The energy kept me going from my afternoon slump at 2PM, when I had the sip, until past dinner at 6PM. It was a buzz that had nothing of the caffeine jitters associated with it.
After I finished the Pomegranate flavor, I then tried the Berry flavor. Again, I settled for only half a bottle. This amount of 5hour Energy is working well for me. But you be the judge. Try half a bottle and if you need more of a boost, try a whole bottle the next time.
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheap - the smiley360 sample package for 5hr Energy |
Recipe from the garden: Home-made Gumbo
Someone dropped off some fresh Okra at work today and so I took a few to make some homemade Gumbo. I first tasted Gumbo during a visit to New Orleans almost 20 years ago and fell in love with thick, spicy vegetable soup. Rather than add seafood, I decided to add chicken and use up some of the vegetables from my garden.
I started off by chopping okra, tomatoes, bell peppers and banana peppers. I added the vegetables to a slow cooker, topped them off with some chicken broth and added a can of Benita Mexican Fiesta Diced Tomatoes (on sale at Aldi this week) to ensure that the mix was really spicy enough. I had bought some chicken thighs at Aldi as well. I cut those up into bite size pieces, removed the bone and quickly seared them in a non-stick pan to make sure they were not raw inside anymore before adding them to broth.
I let this mixture simmer for about 2 hours, then added shortly before serving a can of peas. To thicken the soup some more, I had made a light brown roux out of butter and flour that I added to the soup to achieve a nice, thick consistency. I brought the soup back up to a quick boil and then served it with some crackers and toasted bread.
The soup was absolutely delicious. Even though it is still summer, we had a gray and rainy day. So I decided it was the right time for soup and okra makes me always think of gumbo.
To learn more about gumbo and what makes gumbo gumbo, you can check out wikipedia here. And to see how Emeril makes a gumbo with shrimp and sausage, you can check out his Country File Gumbo here. Most importantly, you can always make up your recipe to create a thick and spicy vegetable soup with some meat. As long as it tastes, you may call it gumbo and no one will ever know the difference!
I started off by chopping okra, tomatoes, bell peppers and banana peppers. I added the vegetables to a slow cooker, topped them off with some chicken broth and added a can of Benita Mexican Fiesta Diced Tomatoes (on sale at Aldi this week) to ensure that the mix was really spicy enough. I had bought some chicken thighs at Aldi as well. I cut those up into bite size pieces, removed the bone and quickly seared them in a non-stick pan to make sure they were not raw inside anymore before adding them to broth.
I let this mixture simmer for about 2 hours, then added shortly before serving a can of peas. To thicken the soup some more, I had made a light brown roux out of butter and flour that I added to the soup to achieve a nice, thick consistency. I brought the soup back up to a quick boil and then served it with some crackers and toasted bread.
The soup was absolutely delicious. Even though it is still summer, we had a gray and rainy day. So I decided it was the right time for soup and okra makes me always think of gumbo.
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheap - the thick goodness of homemade gumbo |
 |
| copyright Durhamonthecheal - lots of fresh veggies, some chicken and spices! |
Book review: Rudy - Rudy Ruettiger, Mark Dagostino
Like most people, I was introduced to Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger through
the movie "Rudy" with Sean Astin. So when I first encountered this book,
I thought what can it tell me that the movie did not. I then remembered
reading about Rudy and his financial troubles and this book does still
have a story to tell that was left off from the movie, which is very
much feel good and inspiring for young people. Where the movie is good
for kids to teach them never to give up and has a nice happy end, the
book is more the adult version of Rudy.
Of course the book goes into his childhood and his dream of making to into Notre Dame, not just as a student, but also a football player. But then the book goes on to talk about his troubles following the climactic game with Rudy being carried off the field as a hero. Because those perfect moments are just that "moments - they do not last and reality is not glamorous and you will not walk on water.
This book in four parts describes each loss and follow up success in the life of Rudy, so the reader gets involved not in the life of Rudy the football player with a nice ending, but in the life Rudy the Average Joe that has success, but also gets dealt some fairly significant blows. The important lesson for the reader is to get up and keep on trying. Will Rudy's life from now on be successful, in its own way - certainly, even though there still will be the blows just like for everyone and this book teaches up to just keep going and trying harder. And maybe also to accept success to come in different forms, smaller forms and to find satisfaction in the little wins that happen along the way.
I received a free copy of the book through booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed in this review are my own and have not been influenced by either booksneeze or the author.
Of course the book goes into his childhood and his dream of making to into Notre Dame, not just as a student, but also a football player. But then the book goes on to talk about his troubles following the climactic game with Rudy being carried off the field as a hero. Because those perfect moments are just that "moments - they do not last and reality is not glamorous and you will not walk on water.
This book in four parts describes each loss and follow up success in the life of Rudy, so the reader gets involved not in the life of Rudy the football player with a nice ending, but in the life Rudy the Average Joe that has success, but also gets dealt some fairly significant blows. The important lesson for the reader is to get up and keep on trying. Will Rudy's life from now on be successful, in its own way - certainly, even though there still will be the blows just like for everyone and this book teaches up to just keep going and trying harder. And maybe also to accept success to come in different forms, smaller forms and to find satisfaction in the little wins that happen along the way.
 |
| book is available at amazon.com here |
I received a free copy of the book through booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed in this review are my own and have not been influenced by either booksneeze or the author.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)