Sunday, June 26, 2011

YUM! Copycat Arby's Sauce Recipe


                   
       I’ve heard that Arby’s has had trouble keeping up with other fast food chains in the competitive arena of the economic marketplace, but I think they could help keep themselves in the black if they bottled their sauces. As a kid I’d always choose Arby’s when my mom let me have fast food, and I thought I really loved their chicken fingers – but as it turns out, I really liked the Arby’s sauce (and the curly fries, if I’m being totally honest). That stuff is good on sandwiches and chicken and fries and eggs and you name it – I know this because every time I go in and use Arbys coupons I grab about a million packets of Arbys sauce, so I have enough to bring home for later.

Until they decide to sell Arby’s sauce by the bottle, I’ve decided it’s better for me to make my own Arby’s sauce than get banned from my local restaurant for being a sauce thief. This recipe is pretty darn close to the real thing, and it keeps for a couple of weeks.


INGREDIENTS:
            1 cup ketchup
            ½ teaspoons Tabasco
            2 teaspoons water
            ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
            ¼ teaspoon onion powder
            ¼ teaspoon salt
            ¼ teaspoon pepper
To make the sauce, just mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool before enjoying – I bet you won’t be able to tell the difference between this and the stuff you get with Arbys coupons!

Chill Out With Your Dog This Summer



Everyone loves popsicles in the summertime – even dogs! When the mercury rises, you can mix up your dog’s dietary routine from the usual Kibbles and Bits coupons with this “pupsicle” recipes. They’re pet safe, super refreshing, and easy to make with ingredients you have on hand. Bon appétit!
Basic recipe:
         1 banana, ripe
         4 cups natural orange juice
         ½ cup plain yogurt
Puree all the ingredients in a blender and pour into ta popsicle mold. Freeze & feed to your favorite pet! You can mix it up by substituting peaches, watermelons, blueberries or strawberries for the banana.

Savory popsicles:
         If you had chicken for dinner, your dog can enjoy it for dessert! Let the leftover chicken carcass simmer in a pot of hot water for an hour and a half. Cool, pick the meat off, and discard the bone. Combine chicken broth, mashed up carrots/peas/corn or other leftover veggies, pour into popsicle mold, and freeze. These can be a bit messy and are best served outside.
Lazy pet owner’s recipe:
         Cube some watermelon, put it in a plastic baggie, and put it in the freezer. This cool all natural treat is the easiest way to let your dog enjoy a sweet taste of summer!
        
If you don’t have a popsicle mold, you can freeze your pupsicles in a small Tupperware container or empty single-serve yogurt containers. Remember that these pupsicles can’t substitute for the well-rounded meal Kibbles and Bits coupons provide, so feed them to your dog only as a special treat. 

HELLO BABY! A New App For Moms


           There’s an app for everything these days. Now, there’s even an app to help expectant mothers get in touch with a group of people who definitely don’t have cell phone access – their unborn babies! Sure, preparing the nursery, reading baby books, and stocking up on diapers with Pampers coupons in anticipation of baby’s arrival is one way to get excited about adding a new member to the family, but the Pampers app is a way to track your baby’s growth that’s really revolutionary.

         The app is called Hello Baby, and it’s totally free in the Apple App store. When you open the app, you see the picture of a fetus and are prompted to scroll through to the appropriate gestational week. When you select your week, you’ll see the key anatomical features of the fetus during that week.
         Yes, it’s blatant advertising for Pampers – but it’s also a really cool app that helps parents visualize the growth of their baby in a new way. The app is doctor-developed and approved, and some doctors may even begin using it in their practices to help explain the development process to patients and family members. If companies are going to develop promotional apps, they ought to be functional and well-designed, like this one is. Check it out at Pampers.com, where you can also find parenting tips and Pampers coupons.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Signs You're Really A Parent


If the diaper bag and perpetually sleep-deprived look make it apparent to the rest of the world that you’re a new parent, these are the signs that prove to you that yes – you really are a parent. You know where the best Huggies coupons are, whether your baby prefers smashed peas or pureed carrots, and how to change a diaper with one hand. Here are 10 other sure signs that it’s official:
1) You can distinguish between a cry that says “I’m hungry” and one that says “I pooped.”
2) Other moms ask you for advice.
3) You finally understand what all the fuss over the “new baby smell” is about.
4) Your baby notices himself in the mirror for the first time.
5) You realize that your baby does look like you (or your significant other).
6) Your baby’s cuteness stops a stranger on the street.
7) You make your baby laugh so hard he gets hiccups.
8) You see dad and baby laughing napping together, both in the same position.
9) You’re told that you’re a great mom.
10) You believe it.
You go, mom. You’re a Huggies coupon-wielding, lullaby singing, spoon-feeding superhero.

Shaq Teams Up With Some Unexpected Partners


Shaq has been in the news a lot recently since he’s retired from basketball, but there’s bigger news to discuss. Shaq has teamed up with some unusual teammates o revolutionize an iconic American institution – the “got milk” campaign.

There have been more than 300 “Got Milk” ads featuring celebrities with milk moustaches, but this is the first ever ad to feature milk’s favorite cookie: Oreos! This dream team has been assembled to celebrate National Dairy Month this June, and getting Oreo coupons and a tall glass of milk is one way you can get in on the fun.
You can also log on to www.MilkandOreo.com, submit a description of your favorite milk and Oreo moment, and enter for a chance to win free milk and Oreo cookies! One winner will be selected every hour for the whole month, so there are a lot of cookies to be won for all you cookie monsters out there.
"The ad was created to inspire and encourage families to share special moments with each other over Oreo cookies and milk, just as Shaquille and his mom Lucille have done since he was young," said Victor Zaborsky, marketing director of the milk education program. "We cannot think of a better partner to invite into our campaign than 'Milk's Favorite Cookie.'"

Shaq is pretty stoked about the new team that has been assembled, too.
"Oreo cookies and milk are a slam dunk in my book.  My mom and I have enjoyed them together since I was a little kid. Now, as an adult, I do the same with my children," said the basketball superstar. "It was fun to share another 'dunk' with my mom in this upcoming ad."
You don’t have to be a legendary basketball star to enjoy the classic combination of milk and Oreos, of course – you just need a few Oreo coupons and a nice cold glass of milk! 

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Avoid These Common Beauty Blunders!



Some of the most striking makeup looks can be the trickiest to pull off. So how can you ensure that your Maybelline coupons make you look chic, not beat? Here’s how to goof proof your look.
Problem: Red lipstick looks hot – but the color always seems to end up on your teeth. What’s the deal? Well, red lip colors contain as much as three times more pigment than paler shades. The contrast of a bit of red lipstick on your teeth is much more visible than a bit of pink or beige would be.
Solution: Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman says to apply lipstick, then blot. Then, rub a cotton swab across your teeth to avoid any pigment. Then, dip the opposite end of he cotton swab in petroleum jelly and rub a bit of that over your front teeth. The barrier will prevent pigment from adhering to your teeth, and will make your smile super-shiny.
Problem: You just spent a week on the beach, but your face is paler than the rest of your body. This si because your face is washed and exfoliated more often than your body is, which accelerates the fading process. So how can you keep from looking like your head belongs on a different, paler body?
Solution: Avoid the mismatch by using bronzer. Use a bronzer with pink undertones to avoid looking orange, suggests makeup artist Rick DiCecca. Apply it to your forehead, nose, and cheekbones from your jawline to your neck. Blending into these areas makes it look natural.

Problem: Smoky eyes are sexy, but going too dark can make your eyes look smaller, or worse, create a raccoon effect.
Solution: Black isn’t the only color that can make your eyes smoky-sexy. Grey, especially one with a metallic glow, is just as sexy but won’t narrow your eye area, according to NYC-based makeup artists Laral Balian. Line your upper and lower lashes with black liner, but keep the line fine. Swipe grey shadow onto your lids and apply it over the liner with an eyeliner brush, smudging to diffuse harsh edges. Finally, put a spot of white, shimmery shadow into the inner corners of your eyes and directly above your irises to make eyes pop.
Problem: High temperatures or a sweaty night of dancing can leave you looking a little bit greasy and a lot less than fabulous.
Solution: Makeup artist Monika Blunder says there are three products to invest your Maybelline coupons in to prevent shine all day long: primer, oil free foundation, and translucent powder. Start with the primer right after you’ve washed your face to sop up excess oil. Top with oil-free foundation and set with translucent powder for a photo-ready finish. To fight shine throughout the day, use blotting paper rather than powder – layers and layers of powder can look cakey and fake.

The Secret To Staying Sweat Free This Summer? Secret Deodorant, Of Course!


        
          It’s finally summer, and that means it’s time to work on my tan. I’m not one of those girls who can lay out by the pool for hours, though – I get terribly bored. I prefer to enjoy my time outdoors while being active – running, biking, playing tennis, volleyball ….but being so sporty can come with embarrassingly smelly consequences. All I have to do is step outside in the summer and I start sweating like crazy, so the problem only gets worse once I increase my speed. I go through more Secret deodorant coupons in the three months of summer than in all the other months of the year combined, I swear.
            I’ve found that, when the mercury rises, regular deodorant isn’t enough to keep me from disintegrating into a soppins mess. I’ve taken to bringing in the reinforcements, but it’s totally worth it. I recommend Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant, which contains a maximum amount of the active ingredient aluminum trichlohydrex GLY. This is a powerful natipirspirant that effectively corks your sweat glands, so you don’t soak the underarms of your favorite sundress. Plus, it won’t stain your clothes and she smell is really light and pretty. I’ve found it works best if I use this antipirspirant before bed, giving the active ingredient overnight to get to work. I apply my regular deodorant on the way out the door in the morning, and my sweat is under control. If you tend to sweat a lot in the summer, don’t miss out on these Secret deodorant coupons – secret clinical strength runs about 8 dollars a stick (less with the coupons) but it’s worth every penny.

Weather-Proof Your Beauty Routine

        We’re setting heat records here in NYC, and we’re nowhere near the dog days of summer yet. I want to look fabulous all summer long, and weather-proofing my look takes a little extra work when the mercury rises. How you adapt your routine and which makeup coupons you use this summer is tied to your climate – so read on for tips on how to make you makeup work for you this summer, no matter where you live.

Desert Heat
       A hot, arid climate – and areas at high altitude – are characterized by dry air, which sucks all of the moisture out of your skin, leaving your scaly, dry, and dull. The Top layer of your skin can actually get so dry it flakes off, says LA dermatologist Av Shamban. Plus, dehydration accentuates fine lines. How to beat the desert heat?
        Dr. Shamban says the key is to repair the top layer of your skin so it can serve as an effective barrier against water loss. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizing sunscreen before you put on any other makeup. At night try a ceramide-rich lotion like Aveeno’s Advanced Care Moisture Cream to soften skin while you sleep. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!!!
Triple H
      This stands for hot, hazy, and humid. Under these conditions, sweat pools on your skin instead of evaporating. It mixes with your body’s natural oils and bacteria, which form a slippery, grimy biofilm – which can act like a magnifying glass, exaggerating imperfections. Obviously this is something you want to beat – here’s how.
        To effectively battle these conditions, you’ll need to soak up the breakout-inducing oil and grime that can collect on the surface of your skin. Dr Shaman suggests washing your face and body with a gel cleanser (the best type at fighting grease) as a first step. You’ll want to do a salicylic or glycolic acid peel once a week to unclog pores, and you can skip moisturizer in the day. Instead, use makeup coupons to wear a light, oil-free foundation with built-in SPF.

How To Pick The Right Car Battery


I’m automotively inept. I know basically nothing about my car, apart from how to drive it and put gas in it. Usually, that’s okay – but recently, my car’s battery died, and I was forced to increase my knowledge of auto mechanics (albeit in a minimal way). I began searching online for DieHard battery coupons (in this economy, I figured I could save money on the battery and have my boyfriend replace it for free!) – and I realized that buying a battery for a car isn’t as easy as buying batteries for the TV remote control. Luckily, DieHard has a “Battery Selector” tool on their site – it’s super easy to use, and it only takes a few minutes to find out which battery is best for your car.

         You selected the make, model, and V8 speed of your car to get started, and then the battery selector prompts you to answer a variety of questions about your driving habits and the climate you live in. I had no idea that a person who lives in Alaska might need a different car battery than a person with the same type of car who lives in Alabama – I guess you learn something new every day. Apparently, cold weather conditions need more cranking power, while heat and vibration are leading causes of battery breakdown – and DieHard makes batteries specifically to withstand these kinds of conditions. There are other factors that affect your battery needs – for example, a person who makes many short trips a day (calling all soccer moms) will wear down the life of their battery more quickly than those who go on fewer long trips.
         When you’ve answered all the questions, the tool will tell you which battery you ought to buy, where to get it, and what its best features are. Once you’ve found your perfect battery, don’t forget to print these DieHard Battery coupons, which will save you money regardless of which battery best fits your needs. 

Friday, June 3, 2011

Easy Tips For A Fabulous Family Dinner

     
      Feeding a family can be tricky, especially if you’ve got finicky eaters on your hands. How can you ensure that even the choosiest children get the nutrition they need? Just use a few Prego coupons and these clever tips to create meals so scrumptious no one would every guess they’re also healthy!
       Plan your plates. Your family will eat better and you’ll be more efficient if you take an hour or two each weekend to plan the family’s meals for the coming week. Create dinner menus and base a shopping list around the meals you plan to serve, then shop for all the ingredients you’ll need to get thorough the week at once. You’ll save time and energy wasted when you have to throw meals together at the last minute, which often entails hurried grocery runs.
      Go Sicilian! Potatoes are a kid’s favorite veggie, and you can turn them into a quick and scrumptious supper. Just cook baking potatoes in the microwave and top each one with half a cup of pasta sauce, cooked veggies, and sprinkle with mozzarella. In less than five minutes you’ll have a tasty, wholesome Italian take on the classic baked potato.
      Do double duty. Next time you bake your favorite recipe, double it! Freeze the extra in individual portions, which are great to have on hand when you don’t have the time to cook or when everyone is too busy to sit down together for dinner.
     Raise the bar. The pasta bar, that is! A pasta bar is a fun, easy meal for family dinner and even bigger get togethers. Kids love assembling their own meals (and adults like it, too!). Boil a couple of different types of pasta, heat up an array of different frozen veggies, put out a couple of types of protein (cooked meatballs and grilled chicken are a great way to round out the meal), and serve with a variety of sauces and cheeses. No two dishes will be alike, but everyone will be happy and well-fed by the night’s end.
       For more great cooking tips and money-saving Prego coupons, check out the Campbell’s kitchen website: http://www.campbellskitchen.com.

"All You Can Get" Is as Cool as It Gets


       Ryan Yoon, a New York based fashion photographer, has just launched a new magazine, and the debut issue is totally gorgeous – and it also makes me want some Diet Coke coupons! The magazine in called Virgine, which Yoon says reflects the idea of “pure” and “new.” The magazine has a fashion, art, and music platform – but it’s also got a heart. It’s got a strong charity focus, with a different charity featured in each issue. Yoon is also dedicated to using up and coming artists in his magazine, which he hopes will break down assertions that the fashion industry is a clique of insiders.

         “Imagine an article written by a fashion model who wants to become an editor or an interview written by the actual photographer who shot the subject. This is the kind of content we are looking for: content that brings a different perspective to our audience,” said Yoon.

        The the first issue, Yoon created a stunning and unique photo shoot of his own, entitled "All You Can Get." The photo set contains hundreds of Diet Coke cans, M&Ms and iPads styled to look like clothes. This unusual concept shoot features models Cintia Dicker, Valeria Dmitrienko, Annabelle Tsaboukas, Dani, Isabelle Sonnenschein, Valerie Avdeyeva and Anett Griffel, who pose as if they’re wearing haute couture – even though they’re wearing junk food and consumer goods. Diet Coke coupons have never been put to a more fabulous use, and I can’t wait to see what future issues hold! 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Deathproof Plants for A Stunning Summer Garden

I’m somewhat of a brown thumb – I even killed the bamboo plant that sat on my desk at work, which I have been told is next to impossible. But horticulturally-challenged homeowners rejoice – these hardy plants bloom beautifully in the summer, even in harsh conditions, and even if the gardener is not especially gifted. If you’re looking to use your Lowes coupons on plants that won’t pass away immediately, try one of these no-fail varieties:

COREOPSIS
Also known as Thickseed, this flower is a member of the daisy family. Native coreopsis are vibrant gold, but plant breeders have altered the blooms into a variety of shades that make any garden more impressive. They are drought-resistant and bloom in even the hottest summers.

GAILLARDIA
Also called blanket flower, these are related to sunflowers and daisies. The big blooms (up to 4 inches across!) are long-lasting and come in pretty shades of orange, red, and yellow.

HARDY HIBISCUS
This is a lovely addition to a summer garden because each plant produces many large flowers. Colors range from white to pink to red, and they are known to thrive in poor soils while withstanding both extreme heat and cold.

HOLLYHOCK
This country charmer adds old-fashioned flair to any garden. They can grow anywhere from 4-8 feet tall and grow in nearly any color you can imagine, including red, yellow, pink, white, purple, and orange.

MAY NIGHT SALVIA
Also called meadow sage, this plant produces violet-blue spikes throughout the summer and are known to attract bees and butterflies. They may grow as high as three feet tall and are often the first to bloom in spring.
So grab some Lowes coupons and a trowel, and go ahead and garden without fear – these flowers will bring you enjoyment all summer long, no nurturing required.