By Sarah on Sunday, April 26, 2009

• Been tinkering with Adobe Encore lately.  Used it to create a menu for the grandparent's anniversary DVD.  Was sad that it doesn't do editing of video content though.  I think I have to stick to the laptop for that anyway since my fire-wire cord is not compatible with the regular pc port.
• Saturday was the adoptation at Petco.  Lucky Cat raised a little bit of money and was able to get one cat adopted.  I think everyone was outside enjoying BBQ's instead.
• Went to the Harford Live! Home and Garden show.  The Ripken Stadium for minor league baseball was kinda cool.  I might have to see if my dad would ever want to check out a game there one weekend.  The expo was meh, we did get some information on solar energy and a a few other eco-friendly budget savers.
• I think there is vomit in front of our apartment complex.  Not good when your slider is near the entrance.  Yay weekends!....30 days until we settle....
• I've become obsessed lately with staring at the QVC channel.  WHY!? I'm not 60!!!
• Our dryer and air conditioner are not working.  That's not good.  Did I mention we settle in 30 days?
• Coffffeeeeee!!! I have been having way too much of you lately.

Current Mood:  Spacey

By Sarah on Sunday, April 26, 2009

 

CLINIQUE Lash Doubling Mascara
A mini sample from my Clinique bonus time pack.  Very good at lengthening lashes.  I don't know if I agree with the doubling volume.  Non-clumping formula, easy on and easy off applications.

Walmart Sends You Freebies...For Realz!
If you go to walmart.com and fill out the forms for free samples they actually send you decent mini size samples of new products.  Coupons too!  My Jergens Natural Glow Facial Moisturizer just showed up this week.  So I will have to give it a try and see if it tints well.

Payback! At E.L.F.
I love it when you can place an order somewhere and end up making off with more products then you paid for.  Yippie for coupon codes, sales, and playing the system.  I looked up the TAKETHETEST coupon code on-line to get the introductory e.l.f. kit and lowered shipping added to my recent e.l.f. order. (Not sure on the sizes but it's mascara duo, natural radiance blusher, hyper-shine gloss, eyeshadow duo, eyeshadow brush all for free & $2 off shipping). I also scooped up a free lip-tin gloss using some emails! Ha!
 

Current Mood:  Devious

By Sarah on Tuesday, April 21, 2009

This past week my Grandfather and GRandmother Lawson made it to their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  Scott and I will be only too lucky if we live long enough to make it that far.  It's very rare now aday you see marriages last that long, either because everyone waits untill later in life to find a soul mate or it ends in divorce.  There were a lot of family members out to celebrate with them on Saturday.  They deserved the party, not only for the milestone, but also to celebrate who they are as a couple.

Current Mood:  Lucky

By Sarah on Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Of course it would take a comment about not having the items and time to post Beauty Reviews to result in more posts about Beauty.  Bah!

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Conditioner

While this might not smell as juicy as the pomegranate scented shampoo, grapefruit and sugar beet are a surprisingly satisfying combination.  The sweetness reminds me of summertime candies.  It's not the best brand to defend against chemical dryness, however it does result in a stronger shine then other conditioners produce.

  

Bath and Body Works Volumizing Shampoo

I've never tried B&BW brand hair care before.  I believe they are slowly discontinuing their hair care products actually, and I can see why.  Just this morning I used the Black Raspberry Vanilla Volumizing Shampoo.  Scent was ok, it gave a little bit of volume to this limp set of hair I sport, but it was at the sacrifice of the condition of the hair.  The abundance of sodium and sulfate contents will boost limp hair only by drying it out.  The texture and the look of the shampoo also reminds me too much of their bath products.  It felt like using body wash on my hair and will most likely result in residue build up.

Current Mood:  Vain

By Sarah on Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Does anyone know if it is hard to publish a cookbook or not?  I feel like I should be writing one after I took a look at a few of my posted recipe tinkering.  It's about only 1 % of the amount I come up with and place in my recipe box!  I like to make my own from scratch or deconstruct others and rework them till I find what I feel is the perfect combination of flavors.

Asian Shrimp Appetizers

This recipe requires some refrigeration so make sure you allot time.

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup sushi vinegar
• 1.5 lbs raw deveined, with shells shrimp
• 1 tbsp ginger spice
• 1 tbsp garlic flakes
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp dried chives

1. In a small bowl add red pepper, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sugar and a dash of salt.
2. Bring a small saucepan of water to boil and add shrimp.  Simmer for 3 minutes or until just pink.  Over cooking shrimp will cause them to become tough and rubbery.
3. Drain shrimp and rinse in cold water.  Remove shells and then add shrimp into a large bowl with chives.
4. Take the Asian mixture and add it to the saucepan, let simmer for 1 minute or until sugar is cooked down.  Add mixture to shrimp and toss.  Chill for 4 hours.

 

Thai Beef

Makes 4 servings.  Chicken can be used as an alternative main ingredient.

• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Ginger spice
• 1 tbsp Garlic flakes
• 1 red pepper cored and sliced thin
• 1 lb. flank or strip steak sliced thin
• ^1/4 cup fat free milk
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• ^1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 cup frozen thawed peas
• 2 cups steamed white sushi rice

1. In a large skillet or wok heat oil over high heat.  Toss in ginger, garlic and peppers.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Add beef and sear for 2 minutes.
2. Add milk, fish sauce, sugar and peas. Reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally for 3 minutes.
3. Spoon mixture over rice and dash with some red pepper flakes for heat.