Product Review of the Week

1001 WAYS TO COOK SOUTHERN: THE ULTIMATE TREASURY OF SOUTHERN CLASSICS

2011-02-25T07:46:00.001-08:00

Let me begin by saying that I am obsessed with Paula Deen. I really want to believe that I am her ultimate, biggest fan. Kipp and I are even planning on going to Paula's new restaurant at Harrah's Cherokee Casino just so I can eat there. So, needless to say, I have all of her cookbooks. It is very rare that I use any other cookbooks but I must say, I like a lot of the Southern Living cookbooks. I have purchased a few of them and at the moment, I'm loving this one. The front cover says, "The ultimate treasury of Southern classics - fresh flavors, wholesome ingredients, quick cooking techniques, and beloved food traditions." I must say, it really has all this. I also love the pictures throughout the book of the dishes. I have made quite a few of the recipes and I have only had one not turn out so good. It was the basic sugar cookie. It could have been the cook, but I like to think it was the recipe. All the other recipes I have tried have been really good. My family especially liked the quick Chicken and Dumplings. It was really tasty and enough for leftovers.

I purchased mine at Sam's Club for $13.00 less than the cover price, but Barnes and Noble has been carrying it for the same price I paid at Sam's.

So, if you are in the market for a really good, Southern cookbook, I highly recommend this one. I give this book 5 sparkles and a snap because I like it so much.

Hope you get to try it!
Niki

Earth Fare

2011-02-11T11:41:00.001-08:00

To get your free dinner for four from Earth Fare, click here:
http://www.earthfare.com/Welcome-Home/Invite-Friends/Featured/Weekly-Message_2-9_Chicken.aspx

For those of you who live near Athens or frequent Athens.......... YOU'VE GOTTA GO TO EARTH FARE!
If you are trying to eat healthy, look at their:

The food we sell at Earth Fare is as close to the ground as it gets, which means we have high standards for what goes on our shelves.

NO hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (added trans fats)

NO High-Fructose Corn Syrup

NO artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives

NO antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones or animal by-products in the feed (fresh meats & milk)

NO bleached or bromated flour

NO irradiated single source spices, produce or meat

NO animal by-products in foods

NO inhumane treatment of the animals providing us with dairy, meat, and eggs

So, basically you can go in the store, pick up anything and KNOW that it is good for ya! That's my kind of store. It can get pricey..... but it is do-able. You can sign up to receive coupons and they also have weekly FREEBIES! The store in Athens has such an earthy feal! Plenty of samples available! It's a must go to store, even if it is just to check out. They offer lots of promos too! The last time I went, I was able to turn in my jelly (high fructose corn syrup), soda(high fructose corn syrup), salad dressing (hydrogenated oil), peanut butter (hydrogenated oil) and leave with their brands for free! It didn't even matter if the products i turned in were almost empty.

Take a look around their website, see if there is an Earth Fare in your area and go visit them!

They are awesome!
Tara

2011-01-28T22:56:00.001-08:00

Metro PCS

Ok, I know some of you call Metro PCS (metro Piece of S&#!) but I ABSLOUTELY LOVE THEM!

I am not one to keep up with minutes! I like to talk when i want to talk! Period! I like to text when I want to text! Period. I like to websurf when I want to. Period!

Some say the service is crappy, but personally I have never had any problems. I have had LESS dropped calls than when i was on Verizon and Sprint. I hear people fine and people can hear me fine.

The way the plan works is you pay a monthly fee ( mine is around $45) that includes UNLIMITED mintues, texting and web browsing . This price never goes up! If it is $45, it is $45, no more..... it's set in stone baby! There are no contracts. You receive 2 text regarding your bill. One about a week before and one a couple of days before to remind you to pay. You can pay over the phone, in a store, or by mail. You DO have to buy the phone from Metro unless you have a phone which can be flashed.

Here is a link to their page which explains the plansMetro PCS plans

The plans are nationwide I think. When my husband travels out of state, we can usually communicate unless he is out in the middle of no where!

I never understood paying for minutes! What a load of BS! Their is no telling how many thousands of dollars we wasted on other cell phone providers. Unless someone better than Metro PCS comes along, I WILL NEVER SWITCH! Verizon can keep their network! Sprint, AT & T, and T-mobile can all keep thier catchy phrases, CONTRACTS and over priced services!

I give Metro PCS 5 sparkles and a snap (with attitude)

Can ya hear me now???? Yep on Metro!
Tara

Laser Hair Removal

2011-01-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

Shaving is such a PAIN! At least it is for me. I'm already rushed enough in the morning and have no extra time for shaving! I'm one of those people who can shave their legs, underarms, or where ever first thing in the morning and by the afternoon i've got stubble! It makes me mad sometimes, because I have friends who can shave and they are good for 2 days! What's up with that!

After months of contemplation and trying to decide if I wanted to spend the money on laser hair removal, I came across a billboard on my way to work advertising laser hair removal. And for a VERY GOOD PRICE. I thought, "hmm, is this a scam? why is it so cheap?" I called, spoke w/the owner and felt very comfortable after our conversation. I made an appointment. Lynn (the owner) consulted with me, then we got started with my 1st treatment.

The "body part" shall remain nameless! She gave me some glasses to wear, took some really cold gel, placed it on the area/s and then started zapping away. It felt like a little sting.... not bad at all....waxing hurts worse than this did.

I've been back for 2 additional treatments and can tell a difference. The hairs are becoming more sparse,not as thick, and starting to disappear. I've still got 3 more treatments to go. I CAN NOT WAIT TO BE HAIR FREE!!!!!!

"Laser hair removal has become one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Laser hair removal utilizes beams of highly concentrated light designed to selectively penetrate into the hair follicles, to be absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles and to destroy the hair within that hair follicle."

I will give another review and final rating once i've had all my treatments...... it's just that i'm so excited with the results i'm seeing now!

Overall I give Laser Hair Removal 5 sparkles and a snap! I would definitely reccomend this to a friend!

If you are in the Atlanta area and interested in laser hair removal or possibly other cosmetic procedures please visit BellaDerma MedSpa to learn more..... oh and mention you saw this on 2 Blondes with a Blog! Maybe she'd throw ya a discount.

Here's to "no more razors",
Tara

2011-01-05T15:06:00.001-08:00

KEURIG

I have found something I love almost as much as I love lip gloss and that is saying a lot! It’s the Keurig! I purchased the Keurig Special Edition Home Brewing System – B60 about two months ago. It is described as “just 3 easy steps to choose, brew and enjoy your favorite coffees and teas.” You use the K-Cups for brewing. These are individual cups with a big assortment of coffee strengths, coffee flavors, different flavors of tea, etc. The Keurig brews one cup of coffee or tea at a time. It takes only seconds for your cup to be brewed. I love that!

I can see some disadvantages. One would be the cost of the K-Cups. This can get costly if you or your family drink a lot of coffee. However, they have a My K-Cup that you can purchase (mine came with one) that allows you to fill it with your own coffee. Then the individual K-Cups wouldn’t be necessary. Some may not like the fact it only brews one cup at a time. Some may think they are too costly. They range in price from $109.99 – $169.99. Just depends on the model you prefer and each does something a little different. Grocery stores and Super centers are starting to carry a large variety of the K-Cups but not all the varieties that are available. Bed, Bath and Beyond carries the largest selection. Any of the K-Cups can be ordered online.

Overall, I simply love this machine. Therefore, my rating for the Keurig out of 5 sparkles is……

Quality – 5 out of 5

Product – 5 out of 5

Ease of Use – 5 out of 5

Cost – 4 out of 5

Would I purchase again or recommend to a friend – absolutely!

OVERALL – 5 SPARKLES AND A SNAP

Until the next review,

Niki

Neturogena Healthy Volume Mascara

2010-11-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

I saw this mascara in the store and was immediately impressed with the wand. This mascara is described as “instantly builds lash volume by 400%”. I was sold because I’m always on the hunt for a great volume-building mascara.

After trying it a few times, I’m just not impressed. I feel it gives you more natural looking lashes. The plus side is there is no clumping and it has a conditioning formula.

If your looking for a volume-building mascara, this is not a good choice. I typically really like Neutrogena products, but was let down with this one. Therefore, my rating for this out of 5 sparkles is……..

Product – 3 out of 5 (only because it would be a good natural mascara)

Quality – 4 out of 5

Would I purchase again or recommend to a friend – No

Overall 3 sparkles...

Glamorousiciously yours,

Niki