Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tastefully Tuesday...


During the summer I like to eat quick and eat light but grab and go stuff can get boring.  I found a great pasta salad over a a great recipe blog called Chef Jeff last summer.


Thai Beef Pasta Salad

¼ pound fusilli (cork screw) pasta (about 1½ cups)
4 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Thai peanut sauce
½ pound deli roast beef, thick sliced (about ¼-inch), cut into cubes
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cups ready-to-eat salad greens
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
1 cup fresh pineapple cubes
2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Cook pasta 10 minutes, or according to package instructions.

Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise and peanut sauce in a medium-size bowl. Drain pasta well and add to the bowl along with the beef; toss well. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Arrange greens on dinner plates, and spoon on pasta and beef. Top with bell pepper and pineapple cubes. Sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro. Serves 2.

$1.00 off any two boxes of Ronzoni pasta
$1.00 off any two 9 oz or larger Hellmann's mayonnaise at Target
$1.00 off Olivia's Organic Salad
 
Today's no cook option is from the Cheesecake Factory, get a free slice of cheesecake every $30.00 you spend. The printable coupon is only good Sunday - Thursday  from May 10, 2011 - June 28, 2011 and can not be used with any other discounts or coupons. You can use the coupon for dine in or curbside just be sure to let them know in advance that you have the coupon.
 
I hope you all had a great weekend!
 
C.Q.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial day...

Today I want to say thank you to all the men and womes in the armed services, those of the past, the present and those yet to come.  Have a blessed day.

The following pictues are of my Grandfather and my dad, I miss them both very much.


C.Q.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday's media madness...

One of my favorite fun authors to read is Jess Lourey, and she has a new book out called October Fest.  This is the newest book in her Murder-by-Month series; previous titles are May Day, June Bug, Knee High by the Fourth of July, August Moon, and September Fair. All the books are a great read and the newest is no exception.

From Jess' own web site: "Beer and polka music reign supreme at Octoberfest, Battle Lake's premier fall festival. To kick off the celebrations, the town hosts a public debate between congressional candidates Arnold Swydecker and the slippery incumbent, Sarah Glokkmann. But the festive mood sours as soon as a well-known Glokkmann-bashing blogger is found dead. When Mira's best friend's fiancé becomes a top suspect, she wades through mudslinging and murderous threats to find the political party crasher."

All of the books in the series are fun and full of wry quick wit, and while you don't have to start at the beginning of the series it does help give you more insight to the characters.  I was able to find October Fest for the lowest price at Bookdepository for $11.10with free shipping, if you are a member of Amazon Prime or order more than $25.00 you can get it for $10.17 at Amazon with free shipping.  The Kindle version is available for $9.66.

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial weekend everyone!  Be sure to check out our swap and join in the fun.

C.Q.

The Blog Entourage


Sunday Blog Hop Shibley Smiles

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Saturday's swap...

I am mixing things up a little bit and doing a swap this week.  I think this is something fun and if we get enough folks to participate we can do it monthly.  Here is the plan, think about where you live and with a budget of at least $10 purchase something that represents where you are, package it up with a postcard from your city or state and mail it off to a person the pair you up with.  I think this can be a lot of fun, I know a ton of sites are doing craft swaps, this is similar, except you don't have to make anything, unless you want to.  To join just leave a comment and next Saturday I will pair you up with another reader.  If this goes well I will do it again next month.  If we end up with an odd number participating I will jump in and swap as well, so no one will be left out who wants to join in the fun.

Have a great weekend everyone!

C.Q.

The Blog Entourage




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Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday's Freebie...

Memorial weekend is finally here and its time to get out the Barbecue. Today's first freebie comes from Star Ranch Angus. While supplies last you can get a free sample of their Real American Steak Rub, just fill in the on line request form and they will have it on the way to you in no time. 

SC Johnson Right at Home is offering a free Summer Prep Gift Pack to the first 3,000.  The gift pack includes a full size canister of Deep Woods Off! and one pack of Shout Wipes, both great for all your summer barbecues.  Just fill in the on line form, gift packs will be mailed July 15th.

Have a great Friday and a safe weekend!

C.Q.



A Mommy's Sweet Blog Design Friday Blog Hop


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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Thursdays picture perfect deal...

The picture...

All along the shore of Lake Superior the rocks have mineral and ore deposits.  My husband took this picture of one that had a beautiful Iron deposit on it with the big lake glittering in the background.

The deal...

Dress Barn has a great deal going on right now, save 25% off your entire regular priced purchase when you shop with their credit card or save 20% off with any other form of payment.  Just print the coupon and bring it into the store with you, if you are shopping on line use coupon code ESUM25 to shop using the Dress Barn credit card, or coupon code ESUM20 when you check out using another form of payment.  Plus, you can get a free summer tote with any purchase over $100 while supplies last. 

Hope you having a nice Thrusday.

C.Q.







Obviously MARvelous

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wednesday's learn and earn...

~WORD OF THE DAY~

cloud-cuckoo-land ~ noun

DEFINITION: a realm of fantasy or of whimsical or foolish behavior

EXAMPLES: If the boss really thinks he can up productivity and increase profit after the company is downsized, he is living in cloud-cuckoo-land.

"I vastly prefer to live in my own cloud cuckoo land. Anything else sends me into such depression that I can't get out of bed in the morning and the only thing that cheers me up is Mum's ginger biscuits." -- From Elizabeth George's 2010 novel This Body of Death

DID YOU KNOW? In Aristophanes' 5th century B.C. comedy The Birds, Peisthetaerus (a human) convinces the king of the birds and his followers to help him build an ideal city juxtaposed between heaven and earth. They plan to intercept all of the sacrifices rising from the earth to the gods on Olympus, thereby starving the gods into cooperating with them. The newly built city is dubbed "Nephelokokkygia," (from "nephos," meaning "cloud," and "kokkyx," the native European cuckoo). By the late 19th century, English speakers had translated the town's name as "Cloud-Cuckoo-Land" and had begun using it as a general term for any similarly unreal or whimsical place or situation. These days, "cloud-cuckoo-land" makes occasional appearances in U.S. contexts but is far more common in British use.


~THE REBATE~

Scotch-Brite is offering a free tote bag with the purchase of two of their new Greener Clean Natural Fiber Sponge.  All you need to do is mail in the two UPCs off the packages together with the completed rebate form.  The offer expires 6/30/11 and there is a limit of one bag per household.  There is also a printable coupon for $1.00 off above the rebate form for an even better deal.

I hope you are all having a great week so far.

C.Q.




Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tastefully Tuesday...




Memorial weekend is when he grilling officially starts around here because our Winters are long an Spring tends to linger.  Here is a really easy and tasty recipe idea for you to try on your grill.



Ginger Honey Glazed Salmon
From McCormick

Makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Refrigerate Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup reduced sodium or regular soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon ground Ginger
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 green onion, chopped
1 pound salmon fillets

DIRECTIONS: Mix orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder and green onion in small bowl. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the marinade. Place salmon in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add remaining marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove salmon from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Grill over medium-high heat 6 to 7 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily with a fork, basting occasionally with reserved marinade.

$1.00 off Uncle Matt's Organic Orange Juice
$0.55 off Sue Bee Honey (click on coupons across the top bar)



Today's no cook option is from Chili's.  Today only, at participating Chili's, when you print out the coupon and bring it in with your family you will get free food for the kids.  This offer is good today only and there is a limit of 2 kids meals per table, the offer is good for all children under 12 year old.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

C.Q.



Monday, May 23, 2011

Meet me on Monday...

Monday again and time for the one thing I think we all look forward to at the start of every week.... Meet Me On Monday hosted by Java over at Never Growing Old.




Today's Questions:

1. What is your favorite bagel flavor?
2. If you had an extra $100 right now, what would you spend it on?
3. What is the last thing that you felt guilt about doing?
4. Soft serve ice cream or hand dipped?
5. Are you allergic to anything?

---------------------------------------------------------------
1. What is your favorite bagel flavor?

Folks who know me with just nod and smile, but its Garden Vegetable.  Its my favorite because I can have it by itself, as a sandwich or open faced with cream cheese and Lox, its great either way.


2. If you had an extra $100 right now, what would you spend it on?

I would get my dog Tucker a new dog bed with sides, he ripped his old one and now he keeps trying to sleep in the cat beds with sides to feel secure.

3. What is the last thing that you felt guilt about doing?

Spending so much on craft supplies at Michael's.  I did get some AWESOME paper for scrapping but even with my coupon I was over budget.

4. Soft serve ice cream or hand dipped?

Yes please.  I love any kind of ice cream, my favorite is blueberry or strawberry cheese cake and that I have only ever seen in hand dipped, but I love the smooth creamy texture of soft serve.

5. Are you allergic to anything?

A medicine the Dr.s prescribed for my Triglycerides gave me blood clots in my legs, so yup, I have one allergy.

Hope you all have a wonderful week ahead.

C.Q.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday's media madness...

I love finding new TV shows on DVD to watch when it rains, much like my plan for today as a matter of fact.  With that in mind I thought I would share one of the new shows I purchased recently and am really enjoying so far.  I picked up Covert Affairs staring Piper Perabo and Christopher Gorahm.  The  series is based around a young woman, Annie Walker (Piper Perabo) being trained at the CIA farm who is called into active duity early due to her language skills.  Once at the CIA she meets Auggie Anderson (Christopher Gorahm) who, although blind is the beaurus best electronics expert.  The series starts out action packed, with Annie shot at her first day on the job, something, her supervisor tells her, most agents go a whole career without having happen.  The action dosen't slow down for the whole of the first season and is sure to keep you wanting more.  If you arn't sure you want to own it you can ceck out the USA Network's web site and watch an episode or two.  The series starts in the middle online but you can get a feel for the show.  I was able to find the Season One DVD for the lowet price at Amazon for $34.99 with free shipping, it is not available on Blu-ray currently.

I hope you are all having a great weekend.

C.Q.


Sunday Blog Hop Shibley Smiles


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The Blog Entourage

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Saturday Sojourn...

Breckenridge, Colorado

Today I grabbed a book called 1,000 to Visit Before You Die: In the USA and Canada by Patricia Schultz.  I opened it towards the middle and was right on the page for Breckenridge, Colorado.

"The town of Breckenridge was formally created in November 1859 by General George E. Spencer. Spencer chose the name "Breckinridge" after John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky, Vice President of the United States, in the hopes of flattering the government and gaining a post office. Spencer succeeded in his plan and a post office was built in Breckinridge; it was the first post office between the Continental Divide and Salt Lake City, Utah.   Breckenridge was founded to serve the miners working rich placer gold deposits discovered along the Blue River." ~ from Wikipedia
 
The first thing I looked into for today's article was lodging and I was able to find one heck of a deal at the Breck Inn.  They have a special running now that offers a room for between $13 and $100 dollars per night, so when I put in sample dates (which include a weekend) in July and August the price for a room for 2 adults came us as $87 per night, in September and October the price dropped to $78 per night.  The room includes a limited Continental breakfast. The Breck Inn also features an on-site outdoor hot tub. The hotel is located within walking distance to town and just minutes from the slopes. But there is a down side to the great deal, there is a 120 Minute presentation and tour of The Grand Lodge on Peak 7 to get your to buy into the time share for the area. 

The number one place to stay in Breckenridge per Trip Advisor is BlueSky Breckenridge, and if you book between now and May 31st you can get a third night free or up to 20% off. The average price per night is $185 on Hotels.com but when you factor in the free third night that brings it down to $124 per night.  The hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, three hot tubs, fitness center, a spa on site, weekend meals can be catered to your condo, a library with a business center and a selection of DVDs, a game room, heated parking garage, a charter sports shop which offers a 30% discount on rental equipment to guests and a shuttle service that goes into town.  In the winter months the Lodge is a ski in ski out facility, making it easy to hit the slops. 

Everyone knows Breckenridge is a mecca for skiers but what about the summer?  Well if you like sports there is no shortage, The Town of Breckenridge can boast that it is the only municipality in the world to own a Jack Nicklaus designed, 27-hole golf course.  The Breckenridge Golf Club offers quite a few different stay an play package options as well as being able to book a one time tee time.  The rates are good for a day out, between $62 and $109 for 18 holes walking depending on when you want to go, they even offer twilight golfing after 2:30 and happy hour after 4:30 for reduced rates. Cart rental is $16 for 18 holes and $9.00 for 9 holes.

Not a golfer? Not a problem.  The Town of Breckenridge has been designated a silver level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, and was named one of the top 10 great places to take the kids on a bike ride by USA Today.  You can bring your own bikes or you can rent them from either Alpine Sport (they have a coupon for 20% off your rental) or Avalanche Sports, both will have the right equipment for the type of trail you choose.  Before you head out be sure to down load and print your free Summer trail bike map.  Riding a horse more your style?  Check out Breckenridge Stables for their trail rides as well as some fun breakfast and dinner rides.  Would you rather hit the water to paddle or fish for the day?  You can rent canoes, kayaks and powerboats or pontoons at the Frisco Bay Marina.  Frisco Bay Marina is located on the shores of scenic Dillon Reservoir in the heart of Summit County, Colorado.  The lake spans 3,300 acres and boasts 25 miles of shoreline.  The Reservoir offers a nice selection of fish, mostly a variety of trout for anglers, you can get great information on the lake from Fish Explorer.

Looking more for some fun things to do with the whole family? Then why not step back in time to 1887 and try some gold panning at Country Boy Mine?  Voted as one of the best things to do in Breckenridge you can tour the mine, its $20.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids ages 4-12 and your price includes gold panning.  Who knows, you may end up actually making some money, if you would rather try your hand at just the gold panning and skip the tour the cost is $9.95. If you don't like the underground part of the tour why not off set that with a hot air balloon ride? Check out Colorado Balloon Rides and experience the highest altitude hot air ballooning in the country. Your balloon adventure will provide you with spectacular 100 mile panoramic mountain views.  Mountain flight prices are $250.00 per person but for this once in a life time experience it may be worth the splurge.  If you book now using coupon code MOS15 you will get $15.00 off per person.

Nestled in the heart of this historic mining town, the Riverwalk Center, a multifaceted, award-winning performing arts facility seating 770 people, is the focal point for summer activities.  The Riverwalk Center is the western most anchor of the Breckenridge Arts District and part of the Blue River Restoration Project embarked on by the Town of Breckenridge in 1992.  There is also abundant shopping and dining in Breckenridge so be sure to download the free vacation planner and check out all the fun for yourself.  You can also visit the Breckenridge web site for even more great information and planning ideas.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

C.Q.



The Blog Entourage


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