Monthly Archives: June 2010

My Five Must-Haves for Summer

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1 – Freshly Grilled Corn on the Cob

Admittedly, corn is not the healthiest veggie, but I don’t let that stop me from counting it as one of my vegetable servings three times a week or so in the summer. 

I’m not sure if there’s a “right” way to grill corn on the cob, but here’s how theBOY and I like it. 

First, get rid of that husk. (Can you really grill it inside the husk? That seems like an awful lot of work.)

Next, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a generous amount of salt & pepper.

Finally, place the corn on the grill away from the flame and grill for five (or so) minutes before flipping it over. You’ll know when it’s done because it’ll look all dark and juicy and yummy. 


2 - Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Snappy Sorbet

You may remember my rave review of Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure. I purchased several shades of that fine product.  However, summertime brings a whole new set of standards, and I’m pleased as punch to have found a product that meets them. 

Fun colors (I have my eye on Lively Lilac next.)
Fast drying (This stuff is literally done drying 60 seconds after you apply it.) 
Nice price (I picked mine up at Target for $4.54.)

Oh, and it stays on pretty well, too! It’s definitely good for at least one dish-washing. Plus, who really cares when a fresh coat can be applied and dry in less than five minutes?

Look close to catch a glimpse of my matching toenails.


3 – Partylite’s Citrus Bloom Citronella Candles

This isn’t your grandma’s citronella. I adore the fragrance of these candles, and they just happen to be great at keeping the bugs away!


4 – A Good Read

Any can’t-set-it-down book will suffice. Last year it was Rattled by Christine Coppa (go figure), but I’ve yet to find one for this summer. If you’re reading something you just can’t get enough of, please share!!


5 – Friends & Family to Share the Long Days!

The best part of summer? The get togethers – hands down. I mean, what good is all this stuff if you don’t have someone to eat it with/show it off to/enjoy it with/talk about it with?

So what’s your summer must-have? What says “it’s summer!” to you? Tell me about it! 

Product Review – Emerald Nuts Cocoa Roast Almonds

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I’m just going to cut to the chase.

Emerald Cocoa Roast NutsThese little bite-sized nuggets of cocoa-y goodness are worth all four hundred and fifty-four pennies I paid for them.

I’ve been a long-time fan of eating raw almonds with dried strawberries for a snack, but if I can get sweet and savory in one canister, bring it on.

Cocoa Roast Almonds also come in 100-calorie packs. But for 150 calories for a quarter cup, I say just buy the canister.  You’re going to want more than 100 calories worth of these.*

Emerald Nuts says these almonds are “the kind of goodness that isn’t all sticky on the surface, because that’s not good. These almonds are dusted with chocolate flavor because goodness should never stick to your fingers.”**

The Verdict -

As far as healthy, chocolately almonds go, Emerald Nuts Cocoa Roast Almonds take the cake. However, if you’re not calorie counting, I know a pretty tough competitor.

Have you tried Cocoa Roast Almonds? What did you think? Do you have another yummy snack I need to know about?  Leave a comment!

*I don’t recommend binging on any snack. Portion control is a good thing. However, I’m not one for being restricted to 100 measly calores.

**I tend to disagree. While I adore the dusting of cocoa because it makes me feel like I’m cheating the health-food system, there are times when sticky goodness is required.

Are You Sleepwalking Through Life?

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I remember the day it hit me that I have two options for how I live my life – I can live passively (sleepwalking through life) or live actively (pursuing what really matters in a way that proves that it really matters).

I’d been thinking about it for some time. That day, I remember turning to my then boss, now friend and saying something like “so many people just let life happen to them.”

I don’t think it’s in my nature to live like that.

I’ve found others who agree.

The theme of Chris Guillebeau’s website, The Art of Non-Conformity,  is:

You don’t have to live your life the way other people expect you to.

I knew it! Now I’ve found someone else who is shouting it from the rooftops (actually, from all sorts of airports and countries around the world.)  

Here’s what else Chris has to say about ”achieving significant, personal goals while helping others at the same time”

If you don’t decide for yourself what you want to get out of life, someone else will probably end up deciding for you.

There is usually more than one way to accomplish something.

You can do good things for yourself and help other people at the same time.

So now I have to do something about all this.

My significant, personal goals? I gotta figure those out. And I have a pretty good idea where to start my research.

In the meantime, I’m encouraged, inspired and motivated by the reminder that my life doesn’t have to meet anyone else’s expectations. Instead, I can actively pursue what really matters in a way that proves that it really matters.

Have you considered your life goals? Have you put a plan in place to reach them? Whose expectations are you trying to meet? How do you live actively? 

Calling All eShoppers!

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I recently realized I’ve repeatedly turned to the Internet for unique gifts over the last several months. 

Maybe it has something to do with my time shortage.

Probably does. It is a time saver!

I used to spend hours wandering aimlessly through the mall. Even though I had no idea what to buy, I figured it would jump out at me when I saw it.

It never did. 

After wasting a couple of hours, one of two things would usually happen. Best case, I’d go home empty-handed and repeat the shopping trip at a later date.

The alternative?

I’d decide to buy the next thing I saw that seemed the least ridiculous and likely to be re-gifted.

So, this online shopping thing definitely has its advantages. No more wasted hours or desperate gifts. Not yet anyway.

Here are some of my favorite sites to find unique things….

www.etsy.com (Okay, you actually can waste hours at a time at this site.)

www.cafepress.com (Just about anything you can dream up can become a reality here!)

www.uncommongoods.com (I’ve never actually purchased anything from this site, but I love to look around! And I’m sure someday soon I’ll find something perfect for someone there. Like this?)

www.shutterfly.com (Love this site for personalized cards and corny gifts like mugs, mouse pads and magnets.)

So, tell me. What kinds of things do you buy online and what are your must-visit sites when you’re doing a little online shopping?

Girl is Grateful. She is. Really.

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If you missed it or have forgotten, my “Girl is Grateful” posts are my attempt to remind myself that I am, in fact, grateful.

Tonight I need reminded. Boy, do I ever.

So, here it is.

Girl is Grateful…Manic Monday Edition.

  • I’m grateful for my ability to go for a jog. Sometimes I just need a good sweat, and I’m so glad I can do it by running.
  • I’m so happy for the gift of creativity and appreciation of the arts. I love seeing beautiful things.
  • Yay for fresh fruit!

Click on the Girl is Grateful image over there on the right side to see past thankfulness. Then tell me what you’re thankful for today.