Thursday, July 28, 2011

Book: 100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know (Glamour Magazine)



Before I recycle my Glamour magazines, I always tear out the recipes. I will admit that I have never prepared anything, mainly because I usually end up misplacing the recipes or tossing them (while cleaning). So, I was surprised when I was flipping through a recent Glamour that I saw an advertisement for their book "100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know" by Cindi Leive and other Editors of Glamour. The book contains all of their most popular recipes, which is so convenient because the recipes are now in one place.

I have noticed that some reviewers do not like the title. I see it as, if this book were created by a men's magazine like GQ, the book would have a title something like "100 Recipes Every Man Should Know To Impress Ladies" so I don't see it as offensive. It just goes with the magazine, which is geared towards women of a certain demographics.

I will add this to my wishlist and pick it up the next time I buy books.

If you own this cook book, what did you think about it? Let us know.

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Treating Your Dog Doesn't Get Any Cooler with Frosty Paws!

Frosty Paws® Frozen Treats for Dogs Introduces New Frosty Paws Bites

OAKLAND, Calif., July 26, 2011 -- Frosty Paws Frozen Treats for Dogs are a one-of-a-kind favorite with dogs of all sizes. The ready-to-eat cups of doggie ice cream, made with high quality protein, vitamins and minerals and no sugar, are a wholesome choice for a snack. Dogs can fetch either an original (Vanilla) or Peanut Butter flavor for a cup of pure happiness.

Tails will be wagging even more this month with the introduction of Frosty Paws Bites. The cold, creamy treats are now available nationwide in the Original (Vanilla) and Peanut Butter flavors with a flavorful Vanilla Yogurt coating. They're a fun way to celebrate the good life dogs and their parents share, one little bite at a time.

"We've made it easier to treat your dog more often," says Diane McIntyre, Brand communications Manager. "One Frosty Paws Bite says 'good dog' in a very cool way."

Frosty Paws Bites are available in a 50-count package and can be found in the frozen snacks section of the supermarket at a suggested retail price of $4.99. Frosty Paws cups come in a four-cup carton with a suggested retail price of $3.99.

Dog lovers can also make cool connections on the new Frosty Paws Facebook page at facebook.com/frostypaws. Check out the upcoming photo and video contest and join in the conversations about our furry friends and their canine capers.

About Nestle USA:

Nestle Dreyer's Ice Cream Company is part of Nestle USA, and is owned by Nestle S.A. of Vevey, Switzerland, the world's largest nutrition, health and wellness company. Nestle Dreyer's Ice Cream Company manufactures, markets and distributes a full spectrum of ice cream and frozen snacks. The company's premium products are marketed under the Dreyer's brand name throughout the Western states and Texas, and under the Edy's® brand name throughout the remainder of the United States. For more information on the company, please visit www.nestleusa.com.

In the U.S., the Haagen-Dazs trademark is licensed to Nestle by General Mills.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The Importance of Being a Journalist (Illustration)


Too bad a lot of reporters don't seem to grasp this understanding anymore.

Latest Obsession: Camo Jacket

Camo Jacket $79.00 Banana Republic

I've been looking for something a little different and a camo jacket is just perfect for the weekend. But make sure it's fitted so it doesn't make you look too boxy. I would pair it with a cute tank and shorts or a summer dress in white or pink. It would even look great with a Little Black Dress.

The summer is a great time to take chances with fashion.

Monday, July 25, 2011

JCPENNEY DEMONSTRATES THE POWER OF A PENNY TO SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH

Company Launches “pennies from heaven” to Inspire Donations for Afterschool

Cause Marketing Campaign Debuts with Innovative Digital Experience and Backing from Design Partners Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen




PLANO, Texas (July 20, 2011) — J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced that it is launching an inspiring new philanthropic initiative that invites customers in over 1,100 stores to turn small change into “pennies from heaven” by rounding up their purchases and donating the difference to life-enriching afterschool programs. For more than a decade, JCPenney has been the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue by distributing more than $100 million across every jcpenney community. To bolster support for the afterschool movement, jcpenney will unveil its most extensive cause marketing campaign to date. Serving as the Company’s signature cause-related event, pennies from heaven will be held four times a year starting July 31 through Aug. 27 during the Back-to-School season.

“Compelling national research reveals that one in four students in America is unsupervised between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day. This represents more than 15 million kids who could benefit from the academic and social development opportunities that afterschool programs provide,” said Mike Theilmann, group executive vice president for J. C. Penney Company, Inc. and chairman of J.C. Penney afterschool. “With communities facing severe cuts in education and school resources, there’s never been a more important time to raise awareness of the afterschool issue and get our customers involved in helping to narrow the education gap.”

Marketing that Inspires Change
As the largest cause marketing initiative JCPenney has ever launched, pennies from heaven will have a prominent role in the Company’s overall back-to-school promotions. Created in collaboration with Momentum Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi New York and 360i, pennies from heaven leverages multiple touch points to engage the hearts and minds of American consumers. National and Hispanic advertising, which utilizes broadcast, print and online media, showcases youth in afterschool programs through themed ads representing “pennies for art,” “pennies for science” and “pennies for music” -- demonstrating the power of a penny to create new opportunities for learning. Promotions for pennies from heaven will run as an integral component to jcpenney’s Back-to-School “Daydreamer” campaign, which features dream-inspired doodles to reveal kids’ inner aspirations -- reinforcing the notion that through a collective call to action, jcpenney and its supporters can help shape the future for millions of America’s youth.

Purse for a Cause
Olsenboye designers Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen are lending their support to the initiative by releasing a limited edition change purse available exclusively at jcpenney. Each purse will sell for $9.99 and 100 percent of the sale proceeds will be donated to the pennies from heaven campaign. “Every child should have the opportunity to be part of a positive and nurturing environment after school,” said Ashley Olsen. “Through the purchase of an Olsenboye change purse, customers can help support afterschool programs and impact a child’s life,” added Mary-Kate Olsen.

Generating Virtual Pennies for Real Donations
Prior to the official launch in stores, customers will be able to collect virtual pennies as part of a fun, interactive experience on jcp.com/pennies. This new microsite serves as a personalized social hub for supporters to learn more about the issue and get involved through various online activities that trigger a donation to afterschool programs. Once users collectively generate 100 million virtual pennies, jcpenney will donate $1 million to the afterschool cause. Elements of the pennies from heaven online challenge include:

■ sending a “lucky penny” to friends on Facebook using a customized application;
■ watching the pennies from heaven commercial video;
■ downloading the pennies from heaven ringtone;
■ liking JCPenney on Facebook or following JCPenney on Twitter and;
■ checking into a JCPenney store on Foursquare.

About jcpenney’s commitment to afterschool:

As the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney partners with leading afterschool organizations to make life-enriching afterschool programs accessible for working families. Through its legacy of supporting youth and charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Y, National 4-H, United Way and FIRSTâ Robotics, JCPenney formalized its commitment to the afterschool cause by establishing the jcpenney afterschool fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since its inception, more than $100 million has been distributed to afterschool programs across every JCPenney community thereby making it possible for more kids to spread their wings. For more information, visit www.jcp.com/pennies.

About J. C. Penney Company, Inc.:

J. C. Penney Company, Inc., one of America's leading retailers, operates over 1,100 jcpenney department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com. Serving more than half of America’s families each year, the jcpenney brand offers a wide array of private, exclusive and national brands which reflect the Company’s vision to be America’s shopping destination for discovering great styles at compelling prices. Traded as “JCP” on the New York Stock Exchange, the $17.8 billion retailer is transforming its organization to support its Long Range Plan strategies to build a sustainable, profitable enterprise that serves its customers, engages its associates and rewards its shareholders. For more information visit, www.jcpenney.net.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Sneak Peak of Lois Lane's New Boyfriend in Superman #1

According to DC Comics, Lois Lane's new boyfriend, Jonathan Caroll will be a co-worker at the Daily Planet. Lois will have a slightly different career as the new boss of the Daily Planet's TV and New Media Department. According to DC Entertainment Co-Publisher, Jim Lee (The New York Daily News), he thinks readers will have a soft spot for Clark when they see his reaction to Lois’ new boyfriend, because many of us know what it’s like to be the odd man out.


(click pictures for larger size)





Hopeful they will eventually have Lois and Clark start dating at some point. I think they're great together. And I hope Lois will be a reporter at some point.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

News Bite: Man of Steel Pushed Back Until Summer 2013

by SuperHeroHype (superherohype.com)

Warner Bros. Pictures has announced that Zack Snyder's Superman movie Man of Steel will be released in theaters on June 14, 2013 and not in December of 2012 as was previously believed.

No other films have been scheduled for that date yet.

Written by David Goyer and Jonathan Nolan, the anticipated film stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Antje Traue, Russell Crowe, Julia Ormond, Christopher Meloni and Harry Lennix.

----------------------------------------------------------------
On a side note: I have no real desire to see this film. As a Superman fan, I'm just not interested in going to see it because for one reason the casting seems really random. Like they just pulled the names out of a hat. There also seems to be rumored problems with the script and everything just seems a little rushed. It's like they were trying too hard to hype this film up already.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A Comic, DC Comics Should Do: Lois Lane, Girl Reporter

I'm in a Comic Book kind of mood and thought this would be interesting to post.



by Style and Focus PR

Something truly different that DC Comics could really do, is to publish, "Lois Lane, Girl Reporter" written by Dean Trippe and artwork by Daniel Krall. Trippe was trying to pitch it to DC but they decided to pass on it. I can not understand why? It seems like it would appeal to a unique target market: young girl who love solving mysteries. This might even have appealed to adults who like light-hearted comics. Lois Lane is a well known and respect character (and one of my favorites). I grew up reading Nancy Drew and would have loved having a comic like this, still would.

The premise of the comic would of been, eleven year-old Lois Lane discovering her love of investigative journalism. She would have been trying to solve mysteries that were happening in her community and to her friends as well as mysteries that may occur as she traveled the country (most likely traveling with her father, General Lane). And in keeping with the DC world, along the way Lois would meet up with some familiar faces: a 13 yr old Bruce Wayne accompanied by Alfred, a 12 yr old Clark Kent and a not so friendly young Lex Luther.

Below are character pictures from "Lois Lane, Girl Reporter":

Lois Lane



Clark Kent



Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth



This seemed like a cute idea, especially since it seems like it's getting harder to find positive examples for young girls. Perhaps DC will change their minds if enough buzz surrounds this.

What do you think? Is there a market for a comic like this? Do you think it would of done well?

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2 Summer Beauty Tips to Help Beat the Heat



** To keep my skin from being too shiny and yet still fresh, I use blotting paper. They're great because when it's too hot and the last thing I want to do is put on make-up, the blotting paper takes away the shine but doesn't dry out my skin.


** During the summer I keep my facial moisturizer, lotions and sunscreen in the refrigerator. I feel cool and ready to start the day especially if it's already beginning to warm-up.

Good News for Huntress Fans: DC Comics will feature Huntress in a New Miniseries.


DC Comics will be releasing a miniseries titled "The Huntress" starting in October. According to writer Paul Levitz, the series will feature Huntress going on the hunt in Italy. As a fan of the character I am glad that they didn't phase her out, like I had previously thought. I do have to say, I am not sold on the new costume or the way the character is drawn on the cover. Hopefully the suit and artwork will look much better inside the comic.

About the The Huntress, mini-series (from DC Comics):

Look out! By the end of this hot new miniseries, the Huntress will have the largest price on her head in DC Universe history.

What will the Huntress do that warrants such a death mark? And who puts it there? The jaw-dropping events will be revealed as the Huntress heads home to Italy and embarks on a mission that defines her life. Don't miss out, because this story will tie in to upcoming events in BIRDS OF PREY!

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

What I'm Currently Reading: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan


If you are a fan of fantasy books like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, then you might be interested in The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (who also wrote the Percy Jackson series). After reading a mystery book I wanted something a bit different. The Red Pyramid centers around an estranged brother and sister are trying to cope with the mysterious disappearance of their Egyptologist father. I'm on 70+ pages in and I can say that Mr. Riordan really knows how to delve into the fantasy world.

About The Red Pyramid:

Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them —Set— has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe - a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Are Anne Hathaway and Amy Adams Miscast in the New DC Comics Superhero Movies?

Update: Man of Steel will not hit theaters until Summer 2013

Anne Hathaway has mixed opinions from Batman fans regarding her for the role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in "The Dark Knight Rises". Many think that she was miscast and only got the role because she was "Who's Hot" in Hollywood, which is similar to what fans are saying about Andrew Garfield who will be starring as the new "Spider-Man" in theaters next year. Below see trailer for Catwoman in the upcoming "Batman: Arkham City" game.















Will it be a much harder sell, to see Amy Adams as Lois Lane in the "Man of Steel". Will she be able to pull off the role as the hard hitting reporter with so many of the disgruntled Superman fans thinking she's not the best actress and doesn't have the right look (regardless of her hair color). When "Superman Returns" was being cast fans also had a problem with Kate Bosworth getting the role of Lois Lane and according to most fans is considered to be the worst Lois Lane to date.






































Will both actresses be able to show comic book fans that they were the right ones for their roles or will they show how totally wrong they were? We will see, The Dark Knight Rises will be in theater in the summer of 2012 and The Man of Steel will be out the summer of 2013.


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Friday, July 15, 2011

Mayonnaise Hair Treatment Results.

Yesterday, I tried the mayonnaise hair treatment. The results were: my hair felt soft and I was surprised because I was expecting it to feel greasy or a little crunchy but it turned out so much better than I was expecting. The only thing I'd do differently next time, is to apply more. I have thick medium length hair and I wasn't sure I applied enough.

I would say that this inexpensive treatment turned out great. I would definitely try it again. Makes me wonder why conditioners cost so much? Especially, if you can just go down the condiment aisle and pick up a jar of mayonnaise.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

What I'm Currently Reading: The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party (The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency)



Although I'm only half-way through The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith, I can say that it is very good. The characters are very engaging and makes you want to know more about them. I can't put down this book until the mysteries are solved. I find "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" book series continues to be consist and wonderful to read.

About the book:

At a remote cattle post south of Gaborone two cows have been killed, and Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s No. 1 Lady Detective, is asked to investigate by a rather frightened and furtive gentleman. It is an intriguing problem with plenty of suspects—including, surprisingly, her own client.

To complicate matters, Mma Ramotswe is haunted by a vision of her dear old white van, and Grace Makutsi witnesses it as well. Is it the ghost of her old friend, or has it risen from the junkyard? In the meantime, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s apprentices may have gotten a girl pregnant and, under pressure to marry her, has run away. Naturally, it is up to Precious to help sort things out. Add to the mix Violet Sephotho’s newly launched run for the Botswana Parliament and a pair of perfect wedding shoes—will wedding bells finally ring for Phuti Radiphuti and Grace Makutsi?—and we have a charming and delightful tale in the inimitable style of Alexander McCall Smith.

Mayonnaise as a Hair Treatment: Yay or Nay?



I've always heard of using mayonnaise as a hair treatment, but never thought of trying it. So, today I'm going to see if it's an old wives tale or if it actually works.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Latest Obsession: Summer Dresses

One of the easiest pieces to wear this summer is a dress, especially when it's sweltering outside. I love accessorizing them with jewelry, belts or fun scarves and if the temperature starts to go down, with sweaters, blazers or wraps. What's not to love about the summer dress? Nothing.


ECI Scarf Print Charmeuse Babydoll Dress $98.00 Nordstrom



Flowering Sundress $22.80 Forever21




Floral & Scroll Print Dress $17.80 Forever21





LUSH Ruffled Racerback Dress $46.00 Nordstrom

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

goodreads, A Social Networking Site for Book Lovers

If you love reading books (including comic books), then goodreads is the site for you. goodreads is a Free site where book lovers can join to find out about new books or older books you might of been thinking of reading. You can also review and rate a book or read other members reviews. You can also set up your own library which includes books you are currently reading, have read and plan to read.

Like any other social networking site you can meet new people and form or join groups. What I like about goodreads is there is a group for everyone from "Rory Gilmore Book Lovers" to "Fans of Amish Fiction". goodreads is truly a book lovers paradise.


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What Do You Think About DC Comics New 52 Line-up?

I am disappointed that DC has made such drastic changes to all the characters and have "retired or removed" some of my favorite characters such as Stephanie Brown (Batgirl) and Helena Bertinelli (Huntress) just to name a few.

I think the Reboot is nonsense because making all these changes is not going to garner all the new readers that they are hoping for. If they're not reading comics now, how will a reboot get them to start reading? I spoke with a comic book store owner who thinks that the sales will be high for the first couple of issues because readers (new and old) will want to see what's going on but if the product doesn't deliver the readers are going to pass on them. He also said that the sales may be something similar to what happened with all the buzz for the new Wonder Woman (with the new costume) comic, sales were extremely high for the first few issues but then sales started to drop because fans didn't like the "new" Wonder Woman.


We will all get to see if DC Comics risk pays off or was a total flop come September. Below is DC new 52 line-up:


Superman

R1: Action Comics, Superman
R2: Superboy, Supergirl




















Batman

R1: Batman, Detective Comics
R2: Batwing, Batman: The Dark Knight,
R3: Batman and Robin, Batgirl
R4: Batwoman, Nightwing
R5: Catwoman, Birds of Prey
R6: Redhood and the Outlaws


















































Green Lantern

R1: Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps.
R2: Green Lantern: New Guardians, Red Lanterns




















Justice League

R1: Justice League, Justice League International
R2: Aquaman, Wonder Woman
R3: The Flash, Captain Atom
R4: The Fury of Firestar, Green Arrow
R5: The Savage Hawkman, Mister Terrific
R6: DC Universe Presents




















































The Dark

R1: I, Vampire, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
R2: Animal Man, Swamp Thing
R3: Justice League Dark, Resurrection Man
R4: Demon Knight




































The Edge

R1: All-Star Western, Men of War
R2: Blackhawks, O.M.A.C.
R3: Suicide Squade, Deathstroke
R4: Grifter, Voodoo
R5: Stormwatch











































Young Justice

R1: Legion of Super Heroes, Blue Beetle
R2: Hawk & Dove, Static Shock
R3: Teen Titans, Legion Lost









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