Crest 3D Whitestrips

If you're interested in the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express or Professional Effects Whitestrips, you're going to want to take advantage of this deal. There's a $10 coupon in the paper today, plus Walgreens has it's own $10 off coupon. Ideally you can save $20, but keep in mind that the strips are still going to cost around $30. You'll be all smiles with your savings!

Stick it to Me!

If all office supplies were this much fun... I don't know that I'd ever get anything done! How cute is this black pump tape dispenser?? Scotch makes them in the classic black pump, as well as red and pink Mary Jane's. They come with a roll of Scotch tape and you can easily pop in a refill when the time comes. I found them at Office Max, but I'd guess that most other office supplies stores would carry them.

Luxe for Less

You don't have to spend a fortune on this Kate Spade accessory. Keep your Blackberry safe in this Kate Spade case. It will only set you back $25 and can be found at www.katespade.com and some Best Buys. It comes in green or pink.

Dirty Little Secret

Did you know that your kitchen sponge is probably the dirtiest thing in your kitchen?! According to Prevention Magazine, "more than a billion germs can grow in the moist environment in 24 hours". You could unintentionally be contaminating your counters and other surfaces with dangerous bacteria. To help eliminate this problem, try one of these solutions:

- skip the sponge when wiping off counters and opt for a paper towel

- give the sponge a go in the dishwasher

- place a wet sponge in the microwave for about 1 minute

- toss your sponge after a week or two

Button Up

Here's a way to put all those lonely little spare buttons to use... pop your earrings through the button before you put them in your jewelry box. This way they'll be together the next time you want to wear them. More colorful buttons can make for a prettier jewelry box. This can also make it easier when you travel.

There's an app for that...

Yep! There's an app (and it's FREE) for when nature calls during a movie. It tells you exactly when to slip out during the movie AND gives you a brief synopsis of what you missed while you were gone. You can even print your "cues" to leave before you go to the theater. Check out (...wait for it...) www.runpee.com.

Purse Organizer

"The Pouchee" is a chic and functional way to keep your bag organized. Grab the big metal rings to take The Pouchee from one bag to the next. The ample pockets (both inside and out) let you store just about everything from keys to credit cards and make-up to cell phones. For $24, you can pick from 14 different colors. I personally appreciate the polka dot contrast detail. Check out www.pouchee.com for more information.

Put a Cork in It

These were advertised in Shape magazine. They're erasable ceramic bottle stoppers that can be used in wine, vinegar, and/or olive oil bottles. You could use them as a gift tag tied around a wine bottle, or write your guests a note about the flavor of a wine. They can be ordered from www.placetile.com at $13 for 3 (in either platinum or gold). Cheers!

Outsmarting the Snow

If there is snow in the forecast (and the forecast seems to be somewhat reliable), try to stay ahead of the inconvenience left by the aftermath with these tips:
(Side Note= I hope all the teachers have enjoyed the (snow-less) snow day!)

- If you don't have a garage, put a tarp over your windshield (secured with bungee cords), so that when you do need to get your car out, you can pull out the tarp and not have to spend so much time dealing with the snow and ice on your windshield. Jason does this all the time.

- Be sure to take your scraper out of your car before it snows. It's so sad to have to uncover your car with your hands just to get to the scraper.

- Have your snow shovel and salt/de-icer handy. Did you know that shoveling snow can burn 400 calories an hour??

Making Healthy Choices

Parade had a "Health IQ Quiz" in the paper today. You might be surprised by the correct responses to a few of the questions...

- True or False- Gargling with salt water will help a sore throat. True... a mix of salt and warm water will help alleviate a sore or scratchy throat (but not cure it). Doctors believe the salt helps reduce swelling/inflammation.


- Which of the following is the best source of energy in the afternoon: a cup of green tea, a walk around the block, or a nap? The answer... a nap. Based on a study at the University of Surrey in England, it was found that an occasional nap when needed allowed participants the energy to be more active afterwards.

And speaking of healthy choices... a personal favorite of mine, the Lysol Healthy Touch Hand Soap System is on sale at Walgreens this week for $11.99. Walgreens is offering $7 in Register Rewards good on your next purchase, making it seem as though you're only paying $4.99. If you pair that with the $3 off coupon in the paper today, then you'll essentially be paying $1.99!
Wal-Mart has the dispensers on sale this week as well.

Pizza Pockets

I saw a commercial for something similar to these and so I got inspired...

You'll need:

-cookie sheet

- refrigerated Pillsbury crescent dough (reduced fat)

- Hunt's tomato paste (medium can)

- pepperoni slices

- shredded cheese (mozzarella, Parmesan, etc... your choice)

-optional: fresh veggies (like onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc...)

- optional: I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray and minced dried garlic

1. Unroll the dough and divide into rectangles (probably 4) onto a cookie sheet.

2. Spoon out tomato paste onto 1/2 of each rectangle. Save any leftover for dipping.

3. Divide pepperoni and any other toppings on each rectangle.

4. Carefully fold the corner of the dough over to form a triangle. You might want to use the edge of a fork to press the two sides together (and make it look a tad more decorative).

5. Be sure to pierce the top of each triangle for steam to escape while cooking.

6. Optional: Spritz on some butter spray and brush on with minced dried garlic to the top of each pocket.

7. Bake for about 13 minutes at 375 degrees.

Allow to cool slightly. Serve with any remaining tomato paste.

Bonus: The entire meal (including a salad) cost under $10 dollars (to serve 4 people!!).

Optimal Shoe Storage

I love shoes!! Flip flops, stilettos, tennis shoes... you name it!! The problem is... when you have such an infatuation, you must come up with a way to store them all. My closet (yes, my closet... Jason has his own) has wired shelving around the top. I invested in lots of clear 6 quart shoe containers that go around that top shelf of my closet. I stacked one on top of a another to double the storage space. In most boxes, I can fit more than one pair of shoes, which is also a plus. I grouped them together (leopard print peep toes are not all that practical for everyday use) and put more frequently used shoes in the middle. I also had to invest in a step stool so that I was able to appreciate this organizational tool. I like this one from Ikea because it safely gives me a bonus foot of height! ($5.99)

The hanging shoe organizer is another way that I can make the most of my closet space. Just like with the boxes, I can usually fit more than one pair of shoes in each pocket (especially flip flops). I tend to keep the shoes that I use more frequently here and change them out depending on the season.

I try to only have the number of pairs of shoes that will fit in the boxes, meaning that when a new pair comes, another must be purged. I do recommend keeping the boxes that boots come in to store them inside when not in use. These boxes can be stored nicely on a closet floor (even underneath hanging pants) or under the bed. You could even go so far as to stuff newspaper inside your boots to help absorb moisture and retain the boots' shape.

Sneaking in Some Extra Closet Space

Making the most of your closet space (and keeping things organized) can make your life so much easier. I love these hanging organizers. You can find them at places like Target or The Container Store. The bigger ones work well for bulky sweaters, which helps free up drawer space. They don't take up all that much hanging space in your closet, and allow you a good deal more storage in return. The "shelves" in the organizer tend to give a little, so you can gain a little extra storage room from one pocket to the next. I can fit tons of tees in just one of these pockets, and I tend to fold strapless summer dresses to keep in a pocket as well. The fact that the pocket is open allows me to find things easier and plan outfits accordingly, as opposed to having to dig through enclosed drawers.

I also love the hanging shoe organizers, but more on that later...

Cook-Out

Cook-Out Restaurant is native to North Carolina (where we stop on our way both to and from the beach). They have delicious cook-out style food (hot dogs, burgers, grilled chicken, etc...) on their menu. The great news... there's one opening soon in the West End (near Regency)!! It looks like this one will be a drive-thru only and a double drive-thru at that. The food is tasty and the prices are cheap. You'll want to try one of the countless milkshakes as an extra treat.