I was very excited about my DC trip in the beginning of November. First trip in a long long time without the little ones. Time to spend with my girls.
The plan was to leave early Friday and get there early enough to do some much needed shopping.
That plan was quickly out the window when I got on I-95. Ten minutes into the route, we hit traffic. In an hour we moved a memorable 1/10 of a mile. I read two magazine. Needless to say, we arrived extremely late and tired.
We get to the hotel, very cute. More than I expected. That was the end of the good news.
I was given a room on the 3rd floor. As soon as I got out the elevator, I felt like I was visiting the projects. There were tons of people in the hallway. Turns out, I was placed in a room adjacent to three rooms filled with teenage girls. They were having a slumber party. The mothers were also hanging out in the hallway.
I called the concierge. I was advised that the only available room was on the 11th floor, a disabled enable room. The clerk couldn't clearly articulate what was the difference between the regular room and this one. She kept mentioning the toilet was plastic. As far as I was concerned, they wouldn't be an issue.
The 11th floor room. There was no difference in the toilet sit. The vanity space was gone. That's the difference. Now I had no space to do my make up and hair. But, I was still happy about not dealing with the noise level.
The pillows sucked. The bed was not the most comfortable. But still nothing majorly wrong.
Until 6 a.m. ...... Remember why I switched rooms??? To be able to sleep and rest. Nope. Not here. My one break of not waking up to the kids internal alarm , I woke up the SUNLIGHT.
I was beyond pissed off. I travel frequently for work and had never seen this.
I got dressed and went to the front desk. The manager sent someone up, who stated that no curtains were missing. That only added to my aggravation. The manager went up to room and agreed that curtains were missing. She informed me that she didn't know if they could replace the curtain, and offered me another room. Another annoyance. I would have to repack. I declined.
I lost a night if rest and at no point was offered any sort of discount, upgrade, or anything.
Sunday, when I was packing to go home , found some bugs on my bed. Not bedbugs, but bugs never the less.
In addition, when I first arrived I asked about parking. Didn't actually use it and was charged for it.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
New York Beach List
FREE Mrs. Dash Seasoning Sample
Go to Facebook to get your FREE Mrs. Dash Seasoning Sample
Mrs. Dash Free Sample Giveaway
Terms and Conditions
The Mrs. Dash "Free Sample" giveaway starts 10/16/2012 and ends 11/29/2012, or while supplies last, whichever is sooner (the “Giveaway Period”). Official start time each day is Noon EST/9am PST. Limit one offer per household for the entire Giveaway Period. Giveaway includes 4 Mrs. Dash sample packets of the same flavor, of either Original, Table Blend, Garlic & Herb or Extra Spicy [net weight .02oz (.6g) each] and a coupon for 75¢ off any Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blend good through 3/31/2013. Please allow approximately 6-8 weeks for delivery. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. who are 18 or older, and who provide a valid U.S. mailing address. Void where prohibited. Supplies are limited: a maximum of 20,000 packets will be distributed per day, with a total maximum of 900,000 total available. Sponsor reserves the right to terminate or modify this Giveaway at any time. Terms and Conditions
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
SUBWAY® - Text to Win
SUBWAY® - Text to Win: Enter the Subway Text to Win Sweepstakes for your chance to WIN a FREE $6 Subway Gift Card.
Daily Grand Prize (96 winners per day, 5,856 total): Daily Grand Prize Winners will each receive a SUBWAY Card with a value of USD $6.00.
Ends on December 31, 2012 at 11:59:59 P.M., ET.
Daily Grand Prize (96 winners per day, 5,856 total): Daily Grand Prize Winners will each receive a SUBWAY Card with a value of USD $6.00.
Ends on December 31, 2012 at 11:59:59 P.M., ET.
FREE Mrs. Dash Seasoning Sample
Mrs. Dash Free Sample Giveaway
Terms and Conditions
The Mrs. Dash "Free Sample" giveaway starts 10/16/2012 and ends 11/29/2012, or while supplies last, whichever is sooner (the “Giveaway Period”). Official start time each day is Noon EST/9am PST. Limit one offer per household for the entire Giveaway Period. Giveaway includes 4 Mrs. Dash sample packets of the same flavor, of either Original, Table Blend, Garlic & Herb or Extra Spicy [net weight .02oz (.6g) each] and a coupon for 75¢ off any Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blend good through 3/31/2013. Please allow approximately 6-8 weeks for delivery. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. who are 18 or older, and who provide a valid U.S. mailing address. Void where prohibited. Supplies are limited: a maximum of 20,000 packets will be distributed per day, with a total maximum of 900,000 total available. Sponsor reserves the right to terminate or modify this Giveaway at any time. Terms and Conditions
Enter to win a PERDUE family night packages
Enter to win $500 from PERDUE.
After submitting your entry, you will also be able to get print a $1.00 coupon for a PERDUE product.
Go to PERDUE'S facebook page to enter.
Details:
® OVEN READY Roasts are easier than easy to prepare, so you can make any night a great family get-together. Share your weekly get-together traditions and how they bring your family closer together.
Eight contestants will win $50 for PERDUE
® OVEN READY Roasts and a $500 gift card to spend on great family night packages. All contestants will receive the PERDUE
®Recipe for a Great Get-Together e-book, featuring easy side dish recipes and top get-together traditions from the contest.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Newborn: Car Sear Guide
1. Infant car seat
2. Convertible
3. Toddler/youth booster seat
4. Booster
Safety note: always follow manufacturers' guidelines regarding age, height and weight limits.
FYI: you should not buy carseats from second hand stores, as they are tested for safety.
2. Convertible
3. Toddler/youth booster seat
4. Booster
Safety note: always follow manufacturers' guidelines regarding age, height and weight limits.
FYI: you should not buy carseats from second hand stores, as they are tested for safety.
Newborn Shopping List
Baby Must-haves:
1. Infant and/or convertible car seat
2. Extra car seat base
3. Car seat head and body support
4. Seat protector mat
5. Waterproof seat liner
6. Car mirror
7. Car window shade
8. Car seat bunting/cover
9. Stroller or travel system
10. Umbrella stroller
11. Stroller footmuff
12. Stroller rain cover and sun shade
13. Stroller netting
14. Baby carrier
15. Playard, plus 2-4 sheets
16. Diaper bag ( 1 for mom and one for dad is easiest )
17. Changing mat
Fun Add-on's
1. Toys for car seat and stroller
2. Travel bags for car seat and stroller
3. Cup and snack holder for baby
4. Storage console for parents
5. Stroller hooks
6. Standing platform stroller attachment for older siblings
7. Shopping cart / restaurant high chair cover
1. Infant and/or convertible car seat
2. Extra car seat base
3. Car seat head and body support
4. Seat protector mat
5. Waterproof seat liner
6. Car mirror
7. Car window shade
8. Car seat bunting/cover
9. Stroller or travel system
10. Umbrella stroller
11. Stroller footmuff
12. Stroller rain cover and sun shade
13. Stroller netting
14. Baby carrier
15. Playard, plus 2-4 sheets
16. Diaper bag ( 1 for mom and one for dad is easiest )
17. Changing mat
Fun Add-on's
1. Toys for car seat and stroller
2. Travel bags for car seat and stroller
3. Cup and snack holder for baby
4. Storage console for parents
5. Stroller hooks
6. Standing platform stroller attachment for older siblings
7. Shopping cart / restaurant high chair cover
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Five Beauty Five
#1) Wipe out bad hair
When oily locks creep up and the nearest bottle of dry shampoo is miles away, simply grab a wet wipe, you know the kind that you get in individual paper packets, and run the wipe over bangs as well as oily patches that frame the face. The alcohol in the wipe will dry up oil helping your hair 'do survive another few hours on the go.
#2) Powder your nose
If you find yourself shining on-the-go with no face powder in sight, step into the nearest ladies room to divert your beauty disaster. Paper toilet seat covers work nearly as effectively as the blotting papers often sold in the cosmetic aisle to eradicate shine. No toilet seat covers available? In a pinch, use a piece of toilet paper to absorb excess oil. A tip: always use the side of the paper facing down to avoid germs.
#3) Put a sock in it
There's a simple way to create an easy updo, be it at home or on the go. You probably don't travel with an extra sock, but you may want to after you read this tip. To create a chic, voluminous bun, snip the toe end off a sock that is a similar color to your locks (the thicker the sock, the larger the final bun will be). Next, put hair in a ponytail using a hair tie. Take the sock and roll it up into a donut shape and put the "sock donut" over the hair tie that is securing your ponytail. Roll the sock down the length of your ponytail towards your head, wrapping your hair around the sock as you get closer to the hair tie. Once done, tuck extra ends, secure with a bobby pin and you've created a thick, gorgeous bun. (Head over to Carolyn's blog, Glamour, Every Day to see this tip in action.)
#4) Nail new trends
Gradating manis, one glitter covered nail, reverse French manicures -- all this ingenuity can be exhausting, not to mention expensive.
Create your own cutting edge mani with a few items you probably have at home. Grab a rubber band and use it as a guide to create the two toned look of French manicures, classic or reverse. Use paper reinforcements to create half moon manicures; cut a little slit in the reinforcements to help them lay flat and be sure to let coats of polish dry completely between steps. You've probably already spotted manicures that look like nails covered in caviar; get the look at home with sprinkles. Yes, sprinkles. Apply your polish of choice and while nails are still slick, use sprinkles from the pantry to create a cool textured finish (you can do this even on just one nail on each hand for contrast.) Apply a top coat, let dry and you've mastered a delicious new mani.
#5) Back to basics
Ever found yourself out and about when your earring suddenly plunges from your lobe to certain death? While the back may be nowhere in sight, there's no need to panic. Simply grab a classic pencil with an eraser. Then, snap off the eraser and use it as an impromptu backing for your earring. Accessory disaster averted.
Source:
http://prettycity.com/beauty_fixes.cfm
Do you have Lead in your apartment?
If you have lead in your apartment, this is something that you need to get fixed right away. Do not delay.
Lead could lead to major health complications.
Want to learn more about lead, visit The USA Environmental Protection Agency
Here are additional links from EPA:
Learn about lead
Where it is found
How you can be exposed
Lower your chances of exposure to lead
Health effects
Enforcing laws and regulations
Protecting children and adults from lead poisoning
Addressing lead at Superfund sites
Contractors must be lead-safe certified
It's easy to get your child tested
You can make your home lead-safe
Landlords and property sellers must disclose information on lead-based paint hazards
Lead can enter your drinking water through your pipes
Parents and families
Hire a lead safe certified firm
Lead Free Kids Campaign
Pregnant women and nursing mothers
Do-it-yourselfers
The below pictures are actual ones from my mom's building. The inside of the apartment also had lead.
We then had further issues with the landlord because the contractor they were using did not properly secure the premise of their tools.
Homemade Baba Ganoush
Homemade Baba Ganoush
Homemade Baba Ganoush |
5.0 from 3 reviews
|
Recipe type: Dip / Condiment
The Endless Meal: The Endless Meal
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Total time: 40 mins
Serves: Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, grated with a microplane or finely minced
- Salt to taste
- Optional: top with olive oil, pomegranate seeds, sesame seeds or minced parsley
Instructions
- Using a fork polk several holes over each eggplant.
- Place eggplants on your bbq at high heat. Alternatively you can broil them in your oven for a slightly less smokey flavour.
- Cook eggplants for 20-30 minutes, turning once, until they are soft but well charred on the outside.
- Remove eggplants from bbq and place in a bowl covered with tin foil.
- Once eggplants are cool enough to handle (you can place them in your fridge if you get impatient, like me) peel the skin off and place all the flesh in a bowl. Add any of the liquid left in the bowl the eggplants were cooling in to the eggplant flesh.
- Place all the eggplant flesh and liquid into a food processor. Add tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt and process till smooth. You can also use a fork for a chunkier texture.
- Place baba ganoush in a bowl and top with optional ingredients if desired.