Friday, June 9, 2017

IT'S FUN FACTS FRIDAY!


If there was a way I could try all the new restaurants around the country without gaining weight, I would be a happy camper. Meanwhile, a girl just has to dream.

Zagat rated a few of the top new restaurants to check out while you're on vacation/staycation this summer, but there are 2 that really caught my attention.

ADVENTURES IN FOOD
DALLAS TEXAS 
Prohibition Chicken 
Come on now, with a name like that, it makes me want to run to catch the first flight to Dallas.  As the name suggests, they specialize in fried and smoked chicken AND prohibition era drinks. Doesn't that sound naughty?  Come hungry, because they serve their meals Family Style, so you may have to waddle out once you're done.  Call ahead if you like to:  214-222-3302

NEW YORK CITY, NY
Nur
Wanna experience the exotic food of the Middle East without a passport?  Check out treats that are plentiful enough to share, then sit back and relax.  Call ahead to: 212-505-3420



If you've been reading this blog, you've probably noticed my obsession with Columbo, played by Peter Falk.  Ok, he's not real, but his detective work is the  most brilliant in the world. If he starts to leave your house after asking some questions, then comes back and says, "Just One More Thing", you may as well get your affairs in order because you're going to straight to jail without collecting $200!(lol)  


Did you know the very first episode called Murder by the Book in 1971 was directed by a now very famous celebrity.  If you guessed Steven Spielberg, you go to the head of the class.  Did you also know that the perpetually tanned George Hamilton played a murderer twice in the series?


SUN TIPS
As a kid, I had the brilliant idea to tan really quickly by using baby oil, so you already know I was fried in no time.  I had to peel my skin off like a pink shrimp, and boy was it painful!  But you can be much smarter than I was back then by grabbing an ice tray from a yard sale, or The Dollar Store, filling it with 100% Aloe Gel, and freezing it.  Use those cubes to instantly soothe your sunburn.  


WATERMELON RUM PUNCH
By the way, you already know that watermelon is comprised of about 92% water, but it does have nutrients, including the antioxidant lycopene.  If you want to choose the best one from the pile, it should feel heavy and have a yellow spot where it ripened in the sun.  Enjoy this super simple recipe!

INGREDIENTS
8 Cups Seedless Watermelon Chunks, plus wedges for garnish
2 Limes to use as Garnish if you like
1 Cup Light Rum of your choice
1 Cup Fresh Orange Juice
1/4 Cup Lime Juice
1 Bottle Ginger Beer



DIRECTIONS
1.  In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth, then pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher.  Stir in the rum, orange juice and lime juice, then keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2.  To serve, add the ginger beer, then serve on the rocks with watermelon wedges.  This works for about  servings and is about 145 calories.  If kids are at your party, replace the rum with limeade or lemonade and it will taste just as flavorful.


BRAGG'S ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
A few weeks ago while walking the aisle in Wal-Mart, a manager checked to make sure there was enough Bragg's organic Apple Cider Vinegar on the shelf.  He told me that people asked for it all the time, and they frequently ran out.  I thought he was just trying to get me to purchase a bottle, but I did some research to get the skinny.  The price ranges from $3.2 to $6.8 per bottle in various locations, and here's what it includes according to Bragg's website.

Certified Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and 5% acidity. Contains the amazing Mother of Vinegar which occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar also is made from delicious, healthy, organically grown apples. 

What does it do exactly?  Helps you lose weight, can be used as a clarifying rinse to balance the scalp's pH level and really deep clean hair, and helps with digestion, insomnia, lowering blood sugar and heartburn.  Uh...and you're gonna go to the bathroom whether you want to or not. (lol) Look at reviews and other websites, and people rave about this product. Wow - Sign me up!



FURNITURE DECLUTTER
Now that summer is coming, are you thinking about making some decorative changes at home, or to clean out some clutter and earn some extra vacation cash?  Do you want elegant vintage, or modern contemporary and Craigslist makes you nervous? Dare to be different and try one of the sites listed below.



Chairish - Find your treasure trove from any era, or sell the things you can live without.
Krrb  - Vintage, handmade goodies and more.  Sell or buy?  That is the question.
Lushpad - Do you have lots of modern designs that someone will love?  This marketplace is just for you!


BEAUTY BOXES
Everyone is jumping on the beauty box wagon, and there are lots of new ones available for you to check out.


Square Hue – $21 a month for 3 polishes, $16 a month for 2 polishes.
 Allure Beauty Box – $15 a month

Play! by Sephora – $10 a month


DONALD DUCK DAY
In case you didn't know, June 9 is Donald Duck Day which celebrates his cartoon debut in 1934.

FIRST CHRISTMAS STAMP
Did you know that the very first Christmas stamp produced in the United States was produced in 1962 and cost just $ 4 cents? The US Post Office was super nervous about releasing this stamp because of the controversy over church versus state.  Despite that, 350 million stamps were printed and that wasn't enough!  By the end of 1962, the total printed increased to 1 billion.  If you happen to have one of these laying around in the drawer,  it's not worth much.  You may be paid a whopping $ .35 cents for your trouble.



Dare to fall in love again with Meg Donahue's Every Wild Heart.

63 comments:

  1. Oh, a lovely plethora of things to know from Ro for my Friday. :)

    I love that frozen aloe gel idea.

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    1. One more thing to stick in the ice cube tray, along with a ton of useless stuff you really wanna know, right? lol Happy Friday, Sophia! Many Hugs...

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  2. Thanks for sharing all of these! I am a fan of using Apple Cider Vinegar daily but the taste :( Thanks again for bringing these to my attention.

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    1. I know Cindy, that taste is not very fun is it, but it definitely works. Thanks for stopping by and hope your weekend is amazing! Hugs...

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  3. Great post and appreciate the effort in sharing. Greetings!

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    1. Happy Friday and always love your motivational quotes. Hugs...

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  4. Lots of fun facts for today! I love Columbo though I haven't watched him in ages. I had no idea that Speilburg directed the first episode! I know Murder She Wrote had some crazy guest stars (including Bryan Cranston at least twice). Frozen aloe gel is a brilliant idea!

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    1. I have so much fun with trivia, Katherine, and yes, I'm madly obsessed with Columbo. Have his DVD series, and when he comes on The Hallmark Mystery Movie Channel, I watch or tape those too. I know it's crazy. lol Murder She Wrote comes on that channel, too. Coll stuff to do with an ice cube. Hope your evening is great! Hugs...

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  5. Sounds like an interesting book! Visiting from #getsocial17

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    1. Hey There, and thanks so much for stopping by. The story is really thought-provoking and life changing. Yay to another chance at love. Hugs...

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  6. Ro what a great post, first yes Prohibition Chicken would definitely get a visit from me if I lived in the Dallas area, but my brother lives in Plano and my mom is visiting right now so I'm suggesting they try it for me :)
    Second I use the Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar every day, both hubs and me take a couple of tablespoons and mix it in a little OJ to mask the taste. But I also use it exclusively in dressing recipes. It's supposed to do everything but take you to Mars :)

    Third I reviewed Every Wild Heart for RT Book Reviews!!

    Love your recipes!!

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    1. Wow! That's really cool that you use Braggs every day along with hubby. That's neat that you add it to dressing recipes. It must really be working for you guys. I'm going to try adding that to my dressings too. That's great news to know that you also review for RT Book Reviews, and hope you enjoyed the book. Hope your Friday is a great one! Hugs...

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    2. I mean I hope its working but who knows when you get older things break down and they don't just fix themselves like when we were younger LOL But I do love the taste like in my coleslaw dressing and my black bean salad dressing. Can't wait to see what you think!

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    3. I had a friend who reviewed for RT Book Reviews, and really loved it. I'm going to try using that in coleslaw dressing for a new taste one day soon, and will definitely let you know the scoop! Hugs...

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  7. Replies
    1. These days, I'm trying almost anything I can that has fruit in it Nadene! (lol) Hugs...and Happy Friday!

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  8. Cool trivia, Ro. How far have Spielberg come, eh? :D

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    1. I looked that show over again the other day, just goes to show that if you stick with it, we can achieve anything, right? Hugs...

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  9. Those were definitely some fun facts! I'm going to have to try the watermelon rum punch!
    #getsocial17

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    1. I'm definitely on the fruit kick these days and been trying to find lots of simple recipes. So glad you stopped by! Hugs...

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  10. Happy Donald Duck Day, he quacks. #getsocial17

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    1. Hey Ed! Thanks for stopping by with smiles! Hugs...RO

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  11. My mom LOVES Columbo! I've seen the first season so far and had fun with them. I need to get the next set soon :)

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    1. I'm loving your mom more and more, Anna! Next time she visits, we all need to make a Columbo Day with lots of goodies! Hugs...

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  12. Like you, and Anna's mom, my mom loves Columbo! We all know not to bother her when there's a Columbo Marathon on TV. Thanks for the post, RO, and have a great weekend!

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    1. Yay! We need to meet up somewhere for a Columbo Party with cheeseburgers/veggie burgers and cupcakes! Hugs...

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  13. Love all this great info RO!!!
    Will try some. Will buy some.
    And... I adore rumpled Columbo :)

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    1. The first show he did, that raincoat and his suit were pretty cool and he stood up straight. In later shows, he bends over more, and the raincoat looks more wrinkled. I literally watch at least one show every day, which is crazy, right? I'm so glad I'm not alone. (lol)

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  14. Oh I may have to check out that Sephora Beauty Box. I didn't even know about that one. I did the same thing with the baby oil and I was putting lemon juice in my hair at the same time to lighten it. lol

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    1. Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I still do the lemon juice on my hair, girl! lol Hugs...RO

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  15. Wow! All kinds of fun factoids. I wonder how much of the vinegar a person is supposed to take, and if you add it to something or just drink it straight. (Lips puckering;)
    The aloe vera cubes is a great idea and the rum recipe sounds deliciously decadent:)
    Have a great one.
    Hugs

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    1. The directions suggest that you use it 3 times per day by putting 1-2 teaspoons in an 8oz glass of water. To make it sweeter, they suggest adding 1-2 teaspoons of organic honey, maple syrup ,molasses or 4 drops of stevia. It's tart, but has a slightly different taste than regular apple cider vinegar. Some people use it as a salad dressing because it's so healthy. Of course, the rum recipe sounds much more fun! (lol) Hugs right back...RO

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  16. Great post. I love trying to restaurants and don't really like going to the same place twice. So, I'm totally with you on that one. #GetSocial17

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    1. Hey Kristin! So glad you stopped by to say hello, and it sure is wonderful to try new food from different cultures, right? Hugs...

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  17. This was such a fun read! Great assortments of facts :)

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Mahevash! We love meeting new friends. Hugs...

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  18. That rum punch looks yummy. I love Columbo and you are right, he always caught them!

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    1. Any excuse to use fruit this summer and I'm in. It would be even better while watching a Columbo program, Kim (lol)

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    1. Isn't that a really neat idea? Just sounds so simple to do, and it really works! Hugs...

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  20. I too wish I can go round trying all the new food without putting on weight! The refreshing drinks caught my eyes because our weather here is so hot and humid. I have tried apple cider vinegar and it is good.

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    1. Hey Nancy! There are just so many places all over the world to try, right? Humidity is the worst, and we're not even in the hottest months yet! So thrilled that you stopped by! Hugs...

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  21. Yes, Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar does a great job of helping you lose weight. If I even smell it, I feel like vomiting instantly and have no desire to eat for the next 4 hours.

    ...I am not a fan. :)

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    1. You're so funny! It's definitely an acquired taste for sure. A lot of people need to add honey, molasses or stevia to even stomach it. As always, we love it when famous cartoonists stop by.

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  22. I want to try that Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar- though after the comment above- maybe I should wait. :)

    That watermelon drink sounds tasty!
    ~Jess

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    1. Hey Jess, the Watermelon drink definitely sounds more fun to try, right? lol Hugs...

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  23. Great information. Thank you for sharing. Stopping by from #GetSocial17 - www.pjfiala.com/blog

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    1. Thanks so very much for stopping by to say hello! Hugs...

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  24. I like the Aloe ice cube idea!

    #getsocial17

    For What It's Worth

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    1. Isn't that a really neat idea, Karen? So simple and really works! Glad you stopped by to say hello! Hugs...

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  25. Oooh I'm actually in Dallas, I'll have to tell my hubby about Prohibition Chicken since he works in Lewisville :D #GetSocial17

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    1. Oh Wow! I sure hope you can go and tell us all about it. That would be so cool! Glad you stopped by to say hello! Hugs...

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  26. My husband is a HUGE Colombo fan. He especially likes to watch the endings of each show. Even if he only catches the end, he feels like he can start his day!

    I've been looking for a beauty box subscription. Back in the 90s I belonged to one called Cosmetique. Yes, subscription boxes have been around that long!!! But I'd love to sign up for a good one that would let me try out different eyeshadows and lipsticks. I worry that the Sephora one would end up being way too expensive because I'd like the items and want to buy the full versions!

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    1. I'm dating myself here, but I remember that Cosmetique, though I never signed up. I really like to try new mascaras and eyeliners when I can. I think you're right, Steph. Sephora has some really nice stuff and it can be pricey. There are actually a few more that I didn't list I'm so thrilled to find out that some many of my blogger friends or their family members really enjoy Columbo. I just want to have a hug viewing party right now with nothing but Columbo. I can talk about trivia of the show forever, and glad to find someone who may listen. lol

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  27. Oh that watermelon rum punch sounds delish. And I'm with you on trying restaurants. I'm in New Orleans and we have SO many good places to eat - but they are all SO bad for you. LOL

    Stopping by for #getsocial2017 from Bambi Unbridled

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    1. I've visited New Orleans and remember the menu said "not responsible for well done food". (lol) Everywhere we ate, we loved it. But you're right, it wouldn't do me any good to stay there for more than 3 days. Too much goodness to tempt me. Hugs...

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  28. The restaurant Prohibition Chicken sounds like a neat place to eat. it's a shame I'm not going to Dallas anytime soon. I watched the Columbo series when it aired. If you like Peter Falk, you'll love him in a movie spoof of famous sleuths called "Murder By Death". He plays Sam Diamond, AKA the alter ego of Sam Spade. I have watched it a ton of times and still get a kick out of it. Thanks for the fun facts! #GetSocial17 - Mama Vicky

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    1. I wish I could take a trip just to visit that place! Thanks for the tip on "Murder By Death". I absolutely need to check that out.

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  29. Wow!
    So much information here.

    I used to love watching Colombo.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I'm a trivia buff, for sure Jan, but don't have the guts to go on Jeopardy. (lol) I just am so hooked on Columbo. Hugs...

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