WHAT'S UP WITH YOU TODAY?

People don't talk about these beds a lot, but they're gorgeous and quite unique.  They range in price from $1500 - $7000, and actually look like they're floating.  But take a look at all these pics, and tell me if you notice what I did.  

If you said "How in the heck do I get in this dang bed?", great minds think alike. (lol)  There's not a ladder or step stool to be found anywhere, so we just need to dive right in!

VENDING MACHINES

This may be hard to imagine, but if you visit Stoneridge or Accord NY, you'll be able to purchase meat from a vending machine!  But if this is too over the top for you, www.applestonemeat.com also sells it's fantastic organic meat online.  If you want to visit in person, head over to the Stoneridge location.

TEDDY
President Theodore Roosevelt was the inspiration for the very first teddy bear that was sold in February 1903, and designed by Morris Michtom.

ENGLAND FREEBIES
I'm always searching for FREEBIES but they're not just available in the United States.  If you live in the UK, here's 2 sites to use to have  FREE stuff mailed right to your home.

http://www.latestfreestuff.co.uk/
https://www.magicfreebiesuk.co.uk/

HAIR SPA
Speaking of FREEBIES, I had the opportunity to check out Monat, which is a Home Spa just for your hair.  The package includes a sample of shampoo, conditioner, replenish masque and intensive oil for shine.

 You're going to love the subtle scent and the way it moisturizes your hair.  The improvement after showering was pretty incredible.  If you want to find out more about these amazing products, or ask for FREE samples, be sure to visit India(who is super nice) at 
https://m.facebook.com/monatwithindialane/

Dolly Parton News

At 72, Dolly Parton shows no signs of ever slowing down, so when I heard that she's been using Imagination, her nonprofit literacy organization  for the past 20 years to donate books to kids and families in need. Can you believe that on February 27, she donated her 100 millionth book?!  

Yes, I've talked about this before. In a recent 2016 literacy study by the Literacy site, Finland was #1 when it came to literacy in its country, and the United States was #7.  According to the World Atlas in 2017 Andorra was #1 and Finland was #2, but their literacy rates are both 100%.  Cuba is 99.8% and Russia is 99.7%.  Sadly, the United States is not even in the top 25.

My  mom started reading to me at an early age, so picking up a book was second nature to me.  To be honest, I probably take going to a library or bookstore for granted. But there are children who don't have access to books around the world, and many are not even taught to read.

Major kudos to the very wonderful and super talented Dolly Parton for making a difference.

STUFF YOU DON'T REALLY NEED TO KNOW & A TREAT

One thing I did as a kid all the time was to read, read, read.  But I also had a horrible habit of folding back the corners of the pages to keep my place in the book.  I can't tell you how many novels I probably ruined. 

It wasn't until I was an adult and other readers threatened to murder me that I started using bookmarks or other pieces of paper, and now when I see a dog-eared page I cringe. 

Bookmark from the store & one from Sierra Cartwright

What about you?  Do you have a huge collection of bookmarks to remind you where you left off in a book, or are you a page folder?

Corporate Headquarters in California

Over 100 million people around the world are watching the streaming service Netflix, which has been around since 1997. We may not agree with all of its programming, but with annual earnings of over 100 billion in 2017, they're clearly here to stay.  With their corporate office located in California, they operate all over the world except in China, Syria, and N. Korea.

Netflix Movie Theater

If you're lucky enough to score a job there,  you're in for plenty of cool perks that include unlimited fruits, spa water, coffee, and snacks all day.  But that's not all! There's a 200 seat movie theater to see new Netflix releases and a state of the art cafeteria that offers incredible discounts on meals. Customer Service reps earn over $21 per hour The schedules are flexible, and vacation is pretty much unlimited.  Take off 4 weeks, or just 2 days. It's your choice.  Once you have a baby,  expect unlimited Maternity/Parental leave.  The culture there is friendly and laid back for the most part, and yelling is not allowed.

Netflix Cafeteria

Before you start cleaning up your resume, know that working there can be very stressful for some, and boring for others.  If you have an unreliable vehicle, get sick or lot, or just don't feel like showing up, don't bother applying.  Missing 6 days of work in a year will automatically get you fired and there are no exceptions to that rule.  https://jobs.netflix.com

MUSEUM NEWS
As a kid, I visited museums a lot, and I'd forgotten all the treasures there.  But I have a new appreciation thanks to the very cool AND crafty Elizabeth from alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/ .   In addition to sharing her lovely artwork, she posts these really incredible pictures from a museum in Kansas that shows old typewriters, dining rooms, libraries and more from back in the day.  Be sure to take a peek at her blog if you get a chance.

Did you know that in 1872 The Metropolitan Museum of Art was opened in New York, and amazingly holds over 2 million pieces of art, and is over 2 million square feet?  If you visit in person, you can pay what you want at the ticket counter, which sounds pretty incredible.  If you purchase tickets on-line however, the price of admission is $25 per adult and $17 for senior citizens.  Once you purchase a ticket, it's good to use for one year.

FREEBIE
Get your FREE pancake short stack from IHOP on February 27 from 7am - 7pm.  If you're thinking of filling up on these delicious treats all day, know that the FREE version only includes 3.  If you're still hungry after that, make sure you have your wallet or purse.

This is one of those drinks that are tasty with or without alcohol, and will work at any party.  Even better, it's a great way to relax with a good book.

BLUSHING PINA COLADA
Ingredients
1 Thick Slice Pineapple - peeled
1 Banana, peeled, sliced and roughly chopped
4/12 Tbsp Pineapple Juice
1 Scoop strawberry Ice Cream or Sorbet
1 2/2 Tbsp Coconut Milk
2 Tbsp Grenadine

DIRECTIONS
1.  Cut up the pineapple and add to the blender with the banana
2.  Add the pineapple juice to the blender and process until it's a smooth puree

3.  Add the strawberry ice cream or sorbet to the blender, along with the coconut milk, and a small scoop of finely crushed ice, then process until smooth.
4.  Pour the grenadine slowly on top of the drink.  It will filter through the drink with a dappled effect.  Decorate each glass with a wedge of pineapple or a strawberry, then serve with festive straws.

If you want to go classic instead,  use vanilla ice cream and add 1 1/2 Tbsp Light Rum or more if you like to turn things up a little.

By the way, if you're a foodie, or even if you're just starting out, take a look at this really great site for yummy recipes and products for chefs and home cooks from our friends at https://www.village-bakery.com/ 

I'm a crafter, coupon shopper and book collector, so every once in awhile there seems like too many piles of stuff. So this weekend, has been all about decluttering.  But...I've also been reading and that sort of cancelled out the organizational plan.(lol)

RO's Washi Tape all in one place

Hard to put this one down!

TREATS, TRIVIA & TIPS

Have you ever watched The Amazing Race on CBS?  This program pairs exes, couples, siblings, friends and even strangers, as they try to find clues all around the world in an attempt to win $1 million dollars.  Not only is it very entertaining, but it's a great way to find out about other cultures, and to see how different people handle teamwork.

Here are 6 ways guaranteed to NOT win all the money!

1.  Not knowing how to read a paper map because there won't be a GPS in sight.

2.  Don't piss off the other teams because you may get sabotaged.

3.  If you're not prepared to eat scorpions, which have a ton of protein by the way, you're in trouble.  If you're squeamish about bugs crawling on you, just stay home.  

4.  Don't shoot yourself in the foot by losing your passport, because the game will be over before you know it.

5.  It's hard for you to follow directions/instructions, or your memory isn't as good as you thought it was.  

6.  Start practicing aerobics because you're destined for a hard core workout.

Have you ever noticed those ritzy looking lounges in the airport and wondered what people were doing there?  I sure have, and now you can get these deals too by using this app -https://www.loungebuddy.com

BWI LOUNGE

BWI LOUNGE

These lounges are exclusive, but no need to pay for an exorbitant  annual membership.  You can reserve a spot for just one day of luxury with pricing that ranges from $25 up to $143.  What do they include?

Perks can include meals, hard liquor, showers, wine, FREE wi-fi, televisions, sterling customer service and lots more. The only downside is that they're not all open 24 hours a day, so making a reservation is key.  Be prepared if some places are busier than others, but it's still away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Roam Fitness in BWI

BWI has the only airport exercise gym in the US, including  workout gear, tennis shoes, toiletries, towels and the use of showers for just $25. 

Heathrow

Dubai

Headed to Dubai? While waiting for your flight, get a drink, eat a meal, check your Internet, and more for just  $39.

Greece

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers earn the highest salary for those employed without a college degree.  If you snag one of these coveted positions, the annual median salary is close to $90,000, and you only need to be a high school graduate.

The New York Knicks are #11 in the league so far this year, but they're still the most valuable team overall bringing in 426 million dollars according to their stats from 2016/2017.  

MAKING MONEY MOVES
If you're a basketball fan, you already know who earns the most cash.  If you guessed Lebron James (aka King James) you'd win all the money on Jeopardy.  His salary is about $32 million, but add endorsements, and he scores a hefty net worth of $85.3 million.

BOOKS, BOOKS & BOOKS
The next time you're in the Boston area, and want to check out a unique bookstore, be sure to visit The Harvard Bookstore, which has been around since 1932.  Once a season they open up their warehouse for HUGE deals and sales on books.

Tony Novak - Chef

                                            TAKE A TRIP

If you're a foodie, and plan a trip to Hawaii, sign up for the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival from June 7 - 10.  Enjoy a weekend filled with celebrity chefs, wine tastings and more.

BUCKET LIST
I don't know if it will ever happen, but it's sure on my bucket list to visit Switzerland, and I already have the hotel picked out  of where I want to stay. (lol) 

It's called the Burgenstock Hotel, located in Lake Lucerne.  It's 102 rooms of pure delight right above the lake, in an area with luxury restaurants, and bars.

Now I just have to save up for the room at $665 per night!

EARN CASH FOR WHAT YOU LOVE
Lots of book bloggers get their books from Netgalley for FREE, but did you know you can actually work there (you're really working from home) and get paid?  The job is actually posted on the Publishers Weekly site. Right now they're looking for an Online Content & Social Media Associate.   PW JobZone

NEW ORLEANS PRALINE BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS
1 Box Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
Water, Vegetable Oil and Eggs as called for on the Brownie Mix Box
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans

PRALINE FROSTING
1/2 Cup Whipping (Heavy Cream)
6 Tbsp Butter
1 1/2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans, Toasted
1 1/2 Cups Sifted Confectioners Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla

DIRECTIONS

• 1

  Heat oven to 350° F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
• 2

  Make brownie mix as directed on box for fudge brownies, using water, oil and eggs. Stir in chopped pecans. Bake as directed. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
  

  
• 3

  In medium saucepan, mix cream, butter and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in pecans, powdered sugar and vanilla. Cool 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• 4

  Spread frosting over brownies. Allow to stand 30 to 45 minutes, or until frosting is set. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows, or however you like.