FUN STUFF & SOME CRAZY LAWS

GET MORE REST
A recent study of over 60,000 women found that those who slept less than 5 hours versus a full 7 hours, are more likely to gain weight.  I thought that was a myth, but over the years have found this to be true.   No more night time snacking for me!

BOOKS TO READ
Do you love a contemporary story filled with love, hope and inspiration?  Check out www.loveinspiredNews.com.

Into fast paced Sci-Fi Adventure? -  Be prepared to binge with The 5th Wave, The Infinite Sea & The Last Star

SAVINGS
If you're leaving for vacation, you can save a ton of money by actually turning off your circuit breaker at your business or residence.  You'll truly be amazed by the difference it makes to your electricity bill.

Been going crazy with online purchases? Make it more difficult to spend by removing your credit card info off that site you love.  

READING SLUMP?
We keep staring at our TBR pile, and going  through it, but nothing seems to grab our attention. It really seems to happen even more when the weather gets warmer. You just don't feel like reading any of those dang books.

Some people just take a break for a while, and eventually something grabs our attention.  If you've been reading one genre for a really long time, maybe it's time to switch it up a little with something new, to get that excitement back.  That's what I've been doing for the past year or so, and it's been working pretty well.

WHAT'S WORTH WATCHING  
Orphan Black - BBC America:  10am - Intriguing
So You Think You Can Dance - Fox: 8pm    Fun, fun, fun!
THE Great British Baking Show - PBS: 9pm  Amazing

Playing House - USA: 11pm - This show will have you laughing so hard.
Marvel's The Defenders - Netflix - Get your superhero on.

CITRUSY WHITE SANGRIA MARGARITA Clinton Kelly from The Chew
1 Bottle Dry White Wine of your choice
1 1/2 Cup White Tequila
1 Cup Triple Sec
1 Cup Orange Juice
1/2 Cup Fresh Lime juice
2 Limes, thinly sliced
1 Lemon, thinly sliced
1 Orange, thinly sliced
1 Bunch Cilantro, washed, dried, trimmed and tied.

In a large pitcher, stir together the wine, tequila, triple sec, juices and citrus.  Add cilantro, then cover, and refrigerate until cold, or overnight.

To serve, remove, then discard the cilantro.  Serve on the rocks and it should make 7 servings.

If you prefer not to drink alcohol, use 1 Bottle Sparkling Apple Cider and 2 Cups White Grape Juice instead.

Are you an expert at making burgers?  If so, enter below for your chance to win $25,000!

SUTTER HOME BUILD A BETTER BURGER® RECIPE CONTEST
DEADLINE	July 31, 2017
DESCRIPTION	Create and enter a burger recipe, expressed in 600 words or less. A "burger" is defined as a grilled patty formed of ground meat or other ground foods, and served on a bread product or alternative wrappings such as lettuce. It may include condiments and toppings, all in or on the bread product/alternative wrapping. No side dishes or garnishes are allowed. Size your recipe to make 6 burgers, or either 12 or 18 sliders. Recipes must be able to be completely prepared in 60 minutes or less. You must choose one of the sponsor's wines as a pairing for your burger. Cooking tips and photos are optional. Previous non-winning entries to this contest may be updated and resubmitted. Entries will be divided into 5 regions. Four semi-finalists per region will participate in a regional cook-off. The winner in each region will participate in the final cook-off.
ELIGIBILITY	Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and DC who are age 21 or older. Previous finalists and winners are not eligible to participate. Any person who holds directly (or is employed by a holder of) an alcohol beverage license or permit issued by a federal, state, county or local agency, and all family members of such person, are not eligible to enter.
PRIZES	20 Semi-Finalist Prizes (4/region): 2 professional baseball game tickets in Regional Semi-Finalist Cook-Off city and one $200 pre-paid debit card for required burger ingredients. Semi-Finalists living within 300 miles of the Cook-Off city will receive a $200 pre-paid debit card for transportation costs; those living more than 300 miles from the Cook-Off city will receive airfare for 2 to the Cook-Off city and 1 night hotel accommodations (ARV $1,000). 5 National Finalist Prizes (1/region): Trip October 4-6, 2017 for finalist and guest to attend the Finalist Cook-off. Includes 2 nights hotel accommodations in St. Helena, CA; airfare to a Bay Area Airport (SMF, SFO or OAK); entry to a welcome reception and dinner on Wednesday, October 4, 2017; breakfast daily, reimbursement of rental car for duration of 2 night stay in St. Helena, CA; ground transportation to and from all sponsored activities; and one $200 pre-paid debit card to be used for dinner on Thursday, October 5, 2017 (ARV $3,500). Grand Prize: $25,000 cash.
DETAILS	Click here for contest information.

www.contestcook.com

CRAZY LAWS IN OREGON
Ice Cream may not be eaten on Sunday.

It's illegal to whisper "dirty things" in your lover's ear during sex.

CRAZY LAWS IN NEW YORK
The penalty for jumping off a building is death.

A person may not walk around on Sunday with an ice cream cone is his/her pocket.

Slippers may not be worn after 10pm.

Women may go topless in public, as long as it's not being used as a business.

www.dumblaws.com

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.

CHILLIN' CHILLED STRAWBERRY SOUP & SUNDAY STUFF

If you have an Aldi's in your neck of the woods, you can get a package of fresh strawberries for just $1.29. Wal-mart also has them on sale at this price on occasion, so they're the perfect fruit to keep in your fridge for plenty of simple recipes.  Unfortunately, Aldi's does not accept coupons.

INGREDIENTS
2 Pkgs (16 Oz. Each) Strawberries, quartered
2 1/2 Cups Peeled Seeded Honeydew Melon Chunks
1/2 Cup Strawberry Yogurt
2 Tbs Confectioners Sugar
1 Tsp Grated Orange Zest
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
1 Can Ginger Ale
Whipped Cream
Strawberry Slices and Mint Sprigs, optional

DIRECTIONS
In a food processor, process the strawberries and honeydew until smooth.  Add the yogurt, confectioners' sugar, orange zest and salt.  Process until blended, then transfer to a bowl.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Just before serving, stir in the ginger ale, pour into small teacups or other decorative bowls.  If you like, add a dollop of whipped cream, garnish with strawberry slices and mint sprigs.

If you want to make this even more decadent, substitute Prosecco or Riesling for the Ginger Ale. This should serve about 8 people, and is ready in 25 minutes.

CALIFORNIA AMBROSIA
With 3 whole ingredients, there's no way you can go wrong with this recipe, and if you're counting, the calories are only 137.  This is perfect for a picnic or potluck because it's so simple to make.

INGREDIENTS
4 Large Navel Oranges
2/3 Cup Flaked Sweetened Coconut
1 Tablespoon Grand Marnier

DIRECTIONS
Peel and section oranges over a bowl, reserving the juice.  Place the orange sections in a bowl with the juice.  Add the coconut and liqueur, stirring gently.  Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours.  If you want to go wild, feel free to add some whipped cream!

FREEBIES/COUPONS
Many people don't believe me when I tell them about all the freebies I get by using coupons.  If your budget is limited, or getting free stuff is a way to give back to others in need, using coupons is the best way to go.  Does it take a little work? Absolutely, but if you're lost and need help, there are plenty of gurus who can help you find the best deals.

Today starts the Super Double Coupon Deals at Harris Teeter, so I was there right when they opened! Nope, I was the third person to arrive, but the crowd quickly followed.  What did I score? 
1.  Skintimate Shaving Gel
2.  Vaseline  Intensive Lotion
3.  Sauer Spice Rub
4.  Black Forest Organic Gummy Worms
5.  Dentek Flossers
6.  Old Spice Body Wash
7.  Noxzema Cleansing Cream
8.  Comet
9.  Barbasol Shaving Gel
10. Ultramax Anti-Perspirant/ Deodorant
11.  Deer Park Water
12.  OXI CLEAN HD Laundry Detergent
TOTAL COST - $1.54

WALGREENS - Used a raincheck  
5 Bottles Oxi Clean HD Laundry Detergent
TOTAL COST $5.35

KROGER
Arrived in the middle of the day on Thursday, and picked this up!
20 Suave Body Lotion/Shampoo/Conditioners
TOTAL COST - $1.24

WAL-MART
2 Bic Comfort 3
2 Bic Soleil
TOTAL COST - $ 1.40

To find out the latest info on saving WITHOUT all the hard work, check out the sites listed below.  They give great tips on how to find coupons for various stores, as well as online deals.

Search Results

The Krazy Coupon Lady - Extreme Couponing and Online Discounts

Money Saving Mom® - Intentional finance. Intentional family ..

Couponing with Alison & Friends - Must make a request to join the group

http://moolasavingmom.com

 DOCTOR'S SECRETS
One hundred of the country's top doctors got together to share some really good tips on home remedies.  I had a burn from cooking that was super painful, and I actually tried this.


Place half an onion on the burn until the pain stops.  According to one of the doctors, onions contain sulphur compounds and other plant chemicals, which are some of the same ingredients found in all those pricey treatments you get over the counter.  

For more tips, get Doctor's Secrets for your library today.


From June 4 - June 17, we're all getting social and hanging out with new and old friends. Thanks to Anna Cade from Anna at Herding Cats & Burning Soup for hosting this really cool event.