The Little Blog Dress: trendy testimonial

Showing posts with label trendy testimonial. Show all posts

Running in the Heat

Admittedly I am a boutique runner. I love to run more than anything but if the weather isn't favorable, I won't go. We don't get a lot of those real cold days here in Florida but I also have an issue running in heat. Which of course, is almost every day in Florida! Here it is May, and its already as hot as Africa outside. I have been able to solve my dilemma by getting out and about the minute it becomes light out. This has also enabled me to see some gorgeous sunrises and really starts my day out right.

If you aren't an early bird like me, you can wait until evening, when the sun’s rays aren’t as strong—just don’t do it so late that it keeps you from getting to sleep.

There is an article by Runner's World that gives really great tips here for you to follow while running this summer.

Luckily, Secret® Clinical Strength has got me covered and keeps me super dry and smelling great. Moisture activated, and formulated with odor-neutralizing ingredients that release a fresh scent, Not only when I run but when I need stress sweat protection. Out of the three causes of sweat—heat, activity, and stress—stress sweat has been proven to smell the worst. I can feel confident that Secret Clinical Strength will provide stress sweat protection regardless of what the day brings.

Secret Clinical Strength is proven to give you 4X* the protection against stress sweat. Visit www.nostresssweat.com for the scoop on stress sweat!

Now available in two new forms, Clear Gel and Invisible Solid, and in scents like Ooh-La-La Lavender, Secret Clinical Strength will help you feel dry, fresh, and fearless all day long!

I have been a fan of Secret Clinical Strength for quite some time. The clear gel goes on clear, which leaves no white marks (you know how clumsy I am)! It keeps me dry no matter if I am running, doing presentations or just running around in my normal busy fashion.

I also like that it doesn't sting when you apply it after shaving. That's a huge thing for us, isn't it? Not to mention the new Ooh-La-La Lavender scent smells delicious.

Secret Clinical Strength is now in stores, especially at your local Walmart store. Walmart is a one-stop-shop for all of your personal care needs. Find Secret Clinical Strength products at your local Walmart store or online at www.nostresssweat.com

How would like a Walmart shopping spree of your own?! Enter my drawing for a $25 gift card from Walmart! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*vs. wetness protection required of an ordinary antiperspirant

*The Walmart gift cards and information have been provided by Secret.

Pin It

Jolly VoxBox Review

This was my first VoxBox and it was like Christmas all over again! Check out all my goodies!

1| Skinny Cow Chocolates

How can you not love everything about Skinny Cow? Sweet Non Guilt Awesomeness!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @TheSkinnyCow

2| Puffs tissues

I have been ill, ill and ill...I love these Puffs, it gives me a sigh of relief every time I use them!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @Puffs

3| Rimmel USA lip lacquer

I have never tried Rimmel before, but the texture and the color made me an instant fan!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @RimmelLondonUS

4| This NYC HD color trio

I was so excited to open this and find the colors were perfect for me! I love browns of all kind and these are beautiful!

On Facebook

On Twitter at @NYCNewYorkColor

5) Mini Ducklings

This is perfect for my visual journalling. I used to date someone that said duck tape makes the world go round...although that relationship is dead and buried...the mindset stays the same.

On Facebook

On Twitter at @TheDuckBrand

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Pin It

Fondue and Red Wine Cure Cold Weather Blues

It is no lie at one time, I had three fondue makers...clearly a hoarder in my own right, I make good use of it when the weather turns cold. Its very easy and really delicious!

Ale-Infused Cheese Fondue

Serves 4

Cheese Sauce
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 oz. shredded Swiss cheese
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, halved
1 ½ cups light beer
1 dash hot pepper sauce

For Dipping
Bread and cooked meat, cut into pieces

Directions
Combine cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub cut side of garlic clove around bottom and sides of fondue pot. Pour beer into fondue pot and slowly bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, about 5 minutes. Gradually add cheese while stirring, until cheese is melted and blended (for about 10 to 15 minutes). Add hot pepper sauce and stir. Serve with bread or meat pieces.

So that is the first part of this warm your heart meal...it is a must that you pair your fondue with a delicious bottle (or two) of wine.
I especially like my new favorite Deadbolt Red from California-

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah, among others. Deep ruby with a glint of purple. Bold red fruit. Hint of oak. Black cherry, brown spice, mocha. All you'd want in a glass of red. Smooth, full, and satisfying. (thanks to Total Wine for this dead on description, pun intended!) Dead Bolt has a real cool presence on social media too!

Find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Pin It

Carrabba's First Tastes Menu

Another wonderful opportunity to taste some new (and this time some oldie but goodies) menu items at one of my favorite restaurants! I will say that this is really becoming one of my favorite things to do! This time we were also lucky enough to have the event right at our Daytona Location.

The set up was like a huge dinner table which was kind of neat, but I am now officially spoiled by the Sanford lighting and set-up. So my pictures are a tad dark, but I rather show you my awesome experience first hand.

The Amici Club is pretty great and the people that were at our event were definitely the Cheers of the place. Carrabba's for me, has always been that way...if you go as a regular, people know you by name. The set-up was intimate enough to have some conversations along the way.

This launches Carrabba's the Festa di Carrabba's menu...starting at just $15 you can get an app or a desert, a cup of their yummy soup or salad and one of these entrees:

$15

Pan-seared shrimp and scallops with mushrooms and roasted red peppers tossed with linguine in our champagne cream sauce. This was probably one of my favorites, the pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious!

Sautéed chicken breast coated with freshly grated parmesan cheese and housemade bread crumbs. Served with your choice of side, This was a really good take on the traditional parm. The side of baby carrots were delicious and I really loved the sauce that went with it, it made the dish.

Wood-grilled sirloin, red onion and tomato skewers topped with our Chianti wine sauce. Served with your choice of side. I think everyone strives to make skewers but its work intensive. Its nice to have Carrabba's do the work for you with yummy results.

$18

Boneless beef short rib slow-cooked for hours until you can cut it with a fork. Topped with our rich red wine vegetable sauce and served over risotto Hands down my favorite! Oh! I could have eaten this all day! Also, as someone who sits over her risotto for an hour stirring constantly, how they pull it off with ease is beyond me.

Cavatappi corkscrew pasta with lobster, pancetta and four cheeses, topped with toasted breadcrumbs. I was most looking forward to this and it was good, but I would have liked the sauce to be a little thicker. I liked that it had a little kick!

Flaky whitefish with a crispy potato coating, cooked to golden brown perfection and topped with our light mustard cream sauce and fresh diced tomatoes. Served with your choice of side. Really loved the mustard sauce, it was a nice compliment to the whitefish.

Pin It

Bringing in the holidays with Smirnoff Vodka

Like the rest of you, I have been incredibly crazy busy...running from this holiday event to the next and I am actually hosting one plus Christmas Eve dinner! Its madness but fun! The one thing to keep you in check is some sort of plan of where you are going with all this nonsense...before you lose your holiday mind!!

Baby it’s cold outside and the jingle bells are ringing, but the night is far from silent because this time of year brings the most festive parties of the season.

Whatever the occasion, the key to a good party is knowing how to whip up THE perfect cocktail of the season. And if you’re looking for the perfect host gift, we’ve provided three thoughtful, yet simple options from SMIRNOFF and Sterling Vineyards that won’t break the bank and will satisfy any palate.

Below, two of SMIRNOFF’s winter cocktails that will make your holiday celebration the best of the year.

SMIRNOFF Wish You Were Here

· 1 oz. SMIRNOFF Wild Honey Flavored Vodka

· 2 oz. Dry white wine (such as Once Upon a Vine Sauvignon Blanc)

· 3 oz. Lemon-lime soda

Glassware: Martini glass or Collins glass

Preparation: Add ingredients to an ice-filled stemmed glass.

Garnish: Lemon and lime wheels.

Ginger Twist

· 1 oz. SMIRNOFF No. 21 Celebration-Edition Vodka

· 0.5 oz. STIRRINGS Ginger Flavored Liqueur

· 4 oz. Lemonade

Glassware: Collins Glass

Preparation: In an iced filled shaker combine all the ingredients. Shake vigorously. Strain into an ice filled collins glass.

Garnish: Lemon wheel

Pin It

Soy Protein For Your Run #Giveaway

I'm going to admit something to you, I have lost my love for whole milk. It makes me feel like a bad child but I just don't like it. I am however addicted to soy milk and soy products. They taste so much better and are so good for you.

Some facts about soy protein:

• Soy protein is a high‐quality, plant‐based protein derived from soybeans

• Soy protein preserves lean body mass, promotes fat loss, and boosts satiety during weight loss

• A blend of proteins – soy, whey and casein, prolongs muscle building after exercise and increases recovery compared to whey alone

• Soy protein promotes muscle growth and development

• Soy protein is equivalent to whey protein for building muscle when consumed as part of a resistance training program

• Soy protein has the ability to displace fat and sugar calories

In my opinion, soy protein is easy on my stomach and really makes a difference when I am running. I usually don't eat a meal before my run and don't want to feel full with a protein shake but I have discovered a great bar to grab before I go. Eat-Smart Bars, Nogii Protein Bars and NOW Energy Bars are a couple of choices that help make sure I am getting the nutrients I need before or after a long workout with a key ingredient for success: soy protein. These bars taste delicious and have made a difference in my energy levels to get through a long (or short) run.

Whether I am going for a run or doing yoga, a smart fitness routine incorporates protein to aide in muscle building and recovery. Yes, stretching is important but nurturing your insides with soy protein is a must!

Also, Soy protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein which promotes muscle growth and development and can help preserve lean body mass during weight loss.

Christmas is coming early! I have a giveaway! I was sent a killer package with these bars plus a traveling exercise kit and I have one to give away!

-Eat-Smart Bar

-Nogii Nutrition Bar

-Now Energy Bar

-“Powered by Soy Protein” Traveler Exercise Kit (its got a jump rope, a pedometer and more!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The products, information and two gift packs have been provided by DuPont Nutrition and Health

Pin It

Taking Movember to a Whole New Level

I saw this picture the other day and had to laugh-

I am really enjoying the Movember movement, even tho I am grateful my husband hasn't embraced it-its exciting to watch people on the Today Show grown in some beardage and the movement is really catching on. Even the NASCAR industry is getting hairy with it (I can't believe I just wrote that). My friend had an engineer on his race team that is raising funds online for the cause-Check him out here.

Can we just say Thank God this is a boys only promotion? Although winter gives us a little relief with our hair removal habits...I said a little...a no shave movement is a no no-BUT if you have great products from Completely Bare, you can give your razor a break with some great results.

Unless you live in Daytona and go to Donna at Skinn-you don't have the pleasure of a nearly pain free experience. I am not saying that it is my favorite time but her methods are in drast comparison to the first time I did the deed...her name was Vera and she was Russian and yelled at me when I yelped. I wish I was kidding.

So even though Donna has to drag me in a little for my appointments, I found with some ibuprofen and a line of products that I am obsessed with (Completely Bare) makes the experience a little less oh my god, someone kill me.

The holidays are approaching and it is important to keep your body looking it’s best for all the fabulous upcoming parties! This includes getting rid of those unwanted hairs! Completely Bare has the best hair removal products to get rid of hair painlessly in some of those difficult areas. Apply the numbing and cooling spray pre and post hair removal to cool, soothe and numb your skin. This is a lifesaver, trust me!

If modesty prevents you from seeing a professional try Ready set wax with the hypoallergenic wax strips for face, bikini and body is awesome. They are easy to use and custom shaped for all body parts.

All completely bare products are available at CVS and target nationwide

Pin It

Lindt Chocolates Make Great Holiday Gifts

I am sure everyone has a process of buying holiday prizes (you may call them presents). Although I don't officially start till this time, I plan all year long using Evernote and Remember the Milk. If you are near me and utter any words like "You know what I really need/like/want?" You can guarantee I am sending myself a note to remind myself when the time is right.

After I have sectioned off all of those people, there is usually room on my list for some ideas for people that just need to be remembered with a little something at this time. My cleaning lady, the girls at the doctor's office, my receptionist at the place where I rent an office...Something quick and thoughtful and this year I have some great ideas! Especially with Lindt Chocolates!

My favorite? Christmas Tree Gift Bag is a delightful way to spread chocolate cheer this holiday season. Everyone loves LINDOR truffles, especially when they are delivered in this festive bag. You can fill with your three favorite flavors or enjoy our “Ultimate” Assortment (milk, white, dark, extra dark and peanut butter). Check out the entire catalogue here. You can order online or visit them what I really suggest is you check them out in person using their store locator! Its all instant gratification! When I was at Disney earlier this month, I wanted to live here!!

Pin It

Tea at Two At Polly's Tea Room

I have a new friend Rachel who is not only very sweet and dear but she is full of fun ideas to get us up and out. She hosts the Daytona chapter of Dining For Women, and she has brought a breathe of social fresh air to our little town. A couple of months ago, she had a friend in town and asked a couple of us on a random Tuesday to come meet us at one of my favorite restaurants...just to get together. This time, she organized a group of girls to get together to Polly's Tea Room at the River Lily Inn. Its nice to pull us out of our rut and go do something different with not just the same people in attendance.

I have known Polly for quite a while, and have held a bridal shower as well as a retreat at the River Lily, It was nice to see Polly and her husband Art still do so well. It was funny, I was certain that the tea crowd would be good but not wall to wall packed-there wasn't an empty seat in the house!

We were served a traditional high tea, with moscato and soup and a sandwich. Not to mention the house is gorgeous and full of history! It was delicious and I highly suggest getting your girlfriends, your mom or sisters together for the occasion! Can't wait to go back!

Pin It

First Tastes Fall Menu with Carrabba's

As a blogger, I get a lot of fun opportunities! Last week, I was invited to my favorite restaurants to preview their fall menu. I think I literally heard angels singing when Carrabba's emailed me. No way of them to know, but as a crazy Italian food lover-they are always my go-to when I don't want to cook. I have a million of wonderful memories at our Carrabba's in Daytona and the food is always always good!

I visited their Sanford, Florida location which is brand new, they opened this summer. I was really loving the new atmosphere & design which was different than the one in Daytona. This new design features an open kitchen, relaxed and casual dining room and bar. The new Carrabba’s look also features a mix of traditional and contemporary design that includes family tables, a kitchen counter and an indoor/outdoor bar.

They also had an indoor/outdoor bar gives guests the option to sit inside or outside on a patio and may I say I heard some as always great music, Frank Sinatra especially. How can you not eat Italian without Frank? (You can't).

We were sat at family tables which are large tables that seat up to ten people and are perfect for large gatherings of family and friends, a deep-routed Italian tradition. All of our First Tastes came out family style.

When we arrived we met with Virgil Morar, Managing Partner. He told our group a quick history of the restaurant which you can find here. We ordered some house red wine, my favorite and started to get excited for the new items.

Fire Roasted Mushrooms

First up were the Fire Roasted mushrooms. Fire-roasted cremini mushrooms stuffed with sausage, red bell peppers, fennel, sautéed onion, brioche breadcrumbs, artichoke hearts and romano cheese. They were great!

Nonna Testa

Of course every good Italian knows Nonna is grandma in Italian. This pasta dish was creamy and delicious, Penne pasta with wood-grilled chicken, housemade pesto cream made with fresh basil, pine nuts and walnuts, spinach and zucchini, topped with mozzarella and baked until golden brown in our wood-burning oven

Bistecca Ardente

Hands Down, my favorite! This was so so so good!!! USDA Center-cut sirloin wood-grilled, topped with imported blue cheese, roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. It was unbelievable!

Cedar Planked Fire Salmon

Pan-seared salmon topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and fire-roasted on a cedar plank, topped with our lemon butter sauce. Served with roasted asparagus, mushrooms and red bell peppers. This was really good!

Rigatoni Al Forno

I am such a HUGE fan of pasta with lots and lots of ricotta cheese. This was delicious! Rigatoni pasta tossed with our housemade marinara sauce, romano and mozzarella cheese, topped with Italian fennel sausage, mozzarella and fresh milk ricotta cheese then finished in our wood-burning oven until bubbly hot

Créme Brülée

This was off the chain! I wanted this dessert to last forever! A rich custard prepared with Madagascar vanilla bean and topped with torched sugar, whipped cream, and strawberries

Check out the First Tastes Menu here and be sure to visit Carrabba's on Twitter and Instagram. Thank you for the wonderful time!!

Pin It

The World Is Your Oyster for Vivacious Readers

A really cool new app has come my way and if you like to read, this is for you! With Oyster, you can read as many books as you’d like from our ever-growing library of over 100,000 titles, share your activity with friends, and discover your next favorite book.

This is a dream for me, because I like to bounce from book to book. The monthly subscription is low and it gives you unlimited opportunities to pick whichever book you are in the mood to read without having to read each one. It has just been released out of beta and they are now offering a free month to try it out. Initially released just to the Iphone, you can now read on your Ipad or Ipad mini!

I am sure once the service grows, the ability to grab more new releases will be available but their selection already is pretty impressive. After hearing the news of Teavana and Starbucks merging and seeing Starbuck's CEO Howard Shultz describing this awesome new venture, it made me want to grab his autobiography Onward for another read. The download was quick and I was reading about this genius entrepreneur in no time.

Join Oyster on Facebook and Twitter and be sure to grab your free month here.

Pin It

Breaking Bad Finale? Bring on the Cocktails!

Watch the Series Finale with a “Breaking Bad” drink recipe!!

It’s time to celebrate and time to mourn. It is the end of an era. An era filled with drama, madness and meth. Yes, we are talking about the final episode of "Breaking Bad." And as we sit here anxiously awaiting Sunday night’s bittersweet finale, The Savory felt it was only right to head to our own “lab” and cook up some legal delicacies to enjoy like The Pontiac Aztec Cocktail.

Walter White’s now famous mode of transport is forever burned in our minds, with and without windshield intact. "Breaking Bad" creator, Vince Gilligan, had the memorable green color custom made, and no other Aztek can be found in that color. The Savory bartender, Pete Capella, did his best to pay homage to that color, along with the down and dirty tone of the show, by putting together a cocktail that is almost as groundbreaking as "Breaking Bad" itself. Ladies and gents, The Savory proudly presents: The Pontiac Aztek Cocktail.

The Pontiac Aztec Cocktail Recipe

2 oz Mezcal 

1 oz Velvet Falernum

½ oz Green Chartreuse 

½ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

1 dash Absinthe

Grapefruit Twist for Garnish

Stir all ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into rocks glass. Place one large ice cube in glass. Garnish with a large grapefruit twist.

This recipe is courtesy of TheSavory.com. The Savory,com describes itself as a food site for the rest of us. Working chefs, bartenders, artisans, & farmers breaking down gourmet. No lifestyle experts. No hosts. No jacket & tie required. I am not gonna lie, I am a little obsessed.

www.thesavory.com

Find them on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram

Pin It

Daytona Fundraiser-Dining in the Dark, A Benefit for the Visually Impaired.

My gorgeous friend Kahlin is a smart cookie and she is putting on a really cool fundraiser that I hope you will come to!

Dining in the Dark is an exciting fundraising dinner to benefit the Center for the Visually Impaired. Join the Center for the Visually Impaired, Sheriff Ben Johnson and his deputies, and radio personality, Leslye Gale for Daytona's most unique dining experience on Wednesday, October 2nd at the Daytona Hilton Oceanfront!

Dining in the Dark is an exciting fundraising dinner to benefit the Center for the Visually Impaired. Guests enjoy a lighted reception and cocktails with silent auction and music by Steel Daddy, followed by the thrill of a four-course gourmet dinner in a pitch-black dining room.

This is a one-of-a-kind experience where guests gain an appreciation of the role of all of the senses in the experience of eating. With sight removed, new levels of sensuousness can be achieved. Flavors intensify and food becomes an experience! Additionally, guests will experience the world blind people inhabit every minute, every day.

Tickets are $65 per person or $120 for a couple. Guaranteed Tables start at $600 for 8.

More information to follow! For sponsorship and tickets contact Kahlin Kelly at kkelly@cvicentralflorida.org or 386.253.8879
www.cvicentralflorida.org

Still not convinced? Don't be a scaredy cat!! Here is some more information!

FAQ's

Q: Is it really a pitch black dining room?
A: Yes it is! Most of us aren't used to a completely dark environment. Guests will be asked to put away all potential sources of light like watches, cell phones or cameras. Only those who are completely blind have experienced this level of darkness.

Q: How can we eat in complete darkness? Are there many spills?
A: Once deprived of the sense of sight, we tend to rely more on our other senses- hearing, touch, smell and taste. Thus, your other senses will help you to eat and reach your table in the dark room, and we recommend "washable" clothing as there may be a few spills. The Sheriff's Officers will have sight via night-vision goggles and will aid guests' welfare. Even though at the beginining it can be daunting, after a few minutes people start to relax and the environment becomes enjoyable.

Q: How do we get the attention of one of the Sheriff's Officers?
A: Simply raising your hand in the air, while remaining in your seat, will be attention enough to get assistance.

Q: Are the bathrooms in the dark?
A: No, the restrooms are fully lit.

Pin It

It's Blueberry Popsicle Month!

September brings Fall, but not before we take time to celebrate Blueberry Popsicle month! I especially like using Sparkling ICE because it takes the guilt out of this late summer treat.Celebrate with family and friends by making homemade popsicles with this delicious and healthy recipe, featuring Pomegranate Blueberry Sparkling ICE. These popsicles make the perfect low calorie snack or even dessert.

Sparkling ICE (www.sparklingice.com) is a naturally flavored sparkling water that is zero calories, gluten-free, and slightly carbonated. An excellent soda alternative, Sparkling ICE contains B-Vitamins and Vitamin D, along with a caffeine-free Green Tea Extract, which contains healthy antioxidants.

You can find Sparkling ICE in stores or online here

Ingredients:
Ice Cube Tray (or your favorite ice pop making molds)
Toothpicks or Popsicle sticks
I bottle Pomegranate Blueberry Sparkling ICE
1 container of fresh blueberries, chopped

Directions:
1) Fill your trays or molds with Sparkling ICE, topping each with a scoop of chopped blueberries.
2) If using ice cube trays cover tray tightly with tin foil.
3) Poke a Popsicle stick through the foil into each cube.
4) If using an ice pop maker place the handle sticks into the molds.
5) Place in the freezer for about 2 hours or until frozen.
6) Enjoy!

Pin It

Birthday Breakfast

My husband turned 40 this week and I was trying to find ways to make his day special. Sadly, it was Thursday so there wasn't a lot of bells and whistles I could pull off in the morning but I wanted to make him a nice breakfast to send him on his way.

I made him his favorite hashbrown casserole, which you can find the recipe here...I swear it tastes exactly like Cracker Barrel. We almost lick the plate every time I made it. I hadn't had played on Vine for a while and thought it would be a fun process to show off my mad cooking skills! If you want to follow me on Vine, I'm at @littleblogdress!

One thing my husband has to have with breakfast, I decided to step it up and get him some cereal milk...Cow Wow Cereal Milk is awesome, it comes in two flavors and it tastes just like the awesome milk.

They come in cute 8.5 ounce cartons of cerealiciousness and are and 100% organic, naturally flavored, lowfat. Additionally, Cow Wow Cereal Milk has only 6 grams of added sugar, 9 essential vitamins and nutrients, 12g protein, 400mg potassium. There is no refrigeration required, one-year shelf life, UHT pasteurizedgluten-free, kosher, non-GMO. Cow Wow has 2 different flavors at the moment and many more are said to be coming out soon. Unless you live in California, you will have to order them online by clicking here

Cow Wow Facebook

Cow Wow Twitter

Pin It

Pages