Silicone Bakeware Facts

It's true. Silicone Bakeware is not perfect. However, it is absolutely light years ahead of the old fashioned caked-on, crusty, uneven-baking pans of yesterday.

My advice: invest in high-quality silicone bakeware from a known brand name. I made the mistake of buying Smartware when it first came out. No so smart. It was deemed "advanced and revolutionary." But for starters, the pieces weren't even of standard size. Who uses a 6 cup muffin pan! And their cookie sheet liner was measly.

However, I decided to give silicone another chance. My husband and I love angel food cake. But we haaaate the cleanup of the metal pan.

So, we sprung for a KitchenAid® Silicone Tube Cake Pan. After the first day, we threw the old metal pan in the trash! The silicone pan was amazing. We're talking gorgeously even baking to a rich toasty brown. We both call it "photo quality" cake!

It's all we use now and we plan to give KitchenAid's other silicone products a try.

Travel blanket and pillow sets

I had finally had it with freezing on airplanes. Let's face it, the blankets provided by the airlines are weak...and...even kinda gross. And don't even get me started with the cheap pillows with the paper covers!

Finally Brookstone released their NAP Travel Blanket. I bought one in pink and quickly wondered why I waited so long! It is now a staple in my carry on. The yummy satin side feels amazing, but their famous NAP cozy chenille--or whatever it is--is irresistible.

I love the blanket so much, I'm looking hard at their Quick NAP Pillow too.

Too bad Brookstone hasn't figured out how to sell these as Travel blanket and pillow sets. But, hey, they're worth their separate prices!

Thank you Brookstone for finally taking airline sleep seriously!

Check out all of Brookstone.com's cuddly NAP accessories.

Travel Pillow Covers

It's about time someone took travel pillows seriously! For those of us who simply zonk out in the window seat while traveling, a good travel pillow is a must. And travel pillow covers are hard to find! Quick NAP Sac Covers from Brookstone are irresistable and make a great gift for your favorite traveler!

Quick NAP Travel Pillow

Frango Mints are Still Amazing

They may be under new "ownership" since Macy's bought Marshall Field's, but Frango Mints are still as yummy as ever. I was so happy to see online at Macy's. Thank goodness they didn't let the Frangos die with the Marshall Field's name!

My favorite are the green mints, but Macy's carries many of the other varieties, including their healthier 62% dark chocolate and even Sugar-Free Frango Mints!

The Body Shop Wins for Best Salt Scrub

Can a Salt Scrub really be intoxicating? Indeed, The Body Shop has perfected this in-shower treat with their Energizing Bergamot Salt Scrub. If you've never experienced Bergamot oil, you're missing out. (this is when I wish the Web had scratch and sniff web pages--when it does, I'll be the first to review!)

The first time I used this scrub, my body literally felt like it was drinking in oils as the salt scrubbed my skin. The Bergamot not only smells amazing (kind of like a clean, supercharged lemon), but gives your skin a tingling sensation, too. The smell is so unreal that whenever I use it, I cannot resist smelling my arm every few minutes. I've even had several people at work say, "What smells so good?"

This scrub is terrific on days when you want to show off your skin--like in summer. It really makes your legs smooth, shiny and gorgeous.

One note: Don't be shy about rinsing well after using this scrub. You'll be tempted to jump out of the shower early because you don't want to lose the scent. But, you may quickly find that the remaining oils may be too heavy on your skin.

Coupons for The Body Shop:

LipFusion Gets My Vote!

I admit it. I've officially gotten caught up in the limp plumping craze. I couldn't resist posting my own lip plump review for one of the hottest non-surgical lip plumpers out on the market today: LipFusion Lipstick (or gloss).

Does LipFusion Work?
I was skeptical, I admit. But, after just a few minutes I could absolutely feel and see a difference. It's an odd sensation at first. Kind of tingly. Definitely sticky, but no more so that other glosses.

My husband noticed the difference most when I wore the LipFusion Lip Plump in "Kiss". It's a gorgeous baby pink with a hint of gold shimmer. He even asked if I had lost weight! Okay... that may have just been sheer luck...but I'll take it!

I also tried the LipFusion XL, the nighttime formula. The first morning, I didn't notice a thing. But, after night two, the plumping was amazing! It's a great boost by morning that's ready before you apply your daytime gloss.

Why I'm most impressed? Lipfusion's products have not made my lips look "fake" or plumped to the point of being unattractive. They look young. The more I use it, the more dramatic the look. But, luckily LipFusion has never given me the look of a drastic lip plump. It's clean, fresh looking and youthful. Nice job Fusion Beauty!


Take 5% off your entire purchase at SkinStore.com: Use Code FAV5

Cooking Light Slow Cooker Recipes

Cooking Light has made slow cooking an absolute joy. I have found so many wonderful recipes in their magazine and online. But even more in their fabulous Cooking Light Cookbooks!

Here's on of my favorite Cooking Light Slow Cooker Recipes. Ever heard of Picadillo? It's a delicious spanish or cuban dish that is simply delicious. Leave it to Cooking Light to devise a Slow Cooker Picadillo that is out of this world--even rivalling the full-fatted versions!

This recipe is courtesy of Cooking Light Slow Cooker...a must have book if you're on Weight Watchers or simply want healthier cooking options. You'll see there are some unusual ingredients in this one. They are the essence of this fabulous ethnic dish.

Slow Cooker Picadillo

• 2 lbs. ground round
• 1-1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup sliced green onions
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup shopped pitted dates
• 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground red pepper
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 4-1/2 cups hot cooked rice

1. Cook first five ingredients (through garlic) in a large skillet over medium high heat until beef is browned, stirring to crumble beef. Drain well.


2. Place beef mixture in a 4-Qt electric slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes and next 10 ingredients. Stir well. Cover and cook on High for 3 hours. Stir in almonds. Serve over rice.

Courtesy: Cooking Light Slow Cooker

How the French Perfected Coffee!

For me, coffee is almost more essential than breathing on some days

I love the stuff...and am forever on the quest for the best brews, richest coffee beans and smoothest blends. Years back when I visited Paris, I quickly learned that the French have us beat when it comes to coffee. I didn't speak the language, so I struggled to get details about their heavenly brew from the hostess at our hotel. I couldn't see the contraption they used, but finally did extensive research when I got back home.

It's called the French Press. The beauty is in its simplicity. I got one for my birthday back in August. I have been in coffee nirvana ever since.

How to brew French Press coffee:
1) Buy coarsely ground beans (This is the best type for the French Press).
2) Measure out the proper amount (My press came with its own scoop. I double it, since I like my coffee very rich.)
3) Pour hot water over the grounds.
4) Stir water and ground to ensure saturation of grounds.
5) Let stand for 4-5 minutes.
6) Press down plunger slowly. This pushes the grounds to the bottom and separates them before pouring.
7) Pour into your cup and enjoy.

Trust me, you'll never go back to your wimpy coffee maker again.

I own the Bodum 3-cup French Press coffee maker. It's perfect for single servings--which is great for me, since my other half doesn't do coffee. I'll be buying a larger press soon for when we have company. I can't wait to serve them the best coffee I know of!

Take it on the road!
I also found a great way to grab your French Press and go, with the French Press Commuter Mug. It means you can just pour your water and go. Then, 5 minutes into your commute, you're sipping away at your rich, yummy java. Believe me, it's saved me from road rage on more than one occassion. The key with the French Press Commuter Mug is to make sure you use coarsely ground beans! I made the mistake of using regular grind one day and got a bit of gritty grounds with my first sip. Eek.

Have you tried a French Press? Tell us what you think!

Tempurpedic, We Love You!

We just can't get enough of our new Tempurpedic bed. We've had an inner spring mattress for decades. I have sacroiliitis (a kind of arthritis of the back) and have been especially uncomfortable with how traditional mattresses aggravate my condition and push back on my pressure points. When my "other half" started having back pain, as well, we knew we couldn't put if off any longer.

When I first mentioned Tempurpedic, he nearly freaked. After all, it is a wee bit pricier than your average mattress. But when I took him to the showroom, he was amazed. We tried out all the models on display, and easily found our favorite -- the Supreme Tempurpedic with the pillow top layer from Bookstone.

Is it too hot?
We were concerned about the Tempurpedic getting too hot. My husband is a furnace and we were concerned it would retain all his heat. Not a problem at all. The newer Tempurpedics don't have the heat issue due to the addition of larger air-flow layers.

The Price
Being the web-savvy shopper that you are (why else would you be reading this). you're probably searching for the best price on tempurpedic beds. Don't drive yourself crazy. We quickly learned that shopping around won't get you far in terms of price comparisons. That's because Tempurpedic basically keeps its prices consistant across retailers. The best thing to do when shopping around is compare delivery options, return policies. Brookstone is still, by far, one of the best places to go for Tempurpedic. They have full-service shipping and delivery, great financing options and a 20 Year Warranty.

Some retailers will even throw in a queen Tempurpedic comfort pillow. Our rating of tempurpedic pillows? They are almost as amazing as the bed itself. No neck pain in the morning. Just like the bed, the tempurpedic comfort pillow just cradles your head like a soft, supportive cloud.

Pros
Insanely comfortable. The Tempurpedic just cradles your body as you climb into bed. It's like a cloud...but it has support. My husband and I awaken refreshed with a more "balanced" night's sleep since we don't toss and turn so much. The pillow top is very luxurious and feels wonderful.

Cons
Not many. Sometimes when we're snuggling and one of us moves over to the other side of the bed, there is a temporary "dent" that is easy to "fall" into. This is hardly a big deal, but, hey, I'm trying to find some cons here

Tempurpedic Mattress Coupon: Take $20 off your order of $200 or more. Enter code AFLOVE at checkout.


Have you tried it?
We'd love to hear what you think!