Reuse and Recycle Coffee K-Cup Pods-Grow Herbs Easily!

Since buying our Keurig coffee maker a few years ago, we have gone through so many coffee k-cup pods.  When my daughter was given an assignment in school to find something to recycle-we came up with a way to reuse these coffee pods.  We decided to grow herbs in coffee pods!  We rinse them out and use them to plant herbs-Basil, Cilantro, Dill, etc. The hole in the bottom which the coffee dripped from, is great drainage. The left over coffee combined with rich soil, makes for a healthy planting bed.  What a wonderful way to repurpose coffee pods!

We also recycled soda and juice boxes to hold the cups and it was easy in watering (my daughter spills all over the place when she waters) and it dries out in the sun quickly.

We reused plastic spoons to create planter markers too.
It was a fun and educational activity for the whole family!

Ribbon Rack Holder-Get Organized!

I love to buy ribbon-and have tried every way to organize them...and have failed.  I've tried storage bins that you slide under the bed.  But out of sight, means I'll never use them. I've tried storage bins with lids-but stacking them on top of each other just means I'll never open them up and dig around to find my different options.  I've tried the ones with drawers-but I ended up with ribbon rolls on top of ribbon rolls and never got to see and use the ones on the bottom.

Alas...I found a ribbon rack holder to organize my ribbon rolls in a easy-to-use and functional way.  I bought a cheap shoe rack holder from Bed, Bath and Beyond and slid the ribbon rolls through the dowel, or in the case of my large ribbon rolls from Costco, I put it on top.  Now, I'm able to see my different ribbons, and are able to get to them easily.  How much ribbon will fit?  It depends on the size of the rolls.  If you have smaller ribbon like you see in my picture on the top, you can slide them through each of the dowels and a lot will fit.  If you have more of the large ribbon rolls, then less will fit.

I store my ribbon rack holder in a closet, but it can go just about anywhere.  My ribbon organizer has worked so well, I'm going to buy another shoe rack for the rest of my ribbon.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion Review-The best lotion for dry skin!

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion...It's great for dry skin! I have combination skin on my face, but dry and sensitive skin everywhere else.  My dermatologist recommended Aveeno lotion.  My skin gets worse during the fall/winter months, when my hands are so dry, they crack and bleed (ugh!).  Just one use, and my skin doesn't feel dry anymore.  I can see and feel improvement in just one day.  I use it all over--especially on hands, arms, legs and feet. This is truly the best lotion for dry skin I have ever found!

Fragrance free, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, natural oatmeal product that helps soothe and moisturize dry, itchy, extra dry skin.

Costco sells the jumbo 20 oz. pump bottle that is not only convenient, but lasts a long time.  I think I'm going to try other Aveeno products...loved the two I already have...will keep you all posted.  :)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub Review

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub-brightens your skin!

Dull, dry skin doesn't stand a chance against Aveeno's positively radiant daily scrub. I've always had skin issues since I was a teen, it has always been a battle with acne, then adult acne. As I've gotten older, I now have been blessed with sensitive skin, rosacea, and other issues that are common as we age. (Sigh!) My dermatologist recommended Aveeno products. I've been using Aveeno's daily moisturizing lotion (giant bottle at Costco, see my review on previous post) and it has done wonders for my skin! So...I decided to try Aveeno's daily scrub.

Soy extract, with round microbeads...it's soap free, oil-free, hypoallergenic, and contains Vitamin E. It's sensitive enough to use daily, but I usually use 2-3x/week or so as needed. I really feel like my skin is smoother, brighter, and more radiant!

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner Review

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner 


Could drug store make up really be as good as the ones in department stores? I've always been a MAC user, but I decided to try Revlon's eyeliner, and liked it...so when I saw Maybelline's Unstoppable Eyeliner on sale at CVS--well, I had to give it a try too. I have to say, I was surprised how far drug store make up has come! It really is "unstoppable" too. It stays on without smudging, until I take it off. Love that! Regular priced at $7.39 at CVS, (cheaper at WalMart), and on sale for under $5 plus change--what a deal! These are Hawaii prices, so for those of you living elsewhere, it will be even cheaper for you. Lucky you!
 
Safe for sensitive eyes. Contact lens safe. Ophthalmologist-tested. Stays put all day; holds your look in place until you remove it. Glides on smoothly; easily lines and defines eyes. Self-sharpening; swivels up and down so point stays sharp. Comes in a variety of colors. Made in USA.

Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner Review

Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner

Could drug store make up really be as good as those sold in department stores?  I normally use MAC or Merle Norman eyeliner, but I came across Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner (it's waterproof too!) and I decided to give it a try.  I have to be honest...I absolutely love it!  It twists up, so it is always ready to use...and it comes in many colors.  I've been using it for over a month now, and it glides on easily and stays on all day long!  It's not super soft like MAC, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing-it won't run down as quick as a soft pencil.  The best part?  You can get it for $4.99-$7.00 (look for a sale at CVS, or get at WalMart or Target)!  These are Hawaii prices, so for those of you living elsewhere, you will be able to purchase it much cheaper.  At these prices, you can afford to buy two on sale, so you will never have that horrible moment of twisting up your eyeliner, and discovering you won't have enough to finish your other eye!  

Update 3/1/13: I've been using Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner for several months now and it is still my favorite eyeliner!  It stays put all day long, even in the hot and humid Hawaii weather! And...I love that I can swim, sweat, and be out all day long, and my eyeliner doesn't smear.  The best part? I can buy three of Revlon's Color Stay Eyeliner for the price of the one MAC eyeliner that I used to buy!

Randy Pausch quotes and life lessons

Randy Pausch quotes and life lessons...if you are having a bad day, you need to read this!
These are some of my favorite quotes from Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture."  You will understand them, and it will mean more after you watch the video.  (Watch it!  Trust me, the hour goes by quickly.  You will laugh...and be moved.)

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture 

 “Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture 

 “When it comes to men who are romantically interested in you, it’s really simple. Just ignore everything they say and only pay attention to what they do.”
― Randy Pausch

“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

  “It's not about how to achieve your dreams, it's about how to lead your life, ... If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will come to you.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture 

 “If I only had three words of advice, they would be, Tell the Truth. If got three more words, I'd add, all the time.”
― Randy Pausch

 “When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you.”
― Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch-ABC News Special with Diane Sawyer

 
Randy Pausch-ABC News Special with Diane Sawyer
After you watch "The Last Lecture," take another hour to watch this ABC News Special with Diane Sawyer.  You'll learn more about Randy Pausch, his wife Jai, his family and what happened after the lecture...how "The Last Lecture" changed people's lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-a7LRwqwNw

Randy Pausch-The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

Randy Pausch-The Last Lecture
If you ever feel like you're having a bad day, week, month, year...watch this video and in just one hour, you will feel better, appreciate all that you have.  Appreciate life.

Someone introduced me to "The Last Lecture" about four years ago, and if you haven't seen this inspirational "lecture," I highly recommend you take an hour to watch it.  If you have seen this video before, like any great piece of work...it's worthy of another view.

Randy Pausch was a computer science and human computer interaction and design professor at Carnegie Mellon University.  "The Last Lecture" was an annual event at Carnegie Mellon, which professors would contemplate if they were given only 6 months to live, what would you say, what would you do, how would you live that life?  Unfortunately, for Randy, this was his reality, as he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and was given 3-6 months of good health to live.  His lecture was captured on video and downloaded over 15 Millions times since then.

"The Last Lecture" was moving...inspirational...funny...a must-see for all!  (Note: Have lots of Kleenex on hand!)

Link to youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

Goma Tei Ramen Review--love the tan tan!

Vegetable Tan Tan Ramen

Goma Tei Ramen Review
I've been going to this place when the owner was at Goma Ichi.  The owner left to open two restaurants, the first at Ward Centre (the old Borders side), the second at Ala Moana (ocean side).  Goma Tei is known for their special tan tan menu--which is a spicy broth of sesame seeds, vegetables, slow-cooked for 24 hours to create a rich and flavorful broth!  I always order the vegetable tan tan ramen (see pic above), but they also have chicken katsu tan tan, char siu tan tan.  They are also famous for their cold noodle, curry, ban ban ji chicken, and gyoza.  Yes, they also have the traditional shoyu ramen too.  There is something for everyone...yum!!!

Don't spend a lot of dough on bread

Costco Bread-buy it and freeze what you won't use right away
When did bread get to be so expensive? I've tried all the different brands--but unless it is on sale...$5 for a loaf?  Really?!? If your favorite brand isn't on sale at your store, if you're like me, you're at Costco on a weekly basis.  The Watanabe bakery bread is available in a huge loaf for $4.55 (wheat) and $4.29 (white).  The loaf is double the amount you will get at Times, Longs, Don Quijote for about the same price.

My family will generally consume nearly the whole loaf by the expiration date, but if they don't, it can be frozen.  Yeah, I know...I'm not big on freezing food either...but I've done it, and honestly, after it thaws, (microwave on defrost setting for 20 seconds) it's soft again.  I've also used it for bread crumbs, to put in hamburgers, meatloaf, and to mix with panko for breading.
Note: I've often seen 3-4 different dates on various packages, so look carefully.  Dates may vary up to 5 days!

Kill Nutsedge (Nut Grass) dead with Ortho Image

Some call it Nut Grass.  Those horrible weeds that connect via root systems and literally, can take over your entire lawn if you let it.  I found the ONLY thing that kills the plant/flower AND the root system.  In about 7-10 days after spraying, it turns yellow/brown and dies.  Yes, new ones from other systems grow, but with consistent application, your yard will return in time to its glory.

This magical nutsedge killer is by Ortho, IMAGE.  You can find it in the spray bottle, or concentrate form.  It's sold all over--Home Depot, Lowe's, WalMart.  WalMart is the cheapest and they usually have it in stock.

Note: In between applying herbicide to your yard, you also need to fertilize your grass.  I usually let my grass grow a bit so I can see the nutsedge easily, to aid in application of the herbicide.  After the nutsedge dies, I (okay, my yard guy) cut my grass and my lawn is pretty again!

I also found a great analogy on one of those lawn&garden sites...grass needs fertilization and constant cutting to keep it beautiful.  The strength is in the root, so when you cut your grass, it's like giving your hair a trim.  Weeds get their strength from the top, so when you keep your grass trim, it's like chopping off the head of your weed.  Whatever the case, herbicide, fertilize, and trimming grass...your lawn will be ready for summer barbecues and parties!  (Don't forget to invite me!)

Microplane Grater-the best grater ever!

This grater from Microplane is absolutely another kitchen tool I use almost every day.  It grates garlic, ginger, lemon, cheeses...you name it!  I used to use a box grater, but honestly, who has space to put that in their kitchen?!? This goes right in your kitchen drawer, or in your cooking tool container.  It also cleans up easily too.  There are so many sizes and different collections to choose from.

Interesting note: Microplane started out making woodworking tools (that resemble this grater and more) in 1990, then 10 years later branched out to make kitchen tools and foot files.  (It sort of looks like the Ped Egg, doesn't it?)  Get it...you won't regret it!

Bath and Body Works soap--new spring fragrances!

I love Bath and Body Works!  Soaps, lotions, shampoos, hand sanitizers...you name it, I have it.  Good news! They came out with new spring fragrances.  I have some of my favorites displayed in photo above, but there were too many to show.  I love the peach bellini, fresh picked peaches, fresh picked strawberries and fresh picked tangerines for the kitchen.  Love the vanilla berry sorbet, apple lavender for the bathrooms.  My favorite of my favorites (my girls love it too!) is the wildberry dahlia scent.  Oh, and for those of you that love the scent of Hollister, the new pacific blue will be right up your alley! 

Tip: They always have the 4 for $15 or 6 for $20 offers, but be on the lookout for the 7 for $20 offer, or even better--get it when they have the coupon for $10 off purchase of $30 or more...you can get one for as low as $2.22 each!

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara-lengthen your lashes!!

I've never had those long and dark eyelashes like my girls do (they got it from their dad)...and as I get older, it has become even sparser.  I've heard of Latisse, but with all that I'm allergic to--I'm not willing to take that chance.  

I've tried so many mascara brands--from the popular pink/green tube, to expensive department store ones.  Some were pretty good, and I've used them for years.  Until now.  

My niece turned me on to this mascara--The Colossal Volume Express by Maybelline.  It comes in regular or waterproof.  You can't miss the obnoxious bright yellow tube in the equally eye-catching purple packaging.   If you use the waterproof version, it really stays put until you take it off.  Even through tears, sweating, swimming.  It opens up your eyes, and helps on those days that you look "tired." And don't we all need some help there, right? ;)

Wire wall rack--wish I had this in my closet!

I found this wire wall rack mounted on the wall of the dressing room at Nordstrom.  It's sturdy, and held so many clothes!  I wish I had this in my closet--talk about maximizing space!  Hmmm...maybe I can find something that would work at Home Depot?  Or maybe I could just mount my Williams Sonoma cookie cooling rack?  (Looks and feels like my cookie rack.)  Just kidding...I'm not that desperate.  Not Yet.  :) 

Garlic peas, Wasabi peas-a tasty snack!

Love this snack...garlic peas!  Yummy, wrapped in small size packages, and even the kids love it! Wish I knew the brand name, but I can't read the writing, so look for the packaging.  I've found them at CVS, Don Quijote and Marukai.  Easy to carry in pocket, purse, or for school snacks.  Also comes in wasabi green peas flavor.

Stainless Steel Cleaner--quick and easy!

I love stainless steel refrigerator and appliances--love the look, but hate the fingerprints and smudges that inevitably end up all over it.  Well, I found a liquid cleaner that is super easy to apply, and takes those fingerprints and smudges away quickly! 

It's by ELCO.  I got mine at Sears.  I can't remember how much it cost, but it wasn't that much.  Super easy to use--just put a little on a cloth (I use paper towels),wipe on...then get a dry cloth/towel and wipe off.  Easy!  It also removes dirt and grease, and helps prevent fingerprints.  If you have stainless steel...this is a must-get!

Tiger sports water bottle-best ever!!

Cold and refreshing water on the go!
Dry skin? Headaches? Tired? Want to lose weight? Seems the answer is always, "drink more water!" (It's like how "stress" seems to be the cause of many health issues...but that's another post.)  Okay...I drink water...and I think I drink a lot of it--but I get busy, drink half of a cup, forget about the cup, so I use another cup...and over the course of the day, I really don't know how much water I've consumed.  Plus, I hate it when the ice melts and the condensation goes all over the place.  Then I have to dump out the cup, and start all over again.  Too...much...effort. 
I found an awesome sports bottle that will keep your water (or drink) cold all day long.  (Seriously, maybe well into the evening too!)

It's the Tiger brand sports bottle.  It has a pop-top lid, with lock closure.  It even comes with a holder with strap!  I bought the 1.0 liter size, but there are smaller versions too.  Now, I always have cold water ready to drink, and I can keep track of how much water I'm consuming throughout the day!

Note: Tiger makes a 2-way version, that comes with a cup on top.  I didn't buy that one because it wasn't as convenient to drink from the bottle.

Tiger brand stainless steel thermal commuter mug-keeps coffee hotter longer!

This is the BEST commuter mug to keep your coffee hotter, longer!
Don't you hate when you don't have time to finish your coffee and then it's too cold to drink?  I've tried several commuter mugs...from Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, to numerous others.  None worked well--they leaked, cracked, and didn't keep my coffee/tea hot for longer than 2 hours.  Well, I found the BEST commuter mug.