See It: Cincinnati

I'm headed back to The Queen City so it might be a light blogging weekend due to the holiday and the anticipated family fun we will experience!

Enjoy the scenic Cincinnati photos from mp3 bloggers who attended Desdemona at Sawyer Point (although none of them got a photo of the flying pigs).

• My Old Kentucky Blog snapped a photo of Cincinnatus
• I Guess I'm Floating Day 1 Day 2
• You Ain't No Picasso Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3
• Good Hodgkins (browse through this site because there's all sorts of photo)
• Marathon Packs posted a recap with photos

Want some Cincinnati tidbits to tuck away for a bar bet?!

The Flying Pig is the unofficial mascot of Cincinnati and the flying pigs at the entrance of the Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Point commemorate a time when Cincinnati was the world's major pork processing center, earning the famous nickname of Porkopolis. Do you want to know why Cincinnati (or Zinzinnati) is The Queen City?

If you're flying to Cincinnati, you might be surprised to learn you're actually in Kentucky at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Once you've got that down, it's important to note you'll have a hard time hitching a ride on the Cincinnati subway.

When Cincinnatians say please? we mean pardon? please repeat yourself. Think of it as a polite version of huh? Longtime Cincinnatians use it the same way the Germans say bitte? which can be translated as please? and excuse me?

And Cornhole is a game in which players take turns toss a corn-filled bag onto a wooden platform that may or may not contain a logo of your college alma mater or favorite sports team (total copyright infringement, but that's another topic).

That's probably enough for one day! Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

[photo credit: Lucius (Lucky) Quinctus Pigasus from the Big Pig Gig]

For Sale: Blank Apparel

I used to need blank apparel for my web shop wares, but when I bring back my site it will be in another fashion that won't include apparel, so I'm selling the blanks I have. I figure other crafters or indie business owners might want a few tops silk-screening, stamping or embroidering their logo onto apparel at near wholesale prices (approx $3-8 I didn't get super low prices since I wasn't buying 72 pieces per/style/color).

The following is a list of what I have. If you're interested or have questions, please email me at udandi @ gmail . com

American Apparel - Classic Girl
4389 - one shoulder tank - black - large, medium
4308 - tank - black - large
4321 - tee - black - small, medium, large
4321 - tee - white - small
4314 - bikini - white - size 2 (medium), size 3 (large)
4314 - bikini - black - size 2
4315 - boy short - black - size 1, 2,
4315 - boy short - white - size 1, 2
4313 - thong - white - 1
4313 - thong - black - 2

American Apparel - Men's
4400 - tee - black, white - small

Anvil Women's 1415 - tank - pink, gray, white, black - large
1415 - tank - gray, white, black - medium
1415 - tank - gray, white - small
1441 - tee - white - medium
raglan tee - white body/black sleeves - medium

Anvil Youth
215 b - tank - black - large, medium, small
215 b - tank - white - medium, small
215 b - tank - gray - medium, small

Jenson - juniors
2969WC - tank - camo - large

Military belts - black, navy

Iron-on Transfer paper - 10/pack

Tip: Spend Less Than You Earn

Here's another one of my fancy tips, spend less than you earn. I know it sounds simple, but you can't go wrong with sticking to the basics. It's like the eat less than you burn method of weight loss.

I'm thinking if you give this a whirl you may not find yourself hawking t-shirts on your web site to keep from being foreclosed upon. I'm not going to give the "Save Screech's House" web site publicity by linking to it, but when you spend more than you earn, you will find yourself in the hole. When you don't make payments, foreclosure happens. How's that for simple?!

By the way, Get Rich Slowly highlights save more by eating less.

Start a savings account with ING and score bonus bucks!

Make It: Silly Cakes

When I visit with my young niece she asks, "We make cupcakes?!"' I don't know where she gets her love of cakes ;) but I know she would be beside herself with the all the goodness that is Woman's Day Silly Cakes! A poster at glitter, did the jewelry box cake and it looks terrific!

My mom would like this 4th of July Cake since she likes to make cakes decorated with blueberries and strawberries to resemble a flag.

Make It: BBQ Chicken Pizza

Chicken's in the mail!

Last week, I got the free sample of Tyson's Premium Chunk Chicken Breast Pouch. Not that opening a can and draining it is time consuming, but with this pouch I just opened it, dumped it in a dish and mixed in Montgomery Inn Barbeque sauce.
Then, I toasted a bagel, spooned on the chicken mix, topped it with cheese and baked it in my toaster oven for about 5 minutes.

Toss grapes and raw carrots on the plate and it's a udandi summer meal for under 10 minutes.

(Check out the recipes on both linked sites)

National HIV Testing Day

June 27th is National HIV Testing Day. The goal of National HIV Testing Day is to identify people who are HIV-positive and don't know it so they can access treatment and live longer, healthier lives. It also prevents new HIV infections by increasing education, awareness, and access to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT).

Visit the link, enter your zip code and check free to find locations near you offering free HIV testing.

Tip: Lending Money to Friends

I'm not in any position to give financial advice, but I can offer my personal opinion!

When it comes to lending friends money or resources (i.e. temporary living arrangements), lend as much as you're willing to give away or do without.

If you think in two months when your friend can't repay you the $300 you've loaned him, that you will experience any negative emotions or stress related to this transaction, don't do it. Same goes if he needs 10 bucks for lunch, if you don't think he will repay or offer to pick up your lunch another time, just say no. He needs a place to stay while he gets back on his feet, but 2 weeks turns into 6 weeks of him eating your groceries, loafing around while you're hard at work and cleaning up after him, don't do it if you're not feeling that generous.

Sunday's Target Ad - June 25

It was another ho-hum advertisement, but I'm hoping that's because the 4th of July one will be outstanding! I'm already bummed that Target's summer merchandise (not outdoor furniture) is clearanced and sold out. I hope they don't put the back-to-school merchandise out in July. Even though I won't be going back to school, it always makes me sad when I see school supplies because it signals the end of summer.

On to the ad, I picked up the Ziploc XXL bags; 4+1 for $4.99. The bags are so large I have to resist filling it to the brim so I can lift the bag and don't tear the handle. I don't know what the long-term value of these bags would be, but I need to pack clothing and linens so I can store them until after my next move(s).

Visit the Ziploc web site for storage tips along with shelf life 101 (it's a flash site so I can't direct link). I follow tip #2 by keeping my fancy Qdoba and Ziploc Twist n Loc containers (great for soup-to-go meals) in my fridge because I lack cabinet space and never have much food in my fridge.

Desdemona Music Festival - June 23-25 - Cincinnati

Matt at You Ain't No Picasso has a day 1 review of the festival posted and links to other blogs covering it. Enjoy it, kids, because it looks like it might be a one-time deal :(

Related Posts:
Desdemona Music Festival

Make It: from Capital One swag

Capital One is hot to trot to make me a customer and I'm content to take their marketing pieces and make them into something useful and appealing.

They keep sending either an application in a long brown envelope that looks like a lunchbag or with a business card-sized magnet.

The brown bag envelopes make for nice little CD case. Fold it in half (hamburger way), slip the CD in the opening and write the track list on the inside. I covered the mailing label with scrapbook paper. Or this envelope could be used for a lunchbag album.

Since I love magnets, I cannot throw them out but I really don't like them either, so I found scraps of scrapbook paper and covered them up. Simple, but pretty.

The round magnet is a picture frame, but I need to find a photo that I can re-size and print out to fit in it, so for now it coordinates with the other magnets!

Free Stuff & Coupons: Pet Products

Since I did a baby post, someone asked what freebies I've found for 4-legged babies so here you go! I'm not a pet owner, but you might visit the web sites of the products you use to see about special offers.

• Pegetables Chew Treat
• Benny Bully's Pet Treats
• Greenies Dog & Cat Treats
• Mighty Dog
  
• Scoopex Disposable Poop-Scooper
  
• Feline Pine
  
• Dog Pedometer
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet
• ASPCA Pet Rescue Sticker

Coupons & Offers

• National PetFit Challenge
• Pedigree with Chicken, Rice & Vegetables
• Purina Pet Lover Savings
• Purina One: 30-day Challenge
  
• Arm & Hammer Cat Litter offers
  
• Hartz Special Offers
• Contest: A Year's Supply of Nutro Pet Food

Free Stuff: Stridegum June 21st only

In honor of the day of the year with the longest daylight period (and shortest night) get free gum June 21st only.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Seeking Vacation Planning Advice

My six college friends and I are spread out and planning a getaway seems to be the best way to get everyone together for a relaxing celebration that isn't a birthday, graduation or wedding. A couple years ago, we went to an all-inclusive resort Cancun for a week in May. Even though half of us had been there before, it was nice because everyone was able to get decently priced flights out of their respective cities and the airport to resort transport time wasn't too long or costly. The all-inclusive part was great (and the best I've ever seen) in terms of having quality food and drink to fit anyone's schedule.

There was a tiny misunderstanding on the part of the planner, which ended up costing all of us more than we originally thought. This time around, another friend stepped up to do the planning and has determined the details, below. As far as planning on a budget, that's tricky since everyone has a different perspective. I thought I would see help I could get from my fellow money-minded bloggers and maybe together my friend and I could present some ideas and prices to the group. Who knows?!

Please leave a comment or email me at UDANDI at GMAIL dot COM if you have any vacation planning advice, tips or things to consider to get the most bang for a buck or if there's a location/hotel you love (or would avoid). Thanks in advance!

• Between February and April 2007
• We are looking at a week at a beach or depending on that price a long weekend at a new city
  
• We will be traveling from Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and Madison

Sunday's Target Ad - June 18

The 120" inflatable family swim center for 19 bucks is totally up my alley (if I had a yard)! I grew up swimming so not having access to a pool makes summer seem so much hotter, but if I could have a kiddie pool to hang out in on the weekends, I would be golden!

By the way, Happy Father's Day! My brownies were a huge hit with my pops, along with his shirt and mini-album, which is like the one I gave my mom, but with different photos.

Make It: Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies

When I saw the photo that accompanied this recipe, I knew had to make them for my dad who loves peanut butter and chocolate treats.

You will notice my food photography is a "room for improvement" area, but for the most part it looks like the photo I saw and tastes even better!

I changed two things from the linked recipe, I used a 9x13 pan and was able to get about 24 servings, not 10.

Enjoy!
• 1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, divided
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa, divided
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 jar (18 oz) chunky peanut butter
• 1/3 cup milk
• 10 large marshmallows
• 2 cups confectioner's sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup butter; stir in 1/2 cup cocoa until smooth. Remove from heat.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar and vanilla; beat for 1 minute.

3. Combine flour and salt. Then, gradually add to the egg mixture. Beat in the cocoa mixture; mix well.

4. Transfer to a greased baking pan (9- by 13-inch rectangular). Bake at 350 degrees for 18-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

5. After removing brownies from oven, place peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave, uncovered, at 50 percent power for 2 minutes, stirring once.

6. Stir until peanut butter is blended. Spread peanut butter over warm brownies. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes or until peanut butter is set.

7. Place the remaining cocoa in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the milk until smooth; add the marshmallows and the remaining butter.

8. Cook and stir over medium heat until the butter and marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in confectioner's sugar.

9. Spread mixture over peanut butter layer and refrigerate for at least another 30 minutes.

These were an easy dessert to whip up (although it is one in which you will want something else to work on while they chill in between layers) because I had all the ingredients are ones I normally stock.

Make It: Crazy Cakes

This train cake was posted on a message board and it got me thinking about the type of cake I would like to serve up for Father's Day. Either the train or log cabin cake would be easy to make from HoHos (or Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls).

Or I could modify the Krispy Kreme wedding cake or the DingDong wedding cake. I don't think my Dad would like a Twinkie cake or a pile of Hostess treats, but a cake made of Moon Pies would really knock him over!

Photos of more Twinkie cakes

If you're looking for low-fat/cal recipes, check out this web site that had thumbnail photos of the dessert along with the recipe. Seeing a photo is a huge factor for me to even try a recipe.

Product Placement in Young Adult Books

Apparently, product placement doesn't stop with the small and big screen, now publishers and companies are inking deals. Before I read the NY Times article Product Placement Deals Make Leap From Film to Books (go to bugmenot for login) I thought it was a terrible idea. By the time I got to the end of the article I realized it wasn't just an issue of brand name dropping through out the book as means to push products to young adults. With this deal, P&G is not paying for product placement, but is promoting the book on its web site.

With "Cathy's Book," although Mr. Stewart has written a self-contained textual narrative, Mr. Weisman also created a series of clues that are included in a so-called evidence pack that will come with the book in a sealed plastic envelope filled with photos, post-it notes with phone numbers scrawled on them, pages from a date book, birth and marriage certificates and letters. There will also be a business card for a fictional "online consultant" at Beinggirl.com.
Hints to most of these documents are embedded in the novel, which also contains Web site addresses and phone numbers that readers can access for extra material. The telephone number on the book's cover, for example, leads to an outgoing voicemail message from Cathy.

But now, I still don't know how I feel about this. It's probably not feasible for many books to have web sites (like Vivian Lives) that would offer the same epxerienc and so it is easy to understand why they would partner with a company that could not only offer that, but promote the book. On the otherhand, it could turn into a slippery slope where copycats attempt a similar project that results in young adult books filled with references to name brand products. These situations make me think of the readers who pick up this 5 years from now, will the references be relevant, will they even care?!

Cheap Mascara: Rimmel Extra Super Lash

Today, I opened a new tube of mascara and hate it. It's some variety of CoverGirl that I got as a "bonus" to buying a compact of pressed powder that was clearanced at Target. With not more than an hour of wear, I see flakes and smudges under my eye - not attractive.

Previously, I was using Rimmel Extra Super Lash, which made my lashes look great without looking like I loaded on 3 coats of mascara to make them look thick. At $2.49, I didn't have high hopes, but I surprised how decent it was in application (1 coat) and day-long wear. I don't know if it is true that you should toss your mascara after 4-6 months, but I follow that guideline because I figure it is cheaper than treating an eye infection.

As it turns out, SMB recommends some other gentle on the pocketbook-priced makeup.

The Cost of Irish Dancing

The Indianapolis Feis was a success, both Friday night and Saturday! Saturday, the booth I worked had people lined-up the entire time. 12 hours to be exact, I know because I was standing on a concrete floor the whole day. It took me back to my summers between college where I earned tuition money packing staples for 12 hours a day. Honest work.

The way this business operates at shows is to have a ticket system like you see at the deli. As they finished with one customer and I wrote up the bill, they called the next number. At times, some had to scurry off to dance and then we had to politely explain to the others in line why we were working them back into the line. It was so busy that the people fitting the shoes didn't get a lunch break and were lucky if they could take a moment for the restroom.

Part of the back up in customers is that this is a very customer-oriented business, which takes the time to make sure the shoes properly fit the dancer and the parents are satisfied in dropping serious cash on something that can't be returned once they're worn. Also, it can challenging to extract information from dancers aged 6 through teenages, who have non-stop conversations with their friends but when you ask them how the shoe fits they shrug or say it feels weird, not much help!

As I mentioned on Friday, Irish dancing can be an expensive activity, especially for girls. From what I know (and it's not much) you're looking at approximately:

• $300 for a school dress (used)
• $1000 for a solo dress (used)
• $140-150 for hard shoes
• $40-75 for soft shoes
• $100 for wig
• $50 for socks (6 pairs)
• $100 for misc items like bloomers, sock glue, footcare items, make-up, tiara or headband

On the low side it is about $1730 and obviously you're not buying this all at one shot, but it does not include tuition, dance school fundraisers and registration, hotel/travel/food to attend the feis. Boys wear black shirts, slacks, socks and hard shoes that are ladies' jazz shoes and not nearly as expensive as the hard shoes for girls.

And with all that, I only heard one dancer thank her mother for buying her new gear. I'm giving these kids the benefit of the doubt that they thanked their parents later when I was out of earshot and hoping that these kids are dancing because they want to, not because they have stage moms and dads.

Sunday's Target Ad - June 11

This week is the Father's Day themed advertisement with gadgets on the front, including a $147 iPod 1GB Nano (retails for $149). The 1GB Shuffle retails for $99. The difference is that for $50 more you can view photos, videos or the song info on your Nano.

I suppose it depends on what you want, but I'd say save the $50. Or if you're dead set on the Nano you might consider a refurbished* 2GB from Apple for $169. It is where I picked up my Shuffle, which is quite possibly the best gym accessory EVER (that is if you like listening to music to keep you motivated and moving)!

*All Apple Certified Refurbished products are covered by Apple's One-Year Limited Warranty.

By the way, I did find what I think will be perfect for my Dad's Father's Day gift, but I can't tell you since he reads this blog!

Free Stuff: 12oz Beverage - Dayton (Ohio) Borders

I know I've got quite a few Ohio readers and I am not sure how many are in the Dayton area, but this is for you!

Get a free 12oz beverage at the Dayton Borders Books & Music. Check out the web site for special grand opening events and offers.

Everyone else, check out the web site to see if there are any special offers for a store near you.

Time to Pay the Bills!

I always get a chuckle when DJs say "...and now it's time to pay the bills" as a segue into a commercial break.

I received my alumni quarterly newsletter and there is a profile of a guy who started an agency that negotiates product placement in television shows. Although The Price is Right has had product placement for years, this is an obvious progression for scripted, reality and home design shows given that we live in a DVR-driven world where commercials are becoming obsolete.

As for me, I will be paying the bills by spending my weekend selling shoes at the Indianapolis Feis! Not only will I get to enjoy the same music all day, but hopefully I will take in such delights as shirts bearing the witty lines of "life in the feis lane" and "don't you wish your girlfriend was an Irish dancer like me." But talk about paying the bills, I always end up wondering what these parents have to do finance their kids' dancing careers because those dresses, shoes, wigs and other "must have" accessories are not cheap!

Lastly, Happy half-Birthday to me!

ebay: 20 cent listing fee TODAY ONLY

One day only, starting Thursday, June 8, 2006 between 00:00:01 PT (12:00 AM plus one second on Thursday, June 8, 2006) and ending that same day, Thursday, June 8, 2006 at 23:59:59 PT(11:59 PM plus 59 seconds).

20 cents is the normal listing fee for items with a starting value of $0.01-0.99, but this could be a real deal for the person who wants to start with something a higher.

Visit ebay to see the exclude items and read all the details of this promotion.

Make It: Painted Dr. Scholls Sandals

About 3 or 4 years ago, the painted Dr. Scholls sandals were all the rage to the tune of $165!

Save for the artistic talent, it seemed to me all I needed to do was sand, paint and seal. I was confident that I could use stencils to create polka dots or stripes. My friend, an art teacher, decided to dive into a little more detail work. After seeing her creations (look at those lemons!) I decided not to try this project. As it turned out, she donated a pair to a charity raffle and I won the bandana ones.

Dr. Scholls sandals can retail somewhere around $30, but she picked up some that were clearanced, but I couldn't tell you how long it took her to complete these since she had to factor in drying time.

And yes, Dr. Scholls sandals are one of the most comfortable pairs of sandals I own!


[Note: Blogger has been wonky this week and either not publishing or eating the photos]

Altered: Listrine Pocket Pack Frames

During the introduction of Listrine Pocket Packs, I kept getting free samples. After encouraging my friends to have a strip or 3 (no, really they won't make your mouth burn, promise!) I was left with empty containers that were too cute to throw out.

I painted them, used the opening as the frame's stand, attached itty bitty photos and put them on my desk. I left one on my parents table of family photos and it happened to be a popular trinket for the buddies to carry around, until it was misplaced or relocated to an unknown location. Luckily, I have extra empties!

A Beautiful Piece

This past weekend, I was going to hit some tag sales but then I didn't want to tempt myself with pieces I don't have room to store or work on until I move, again. Instead, I thought I'd look through some photos I saved for inspiration and saw this photo. A couple of years ago another crafter/DIY-er posted about this, but I am embarrassed to say I did not note her username and can't ID the blurry figure reflecting in the mirror. If my memory serves me, she picked it up secondhand and refinished it. I think it is simply a beautiful piece!

If you're the owner of this, please let me know so I can give you proper credit!

Sunday's Target Ad

Not that I'll be rushing out to blow up my credit card, but I found some good stuff this week in the Target ad:

• MEN’S TEE by Cherokee® Ultimate -- I picked up one of these for a project last time they were discounted and I was impressed with the softness and they are tagless!
  
• LONG AND LEAN LAYERING TANK by Mossimo® Red -- finally ladies' tanks and tees are returning to a normal length, which is great for those of us who never enjoyed showing off our midriffs the past several years!
  
• MESH FOLDING PATIO FURNITURE -- assuming the chairs are not a hot seller, they are something I'll keep an eye out for at the end of the season (4-6 weeks or around the 4th of July). A couple of years ago in August, I scored a patio table as a red tag "clearanced 4" item, but didn't get chairs. The folding aspect of the table and chairs are appealing for off-season storage.
• 10-SHEET CROSS-CUT SHREDDER --this caught my eye because my shredder died, but the price is a little more than my last one ($10) but this one can shred 10 sheets of paper, credit cards and CDs - far fancier than my old one.
  
• 24-oz. Twizzlers family bag -- I'm not really sure who started it, but our family's Summer vacations and pool parties always included Twizzlers. ah memories!
  

All that and I still haven't located the perfect Father's Day gift for dear old Dad!

By the way, my links are to items in my region's ad, which may not be the same across the country.

Also, The Budgeting Babe has a list from Women Today Magazine of when to shop for sales, by month. I think it is a good idea to keep a list of when and where you found (or price-checked) your own bargains because then it is a little more personalized to the places you're inclined to shop.

Product Review: Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer

I bought Dove's Energy Glow, which is a daily moisturizer with subtle self-tanners. I wanted something I could use in my daily routinue that would give me a hint of color without having to worry about streaking, smelling like a self-tanner, orange hands and having to wait a while for my "tan" to dry to my skin.

There are several companies making these lotions, but my friend advised me against Vaseline's Healthy Body Glow because it smells like a self-tanner (if you've tried a self-tanner you know what we're talking about). That's not to say Dove's lotion is fragrance-free, it doesn't reek like a self-tanner but it has a slight flowery scent. I have a super sniffer and after I put this on my face I don't notice it much, which is a very good thing. I haven't been using it long, but it must be working because people have commented on my "tan."

As for the price, it is on par with that of self-tanning lotions, although Amazon sells these type of products as multi-packs (cool if you can split with a pal or two!). I like to price-check H&B items on Amazon to see if they are a good price and something to consider when rounding out an order for free shipping.

• Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer with Subtle Self-Tanners for Medium Skin Tones
• Neutrogena Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 (3 pack)
• Vaseline Healthy Glow

For my Spanish readers, sign up for a free sample.