Romantically Vintage

www.RomanticallyVintage.etsy.com

Ham Florentine Mini-Cups Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
1/3 cup (75 mL) garlic-and-herbs spreadable cheese
Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired
1/4 cup (50 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (50 mL) shredded Italian cheese blend
3 tbsp (45 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp (25 mL) finely chopped shallot or onion
1/4 tsp (1 mL) garlic powder
1/8 tsp (.5 mL) pepper
1 can (8 rolls) Pillsbury* Original Crescents or Pillsbury* Multugrain Crescents
24 paper-thin slices (about 4 inch diameter) smoked ham  

                                                 

Method:

• STEP 1 - Heat oven to 375ºF. In medium bowl, mix all ingredients except crescents and ham until well blended. Set aside.  Unroll dough; seperate into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal.
• STEP 2 - Cut each rectangle into 6 (2-inch) squares. Press 1 square in bottom and up side of each of 24 ungreased mini muffin cups. Pat each ham slice dry with paper towel. Place 1 ham slice over dough in each cup (edges of ham will be higher than side of cup.) Spoon rounded 1 teaspoon spinach mixture onto ham in centre of each cup.
• STEP 3 - Bake 14 to 18 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot. To prevent excessive browning of ham, cover lightly with foil after first 5 minutes of baking. Cool in pan 1 minute. Gently remove from pan; let stand 3 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve warm.

Collegi-ATE: Curried lentils with sweet potatoes

Curried lentils
by
Samantha Leeds

As spring approaches and winter’s last few dreary days drag on, this dish is the perfect comfort food. This recipe takes a little more time than the average college student has on a typical night, but the results are worth it. If made on the weekend, or in about an hour of spare time, it produces enough leftovers to last through the week or to share with hungry friends. 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp. curry powder

1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 cup lentils, rinsed

3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/3-inch cubes

Toppings:

Plain Greek or whole-milk yogurt

Chopped raw almonds

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot; add onion and garlic and sauté until soft.

2. Stir in curry powder, ginger, and cumin and cook for one minute.

3. Stir in lentils and broth; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered for 10 minutes.

4. Add sweet potatoes and russet potatoes, cover and cook for 10 minutes more until water is absorbed and sweet potatoes are tender. 

5. Transfer to bowl and top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of diced almonds.

Fluffy Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes

Weight Watchers Recipe

A ricotta cheese-and-citrus twist on a favorite American breakfast. Great plain but also super topped with mixed berries and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Ingredients

	1 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
	1 tsp baking soda
	1/2 tsp table salt
	1 cup(s) buttermilk
	2 large egg(s), yolks and whites separated
	2 Tbsp sugar, granulated
	2 Tbsp lemon zest, or increase to taste
	1/2 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
	3 spray(s) cooking spray

Instructions

• In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.
  
  
• In a large bowl, beat together buttermilk, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest and ricotta cheese by hand.
  
  
• In a clean bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
  
  
• Add dry ingredients to buttermilk mixture until just combined; gently fold in egg whites until they are just incorporated.
  
  
• Coat a large nonstick griddle or pan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Spoon batter into pan in batches using a 1/4-cup batter for each pancake; cook until lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove pancakes to a tray in a warm oven and repeat with remaining ingredients (being careful not to spray cooking spray into open flame). Yields 2 pancakes per serving.

You can thin the batter out with a little water if desired.

PlusMotif Interchangeable Tablet Covers:

Fun, Stylish, and Practical for Summer In the Sun

February is almost over ~ and ~ PlusMotif has a great new product !!

 They are these AMAZING cases for iPads, Kindles, and Android Tablets with interchangeable Motif designs, and they include a notepad with a dual stylus/pen!!  You never have to be stuck with the same case forever again, and with PlusMotif you can keep your style changing with the seasons, holidays, or even your moods.  

I love, love, LOVE the fact that I can look up recipes or the latest fashion trends, and write them down right then and there so I won't forget the next time I make it to the grocery store or the mall.  With such a variety to choose from, covers range from $17.99 - $39.99, and the interchangeable designs range from $3.99-$5.99.  

Sold separately, you can stock up on all of your favorite Motif designs, and keep them guessing all summer long.

Please let me know if you would like to see a sample, for more information you can visit www.plusmotif.com, 

Top 10 Toxins in Your Home, Room by Room

If you're looking to rid your home of toxins, these top offenders in each room of your home are a good place to start.

Sanctuary

Written by Lacy Boggs Renner

1. Laundry Room: Dryer Sheets
   Dryer sheets were my entree into the land of toxin-free living when I learned that the substance used to soften clothes is often derived from animal fats. (YUCK!) But the fragrances used in dryer sheets can be even worse, containing chemicals like benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol and terpines—all toxic, and some carcinogenic. Switch to DIY dryer balls instead and use essential oils for that fresh laundry smell. 
2. Bathroom: Bleach-based Cleaners and Wipes
   Because of years of branding, bleach can seem like the only choice when it comes to disinfecting germy surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen, but the health risks of the toxic chemicals in bleach can outweigh the benefits. Chemicals in bleach are highly corrosive to the skin and lungs, and the chemical chlorine in bleach is used in the chemical weapon mustard gas. If bleach is mixed with ammonia (which is found in urine, by the way) it creates a deadly gas. And when mixed with wastewater, it's known to form numerous carcinogenic compounds. Switch to white vinegar, baking soda, or even boiling water for your disinfecting needs.
3. Kitchen: Oven Cleaner
   Oven cleaners sold in the store are chock full of toxins, including lye (also known as ‘caustic soda’), ethers, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride and petroleum distillates. They even release butane (a neurotoxin) when you spray them.Switch to a simple paste made from baking soda and water, and then line the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil to make future clean ups easier.
4. Living Room: Carpets
   Carpets are the No. 2 cause of air pollution in the home—right after cigarette smoke—because they're treated with all kinds of toxic chemicals, from flame retardants to stain repellents.  Bare wood or tile floors are best, but swapping traditional carpets for natural-fiber carpets can make a big difference.
5. Dining Room: Scented Candles
   Believe it or not, those romantic candlelit dinners could be hazardous to your health. Lots of commercial candles contain tiny metal wires in the wicks that can release lead into the air. In addition, most of the fragrances contain plasticizers and other solvents that shouldn't be inhaled. Even plain beeswax and soy candles release hydrocarbons into the air when burned, which can cause respiratory problems. Experts suggest limiting candle burning to special occasions. 
6. Kids' Room: Art Supplies
   Coloring and drawing seem like such harmless kid activities, but it depends on the tools. Dry erase markers top the list for toxicity because they usually contain the solvent xylene, a neurotoxin. Colored pencils can contain lead (look for lead-free varieties) and even water-based markers can contain alcohols that can be toxic.
7. Nursery: Baby Wipes
   One of the most ubiquitous baby tools, conventional baby wipes, can be toxic. Many contain bronopol, an antimicrobial compound that's toxic to the skin, immune system and lungs. Many also contain pthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. Look for natural brands that don't contain these harsh chemicals—or just use soap and water.
8. Bedrooms: Furniture
   Most of us start out with inexpensive particle-board furniture when we are setting up house, but particle board or pressed wood usually contains formaldehyde or isocyanate glues, which give off toxic fumes—sometimes for years. Upholstered furniture made with polyurithane foam can also contain brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, which also offgas toxic vapors. Your best choice? Solid wood furniture, even if it's second hand.
9. Porch or Deck: Pressure-Treated Wood
   Pressure treated wood has preservatives forced into it under high pressure that help repel insects and prevent rot.  But the chemicals used, like alkaline copper quat and copper azole, can be very toxic. When building a new porch or deck, look for wood that's been treated with the less-toxic borate preservatives.
10. Yard: Fertilizers and Pesticides
    It's a status symbol in suburbia to have a lush, green, golf-course-like lawn, but all those chemical pesticides, weed killers and fertilizers can be very harmful—especially to pets and kids, who, let's face it, are the ones most likely to be rolling around in the grass in the first place. Switch to organic lawn treatments, but be aware that even organic treatments can sometimes be harmful to pets and kids in high doses. Read labels carefully. 

Photo Credit: bill barber via Compfight cc

Forgetful Cyclists, Fear No More

Solgaard Design - The Interlock

https://www.facebook.com/SolgaardDesign. 

The InterLock™ is a bicycle seat post with an integrated lock that is also universal in that it can be installed on virtually any bike. Currently, The InterLock™ is running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in order to raise the funds necessary to manufacture the product.

Solgaard Design, the creator of The InterLock™, launched the project on Kickstarter January 4, 2013 and set their funding goal to $48,000. Right away, the campaign took off like wildfire, selling out their early bird special of InterLock™. Currently, the project has raised $46,000 and has just one day remaining in the campaign to raise the other $2,000 in order for the project to move forward.

Happy February 14th

Travelzoo Launches New iPhone Ap

Faster, sleeker, more visual access to unbeatable travel and leisure deals

Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company, today launched its second-generation iPhone app, giving on-the-go travelers even easier access to its outstanding deals. The new simplified app, which features "Today's Best Deals" and Top 20® on the home screen, gives users the ability to quickly save money on high-quality deals in popular destinations.

"The Travelzoo ethos is simple - we save people time and money by sourcing the best deals in the market. With this approach in mind, we redesigned our iPhone app to bring the Top 20 and Today's Best Deals to center stage," said Dave Ambrose, senior director for mobile and social at Travelzoo. "Since visual appeal is key to an app's success, we also introduced significantly larger, inspiring photos. The app's new interface showcases deals within close proximity to the mobile user, enabling consumers to instantly access all nearby deals from spas, restaurants, hotels and shows with just one tap."

Alongside the acclaimed Android app, Travelzoo's first-generation iPhone app was downloaded by 1.5 million users and scored a 4.5/5 in the App Store. With today's launch of version 2.0, Travelzoo is aiming for a perfect 5/5.

All deals featured on the Travelzoo iPhone app have been researched and evaluated by Travelzoo Deal Experts and tested by the Travelzoo Test Booking Center®.

To download the new iPhone App for free, visit http://www.travelzoo.com/iphoneapp or simply update in the App Store.

Travelzoo iPhone App 2.0: Key Features and Enhancements

-          "Today's Best Deals" features large photos and is updated daily.

-          "Deals Near Me" auto-populates based on the user's location.

-          Top 20® is front and center and users are offered push notifications alerting them to the best deals on the Internet every Wednesday.

-          One-tap navigation allows users easy access to travel and leisure deals.

-          Quick access to Local Deals and Getaways vouchers under My Account.

-          International editions are easily accessible, giving overseas travelers access to Travelzoo's outstanding deals in 11 countries worldwide.

About Travelzoo

Travelzoo Inc. is a global Internet media company. With more than 26 million subscribers in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific and 25 offices worldwide, Travelzoo® publishes deals from more than 2,000 travel and entertainment companies. Travelzoo's deal experts review offers to find the best deals and confirm their true value. In Asia Pacific, Travelzoo is independently owned and operated by Travelzoo (Asia) Ltd. and Travelzoo Japan K.K. under a license agreement with Travelzoo Inc.

Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words "expect", "predict", "project", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "seek" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. Travelzoo and Top 20 are registered trademarks of Travelzoo. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Lisa Moore

Travelzoo, North America

(212) 484-4963

lmoore@travelzoo.com

Unscented Cream Deodorant – GivePink

In 2013 we will donate 10% from the sale of each unscented cream deodorant to this important cause.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is Canada’s leading community-driven breast cancer charity dedicated to funding relevant and innovative research and supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community. Join us in creating a future without breast cancer, by helping fund critical and innovative research, health education and advocacy that will lead to preventing breast cancer, reducing mortality and improving quality of life for those affected by the disease

Concerned about lymph node health and chemicals? This mild yet effective product is for you!

• Purelygreat now makes an unscented natural cream deodorant that really works!
• Our unscented natural cream deodorant is wonderful if you are allergic to the smell of scents!
• No more being overwhelmed by strong smells!
• Keep your lymph nodes healthy and let your pits breathe and release those toxins!
• No more yellow stains on your clothes with our cream deodorant!
• Our product will keep you smelling fresh all day no need to reapply!
• It is made up of baking soda, corn starch and vegetable glycerin
• One jar lasts about 3 months
• We use eco-friendly glass jars for our deodorants
• Read how customers are raving about our products.

Our unscented cream deodorant is made out of corn starch, baking soda and glycerin which is a recommended form of deodorant during treatment for breast cancer - there is no aluminum in our cream deodorant!

Try an unscented cream deodorant that keeps you fresh all day, is safe to use & help support a great cause!

Where to buy:  http://www.mynaturaldeodorant.com/givepink

EBAY CANADA UNCOVERS SEXIEST, SOON-TO-BE-ENGAGED AND MOST GENEROUS CANADIANS THIS VALENTINE’S DA

Luxury gifts prevail over provocative presents for Canucks

 Forget the flowers, bring on the bling!  eBay Canada, the country’s leader in ecommerce, analyzed thousands of Canadians’ pre-Valentine’s Day purchases to reveal the strongest gifting trends for the romance-filled holiday. [1]  While Canadians may be experiencing a cold front in the bedroom with lingerie purchases down (59 per cent) compared to last year, their love affair with diamonds remains intense with a year-over-year increase (21 per cent) in engagement rings and loose diamonds [2].  In fact, an engagement ring or loose diamond was bought every 2.3 minutes on eBay in Canada in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

 “Canadians continue to turn to eBay – whether online or via their mobile devices – for all of their gifting needs, even the most special ones,” said Andrea Stairs, country manager of eBay Canada. “Whether you’re spicing up your love life, getting ready to propose to that special someone or finding a thoughtful gift, eBay’s worldwide marketplace has something for everyone.”

French is the language of lust this Valentine’s Day

Canadians may be finding the temperature a bit chilly in the bedroom this year compared to last, with a decline in lingerie purchased from coast to coast. However, Quebecers know how to keep the heat purchasing more than twice the amount of panties than any other province in Canada, while Ontarians are supporting bra sellers everywhere, topping the list with the most bought compared to any other province (36 per cent more). [3]  As one of the country’s smallest provinces, Newfoundland may not buy the most but they certainly splurge on their sexy underthings, spending 19 per cent more per item compared to the national average.[4]

The Prairies say yes, and Newfoundlanders can’t commit!

Caterers, florists and wedding planners in Saskatchewan had better brace themselves, as consumers in this province had the largest increase in the number of engagement rings and loose diamonds purchased this Valentine’s Day season, buying 55 per cent more than in the prior year. And, not only did prospective proposers buy more “engagement bling” in Saskatchewan, they also spent more: 66 per cent more per item than the national average.  But when it comes to Newfoundlanders, it looks like they’ve got cold feet with a 40 per cent year-over-year decline in their engagement ring and loose diamond spend.  

It’s not just a fling – Canadians love their jewels!

Looks like Canadians everywhere are surprising their loved ones with gifts of jewellery and watches this Valentine’s Day as every single province bought more items from this category compared to last year.  In fact, in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, Canadians bought a piece of jewellery or a watch every 6.2 seconds on eBay.  Spending increased the most in the Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick with a yearly increase of 46 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively. Fellow East Coasters in Newfoundland are keeping their wallets tight and their cash close as their spending increased by only four per cent.

Cupid’s arrow can strike anytime, anywhere, even on-the-go[5]

Canadians aren’t only buying their diamonds behind a computer screen this Valentine’s Day.   Some of the most expensive diamond-related gifts purchased via the eBay Mobile app include:

·         Men’s 18K Gold Rolex Day Date President Diamond Watch, $65,000

·         Audemars Piguet Lady Royal Oak Offshore "Ice Cream" Rose Gold Diamond Watch, $39,00

·         Men’s Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea XL Diamond Watch, $28,500

·         Two 7 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Diamonds, $28,000

Romance by the region

·         More Quebecers will be getting down on one knee – and hope for a “oui oui” – this Valentine’s Day, as 49 per cent more engagement rings and loose diamonds were purchased this year compared to last

·         New Brunswick is keeping it PG with an 81 per cent decrease in the number of lingerie items bought this year compared to last.  British Columbians and Manitobans  have also decided to cool things off with a 70 per cent decrease year over year

·         Ontario will shine a little brighter this Valentine’s Day. While the number of jewellery items and watches bought in Canada’s most populous province increased by 35 per cent over last year, Ontarians also spent 26 per cent more per item than the national average on these glamourous gifts

·         Nova Scotians will spice up the Maritimes this Valentine’s Day as they purchased more than double  the number of lingerie pieces versus fellow East Coasters in Newfoundland, P.E.I. or New Brunswick

About eBay

Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay Inc. connects millions of buyers and sellers globally on a daily basis through eBay, the world's largest online marketplace, and PayPal, which enables individuals and businesses to securely, easily, and quickly send and receive online payments. We also reach millions through specialized marketplaces such as StubHub, the world's largest ticket marketplace, and eBay Classifieds sites, which together have a presence in more than 1,000 cities around the world. In Canada, eBay was visited by more than 8.2 million Canadians in December 2012 (comScore Media Metrix).  

---

[1] Statistics based on purchases made on eBay by Canadians in relevant categories between October 15^th, 2012 and January 15^th, 2013 and comparisons made against the same timeframe in the prior years. Provincial comparisons exclude territories.

[2] All diamond-related data based on Canadian purchases in the Engagement & Wedding Jewellery, and Loose Diamonds & Gemstones subcategories between October 15, 2012 and January 15, 2013

[3] Based on types of lingerie as identified by sellers; excludes ‘other’

[4] National averages exclude the Territories

[5] Data based on eBay mobile purchases by Canadians from January 1, 2012 to December 10, 2012

[1] Data based on eBay mobile purchases by Canadians from January 1, 2012 to December 10, 2012

Battle-of-the-Scents-

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Battle-of-the-Scents--Perfumes-vs-Perfume-Oils-.html?soid=1104154838820&aid=lgYvjiwB4zg

Battle of the Scents!

  

There is a difference between perfumes and perfume oils....

Fragrance Notes:

Mandarin, Honey Suckle, Orange Blossom, Pink Jasmine, Tuberose, Sensual Spice, Lush Gardenia, Jacaranda Wood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Orchid, Sexy Musk, Creamy Sandalwood.