Great news everyone! The Hills is coming back this spring! Judging by the just-leaked trailer a lot is supposed to happen this season. Just watch the preview and see for yourself. Maybe I should give up this show for Lent?! Hmmm, I'll just dvr them all and save them for Easter!
http://best-damn-blog.blogspot.com/2009/02/hills-new-season-preview.html
Apparently though, Season 5 is Lauren's last season. She gave MTV a deadline and said 'I have to quit even while it's good just to keep my sanity!' I can't imagine wearing a mic and being followed by a camera crew 24/7, that is not my kind of fun.
Anyway, enjoy all you fellow Hills fans!
27 February, 2009
24 February, 2009
Mint.com
Hey all!
In an attempt to be a good steward of our money, I researched a few programs where I could really knuckle down and see what the J-Man and I were spending each month. The one I came across that was the most highly recommended was http://www.mint.com/. It has been named the best online personal finance tool by Money Magazine, PC Magazine, and is PC World’s Editor’s Choice.
You can add in as many checking accounts, savings accounts, loans (car, mortgage, school), investments (401K, college funds) you have by entering your login details for each account. Mint.com then syncs up with these websites and the information is now all in one place. It is far more efficient and time saving than going to each website, logging in and checking, logging out, going to next website...etc.
You can also enter any assets you have like jewellry or vehicles or maybe that flashy boat you have parked in the driveway. Mint.com then adds up all these items and cross-checks them with your loans to come to your current net worth. It's rather interesting and could be a nice surprise!
One disadvantage to the application is that it is web-based so all your information is out there on the web - even if it is a secure one. However, Mint.com uses bank-level data security verified by Verisign and TrustE which means you’re anonymous; you don’t share your name, address, social security number or account numbers. You can save money (through their suggestions and ideas) — but you can’t transfer money.
Before Mint.com I was checking about five different accounts online. Now I go to only one. To make it even sweeter, they have an iPhone application which is also in line with the money-saving efforts as it's free. So now I can check my balances anytime, anywhere.
Take a moment to get acquainted and over time you might find it's your very own bail-out plan!
http://www.mint.com/about/
In an attempt to be a good steward of our money, I researched a few programs where I could really knuckle down and see what the J-Man and I were spending each month. The one I came across that was the most highly recommended was http://www.mint.com/. It has been named the best online personal finance tool by Money Magazine, PC Magazine, and is PC World’s Editor’s Choice.
You can add in as many checking accounts, savings accounts, loans (car, mortgage, school), investments (401K, college funds) you have by entering your login details for each account. Mint.com then syncs up with these websites and the information is now all in one place. It is far more efficient and time saving than going to each website, logging in and checking, logging out, going to next website...etc.
You can also enter any assets you have like jewellry or vehicles or maybe that flashy boat you have parked in the driveway. Mint.com then adds up all these items and cross-checks them with your loans to come to your current net worth. It's rather interesting and could be a nice surprise!
One disadvantage to the application is that it is web-based so all your information is out there on the web - even if it is a secure one. However, Mint.com uses bank-level data security verified by Verisign and TrustE which means you’re anonymous; you don’t share your name, address, social security number or account numbers. You can save money (through their suggestions and ideas) — but you can’t transfer money.
Before Mint.com I was checking about five different accounts online. Now I go to only one. To make it even sweeter, they have an iPhone application which is also in line with the money-saving efforts as it's free. So now I can check my balances anytime, anywhere.
Take a moment to get acquainted and over time you might find it's your very own bail-out plan!
http://www.mint.com/about/
21 February, 2009
Trip to Watercolour, Florida!
We got invited by our great friends, Annie & Brenton, to go for the weekend down to Watercolour Florida over Valentine's. Their friends in Atlanta own this beautiful home which is located in the town right next door to Seaside town, set of The Truman Show.
As it was a long weekend we got to stay 3 nights which was bliss! Having that extra day really helps the body relax fully. I say that 3 day weekends should be instated!!
In Watercolour you can bike ride everywhere - to the beach, Publix, restaurants, shops, so it's a really active community. It was a small taste of life in England where you don't have to rely on cars nearly as much as out here.
We were the biker gang taking over and taking names. :-)
As it was Valentine's Day on Saturday we all planned to do something special. The girls got up and cooked a yummy breakfast (if I do say so myself :-P) and then the gents went out and got flowers and ingredients for our evening dinner. It was all so romantical & lovely!
What better way to spend Valentine's than with the ones you love eating all day long! NOM NOM NOM!
We had some time getting out and about and pretty much just being silly. We played on the beach with Lulu (A&B's almost-grown-up-puppy) and then took a bunch of really silly pictures mainly because we had 3 photographers in our party.
We had some time getting out and about and pretty much just being silly. We played on the beach with Lulu (A&B's almost-grown-up-puppy) and then took a bunch of really silly pictures mainly because we had 3 photographers in our party.
So all in all it was a wonderful time. I'm still wishing to be back riding my bike and soaking in the hot tub!
Thanks Annie & B for making it such a fun weekend. We love you guys!
12 February, 2009
Food is where the heart is...
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday, it leaves us time to cook something special for our beloveds at home, rather than shelling out on a set menu in a crowded restaurant. One of my favourite food websites is the www.bbcgoodfood.com which has some fantastic traditional english recipes, as well as twists for occasions such as Valentine's Day.
For starters, how about mixing up a Raspberry Champagne cocktail and then nibbling something light, such as the Simple Seafood Platter with dill & mustard mayo (see website link below for recipes).
Follow with crisp sea bass, or for meat lovers, a perfectly cooked steak and homemade béarnaise sauce.
Then indulge in dessert, but not one that leaves you undoing your buttons for the wrong reasons - try elegant Lemon & raspberry baskets or French classic Crème brûlée. YUM!
And if romance isn’t in the air this weekend, how about spending the evening with fellow singleton Bridget Jones and a few of your mates, tucking into a messy Mexican – they’ll forgive a bit of salsa on your chin. :-)
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/recipes/occasions/valentines-day/
Did you know....?
Oysters are meant to be the ultimate aphrodisiac along with a gorgeously gooey chocolate pud following close behind. But what about sneaking some less celebrated aphrodisiac ingredients, such as fennel, ginger, horseradish or chilli into your seductive supper? Chickpeas too are apparently a powerful aphrodisiac for men. Houmous anyone?
For starters, how about mixing up a Raspberry Champagne cocktail and then nibbling something light, such as the Simple Seafood Platter with dill & mustard mayo (see website link below for recipes).
Follow with crisp sea bass, or for meat lovers, a perfectly cooked steak and homemade béarnaise sauce.
Then indulge in dessert, but not one that leaves you undoing your buttons for the wrong reasons - try elegant Lemon & raspberry baskets or French classic Crème brûlée. YUM!
And if romance isn’t in the air this weekend, how about spending the evening with fellow singleton Bridget Jones and a few of your mates, tucking into a messy Mexican – they’ll forgive a bit of salsa on your chin. :-)
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/recipes/occasions/valentines-day/
Did you know....?
Oysters are meant to be the ultimate aphrodisiac along with a gorgeously gooey chocolate pud following close behind. But what about sneaking some less celebrated aphrodisiac ingredients, such as fennel, ginger, horseradish or chilli into your seductive supper? Chickpeas too are apparently a powerful aphrodisiac for men. Houmous anyone?
Mambo Sprouts Health e News
It’s February, so you know what that means. No, not chocolate candies, roses and other Valentine’s gifts. It’s Heart Health Month!
Heart Health Month isn’t celebrated as much as Valentine’s Day, but it certainly should be. Regardless of race or sex, cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation’s number one killer.
Top 5 Ways to a Healthier Heart
1. Follow a Heart Healthy Diet
Limit intake of trans fats and hydrogenated oils.
Limit refined sugar.
Add Omega-3’s to your diet. They’re clinically proven to improve heart rhythm, promote healthy circulation and improve overall function of the heart muscle.
2. Exercise Regularly
Get your heart pumping and try to exercise 3-4 times per week, for at least a half hour at a time.
3. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle - In addition to following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you should also try to do the following:
Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
Limit your intake of alcohol - excessive alcohol can deplete your body's supply of vitamins and other nutrients.
Try to reduce stress and anxiety - they can lead to high blood pressure and other health conditions.
Keep your weight within recommended limits - obesity is a leading cause of heart disease.
Who says resolutions have to be made in January?! Even if you make one change this month to your lifestyle from the list above, it will make a big difference to your overall heart health in 2009 and the years beyond. :-)
Heart Health Month isn’t celebrated as much as Valentine’s Day, but it certainly should be. Regardless of race or sex, cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation’s number one killer.
Top 5 Ways to a Healthier Heart
1. Follow a Heart Healthy Diet
Limit intake of trans fats and hydrogenated oils.
Limit refined sugar.
Add Omega-3’s to your diet. They’re clinically proven to improve heart rhythm, promote healthy circulation and improve overall function of the heart muscle.
2. Exercise Regularly
Get your heart pumping and try to exercise 3-4 times per week, for at least a half hour at a time.
3. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle - In addition to following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you should also try to do the following:
Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
Limit your intake of alcohol - excessive alcohol can deplete your body's supply of vitamins and other nutrients.
Try to reduce stress and anxiety - they can lead to high blood pressure and other health conditions.
Keep your weight within recommended limits - obesity is a leading cause of heart disease.
Who says resolutions have to be made in January?! Even if you make one change this month to your lifestyle from the list above, it will make a big difference to your overall heart health in 2009 and the years beyond. :-)
I am a blogger!
Hi all!
I've started this blog to share some of the fun things I come across each day through my news feeds and email subscriptions. I also want to keep you all up to date on the things Justin & I get up to! Blogging is a great way to stay in-touch without really doing much! All you need to do is be sure to visit us regularly by bookmarking this page.
Lots of Love to you all,
Grace xxx
I've started this blog to share some of the fun things I come across each day through my news feeds and email subscriptions. I also want to keep you all up to date on the things Justin & I get up to! Blogging is a great way to stay in-touch without really doing much! All you need to do is be sure to visit us regularly by bookmarking this page.
Lots of Love to you all,
Grace xxx
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