National MotorWeek Celebrates 35 years in Public Television – Episode

National series MotorWeek celebrates 35 years in public television with a special anniversary episode

 

The 35-year anniversary special of television’s longest-running automotive series, MotorWeekpremieres on public television stations across the country on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

In this special anniversary episode, the MotorWeek crew has dug deep into the archives to put together an entertaining and informative ride back through time.  Feature segments will track the evolution of automotive styling over the past 35 years; re-visit MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award winners to see which picks have stood the test of time; showcase the most iconic and influential vehicles we’ve road-tested; reminisce over our favorite adventures, destinations and people; and poke a bit of fun at ourselves with a classic selection of humorous bloopers, flubs and spins.

Throughout the rest of MotorWeek’s 35th season, Host and Executive Producer John Davis will continue to lead a team of on-air reporters in rigorously testing and evaluating new vehicles and assessing cars’ performance, practicality, efficiency, and safety.  More than 150 cars are examined annually for the benefit of viewers.

MotorWeek’s feature line-up will continue with the return of popular segments such as Goss’ Garage with MotorWeek’sresident Master Technician Pat Goss offering know-it-yourself car care advice. Yolanda Vazquez also keeps viewers in the know with consumer news and trends in “Motor News” segment. Zach Maskell turns up the fun with a look at the auto world in overdrive during the “Over the Edge” segment. Lauren Morrison delivers timely information on driving and automotive safety, money-saving advice and technological advances in the “FYI” segment. Brian Robinson takes a very hands-on look of the two-wheel experience reviewing the newest motorcycles and scooters in the Two Wheelin’ segment. MotorWeek will also accelerate its coverage of the use of alternative fuels and advances in green-power technologies as consumers’ race toward a cleaner driving future.

Produced and distributed by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations nationwide and can also be seen on the V-me Spanish language network.  Winner of dozens of prestigious automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is also seen on the Velocity channel.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, MotorWeek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/MotorWeek. Viewers can also find MotorWeek on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by RockAuto.com, and the TireRack.com.

Sullivans Steakhouse Baltimore – Fall Menu

Sullivans Steakhouse Baltimore is cozying up to fall with the ultimate surf-n-turf pairing, a six-ounce Filet Mignon and a half pound of Wild Caught King Crab Legs. The Double Take is offered through November 15, giving guests a great reason to wine and dine any night of the week this season.

Other highlights from the new fall menu include decadent Alaskan King Crab Mac & Cheese, mouth-watering Sweet Potato Casserole topped with a pecan crust, fresh Alaskan King Crab Legs offered with the choice of House-made Cajun BBQ, Lemon Garlic or Roasted Garlic Butter and a crave-worthy Peanut Butter Black Bottom Pie.

Sullivans Baltimore

Spa Week 2015 Treatments and Deals

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Spa Week starts October 12 – 18, 2015 at various locations throughout the U.S.  During this week, participants can find $50 treatments and wellness tips.  There’s also the opportunity to win gifts, sample products, and join the spa week book club.  See more details below:

Unique and Over the Top Spa Week Treatments

Spa Week is quickly approaching on October 12-18th. Over the top treatments, seasonal ingredients and unique rituals will be offered at participating spas across the country. Keep the following top spas on your radar as they are giving guests the ability to be immersed in incomparable wellness offerings, and the latest outrageous and noteworthy therapies. During Spa Week, you can take advantage of the below plus thousands of other amazing treatments at a fraction of the cost, with all spa treatments being offered at just $50. The full list of participants is available on www.spaweek.com.

50 Min Charcoal Facial (Reg. $260, Spa Week $50)
Ling Skin Care – Union Square | New York, NY | 212-989-8833
This perfect post-summer facial from Ling Skin Care uses a special mask made from an item most of us have in our backyard – charcoal. Known for it’s cooling effects, charcoal purges the skin of impurities, can help clear up acne or blemishes and also purifies the skin of free radicals. With this facial, you’ll get to try the special charcoal mask leaving your face flawless, smooth and radiant.

50 Min Sothys Pineapple and Guava Seasonal Facial (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50)
Hey Gorgeous! Spa and Wellness | San Antonio, TX | 210-684-6844
Fashion isn’t the only thing that changes with each passing season, facials do as well. This special facial incorporates pineapple and guava to create a delicious cocktail of fruit extracts packed with natural vitamins and minerals sure to restore your skin’s natural radiance and beauty. If you want to keep your summer glow through fall and winter, this is the facial for you.

60 Min Revitalizing Red Wine Mud Wrap (Reg. $115, Spa Week $50)
Elizabeth Adam Salon and Day Spa | Chicago, IL | 312-944-4311
This indulgent seasonal treatment will transport you across the Atlantic, to the vineyards of France just in time for a harvest. A warm mixture of red wine, bentonite clay, five deep-cleansing essential oils and nourishing grape-seed oil envelops the body in a sumptuous, soothing cocoon. This nourishing and fortifying wrap leaves your skin feeling deeply cleansed, silky soft and revitalized.

60 Min 24 Karat Gold Japanese Facial (Reg. $245, Spa Week $50)
Onsen Spa | Los Angeles, CA | 323-475-1890
It’s rumored that Cleopatra slept with gold masks every night to maintain her youth and beauty. So, it’s no wonder that this service has become a favorite of the Hollywood elite. The 24-Karat Gold Japanese Facial uses the ionic benefits of gold during the service to leave you with a brilliant, glowing complexion just like your favorite Hollywood starlets.

50 Min Toasty Marshmallow Massage (Reg. $150, Spa Week $50)
The Woodhouse Day Spa – Plano | Plano, TX | 214-473-9955
Your average, everyday stress-relieving massage with some ‘marsh-mellow’ on top! If you need some serious relaxation, then imagine being lulled to sleep as you’re drizzled and massaged with a rich melt of emollient shea, cocoa and mango butters. Not only will your muscles get the tension relief you need, but your skin will be left with soft notes of marshmallow and a silky-fine touch.

Orange Blossom Sugar Scrub (Reg. $120, Spa Week $50) or Ginger Root Body Wrap with Swiss Shower (Reg. $175, Spa Week $50)
Catamaran Spa | San Diego, CA | 858-539-8820

  • Orange Blossom Sugar Scrub: After a long summer of sunshine and tanlines, you’ll need to rejuvenate your skin heading into fall. Relax under a cascade of water as your skin is polished to perfection with an Orange Blossom Sugar Scrub and lotion application.
  • Ginger Root Wrap: If summer-long indulgences left you with the need to detox and purify your system, then you’ll want to try this service. It uses a ginger root masque to boost circulation, stimulate your metabolism and rid your body of harmful toxins.

Standard Hydrafacial Medical Grade (Reg. $169, Spa Week $50)
Advanced Laser & Skin Center | Woburn, MA | 781-935-7333
If you’re looking for the next big thing in anti-aging services, then this might be a good option for you. The HydraFacial® resurfacing procedure thoroughly enhances the skin using patented Vortex Technology™ to simultaneously cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate. The treatment is not only pain-free, but relaxing and has noticeable and immediate improvements to your skin tone and elasticity.

90 Min Hot Stone Therapy Massage with HydroLuXe Dry Water Massage Table Session and Hydra Amino 18 Scalp Treatment (Reg. $152, Spa Week $50)
Massage LuXe-Davie | Davie, FL | 954-380-8554
If you like your services to explore both traditional and non-traditional techniques, make sure to check out MassageLuxe. This service includes a traditional hot stone massage to warm and loosen tight muscles and a scalp treatment. But, you’ll also get to test out the HydroLuXe Dry Water Massage which places you in a unique capsule as your body is massaged from head to toe with the gentle force of water (all without ever getting wet!).

50 Min Guac Star Facial with Avocado Treatment (Reg. $85, Spa Week $50)
Spa Botanica at Embassy Suites | Concord, NC | 704-454-1750
Ahhhhvocado to the rescue! Bask in a Guac Star revitalizing and cooling facial that nourishes skin with avocado oil, butter, essential fatty acids, moisture-locking ingredients and skin feeding super antioxidants – green tea, goji fruit and pomegranate. Once you’ve hit your happy shade of green, you’ll walk away with smooth and completely refreshed skin.

Amethyst Facial with Yavapai Swedish Massage (Reg. $150, Spa Week $50)
Amethyst Spa at Wekopa Resort & Conference Center | Scottsdale, AZ | 480-789-5300
Dreaming of a desert oasis? Indulge both your face and body with these Yavapai inspired services. The hydrating acai berry facial blended with a full body therapeutic massage are sure to relieve stress and restore balance to your mind & spirit.

50 Min Spa Week De-Stress Body Treatment (Reg. $255, Spa Week $50)
Red Door Spa | 29 Participating Locations Nationwide | www.reddoorspas.com
Based on a 110 minute Stress Melter Ritual, this treatment is inspired by Red Door’s signature service and includes exfoliation, an aromatherapeutic body wrap and a relaxing scalp massage to melt stress and rebalance spirit.

Restaurant Dining and Favorite Dishes – Lifestyle

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Azumi:  Stylish Japanese restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel with sushi, seafood, steaks, sake & cocktails.

I want to share some of the delicious restaurants in this area.  Baltimore is really a melting pot of various cultures which means the food can be amazing!  I love to cook for my family but there are moments when we want to taste something different.  The term different could mean sushi, afghan cuisine, authentic italian, or whatever suits our taste buds for the evening.  I contribute this interest to my husband; he’s an adventurous eater and has a wide taste palate.

Naturally, I grew up in the deep south and love comfort food.  Nothing can replace a creamy sauce or peach cobbler but I’m also intrigued by cultural dishes.  It gives me the experience of integrating into someone else’s culture and lifestyle.  I consider myself a lifelong learner and find people to be very interesting.  I enjoy knowing the purpose behind certain meals, cutlery used, and the fashion worn during specific ceremonies. This could also be due to teaching a Cultural Foods course many years ago (prior to blogging.)

I will share more of the dishes I like to eat and hope that you will try them as well.  Also, tag me (on social media) in your favorite restaurant or food choices!

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Emmys Cocktail and Beverage Ideas from Drizly

Tonight television fans across the country will have their eyes glued to their screens to see if their favorite shows (such as Scandal) and actors will take home awards. Whether you’re hosting a viewing party, or watching solo from your couch, Drizly, the leading on-demand alcohol delivery service, has all your beverage needs covered.

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Drizly has created three cocktails to help you enjoy the evening, a Pre-Show Punch, a Backstage Boulevardier, and below is a dessert cocktail in honor of the show – Empire!

Cookie (Lyons) Delight

One of the best and most memorable TV characters from this year’s nominees. This adult milkshake is dedicated to the leading lady in FOX’s hit show Empire.

Ingredients (serves 1):

3 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur

3 scoops of chocolate ice cream

6 oz milk

3-4 ice cubes

2 medium FRESH chocolate chip cookies

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Directions: 

In a blender combine ice cream, Bailey’s, milk, one cookie, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth (add more milk or ice cream to get to your desired consistency). Crumble up the remaining cookie by hand or with a knife. Pour drink into pint glass and add cookie crumbs on top. Serve with a straw and spoon for maximum enjoyment.

Masque Bar and Martinis Girls Night In

Have a girls night in for the Emmy Awards (September 20th) with a Masks and Martinis party! Choose from a selection of Masque Bar by Look Beauty sheet masks that target different skin concerns in an array of flavors. Sit back, relax and watch the famed award show as you sip on a Cucumber and Green Teani to match!

Green Tea Sheet Mask: Mixed Green Tea Extract, Collagen and Vitamin E  to maintain ideal moisture level by providing constant supply of moisture and nutrition. ($9.99 for 3 masks; Amazon.com)

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Lemon Sheet Mask: Combined with Lemon Extract, Collagen and Vitamin E to help purify, refine and soothe your skin. ($9.99 for 3 masks; Amazon.com)

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Cucumber Sheet Mask: Blended with Cucumber Extract, Collagen and Vitamin E to help moisturize and restore skin tone after UV exposure. ($9.99 for 3 masks; Amazon.com)

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Recipe for a Cucumber Green Teani –

Cucumber Green Teani

2 oz citrus vodka

.75 oz green tea

Dash of simple syrup

Dash of lemon juice

2 slices of cucumber

1 piece of fresh ginger

1 pinch of sea salt

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Directions: Muddle cucumber and ginger with a pinch of salt and simple syrup. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with cubed ice. Finely strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a thin slice of cucumber.

Summer 2015 Recap: Fun In The Sun

Summer’s the time of year I reconnect with my family and friends.  Although I adore the Fall, I try to enjoy a little fun in the sun!  My boys are out for the summer and as a mom it’s important to make memories before they start summer jobs, traveling abroad, or preparing for college.

I also like to grab some adult time with a glass of wine (or cocktail) sip gourmet coffee and share laughs with my best friends.  I live here in Maryland but I was born and raised in Alabama; I move around (now) like a city girl but still a southerner at heart.  I guess that explains my cooking hobby and outdoor living.  I learned at an early age that serving a hearty dish brings people together.

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One hidden secret that many may not know is that Alabama has some great thrift stores!  I participate in a good ole’ thrifting session while visiting the heart of dixie.  My normal finds include heirloom items, knick knacks, and various clothing items.  If you’re a true southern girl, one can not forget to visit the local water park (because it’s hot) and host a family barbecue.  My dad will normally cook on the grill; our barbecues are fairly traditional, eating hotdogs, steaks, or seafood.

Summer would not be eventful without a trip to the Smithsonian Institute.  I love the nostalgia of statues and museums.  They’re constantly updating and you never know what’s in store when you visit.  Life can get pretty hectic but don’t forget to relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul!

Other random things I do in the summer –

Read a good novel

Visit the Pool (often)

Dance at a Concert

Golf Outing 

Arts & Crafts

Watch Fireworks

Shop The Farmers Market

Enjoy Netflixs

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Visit my Instagram @kwest1908 for more photos

 

 

Tailgating Menu Ideas with BJs Wholesale Club

It’s football season and you know what that means, fun and delicious food!  Get ready to cheer on your favorite team with help from BJs Wholesale Club. It’s easier than ever to plan party menus at BJs for tailgating (or homegating) at home!

With their wide selection of festive, fresh and fine-quality foods, BJs makes it convenient to order deli platters, cookie assortments and custom-order cakes made exactly to your specifications.  There’s no need to stress out, simply plan your menu and pick up items.

To make the process easier, browse through the brochure, then fill out an order form in-Club — or download one to print and fill out at home then, simply drop it into the kiosk at your local club.  There’s a wide variety of foods such as Wellsley Farms® or Dietz & Watson® Sandwich Ring, Wellsley Farms ® Entertainer Platter, Perdue Party Wing Platter, and Classic Cheese Tray.

Your order can be ready for pick-up in as little as 24 hours!  I’m looking forward to hosting my next tailgate party with yummy treats from BJs Wholesale Club.

Delicious Tailgate Menu

Hotdogs

Cheese & Vegetable Platter

Assorted Soft Drinks

Chicken Wing Platter

Grilled Hamburgers & Sausages

7 Layer Dip with Tortilla Chips

Cupcakes

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If you like this post, click here:  Homegating Tips

How To Throw A Labor Day Party – Limor Suss

Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert, Limor Suss shares tips for the perfect Labor Day Party

 

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LABOR DAY PARTY TIPS

 

  1. How do you select a theme for your Labor Day Party?

Pick a theme that’s simple to put together and utilizes items you have in your house already so you’re not going out and buying a bunch of stuff.

The theme all depends on what type of party you want to throw. If you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, then the theme should be just as simple, but if you want to throw a lavish cocktail affair, then it’s fun to be a little more creative.

  1. What’s the best location to celebrate with family and friends?

An outdoor location is definitely best, especially if the weather is nice. Labor Day is one of your last chances to celebrate the summer with friends and family, so having a party in a park or someone’s backyard is preferable.

  1. In your opinion, should the menu be potluck meal or grilled delights?

It really depends on the size of your party. If you’re having a small, intimate gathering, it’s nice to give your guests a home grilled meal, but for larger parties, I like to do a combination of potluck and day-of grilling.

  1. What are some popular activities to help create a fun environment?

Setting up different games and sports for the kids is always fun. You want to make sure they are having fun while the adults are socializing. I also love a good grill-off – it’s fun to have the self-proclaimed “best grillers” show off their skills and the results are delicious.

  1. Should there be a dress code or come as you are?

You don’t have to have a dress code because you want everyone to be comfortable, but one thing I like to do is create a custom t-shirt for my friends and family to wear – I like to use CustomInk.com because they make the design process really easy. Having a custom t-shirt that everyone can wear is a great way to bring everyone together as one big family, and it makes a nice surprise gift. Your group selfies will also look really cool if you’re all wearing the same t-shirt.

  1. Where can we go to learn more tips?

Head over to my blog TrendsGirl.com, I’m always sharing great tips for planning family gatherings.

 
 

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About Limor Suss:

Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert, Limor Suss. Limor has appeared on TODAY Show, FOX and Friends, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz,  PIX11,  New York Live & many others talking about entertaining tips, DIY crafts, the hottest tech gadgets,  gift ideas and the latest beauty trends.

National Coffee Month Lifestyle Segment – WBAL TV Baltimore

August was National Coffee Month and people everywhere celebrated this delicious beverage.  I’m an avid coffee drinker and brew a pot daily.  Some people like to enjoy a cup of tea but there’s a few tricks to brewing coffee at home.

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I like to use filtered water for the best results; add hazelnut (or vanilla) syrup along with creamer and sugar.  If you’re monitoring your sugar intake, substitute with a sweetener.  Take your coffee up a notch by adding whipped cream and cinnamon.  As a hobby, my mom and I like to purchase flavored coffee beans such French Roast, Pumpkin, or Caramel Pecan.  It’s fun to taste the various spices and scents!

Also, the best place to store a bag of coffee is in a cool, airtight container to ensure the flavor’s not lost.  Last Sunday, I had the chance to share coffee, espresso, and tea brewing products on WBAL TV Baltimore.  I am always enthusiastic about discussing fashion, parent, or home products.

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IMUSA Electric Espresso Maker | IMUSA Espresso Set | KRUPS Savoy Machine

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Krups Burr Grinder | Ten Thousand Villages Mugs | T-Fal Electric Kettle

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Chatting with Jennifer Franciotti

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Smiling with Miri Marshall, Meteorologist

I had a great time visiting WBAL – TV Baltimore and hope the items (shown) will encourage my audience to enjoy brewing products at home.