Tag: Lifestyle Tips

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

BJs Wholesale Club Ethically Sourced Coffees

We’re going into the winter months and that includes drinking warm beverages.  Coffee is generally the number one source because it keeps us awake and the flavor is delicious.  We don’t want is to run out of our favorite beverage so the next option is to purchase a bulk quantity.

BJs is the number one source when buying home goods for your family on a budget.  The warehouse club has an array of brands for shoppers but most importantly they offer ethically – sourced coffees from Wellsley Farms:

In honor of October’s Fair Trade Month, BJs Wholesale Club announces today the expansion of its Fair Trade Certified™ selection to include 11 ground and whole bean coffee varieties from its own brand Wellsley Farms™.

“From the lush mountains of Indonesia to the highlands of Guatemala, we travel the world to deliver Fair Trade Certified™ coffee to our Members while ensuring farmers receive fair-minded prices for their harvests,” said Melissa O’Brien, coffee buyer for BJs Wholesale Club.

Working with farmers that respect their land and their workers is the foundation for producing high-quality Wellsley Farms Coffee. All coffees are made from 100% Arabica beans from the current crop year only – carry-over beans are never used.  Size, color, defects and freshness at picking are also carefully inspected. After fresh harvested beans pass a visual test, a sample is roasted. Once approved, only then will they become Wellsley Farms beans.

“With coffee farmers typically not having much land to support their whole family, by sourcing Fair Trade, we’re increasing the amount of money the farmers are receiving to help improve their social, economic and environmental conditions,” said Scott Williams, assistant vice president of quality assurance and environmental stewardship for BJ’s Wholesale Club. “On top of the Fair Trade price, farmers also receive a Premium, which is an additional fund for them to use to build schools, purchase medical supplies or use as they see fit for their communities.”

Wellsley Farms Coffee Highlights

  • Breakfast Blend Ground Coffee – A great way to start the day is with a cup of this signature, medium roast of 100% Arabica beans and a rich warm aroma!
  • Organic Sumatra Estate Whole Bean Coffee – For a uniquely earthy yet fruity flavor, this medium dark roast of 100% Arabica brew is sourced from the Selected Sumatra Estates in Indonesia.
  • Colombian Supremo Whole Bean Coffee – Classic, sweet flavor with a crisp finish makes this medium dark roast of 100% Arabica beans a real crowd-pleaser!
  • Guatemalan French Roast Whole Bean Coffee – A dark roast with a full body and 100% Arabica beans, this makes for a bold choice in the morning.

“BJs Wholesale Club is not only a company that offers high-quality coffee, it’s also a company with a uniquely authentic commitment to the people who grow it,” said Jennifer Gallegos, Director of Coffee at Fair Trade USA. “This is even more apparent with the introduction of their Wellsley Farms line, making BJ’s the first major retailer to shift the most own brands coffee varieties to Fair Trade Certified™.”

Wellsley Farms Fair Trade Certified Assortment

Whole Bean Coffee

  • Organic Sumatra Estate, 40 oz.
  • Espresso Blend, 40 oz.
  • Guatemalan French Roast, 40 oz.
  • Costa Rican, 40 oz.
  • Columbian Supremo, 40 oz.

Ground Coffee

  • Decaffeinated Blend, 40 oz.
  • Breakfast Blend, 40 oz.
  • Colombian Ground, 40 oz.
  • Organic Peruvian, 32 oz.
  • Hazelnut Flavored, 32 oz.
  • French Vanilla Flavored, 32 oz.

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About BJs Wholesale Club
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJs is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 208 clubs in 15 states.

BJs provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with more top-quality, leading brands including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands, which are all backed by BJs 100% money-back guarantee; more fresh foods from USDA Choice meats to premium produce to delicious organics in many supermarket sizes; and more great value and amazing savings every day. BJ’s is also the only membership club to accept all manufacturers’ coupons and for greater convenience offers the most payment options.

To check out all the MORE BJ’s has to offer, visit www.BJs.com  and for exclusive content find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

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Beauty /

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.

BJs Wholesale Club /

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

Entertainment /

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.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

BJs Wholesale Club: Fun Sandwich Solutions

Get creative with sandwich ideas and  take a break from your “normal” turkey club!  Below, I’ve shared a video to provide some fun lunch solutions.

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Photo from BJs Member Services Ad

Start your lunch prep (today) whether for yourself or family in a matter of minutes.  Of course, all ingredients can be found at your local BJs Wholesale Club.

[youtube height=”720″ width=”1280″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6um5L_V7wA&cm_mmc=Cheetah-_-Email-_-08%2F28%2F2015-_-Get%20creative%20with%20back-to-school%20sandwich%20ideas!&cm_em=kimwest1908@gmail.com[/youtube]

 

Cosmetics /

The Modern Girls Guide To Life Book: Fully Revised and Updated

The Modern Girl is back with more tips, hacks & beauty fun! From author and trend expert Jane Buckingham, (formerly of the Style channel), founder of Trendera and newly crowned Job Genius of the new ABC Family Show “Job or No Job,”

THE MODERN GIRLS GUIDE TO LIFE (on sale 9/29/15) has been completely revamped for a new generation of MG’s. A lot has changed over the past decade, and leave it to Jane to keep us Modern Girls up-to-date!

Covering everything from parties to porn, interviewing to Instagramming, crockpot cooking to cosmetics, and all that’s in-between, The Modern Girls Guide to Life doesn’t try to tell you how to be perfect. It simply tells you the stuff you need to know, but no one thinks to tell you—like how your shape wear can get uncomfortably hot unless it contains cotton (good to know before you find yourself sweating away your blowout at the company holiday party).

I have been a long time fan of Jane Buckingham and will provide a review to share with all of my Modern Girls very soon!

Modern Girls Guide To Life

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

BJs Fresh Produce from Maryland Farms to Club Shelves

Consumers are increasingly more aware that fruits and vegetables that are in-season, harvested closer to their peak ripeness, and transported shorter distance retain more nutrients.  However, according to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, it is estimated that the average American meal still travels about 1,500 miles to go from picked to plate.  

In fact, the National Grocery Association’s 2014 Consumer Panel found that more locally grown foods and price/cost savings topped the list of the improvements desired most among the shoppers surveyed. 

Today, BJs Wholesale Club is shortening the distance from farm to table by buying fresh produce from local Maryland farms and getting it onto Maryland club shelves in under 24 hours:

[youtube height=”720″ width=”1280″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIRRdBXtqy0[/youtube]

BJs local produce sourcing is at the lead of a growing trend. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), industry estimates suggest that local food sales in America have nearly doubled in recent years, jumping from $5 billion in 2008 to $11.7 billion in 2014.  

In Maryland, BJs is offering Yellow Squash, Zucchini Squash, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant and Corn from Arnold Farms in Chestertown; Miller Farms in Clinton and Vincent Farms in Del Mar.

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

BJs Healthy Homemade Lunch Options and Recipes

It’s almost time for Back-to-School which means parents everywhere are preparing healthy lunch options for the kids.  Long gone are the days of offering a bag of potato chips with a soda on the side.  We’ve learned through research that fruits, vegetables, and proteins enable kids to be more productive and happier.  With all of the processed food, allergies and hunger pains kids have, a boring, uninspiring or less-than-nutritious lunch won’t cut it.

A healthy and affordable homemade lunch will keep kids energized all day!

Create meal solutions with BJs Wholesale Club food and merchandise. From cereal to apple juice, BJs has what you’re looking for at a great price.  The store’s organized to help families shop in a timely fashion. It’s also easy to comparison shop with price tags centered directly in front of the merchandise.

BJs offer’s in store coupons that can be sent in the mail or picked up at the store.  Lastly, after you’ve filled your basket with goodies, there’s the option to self-checkout or enter a line with a cashier.  From my experience both moved quickly helping families to spend their time wisely.

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H20 Lunch Pack

 

BJ’s Wholesale Club Facts for Families:

  • From basic supplies and clothes to tech and food items, BJs has everything you need for back-to-school.
  • BJs is the only warehouse club to accept manufacturers’ coupons for even greater savings and provide their own coupons as well.
  • BJs Wholesale Club is your one-stop shopping destination for brand name high-quality food and general merchandise at everyday low prices including fresh produce and USDA choice meats, all-natural and organic foods, consumer electronics and appliances.
  • BJs Wholesale Club carries over 150 organic items and numerous gluten free options.

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Don’t Toss the Tops: Box Tops for Back-to-School

 BJs Wholesale Clubs will feature General Mills items that include more Box Tops on specific items than other grocery stores. For example, BJs two pack Honey Nut Cheerios has a total of 13 Box Tops points. Each box has one Box Top located on the top of the box, plus 3 extra Box Top points, and the ability to get 5 more e-Box Tops by entering the code listed on the box on BJs microsite (the 5 points covers both boxes).

Now through September 17 all BJs clubs will include the following General Mills items:.

  1. Nature Valley Oats N Honey Bars, 49 ct.
  2. Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars, 48 ct.
  3. Cascadian Farms Granola Bars, 20 ct.
  4. Fruit Roll Ups, 56 ct.
  5. Gushers, 36 ct.
  6. Cascadian Farms Granola Cereal, 48 oz.
  7. Big Tub Deluxe, 74 oz.
  8. Honey Nut Cheerios, 55 oz.
  9. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 49 oz.
  10. Minions Yogurt, 24 ct.
  11. GoGurt, 32 ct.
  12. Mini Pancakes, 18 ct.
  13. Totino’s Cheese, 150 ct.
  14. Totino’s Pepperoni, 150 ct.

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PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA SANDWICH

Ingredients

  • ripe bananas
  • 4 slices white bread
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Prep

Mix together peanut butter and cinnamon in a bowl.  Slice bananas into thick slices. Spread the peanut butter mixture on slices of bread and put the banana slices on top.  Don’t forget to add the other slice of bread; cut diagonally and put in kids lunch.

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Sandwich and Trail Mix

Sliced Carrots & Hummus

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Carrots and Sabra Hummus

Homemade Trail Mix

Ingredients

2 cups of Cheerios

1 cup of pretzels

1 cup of peanuts

Prep

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl and store.

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

BJs Home, Business, and Personal Services – Lifestyle Tip

BJs offers quality and value on Services for your home, business and personal needs. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, prescription eyewear or to purchase a new vehicle, they have you covered.

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Vacation Packages

If you’re intersted in a wholesale membership that offers auto buying, direct tv, extended warranties, tire center, verizon wireless, optical, and hearing center then look no further.  To learn more visit BJs Services mini sites at BJs.com/Services.

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Verizon Wireless

My personal experience with BJs services includes shopping at the deli and bakery.  I am always hosting a holiday event for my family or planning a Sunday dinner.  I decided to visit the deli for a platter but discovered a selection of meat lasagna, meatballs, wings platter, chicken parmesean, scallops wrapped in bacon, and a mini quiche assortment.  How could I forget to share the delicious birthday cakes and breakfast platter assortments.

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Stainless Steel Cookware

Purchasing items at the deli and bakery saved me time and money.  It allowed me to plan a delicious menu without the preparation and I saved money due to their reasonable prices.  If you want to organize your deli shopping experience, view the online brochure to place an order or find items in the store.

Also, don’t forget to use your coupons to save additional money!

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DIY /

Coffee Station: How To Guide and Lifestyle Tip

I drink coffee and that’s a well-known fact.  The aroma of a delicious brew and warmth of a well made cup gives me an instant boost of energy.  My favorite flavor is Pumpkin Spice or when I need a “mommy boost” Cafe Mocha.

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I like to prepare coffee at my home because it’s easy access and affordable.  Honestly, I don’t always have the patience to wait in line, so I brew a cup while getting the boys dressed or cleaning my home.  With a constant search for cups, sugar, and grounds I decided to create a coffee station in my kitchen.

You may not drink coffee and like to sip tea but having a beverage station can save time and help with entertaining guests.  For example, your coworker stops by after work, why not offer a cup of tea?  Or you changed diapers all day but want a nice aroma in your home (before your bestie comes over) brew a cup of coffee!

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Creating a coffee station can be fun and based on your personal style.  Some people like to include baskets, special containers, straws, bottled water, and fruit.  Others keep it simple with a tray, creamer, sugar, and mugs.  I designed a station that’s a combination of all hot beverages for coffee, tea, and cocoa.

Below are “How To” tips for creating a Coffee Station:

*  Place a small scoop next to coffee grounds for accurate measurement

* Shop discount stores or thrift shops for unique inexpensive containers

*  Add a chalk board for notes with salt & pepper shakers to hold cinnamon or cocoa

*  Use a tray or basket to separate the space

* Don’t forget your coffee mugs, straws, spoons, and liners

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photos are from Pinterest.com