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!
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:
BJs local producesourcing 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.
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.
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.
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:.
Nature Valley Oats N Honey Bars, 49 ct.
Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars, 48 ct.
Cascadian Farms Granola Bars, 20 ct.
Fruit Roll Ups, 56 ct.
Gushers, 36 ct.
Cascadian Farms Granola Cereal, 48 oz.
Big Tub Deluxe, 74 oz.
Honey Nut Cheerios, 55 oz.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 49 oz.
Minions Yogurt, 24 ct.
GoGurt, 32 ct.
Mini Pancakes, 18 ct.
Totino’s Cheese, 150 ct.
Totino’s Pepperoni, 150 ct.
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.
Sandwich and Trail Mix
Sliced Carrots & Hummus
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
Did you know that BJs carries more than 150 organic options in-club and their assortment is growing? Well-known brands from Back to Nature, Betterbody, Stonyfield, and Horizon can be found at BJs. In fact, BJs is expanding its own brand, Wellsley Farms, in this category, too. Twenty-five percent of Wellsley Farms items that are unveiled this year will be organic. Currently, BJs also carries organic dairy, bakery, produce, prepared foods and more.
PERDUE® HARVESTLAND® is the first organic whole bird, boneless breasts, and boneless thighs now offered. In true blogger fashion I decided to venture into BJs and take a look at the new product line. I’m always pleased to visit the store because they have great prices and the products are in line with my family’s needs. It’s also very clean and well organized; all of the components that any busy mom values when shopping wholesale.
I purchased a few items of my own and created a recipe with Perdue Harvestland Whole Chicken. The meal was delicious and the quality of the chicken was undeniable because there were fewer hormones. If you’re looking to jumpstart a healthier meal option for your family and consume meats with no animal by-products, visit BJs and shop their (new) organic food options.
Photo Example from Iowagirleats.com
Can in The Rear Chicken Ingredients:
1 4-pound whole chicken
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 opened, half-full can of pepsi, room temperature
1 Tbsp sea salt
2 Tbsp Mrs Dash
1 Tbsp black pepper
Method:
1 Prepare your oven at 350 degrees for indirect heat
2 Remove neck and giblets from cavity of chicken. Rub olive oil all over the chicken. Mix the salt, pepper, and Mrs Dash in a little bowl, then sprinkle or spread over the chicken.
3 Make sure the can is open and lower the chicken on the open can, so that the chicken is sitting upright and the can in its cavity.
4 Place the chicken in the oven; and don’t check on it for at least an hour. After an hour, check on the chicken and keep checking the chicken every 15 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 160°F – 165°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, poke the chicken with a knife to see if there’s no red juices or if the meat is done.
5 Carefully transfer the chicken to a tray or pan and use tongs to hold the top of the chicken. Lift the chicken and ease the can from inside of the chicken. Let it cool for 15 minutes. Carefully lift the chicken off of the can.
This year, Carrington Farms is celebrating springtime by encouraging everyone to keep healthy items on hand at all times, made possible by Carrington’s new line of portable, on-the-go products.
As you already know from this blog, I am a fan of the Carrington Farms product line. They’re quick, healthy and an easy way to incorporate certain vitamins and nutrients in your diet. The company has also taken this concept a step further with the creation of Flax Chia, Coconut Oil, and Flax Hemp Paks.
We often overlook breakfast but it’s a very important start to our day! The proper (breakfast) dish can jumpstart your energy and metabolism. I wanted to share a recipe with the use of Flax Hemp Paks.
Kale Omelette Recipe:
Ingredients:
About a cup of shredded kale
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 tbsp of milk
1 tsp of Flax Hemp
1/2 diced tomatoes
1/2 onions
1 tsp Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Directions:
Add olive oil and garlic to pan over medium heat for about a minute. Add your kale and let it sizzle and wilt for a few minutes. Whisk two eggs, milk, cheese, onions, and tomatoes together and add to the pan, and wait a few minutes.
Once its cooked flip the omelette and fold the egg. Season to taste and enjoy!
Kale Omelette with Flax Hemp Paks
Anyone who orders products off the Carrington website www.carringtonfarms.com can enter the coupon code of MayOnTheMove for 20% off + free shipping (valid for all products on the site).
Moms deserve all the pampering in the world, and with Mother’s Day approaching, you might be interested in an inexpensive way to create an at-home spa for mom.
Photo from Runner Unleashed.com
Just get some Epsom salt, and it will help give Mom a well-deserved break. Doctors say it might even improve her health!
Here’s how:
For pampering
Epsom Salt can be used to create the ultimate at-home spa, and it’s something several experts and celebrities recommend to help look and feel better. A relaxing bath or exfoliating treatment will leave your skin radiant and glowing.
Tips include:
Glowing skin exfoliating treatment: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.
Microdermabrasion Facial: Mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.
Bathtime Bliss: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent.
Pedicure Perfection: Dissolve a half cup of Epsom Salt into two quarts of warm water. Pour the water into a container and soak your bare feet for fifteen to twenty minutes. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. Massage the entire foot with Epsom Salt concentrating on the heels and ankles to remove any dry, rough spots. Then, rinse your feet off with clean tap water and dry them thoroughly.
Homemade bath crystals: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 TSP of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.
After Exercising/Boosting Magnesium Levels
Tips include:
To ease muscle pain and fading bruises. Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub (double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub) and bathe three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes. Also can be used to make compresses.
To soothe feet aching from a tough workout or a long day, add a cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water and soak them.
Those soaks could also boost your body’s level of magnesium – a nutrient that experts say helps your body produce its main source of energy and impacts at least 300 enzyme systems. Over the past century, experts say the amount of magnesium we consume in our diets has dropped by about 60 percent, but here are some tips from doctors and researchers who say soaking in Epsom salt can increase your body’s level of magnesium:
My mother and I have been obsessing (all week) over Apothecary jars. We’ve shared creative ideas for decorating and organizing with these clear, glass jars.
Apothecary jars are beautiful to the eyes and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, one can organize a bathroom with these jars by filling with cotton balls or bath soaps.
A decorative use for the jars includes using as an accent object on a table; filled with lemons or flowers. I’ve discovered on Pinterest that one can make Apothecary jars with a simple vase, candle holder, and super glue. I love this idea because I’m a sucker for a DIY project!
These sophisticated jars can also showcase the change of seasons (or holiday) with candy, ribbon, or even decor. The perfect place to display an Apothecary jar is on the fireplace mantle, kitchen bar, accent table, or bath tub. If you want to add a touch of elegance, place a silver tray underneath the jar. This can take your jar from ordinary standards to ultra unique in minutes.
If you’re asking yourself, “where can I purchase a set of these jars?” Apothecary jars can be found at Pier 1 Imports, Pottery Barn, and Hobby Lobby.
Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Debi Lilly, Entertainment and Design Expert. Debi shared with us wedding advice, trends, budget conscious tips, and her new collection at Safeway.
· What’s the most important aspect when planning a wedding?
o Weddings reflect the personal style of each couple, with welcoming, thoughtful, elegant designs and details that celebrate the couple, their family and friends.
· Can you share the latest wedding trend?
o This year it’s all about a colorful, interactive dessert themed Cake Bar to get guests up out of their seats celebrating once dinner ends. Brides can create an elegant but affordable dessert bar using debi lilly design cake stands, pops of color with ribbon accents, candy and cookie collections, and more. It’s gorgeous, DIY edible décor, that doubles as your wedding favor, helping to stretch that bridal budget.
· What are some budget conscious tips for brides?
o Safeway stores are a great source for brides on a budget. Modern brides have access to value and quality with everything from customized cakes, affordable wines and now an exclusive line of chic, trend forward wedding flowers from debi lilly design.
· Where do you find inspiration?
o I travel the world studying wedding, floral and entertaining trends, color palettes, and fresh takes on cultural styles of celebration.
o I work alongside Safeway to create an affordable and unforgettable collection of bouquets, bridal party flowers, and table-top centerpieces to maximize the floral and decor budget for weddings and parties.
Including:
Romantic Collection: Brides will fall in love with the delicate colors in our Romantic Collection. The graceful pink, lavender and green hues will add soft, elegant beauty to your special day. Chic Collection: The bright red and orange palette of our Chic Collection adds depth and warmth to any wedding celebration. Classic Collection: The timeless elegance of our Classic Collection includes stunning white and ivory flowers and lush greens to provide a sophisticated and elegant feel Modern Collection: Add a contemporary flare to your wedding with our Modern Collection. Vivid yellows, hot pinks and rich purples are the perfect complement for you and your bridal party.
