Something New Each Week

I love it when a plan comes together (ala..” The A-Team”).  I was wondering what new thing I would take on this week and my mind was drawing a blank.  Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks.  About a week ago, I received a package in the mail from the BzzAgent Marketing Company containing materials for a cosmetic campaign.  I have been a BzzAgent for about a year.  Depending on the campaign, I receive free products from various companies, try them out myself, share them with family, friends, & co-workers, and then report back to the company with any feedback (positive or negative) received on the product.  Well, I was pleasantly surprised to open my package and see the campaign was for COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Mascara.  

The mascara tube was a pretty purple and I immediately noticed the unique shape of the wand.  The brush was really over-sized and full bristles.  The tube was very thick which made it comfortable and easy to grab and hold in my hand.  I knew then and there that I found my new subject for the week. 

My trusty photographer was really excited about my topic for this week (insert sarcasm) but he is a real trooper and would do anything for his pooh.   Okay, I took some “before” pictures (sans mascara), and then some “after” pictures once I finished applying my COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Mascara.  The first four (4) pictures are without the mascara.  The remaining pictures show me applying the mascara and the after shots.   The results were amazing.  My lashes were gorgeous and long!!  I have never worn fake lashes before, and now I don’t need to. :)

The shades available are:

1. Very Black

2. Black

3. Black Brown

4. Brown 

As a BzzAgent, I am spreading the Bzz about this great product and highly recommend it.  As a Blogger, I am happy to feature this item as my  ”Something New” endeavor for the week.  If anyone is interested in purchasing the mascara, I have some money-saving coupons good for $2.00 off ANY  COVERGIRL product.  These coupons expire 9/30/2010, so shoot me an email if you want one and I will get it to you asap.  I only have a few, so first come; first served. 

Check out my pictures and you will see that I am now an Easy…Breezy…Beautiful COVERGIRL!!

Ceya Next Week!!

Allie

Below:  The first four (4) pictures were taken WITHOUT mascara.  Where… oh Where….art thou eyelashes??

Above:  My AFTER  Photos with my long, luxurious lashes…and me loving the results!!  Thank you COVERGIRL!!!

This week, I decided to do a taste test on Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.  I have never had Ben & Jerry’s ice cream before, so after hearing how great it is, my interest was definitely peaked.  To begin my research, I surfed right on over to the official Ben & Jerry’s website just to see what their company was about.    I was pleasantly surprised to read that their ice cream uses the freshest dairy from local family owned farms that pledge not to treat their cows with RBGH (a growth hormone).  This was a positive for me already.

After reviewing all the available flavors, I zero’d in on “CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA“  a Flavor With a Mission!!   How could I go wrong with that??  I immediately entered my zip code into their “Flavor Locator” and discovered that my local Schnuck’s Supermarket carried this flavor.  Just to be sure, I called them up to verify they had Chocolate Macadamia available, and the nice gentleman on the other end assured me they did.  Another win for me.     I high-tailed it over there, went straight to the frozen foods aisle, ice cream section, and did the happy dance when I saw what I was looking for.  I drove straight home and put my ice cream in the freezer because I had to be at work in a couple of hours and did not want to rush my taste test.  I would need the appropriate amount of time to complete this task without any distractions.  During my entire shift at work, I couldn’t stop thinking about my new friends “Ben & Jerry” and anticipating when we would be properly introduced.   Here’s a short clip of our rendezvous.

So….as you can see from the video, it was love at first sight.  This is one of the best ice creams I have had in a long, long time.  My favorite is still Chocolate Almond, but this right on par with it.  Can you guess that I love Chocolate???   If you have read my “About Me” section or viewed my Chocolate Souffle’ cooking video, this would come as no surprise.   On a scale of 1-10,  Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Macadamia ice cream rates a strong 8.  If I have piqued your interest, by all means give this flavor a try and let me know what you think.

Until Next Week…..

Allie

Tapas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtapas]) is the name of a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid). In North America and the United Kingdom, as well as in select bars in Spain, tapas has evolved into an entire, and sometimes sophisticated, cuisine. In these countries, patrons of tapas restaurants can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal.

The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them.^{[citation needed]} Also, in some countries it is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas.

Okay….now that I have that out of the way….This was one of the best times I have had in long time!!   My friend Barb and I had been planning to go to Mosaic A Modern/Fusion Restaurant, ever since she recommended it about a month ago.  We finally coordinated our schedules and decided to meet on a Wednesday.  I was picking her up from work (we both for the US Postal Service), when lo and behold, I happened to run into one of my BEST friends since kindergarten, Beverly.  We have known each other FOREVER, but have kinda lost touch over the years.  She was actually visiting the Post Office to take care of some business, when she noticed me in my car while waiting for Barb.  Now, I don’t believe in coincedences, so this was fate.  (Isn’t God Awesome)

So we catch up awhile, and I invite her to meet Barb and me at Mosaic.  Beverly was actually still at work, but said she would stop by on her way home.  In the meantime, Barb and I head over to Mosaic.  It was such a lovely day, we decided to sit out on the patio.  We started our evening with a couple of Mango Love Martinis, (which were VERY potent) suggested by our server.  Barb was not crazy about them, but they were good to me.  Being the great friend I am, I offered to finish hers.

Barb started off with a Asparagus Cheese Soup and I ordered the Pot Stickers.  Both were very good, but the Pot Stickers were AWESOME!!  We both really loved these and vowed to have them again sometime.  If you ever make it to Mosaic, I highly recommend these.  For our next sampling, we decided to split a Grilled Chicken Wrap and Caesar Salad with Grilled Flank Steak.  Both were absolutely yummy!!

About 1/2 hour later, Beverly arrives.  I was really surprised and very happy she made it.  After brief introductions, we went on to enjoy one of the best times, just hanging out and sharing some laughs and great conversation.  Beverly ordered a Caesar Salad and of course had a Mango Love (which she really liked).  We talked, laughed, talked and laughed some more.  In my opinion,  it should be MANDATORY that all girlfriends get together at least once a month to stay connected and keep those bonds of friendship strong.  I learned this valuable lesson today.

Sharing good times with old friends and new ones….what a perfect way to spend an evening.  Thanks Barb and Beverly for a great time!!

mo·saic (mō zā′ik)

noun

1. the process of making pictures or designs by inlaying small bits of colored stone, glass, tile, etc. into a surface.

Thank you Mosaic for providing the canvas for me to place both my old and new friends into a beautiful work of art that I will remember forever.   If you are in downtown St. Louis, and want a great dining experience, please check out Mosaic…you won’t regret it!!

Until next week,

Allie

This post is in honor of my Father, Mr. Mack Hayes (6/19/1915 – 4/8/2009).

My Dad’s birthday fell on many Father’s Days.  How fitting a tribute to my Dad!!  He was a great man, and a great Father.  He honorably served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.  My Dad earned two (2) Bronze Stars, one while he was stationed in New Guinea and the other while stationed in the North Solomon Islands.

I am the youngest of my Dad’s nine children, and will always be his “Baby Girl”.  My Dad took care of and provided for his children.  He disciplined us, but also loved us.  As a young child, I remember my Dad combing my hair, taking me to Church every Sunday, taking me to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, to the Drive-In, to Barrett-Brother’s Park, to the bowling alley, etc.  We had family get-togethers and barbeques in our backyard with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and extended family members.  Our house was one of the primary gathering places for family on both my Mom and Dad’s sides.  Those were great times!!

1 Thessalonians; Chapter 5:18 – In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I look back on my childhood with fond memories and thank God for giving me parents who were not humanly perfect, but perfect for me.  My Dad instilled honesty, integrity, and values in his children by setting the example of what a real Father is.

Father’s Day, 2010 was my first Father’s Day without my Dad.  I went to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery to visit my Dad for the first time since he passed away last year.  This was indeed Something New for me this week.  He will always be in my heart.  I love and miss him dearly.  He was highly favored and blessed with a good, long life.  He was very funny in his old age, and I often think about how he made me laugh (when he didn’t even know he was being funny).  He loved the Lord and one of his favorite songs was “I Will Trust in The Lord”.  Even though he is now in his Heavenly home, his presence is alive and well in me.

My Dad, Mack Hayes loved:  His God, His Family, and His Country.

My Dad, Mack Hayes served: His God, His Family, and His Country.

This is my tribute to you Daddy…from your “Baby Girl”.  I am honored to be your daughter.

Allie

On Saturday, June 12, 2010, I attended the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure along with more than 71,000 other participants.  This was the first time I actually attended the Race, and it was truly amazing!!  While I did not walk the entire route, I did participate in honor of my Aunt Rosie and Big Sister Shirley.

Aunt Rosie is 91 years old (bless her heart) and an over 40 year Breast Cancer Survivor.  She is an amazing person and everyone who knows her can’t help but love her.  Aunt Rosie and my mom were sisters and best friends, and when my mom passed away in 1991, Aunt Rosie became a second mom to my siblings and me.  She is the Matriarch of our family and I love her dearly.

Shirley is my “big” sister and has always been such a strong person.  She is a Breast Cancer Survivor (over 3 months now), and has fought this illness with such strength and grace.  Shirley is the epitome of a “Warrior in Pink” who believes in the healing power God sometimes provides via family ties.  I’m sure the name “Shirley” probably means “Family” in a Heavenly language.    I love you Sis!!

My participation in the Susan G. Komen Walk was in their honor, and I plan to organize a team for next year’s race.  Here are some of the photos and a short video I took at the event.  Some of the other photos included were provided by the St. Louis Postal NDC Team who participated in the race.

Thanks to Shelly Bass, Ronda Palm, Dennis Leach and the Postal Service NDC Team for walking in support of colleague, Lisa Scaife, a SURVIVOR who works as an Administrative Assistant in the Postal Service’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility.  Go TEAM LISA!!  Woooooo Hoooooo

Allie

Milk….Bitter-Sweet….Semi-Sweet….Dark…., a rose by any other name is still a rose, and Chocolate by any other name is just the same…EXQUISITE!!

My name is Allie and I am a “Chocoholic”.  There, I’ve admit it.  When I thought about what I would do this week, I knew I wanted it to include Chocolate in some shape, form or fashion.  Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved Chocolate.  Back then it was Hershey Bars and Kisses from Hershey PA., now my loves may originate from Belgium to Switzerland to France.  As long as my Chocolate is smooth, creamy and rich, I am definitely on board with it.

The weather was dreary, so I decided to stay indoors and try my hand at baking something with Chocolate.  Most people know, I am not a “Cook” and would rather dine most of the time, but since my home came with a furnished kitchen, why not use it every now and then.  I have always loved they way a Chocolate Souffle’ looked and have never had the pleasure of tasting one, so I decided to check for an easy recipe online and “go for it”.

My adventure this week is a cooking segment (starring your’s truly).  Please don’t compare me to Rachel Ray or Paula Dean yet…lol.  When it comes to home cooking, I am more comfortable being compared to Ellie Mae Clampett.   Oh well…this is only my second week of blogging and I am still new at it, but it is really fun.

Sit back and enjoy SomethingNewEachWeek – Post #2.

Allie

This is my very first post to my blog….SomethingNewEachWeek.com.  If you are interested in how this whole idea came to be, please check out the “About Me” section in the top header of my page.  Hopefully, you will find my blog to be interesting, humorous, and a nice place to spend some time.

Even though the world of blogging is new to me, I am determined and committed to share my weekly endeavors with anyone interested in reading about them.  While you are here, please consider my blog as a safe place where people can hang out, meet new friends, share some laughs, learn something new, and correspond with one another.

Okay….here we go!!  I wanted my first post to officially launch my site and decided to christen it by my partaking in my first “Something New Each Week” experience.  Since I have always wanted to take a class on wines (this will definitely be an upcoming topic), I decided to search the net for information on the “Top 10 Inexpensive Champagnes”.  Well, the first article that caught my eye was from About.com, written by Nina Callaway.

Tidbit:  Did you know that Champagne is produced exclusively within the Champagne region of France, from which it takes its name.  Some countries, such as the United States, have recognized the exclusive nature of this name, yet maintain a legal structure that allows certain domestic producers of sparkling wine to continue to use the term “champagne” under limited circumstances. The majority of U.S. produced sparkling wines do not use the term “champagne” on their labels and some states, such as Oregon, ban producers in their states from using the term as it can be confusing to consumers.  (Wikipedia)

So, after printing out my list, I headed to my local Dierbergs Market in search of any of the Sparkling Wines listed.  The confused look on my face soon caught the attention of distributor who just happened to be restocking in the Wine Department and asked me what I was looking for.  Relieved, I shared my list with him and the only one in the top 3 we could find was Barefoot Bubbly Brute Cuvee.  Since I know nothing about Champagnes/Sparkling Wines…whatever the correct name, I decided to go with this one.  Afterall, I like to walk around barefoot, so this had to be a positive sign. :)  I purchased my $11 bottle of bubbly and headed home to let it chill.  While waiting, I decided to start writing my first post to kick off my blog, and the rest is history.  I have included some photos to document my first new endeavor.

So, hopefully you now get the gist of what my blog is all about.  Most of my posts will include photos, short video or music clips, anything I learn how to upload.  Like I mentioned earlier, this is all new to me so please don’t read me the riot act if everything is not laid out perfectly. :)  I am 100% sure you are going to encounter a few typos and some language that is not grammatically correct.  If you are looking for blog perfection, you have definitely come to the wrong place.  I am certain, however, it will get better with time.  For now, I am just gonna enjoy the ride.  Hopefully, you will too.

Ceya next week!!

Allie