Velevet, burnout

Makin' that Money

Great article on finances from MSN Money.

I have been struggling with trying to pay rent, bills, groceries, going out, etc. and figuring out what I should be spending where, it's about as pleasant as walking into a midterm unprepared and sleep deprived. However this great article lays out, how to get your expenses in check. They follows a 50,30, 20 rule. The program was developed by Harvard Bankruptcy professor Elizabeth Warren and her daughter Amelia Warren Tyagi.

Basically:

50% of your income (after taxes)/budget goes to must haves: groceries, bills, rent.

30% goes to: vacations, gifts, entertainment and clothes

20% to savings.

I know what you're thinking... yea, right. But for when you feel like taking the step towards responsibility, this is the info for you!

image from lifesip.com

Music Mania

Also on the Post-site, was introduced to the pop-tastic Brit singer, Pixie Lott. Have you heard her, she's fantastic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81-eLoXKMaE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs%2Enypost%2Ecom%2Ffashion%2F&feature=player_embedded

The Brits have a great 60's power voice thing coming from their shores. Pixie seems to be following the music trend set by Amy Whinehouse, except you know she does Brigitte Bardot instead of the Wicked Witch of the West thing. Also good to note is her potential to be the next young pop-sensation ala the dizzying hey-day of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in the late 90's with none of the hassle of denying her vixen look, since this girl is of age.

Just discovered

New fashion blog to follow, it's fun to hear about stuff on the other side of the country.

http://blogs.nypost.com/fashion/

Coffee to Couture

Such a great idea! this article talks about how a Taiwan based company is using coffee grounds as part of the raw material for clothing. combined with a coconut derivative, the fabric is UV proof, wicks moisture away and is breathable, they are marketing it into a sportswear line. So mart! Really, sustainable materials should be more heavily invested in, it would create a new product that would be well received on the market, help reduce waste, and create opportunity for jobs in marketing and producing new industry. Go read the coffee into clothes article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/27/clothes-coffee

Bikini-tini Babe

Hi all so I was exploring all the tweets in Twitter-ville and I came across this great post by anewmode-- Easy Tips to Get Your Body Bikini Ready... she has great ideas like switching to Stevia instead of using artificial sweeteners like Splenda. I actually have been on a non-artificial sweetener kick for the last few weeks and like the results, but something that is sweet and better than sugar, well sign me up! Was looking into Stevia a few weeks ago too, found out it's a natural sweetener with an apparently low glycemic index, see the anewmode article for more info. I was trying to figure out a way to make an incredibly low calorie cocktail and came across the apparent wonder sweetener and Kimberly Snyder's tips in the anewmode article further compels me to check it out. Luckily I just saw that the local Henry's on Governor carries it as a bulk item, so I'm going to be sure to snag some and see what I can concoct!

Also go ahead and click on the text, they provide links to the articles about Stevia, the anewmode blog and the Bikini Body!

ps. how cool is the photo I found here??: http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/02_03/cocktailL_468x710.jpg

Dinner Time- Braised Pork Chops with Summer Peach Cilantro Salsa

So I bit the bullet and decided to try cooking meat today, My local grocery store had a special on pork chops, so off I went to market to get my little piggies. My dad gave me a super easy way to cook it, all you do is

• heat a skillet or pan with enough oil to cover the bottom, I used canola
• then rub salt and pepper to taste on each side of the pork chop.
• Once the pan is really hot (I'm talking high heat) braise for about 2 minutes on each side
• Then depending on the thickness of the chop cover and turn down heat to about medium-low
• Once cooked through, i.e. no pink, it's ready

While my meat was cooking I finely diced a peach and some cilantro, maybe about 3/4 a cup and put them in a bowl, then I added some lemon juice, about a tablespoon of brown sugar and some salt and pepper for taste (not too much since you've also put it on your pork chop). Mix together and serve with the pork chop. Pair with a nice cold glass of white wine, and kick up your feet as you enjoy the tastes of summer!