Citrus Squeezer

Ok, you might think this isn't necessary in the kitchen...  BUT, I think I lack the ability to squeeze a lemon or a lime without causing it to go in every direction (or in someone's eye)!   So while I was at Bed, Bath & Beyond, I picked one up that was about 3 or 4 dollars...

I love it!  I cut the lemons down so they fit in this cheaper squeezer, but I think I am getting more juice out of the fruit this way & I am preventing the mess I made the other way!  This one is a keeper!

A Better Salt?

I have picked up several tips from nutritionist Kimberly Snyder & her book, The Beauty Detox Solution.    One of best tips I have found was to change my salt!   I know it sounds silly, but she explains why here on her blog.  My husband actually thinks it tastes better than sea or kosher salt!   (that is saying a lot)    She also recommends the Himalayan Pink Salt in her book, but I prefer the Celtic in my recipes and dishes.   I found both at Whole Foods, but Trader Joe's in Atlanta only carries the Himalayan.   Here are some pictures of them which might make it easier to find: 

All New Look at Shampoo...

I have had a problem with tangles for years!   To the point where if it is growing out, I have it cut to a bob length every time.   I also have a very sensitive scalp which some conditioners leave too much residue.    I actually turned to YouTube for this one... and found this video where the girls describes the difference between shampoo that contains sodium lauryl sulfate (bad) vs sodium laureth sulfate (good).  I bought the Dove & Aveeno shampoo brands that she mentions...  

Love the difference!   I don't even use conditioner anymore!   I can tell a huge difference in the texture of my hair & scalp.   Now I use my Aveda Shampure as body wash!

The Blog is Getting a New Spin

Ok, so I don't travel enough to make my focus on the blog just about travel tips.  I am not leaving that topic completely...   However, I will be adding tips & tricks I have learned about skin care, diet, food substitutions, & other everyday topics!   I will basically be highlighting all the top suggestions I have found on twitter, blogs, & other advice from friends.   I am excited because I think everyone should have this knowledge at their fingertips! Here goes...

Belle of the Blog: Enjoy Applebee's New Unbelievable Under 550 Calorie Entrées for Free

Belle of the Blog: Enjoy Applebee's New Unbelievable Under 550 Calorie Entrées for Free

New Year Resolution...

I miss my Blog!!   I haven't even posted about our October trip to England...    Besides a fantastic time with old friends and family, we were able to use SkyMiles to pay for our room in London.  Unfortunately, it used all my skymiles and I have been trying to rebuild my account with surveys from e-rewards and American Express.   I wish I could find a way to get paid to travel since we practically fly for free....   More pictures and details about England soon!

Did we make our budget of $150 for 3 days...??

Ok, so we went a little over our budget....

We spent $230 (with train tickets) which is still pretty good!   We had a few things that put us over the top.   I had a nightmare that I ordered a bottle of water that was $10....  oh yea, we did.    Another way to save is to buy single tickets for the rail system.   You really don't need a 3 day pass for the train/tram/bus.   Including the airport transfers, we only rode the rail system 4 times and at a $1 a ride, we could have saved about 20 dollars.   This being said, a couple times I wasn't sure where you could buy a 1 way pass especially for the tram.  By the way, we got checked 2 times for our tickets.    I was aware this could happen, but one time the guy was in plain clothes and his "license" is a metal type coin attached to his belt!    Not what I was expecting!

We probably could have cut back on the beer, but what fun would that of been?  This picture was taken at the Strahov Monastery.   One of my favorite places!   It did cost a little more for food and drink, but the views were worth every penny.  

The food was usually pretty reasonable in price, but it is all so rich in flavor that you will eat less than you expect.   The summer market in Old Town Square was a great resource for local cuisine...  You could buy kielbasa, chicken kabobs, crepes and other local favorites for $2-5.   

These were open whenever we went buy and you could buy local souvenirs and handmade jewelry.
  Look at the blacksmith and his children... adorable!    The people watching on Old Town Square was phenomenal...   Watch out for the homeless people digging through trash!    They will eat whatever they find right in front of you...  ;)   More on the hot spots to check out in my next post!