On Vacation..

I am on vacation for this week...will be back soon!!

This toddler is smarter than I....

Use it again ...and again..

I think we have lost the art of multi tasking. Not at work, we have mastered doing entirely too many things all at once, but the art of reusing objects and giving it more than one use. I realized I had when I looked in my laundry room and saw 5 different types of detergent. One for baby clothes, one organic kind, one for sensitive skin, one for smelly clothes and bleach to top it off. That is RIDICULOUS! By my plethora of detergent I also found 2 laundry bags (next to my two laundry baskets). I was determined to get them out of there but I HATE throwing things away! I knew I could/should get creative about another use for this mesh laundry bag. Well...the toys in the kids bathroom is out of control and I almost bought a net online the other day to wrangle them all together...hmmmm. So I found a rogue suction cup and up went the mesh laundry bag and all of the toys. I know it may sound silly, but I felt like I just helped the environment by not tossing it out and just saved myself some dough by not buying the net for the bath toys. It's the little things in life isn't it? So this week, don't toss out that extra baby shampoo. Reuse it! Did you know you can wash your delicates with baby shampoo? You can even clean your delicate wood furniture with it! There are a million uses for everything we have, we just need to get creative. Leave a comment and share your reusable tips!

I See London I See Francie Pants

I wish I had a pair of these as a girl! I was a bit of a Tom Boy and most of the time you could find me up a tree, in the grass or doing cartwheels. Unfortunately, that meant my skirt was either at my waist or over my head. With Francie Pants you have full coverage and it doesn't hurt that they are ADORABLE! They have really beautiful bold prints that girls will love! So spin, climb, jump and twirl as much as you like....you won't mind if someone sees your Francie Pants! Click HERE to link to their site!!

Scary Secrets About Your Dentist!!

We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year at the dentist, but do you ever check their qualifications? Here are some scary secrets you may not know about your dentist:





Secret #1: Your dentist may not be as educated as you think.

Secret #2: Your dentist may not have the latest technology.

Secret #3: Your dentist may be using mercury.

Secret #4: The lab may be more important than your dentist.

Secret #5: There's more to good dentistry than filling cavities.

Secret #6: You are probably using the wrong specialist for dental implants.

Secret #7: Bad dental advice about dentures can be fatal!

Secret #8: Your dentist may not know enough about sleep apnea.

Secret #9: Not all cosmetic dentists have the skills to really improve your smile.

Secret #10: How to avoid the root canal your dentist says you need.

Check out this article to learn more!

Vintage Italian Finds!!!

In the US it is so much fun to go to the large outdoor flea markets and antique stores and find all of sorts of old treasures and beautiful new handmade goods from crafters! I have always loved to go, but when I stumbled upon one here in Italy about nine months ago I was BLOWN away! I use to think a chair or table from the 1950’s was a great find, oh no. That’s recent history for Europe and at these antique / crafters markets you can find things from the 1500’s on up. Now, pick your jaw up off the floor! You do pay a pretty penny for those antiques but there are also some unbelievable deals to be had. I have had so much fun shopping I thought I would bring these great finds and beautiful craftsmanship to you. I am starting a section at The Dapper Darling called Vintage Italian Finds. Click here to check out the wonderful pieces I’ve gotten so far!

Half Round

Have an old table? Make it chic again even if its missing a leg or two! Check out Martha Stewart's craft of the day! Click here!! This is a great space saving idea as well for a tight corridor or foyer!

Coldplay cover band sounds eerily like the original!

McDonald's new web-site

Are business decisions like McDonald's new website called 365Black.com, which is a site exclusively for black achievement, hurting or helping our communities? Is it creating lines between it's employees races or bringing all closer together? Should they have a web site for every race? Check it out here and tell us what you think!

www.365black.com

Step Aside Warhol...

Thinking about having a portrait done of mans best friend but you don't want your friends to think you're NUTS!?! Check out these adorable custom pet portraits done a la pop art. They are really cute and affordable! The artist is very flexible with colors, sizes and most animals. Be a trend setter and have your Irish setter put in a painting!! CLICK HERE to link to the artists site.

Ok....You are just too old!

Remember when you saw Dylan McKay in the original 90210 Beverly Hills for the first time and even though he looked like he was in his 30's they still cast him to play a high schooler? Why is it that these Hollywood producers have such a hard time casting realistic teens? Check out this list of other unconvincing movie teens!

What Recession? Panera releases $17.00 Lobster sandwich

When everyone else cuts back, Panera steps it up! Sales have increased by 20 mil in the second quarter and they continue to soar. Read this article about their new direction and LOBSTER sandwich.

Viva Margarita!

Summer is coming to an end but that doesn't mean the party has to... try this delicious recipe from the VIVA MARGARITA book available at The Dapper Darling.

Tijuana Taxi:
6 ice cubes
2 ounces reposado tequila
2 ounces fresh tangerine juice
1 ounce sweet & sour
1 ounce cointreau

Chill a 6 oz cocktail glass and rim with superfine sugar or lemon zest
Add ice to a cocktail shaker,then add the tequila, tangerine juice, sweet & sour and cointreau. Shake vigorously to blend and chill.

Pour the mixture into the chilled glass. Garnish the rim of the glass with a tangerine wheel, if you like and serve.

CLICK HERE to buy!

I MISS........

Moving to Italy has been an amazing experience that has lit up my soul and senses! I do miss the United States, however, and it’s hard for me to admit what I miss most (besides family of course). I miss MEXICAN food. I miss the cheap joint down the street with frozen margaritas and a white sauce to die for. I miss the crunchy salty chips and flour tortillas. I miss the refried beans and mystery cheese on top. Well to quench my thirst I have to make my own at home because you won’t find Mexican food in Italy! This recipe is amazing and given to me by a friend that shares the Mexican love! Try this one at home!

Rachel says:
After a week of eating out I need a change of pace. Mexican is always my go to when I'm in a pinch. This fresh recipe for Tostadas Salsa Verde comes from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food back in 2006. It's a favorite in my house and perfect to make if you have left over chicken. Mix up a margarita and enjoy!

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/tostadas-salsa-verde

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Is your living room "stuck" in the past? Reboot with these hysterical pillows from diffractionfiber at Etsy. They are even eco friendly and made of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Its a great geek gift!

Diffractionfiber has a ton of unique pillows and creative gifts! They even have a "made for each other" set of pb & j bread slices that can be personalized. What a cute wedding shower gift this would be! Check them out by CLICKING HERE!