Houston Consumer Blog

Tips for throwing a football party on a budget

Instructions for carving a watermelon like a football helmet

Create football designed Rice Krispie treats

Cookies and chocolate covered strawberries become footballs

Thrift stores booming in Houston area

   

 

 

Hamm Store Humble

Hamm Store Kingwood

Cap Thrift Store

Dermatologist Budget Buys

 

Melissa A. Bogle, MD/Dermatologist

http://www.lasercosmetic.com/ls-drbogle.html

Cleansers:

1. Cetaphil
2. Purpose
3. Dove

Sunscreen:

1. For men:
2. For Women: Aveeno SPF 30

Make up with Suncreen:

1.  Saramay
2. Cetaphil
3. Neutrogena

Dry Skin:

1. Neutrogena Sesame oil

Eye Cream:

1. ROC retinol Correxion eye cream

Nighttime Cream:

1. Oil of Olay Reginerest

 

Is canning your own food worth it?

 

   

 

 

www.thediningdiva.com

 

Zesty Peach Chutney

Ingredients

2 lbs Peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (Frozen peaches will work, too)

1 lb Onions, chopped

3/4 Cups red wine vinegar

1/2 Cup Apple cider or juice

1/2 Cup Chopped, pitted dates

1/2 Cup Raisins

1 Habanero pepper, seeded and minced

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Ground ginger

1/4 tsp Ground cloves

1 Tbsp Mustard seeds

Grated peel and juice of 1 lemon

1 1/2 Cups Packed dark brown sugar

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine peaches with remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer until peaches and onions are tender, stirring occasionally for about one hour. Stir more often as mixture begins to thicken to prevent scorching. Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Secure lids and rings. Process for 15 minutes in a hot water bath. Great with pork or chicken!

 

Herbed Butter

Ingredients

1 Cup Unsalted butter, softened

3/4 tsp Salt

1 clove Garlic, pressed (optional)

6 Tbsp Finely minced fresh herbs

Directions

Mix together all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Roll into a cylinder on waxed paper or plastic wrap or spread in butter molds. Refrigerate until serving time.

 

 

Berry Infused Vinegar

Servings: 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 Pint Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries)

2 Cups Distilled white vinegar

Directions

Combine the berries and the vinegar in a nonreactive container. Crush the berries to release juices. (You can also puree the mixture in a blender or a food processor.) Cover, and let the mixture rest for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Strain the mixture through a double thickness of cheesecloth, gently pressing on the solids to extract as much of the juice and vinegar as possible. Discard the solids. Bottle the vinegar and tightly cap. The vinegar will keep about 6-8 months. I store mine in the refrigerator so it will be ready for salad dressings!

 

Hot Pickled Okra

Ingredients

3 1/2 lbs Small okra pods, washed and patted dry

3 1/2 Cups Water

2 1/2 Cups Vinegar (5% acidity)

1/2 Cup Canning (pickling) salt

1/2 Cup Sugar

12 Sprigs Fresh dill

4 tsp Dried dill seed

4 tsp Mustard seeds

2 tsp Celery seed

1 tsp Crushed red pepper

4 Cloves Garlic (or more!!), peeled and halved

4 Small Hot red peppers, halved lengthwise

Directions

Trim stems of okra pods. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. In the meantime, evenly divide the okra pods, fresh dill, dill seed, mustard seeds, celery seed, crushed red pepper, garlic, and hot peppers among the sterilized jars, packing okra pods in tightly.(I find it best to begin placing the okra pods in stem first, then poke the "pointy" ends down between them. This will allow you to get more into each jar.). Fill each jar with hot brine, leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe rims well, place lids on, then screw down bands. Place jars in rack and lower into boiling water. When water returns to a boil, place the lid on the pot, and process for 15 minutes. Remove carefully with jar lifters. Let cool, and check to be sure each jar is sealed.

 

 

Zucchini and Summer Squash Relish

Ingredients

1 lb Zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 lb Yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch dice

2 lbs Onions, diced

1 1/4 Cups Kosher salt

Cold water

3 Cups Distilled white vinegar (5% acidity)

1 Cup Sugar

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

1 tbsp Finely minced fresh rosemary

1 tsp Crushed red pepper

Directions

Toss the zucchini, yellow squash and onions with the salt in a large nonreactive container. Cover with cold water and let rest for 2 hours. Drain; rinse, twice and drain thoroughly. In a medium saucepan bring the vinegar, sugar, garlic, rosemary and pepper to a boil. Simmer until the sugar dissolves. Add the drained vegetables and boil 5 minutes. Divide among the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Process for 15 minutes in a hot water bath. Remove jars, let cool, and store for up to one year.

 

 

Online shopping can save you cash

   

 

Google Shopping: http://www.google.com/prdhp?hl=en&tab=ff

Coupon Cabin: http://www.couponcabin.com/

Coupon Code: http://couponcode.com/

Retail Me Not: http://retailmenot.com/

Trees Are In Need of Your Help During Drought

BY Randy Lemmon

http://www.facebook.com/pages/GardenLine-with-Randy-Lemmon/115129939929

I can't get my mind off the weather. I've been watching TV forecasts like a soap opera addict, waiting for a prediction that rain is on the way and that this drought will break. But slight possibilities or a few afternoon thundershowers won't make up for the nearly 20-inch rainfall deficit we are now enjoying. Even if tropical moisture on its way, it will never be enough to deep-root water all the trees in our area that are in such desperate need.

So, this week I hope I can encourage you to chip in and help some trees near you. We are going to lose many because of drought stress - we simply won't be able to save them all. In fact, we could experience one of the worst tree losses since Dust Bowl days of the 1930s. But let's at least save as many as we can. I and organizations like the Texas Forest Service and Trees for Houston are encouraging residents to water the trees around them, whether they own them or not. And, yes, it needs to be done even with the watering restrictions that have been imposed on many communities.

Damage from the current drought has been seen in exponential ways just in the past couple of weeks. And it's only going to get worse if some of us don't step in to help out. Otherwise, there could be an even more absurd domino effect that could go on for three years. I could write five more columns on how such a loss would reduce the environmental benefits of healthy tree canopies, not to mention the beauty of healthy trees in general.

So, here are some helpful tips about watering trees. Please help out where and when you can - especially with younger trees. Experts say a tree's first two years are crucial.

A rule of thumb during a drought is to give a small, one-year-old tree 28 gallons of water a week, a two-year-old tree 56 gallons a week, and a three-year-old 112 gallons a week.

Large, mature trees also need help. About 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter is recommended each week.

Don't waste your time or water on any tree that doesn't have at least some green in it right now. If it's completely brown, holding on to brown leaves, it's dead. No amount of moisture will bring it back to life.

To help save the urban forest, Trees for Houston recommends a deep, thorough soaking once a week during the growing season. A watering schedule that maintains a lawn in a drought is not adequate to maintain trees.

The key is a long, slow soaking, so water can penetrate deeply into the root zone. Options include:

•  Turning the hose on at just a little more than a trickle and letting water soak into the ground under the drip line or canopy until that area is saturated. Then, move the hose to another area and repeat.

•  Using soaker hoses.

•  Poking holes in the bottoms of five-gallon buckets and placing them beneath trees, then filling the buckets so the water slowly seeps into the soil.

•  Purchasing slow-release systems (right) such as Ooze Tube or Treegator, which tree experts say are especially beneficial for younger trees.

•  For homes with irrigation systems, and where no watering restrictions are in effect, it is recommended to run a second cycle so water can percolate deeper into the soil.

•  If your trees are so big, and the root systems so dense, that you can't auger holes (left) in the soil beneath them yourself, call a professional tree service today to start some deep-root feeding.

Healthy breakfast on a budget

 

   

 

 

Recipes:

French Toast

http://busycooks.about.com/od/breakfastmaindishes/r/freezefrentoast.htm

Egg Muffin

http://busycooks.about.com/od/breakfastmaindishes/r/eggmuffinsandwi.htm

Breakfast Burrito

http://busycooks.about.com/od/breakfastmaindishes/r/freezerburrito.htm

Bacon Hash brown Rollups

http://busycooks.about.com/od/porkentreerecipes/r/baconhashroll.htm

Do-It-Yourself Cleaning Recipes

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Items you will need:

• 1 Cup Borax (estimated cost is 25 cents)
• 1 Cup Baking Soda (estimated cost 33 cents)
• Large Mixing Bowl

Directions:

Mix equal parts Borax and Baking Soda in a large mixing bowl.  Mix until well combined.
This recipe will yield 14 uses.

**Use TWO tablespoons per load.
The cost to make this product is approximately 58 cents. Divide that by the number of uses (14) to get the cost per load/use -- 4 cents per load.

Homemade Scrubbing Powder

For this project you will need these items:

• 1 Cup 20 Mule Team Borax -- $2.99 per box (cost is 25 cents to use 1 cup out of the box)
• 1 Cup Baking Soda -- 66 cents per box (cost is 33 cents to use 1 cup out of box)
• 1 Cup Salt -- estimated the cost of 1 cup of salt to be around 19 cents
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring Cup

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl combine equal parts Borax, Baking Soda and Salt.  Mix together well.  Place contents in an air tight container when not using.
Total cost to make is 77 cents. 

How to make Homemade Laundry Detergent:

This recipe will make you 94 (one tablespoon) loads.  If you plan on using two tablespoons per load, then you will get 47 loads from this recipe.

For this project you will need these items:

• 1 Large Bar Laundry Soap -- 79 cents (found in the laundry detergent aisle)
• 1 Box 20 Mule Team Borax -- $2.99 per box (cost is 75 cents to use 1/4 of the box)
• 1 Box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda -- $2.29 per box (cost is 57 cents to use 1/4 of the box)
• Food Processor OR Cheese Grater
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring Cup

Directions: 

In the large mixing bowl, measure 3 cups of Super Washing Soda and 3 cups of Borax. Grate the whole bar of soap into small pieces.  This sounds hard, but the soap is very soft and easily grated. Place into the mixing bowl and mix all ingredients well.

Cost Breakdown:

Soap -- 79 cents

Borax -- used 75 cents worth

Super Washing Soda -- used 57 cents worth

Total cost to make is $2.11 to make 94 loads (one tablespoon) worth of Laundry Detergent.

 

Value of shuttle memorabilia going up

 

 

 

There is a   going on this saturday at the Hilton on Nasa Road One, from 9 to 4pm. They will appraise what you have and if you agree will sell it at an upcoming auction, after which you will be paid.

 

Imperfect finish latest nail polish trend

Shatter and Crackle

OPI Shatter: $10 at OPI Consultant Salons
Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat: $7 at Walgreens

 

Nail Polish Strips

Salon Hansen Salon Nail Effects Nail Polish Strips: $10 at Walgreens
The Minx Manicure that the nail strips are inspired by: $55 and up

 

Glitter

Deborah Lippmann “Boom Boom Pow”: $20 at Neiman Marcus
Sally Hansen Xtreme wear nail polish in “Set that Stage”: $4 at Walgreens

 

Pastels

Chanel “Mimosa”: $25 at the counter

 

Nail Art

Konad Stamping Set: $16 dollars online
Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens: $6 at Walgreens

Glitter

Deborah Lippmann “Boom Boom Pow”: $20 at Neiman Marcus
Sally Hansen Xtreme wear nail polish in “Set that Stage”: $4 at Walgreens

 

Pastels

Chanel “Mimosa”: $25 at the counter

 

Nail Art

Konad Stamping Set: $16 dollars online
Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens: $6 at Walgreens

Mortgage Assistance Program

 

For the millions of Americans who are out of work, or working far below their previous income level, paying their mortgage is a monthly challenge.

Now there is help on the horizon, but you do have to act fast.The Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program is a new program for unemployed or underemployed homeowners who behind on mortgage payments or are in foreclosure right now.

Rules for the program are available from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Money Management International is the local office handling the program.  On the right hand side of their website the words 'Apply Now' are written in green.  That link takes you to a 15 item questionnaire to let you know if you pre-qualify.

You can also call Money Management International at 877-329-2502.

Tips for Penny Auctions

Here are some tips if you participate in penny auctions:

*Make sure there's someone you can call if you receive unauthorized charges.

*Read the fine print about "free trial offers." How long do you have to cancel and how much are you charged?

*Be sure the amount you spend on bids is not more than cost of the product.

*Also use a credit card -- not a debit card -- for online purchases you're unsure about.  You have greater protections to dispute charges you paid for but did not get. 

Best Eye Creams for Your Buck

For “Stretch Your Dollar with Patricia Lopez”

Monday, April 25, 2011

 

Starring

Rachel Gower

Mod Squad

Cecelia Kerr

 

          There’s nothing quite like looking someone in the eyes with confidence, knowing that you look great. The eyes are one of the most problematic and highly visible spots on our body. There are a wide variety of cosmetics aimed at improving the precious tissue around our peepers. Rachel Gower and her squadron of beauty-philes have put numerous products through the ringer, and determined which ones deliver on their lofty promises.

 

Main Concerns About Eyes:

-         Dark Circles

-         Puffiness

-         Wrinkles

-         General signs of aging such as crow’s feet, dryness & sagging

 

Rollerballs to Combat Puffiness

 

There are three things you need to combat puffiness around the eyes:

1. Caffeine
2. Vitamin B
3. Coolness

 

Combining these three will help restrict the blood flow to the surface of your under-eye tissue, and keep your eyes looking refreshed and alert.

 

SPLURGE: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Express ($44 @ Neiman Marcus)

-         Has a rollerball applicator that easily dispenses the serum (rich in caffeine & vitamin B)

-         Leaves eye tissue refreshed and invigorated

-         Very handy, about the size of a pen

 

STEAL: Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller ($12 @ Walgreens)

-         Provides all the great benefits of the YSL product, minus the hefty price tag

-         Very cooling & hydrating

 

 

Dark Circles

Unfortunately, these babies are hereditary. If you’re born with them in your genetics, chances are they’ll just get darker with time & stress. We have yet to find an eye cream that effectively eliminates the problem of dark under eye circles. Here, you’re best served by spending less on your eye cream, and investing in a high quality concealer.

 

 

Anti-Aging Eye Creams

Retinol & Hyaluronic Acid- Power Duo

 

Probably the most promising of all eye creams combine retinol and hyaluronic acid to combat the signs of aging in the precious subcutaneous eye tissue. The retinol keeps cell turnover at a healthy rate, which will help decrease the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. With all that cellular activity going on, you’re going to need a powerful hydrator to keep the skin moisturized, which will ensure that you don’t experience dryness & flaking. Hyaluronic Acid is a very special ingredient in cosmetic formulations, because it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

 

SPLURGE: Jan Marini Age Intervention Eye Cream ($92 @ The Upper Hand)

-         Packed with retinol & hyaluronic acid

-         Helps resurface the eye area, while keeping it moisturized & glowing

-         Sinks in easily

-         Softens & hydrates the eye area

-         A little goes a long way!

 

STEAL: Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream ($21 @ Walgreens)

-         Contains the same active ingredients as the Jan Marini, yet it’s so much easier to work into your budget!

-         Lightweight, absorbs easily

-         After a couple weeks of using, the skin around your eyes will feel noticeably softer and plumper- who doesn’t want that?

 

STEAL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Roc Retinol Correction Sensitive Eye Cream ($17 @ Walgreens)

-         Contains retinol and hyaluronic acid

-         Slowly releases retinol over time, which helps prevent inflammation that many can experience when using a retinoid

-         A milder formula of the widely popular Roc Eye Cream, one of the most raved about drugstore eye creams on the planet

 

 

Peptides

If you find that retinol is too harsh for your skin, then you’re going to want to look into an anti-aging eye cream that contains peptides. These are essentially shorter chains of amino acid than collagen, which is naturally occurring in youthful skin. Peptides work by signaling for your skin to produce more collagen, carrying copper deep into your skin (which results in skin repair), and adding back firmness to sagging skin.

 

SPLURGE: Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Eye Cream ($100 @ Neiman Marcus)

-         Contains an ingredient called Elemi PFA, which restores tensin, a protein that is naturally occurring in skin that anchors cells and controls how they connect

-         Helps tighten & reinforce the skin

-         Very hydrating

 

STEAL: Roc Multi-Correxion Lift Anti-Gravity Eye Cream ($21 @ Walgreens)

-         According to the manufacturer, works around the clock to “fight the multiple signs of aging caused by the downward pull of gravity.”

-         Contains a proprietary “Protient Plus” blend of peptides to firm & tone the eye area

-         Has shea butter to aid in hydrating the eye area, which needs more hydration than the rest of your face

 

 

Budget-friendly rodeo attire for men

  

Buffalo Exchange 

(713) 523-8701

1618 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77006

 

Buffalo Exchange/HEIGHTS

(713) 868-2400

249 W 19th St

Houston, TX 77008

 

 

AND

 

FASHION RECYCLER

1629 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77006

(713) 529-7463

 

Rodeo accessories on a budget

 

 

Silver N Accessories Wholesale

6885-A, Harwin Drive,

Houston, TX 77036

(713) 952-0077

 

SW Trading Accessory Plaza

8000 Harwin Dr # 410

Houston, TX 77036

(713) 975-6714

http://www.accessoryplaza.com/ 

 

ANEW-U Boutique

13147 N.W. Frwy Suite 130

Houston, Texas 77040

(713) 462-6398

http://anewuboutique.com/

 

Selling old electronics? Protect your identity

 

 

 

AT&T

http://www.att.com/?WT.srch=1

 

Verizon

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html?CMP=KNC-PaidSearch&rf=google.com

 

T Mobile

http://www.t-mobile.com/

 

Sprint

http://www.sprint.com/

 

Cricket

http://www.mycricket.com/?CMP=KNC-Google08&gclid=COSW7f611qYCFQRubAodjHdbJA

 

Top Tech Experts/ Computer Repair and Sales

http://www.toptechexperts.com/

 

Inexpensive ways to care for your body during winter

In the winter, we’re faced with dry air, lower temperatures and wind. These elements can lead to serious problems with your hair & skin.

Here are some at home spa treatments and products below to help alleviate your cold weather worries. For more information about the experts featured in our report, head to http://www.estakronbergmd.com/ and http://www.theupperhand.com/

 

 

 

John Frieda Frizz Ease Smooth Start Conditioner                $7          

Garnier Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Hairspray                         $7          

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion                                      $8          

Nivea Smooth Sensation Daily Lotion for dry skin                $6          

Nivea Touch of Harmony Body Wash                                $6          

L’Oréal Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream                $14        

L’Oréal Ideal Skin Genesis High Potency Booster                 $10        

Blistex Deep Renewal Anti-Aging Treatment                        $4          

Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy                 $6          

Now Solutions Jojoba Oil (16 oz)                                      $45  at Whole Foods, but you can get it much cheaper online

 

 

1. HAIR

A big problem in winter is getting your hair to lay flat!

Static is a result of dry air interacting with hair strands, giving them a positive electric charge.

 

Combat static by infusing your hair with natural sources of moisture: Hot Oil Treatment with Jojoba

What you need

- 1 squirt bottle

- 3-4 oz Jojoba Oil

 

- Pour the jojoba oil into your squirt bottle

- Heat up the oil in the microwave

- Shampoo & rinse your hair as you normally would

- Squeeze the oil into your hair, running it through the mid lengths & ends

- Allow it to sit for just a minute

- Rinse with warm water

 

Jojoba oil is so great for hair because it’s the most similar to the natural oil produced by the scalp. In addition, it will:

 

- Prevent additional moisture loss

- Protect hair health

- Improve the condition of damaged hair

 

2. HANDS

Dryness+ Cold Weather + Excessive Washing= Cracked, Chapped Hands

Homemade Gentle & Moisturizing Exfoliator     

What you need

- Sweet Almond Oil

- Baking Soda

 

As an alternative to using harsh soaps that can dry out your skin, wash your hands with this Exfoliator:

- Place a small scoop of baking soda in your hand

- Add a splash of Sweet Almond Oil

- Add a splash of warm water

- Scrub your hands together

- Rinse with warm water

 

Here, the baking soda is removing dry, dead skin cells from the outer layer of your hands, as well as wiping away bacteria. The sweet almond oil is also fighting bacteria, as it has antimicrobial properties that make it an amazing, gentle disinfectant. Also, it’s rich in linoleic and essential fatty acids, so it will leave your parched skin feeling refreshed.

 

 

3. FACE

Step One: apply Apple Cider Vinegar to clean skin with a cotton ball and allow it to soak into the skin

 

The ACV will aid in restoring the protective acidic mantle that healthy skin has, and is often thrown off-kilter by alkaline soaps

 

Step Two: Apply a thin layer of Pure Aloe Vera Gel to the skin

 

Aloe Vera soothes and calms the skin, as well as helps reduce facial redness

Aloe Vera also helps regenerate & heal skin tissue

 

The use of ACV & Aloe Vera together has a synergistic effect: it gently sloughs off dead cells, restores the skin’s natural Ph balance, then soothes, heals, & regenerates the dry, chapped, and red areas

 

 

4. LIPS

- Exfoliate using a soft toothbrush

- follow by applying your choice of oil (Castor, Jojoba, Sweet Almond)

 

The toothbrush will gently slough off dry skin on the lips. The oil will absorb into the lips, allowing the skin cells to regenerate themselves while retaining moisture. Make sure to use enough oil to saturate your dry pucker!

 

 

3D home video!

It looks like the image is coming at you; It'll be available In March with a big price; More than $1,000 and you can only see the 3D on a 3D TV set.

Camera glasses

This one is set-up with a digital display, but where you see the screen, you'll see pictures that the camera has taken as you walk around.

Print your cellphone pics. How cool is that?

If you ever took a picture with an Instamatic camera, you will understand the latest line of inventions from Polaroid. The first is a printer that links wirelessly to your smart phone to allow you to print pictures on the go. If you have pictures on your phone that you really like, simply select it and send it to the portable printer and make as many copies as you like. The company is also displaying camera glasses. This thing takes pictures of what you are seeing and displays them on tiny screens on the front. I am told Lady Gaga wanted something odd, and clearly Polaroid delivered. The next thing is a digital camera that looks like the old Polaroid cameras that printed pictures instantly. This time it the instant prints are inside a digital camera. it looks like the old style camera but is modern day.

3DTV without glasses

The sets are not ready for conumers yet but they are drawing a crowd Sony and Samsung have the sets on display. Some folks like what they see. Others say more needs to be done to get the images to look like 3D with glasses

It's hard to see the 3D effect in a picture, but in person, this TV set shows great depth. At this stage, not much appears to come out at you, but some scenes were amazing.

The Avenger

It snaps onto your XBox 360 controller and allows better access to the features in the game. If you like call of duty, this game gives you better control over weapons and movement. It is already available online.

The Demy: A Kindle for the Kitchen?

Never bring your ipad or tablet computer into the kitchen. It's wet, it's got raw food, spills, stains; things that'll destroy your tech toy. Instead, take a look at the Demy, the cookbook of the future. It's is sort of like a kindle, only specific to cooking. The Demy lets you down load recipes. It's kitchen-safe and provides you with substitute ingredients, conversion charts and 3 timers.

Computer in a credit card

Take a look at this one. It's a credit card with a computer embedded in it. If you have multiple accounts, you can press the "1" button and use the card as a credit card, press "2" and you can use your debit card. Banks are currently issuing these cards to consumers. One card allows you to set a password before it can be used. The magnetic stripe rewrites itself each time you use the card which can prevent fraud. The company won a top award here at CES. They also won awards from Rice University.

The Smallest PC you've ever seen

Get ready for the smallest PC you have ever seen. The Xi3 is turning heads at this year's Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. It is about the size of a soda can and manufacturers say it can do everything your current PC can do without the tower. The device runs on a fraction of the power and can be upgraded so you won't have to buy a new computer every 3 years. It is pricey right now, 850 dollars, and it will not be widely available until March. [LEARN MORE]

More reports from Jeff Ehling at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Celebrate New Year's in style, without breaking your budget

Branch Water Tavern’s Evan Turner’s Picks for Sparkling Wine
German Gilabert Cava Brut Nature Reserva Non-Vintage $14
Reginato Blanc de Blanc 2006 $16
Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Non-Vintage Wine $18

Branch Water Tavern's David Grossmans Recipes

Truffle Parmesean Popcorn

 

Popcorn as needed

Parmesean grated with a micro plane

truffle oil as needed

salt to taste

 

Pop popcorn (you may use microwave if necessary).  Toss with other ingredients to taste.

 

****

 

Chilled mussels

 

30 mussels steamed open in white wine and chilled.  Remove from shells reserve shells and cooking liquid

 

for salsa fresca

 

2 ripe tomatoes fine dice

1 red onion fine dice

4 Tablespoon cilantro chopped

1 jalapeno seeded and fine dice

2 T lime juice

4 T mussel cooking liquid

salt to taste

tobasco to taste

 

Combine all ingredients.

 

Garlic Aioli

 

1 egg yolk

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoon mussel cooking liquid

salt to taste

white pepper to taste

 

combine all ingredient except oil in bowl.  slowly whisk in oil drop by drop

 

Assembly

 

put 1/2 teaspoon aioli into  30 shells, then top with a chilled mussel.  Top each mussel with 1/2 teaspoon salsa fresco.  serve chilled.

 

****

 

Lamb Albondigas

 

for the meatballs

 

1 # ground lamb

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

1 teaspoon Spanish paprika

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoom salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 

combine all ingredients.  form into meatballs about two ounces each

 

for the sauce

 

3 cups canned chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 red bell pepper chopped

1 clove garlic chopped

1 tablespoon Spanish paprika

3 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 

sweat peppers, onion, garlic together with salt and oil until very soft.  add chopped tomatoes and cayenne simmer for 30 minutes.  season to taste. This sauce may be pureed if a smoother consistency is desired

 

to finish.

 

gently simmer meatballs in sauce until cooked through, about 14 minutes. use rosemary skewers to serve if desired.  Serve warm.

 

***

 

Curry chicken skewers with raita

 

3 chicken breasts sliced and on skewers

curry powder as needed

canola oil as needed

salt as needed

 

rub skewered slices with salt, curry, and coat with oil.  Grill until cooked through.

 

raita

 

2 cups plain yogurt

1/4 cup English cucumber fine dice

3 Tablespoon red onion fine dice

1/4 cup mint chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

salt as needed

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 

combine all ingredients

For more information, visit the Branch Water Tavern website

The best price-comparing phone apps

 

 

 

Comparison Shopping Applications for your Smart Phone

• RedLaser
• PriceGrabber
• TheFind
• Scandit
• ShopSavvy

 

Score Shopping rewards with these Applications

• Shopkick
• Foursquare
• CheckPoints
• Brightkite

 

The year of the TV

As Paticia Lopez reported in Monday's Stretch Your Dollar segment, if a TV is on your holiday shopping list, there are great deals available.  And you can find some of the best deals by using some of these websites.

Price Drop Alert http://pricedropalert.com/

Price Pinx http://www.pricepinx.com/

 Price Grabber http://www.pricegrabber.com/

Hot Houston Jobs

Houston Community College offers more than 30 short-term career training certificates in the fastest growing job markets in the greater Houston area. You can increase your earning potential in as little as two to nine months.

Residential Wiring – Earn up to $27,000+
Truck Driving – Earn up to $33,000+
Law Enforcement Academy – Earn up to $40,000+
Fire Academy – Earn up to $42,000+
Emergency Medical Technician – Earn up to $35,000+
Medical Billing and Coding – Earn up to $16,000 - $27,000+
Certified Nurse Aide – Earn up to $20,000+
Phlebotomy Technician – Earn up to $8-$16 per hour
EKG Technician – Earn up to $8-$16 per hour
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator – Earn up to $32,000 to $52,000
Property Management – Earn up to $29,000+
Property Maintenance – Earn up to $26,000+
Human Resources – Earn up to $30,000
Child Development – Earn up to $30,000

Info provided by Dr. Gary Friery, dean of technical education at San Jacinto College North:

1. Cosmetology - Large increase in numbers of students of all ages. This includes traditional students as well as high school dual credit and older students, workers who are trying to switch fields after being laid off from their old careers and not finding work. There are jobs in this area now.
2. Electrical Technology - Increase in numbers of students of all ages. This includes traditional students as well as high school dual credit and older students, workers who are trying to switch fields after being laid off from their old careers and not finding work. There are jobs in this area now.
3. Automotive Collision - Increase in numbers of students of all ages. This includes traditional students as well as high school dual credit and older students, workers who are trying to switch fields after being laid off from their old careers and not finding work. There are jobs in this area now.
4. Welding - Increase in numbers of students of all ages. This includes traditional students as well as high school dual credit and older students, workers who are trying to switch fields after being laid off from their old careers and not finding work. There are jobs in this area now.
5. Diesel Technology - Large Increase in numbers of students of all ages. This includes traditional students as well as high school dual credit and older students, workers who are trying to switch fields after being laid off from their old careers and not finding work.
6. Health Information Technology - Large increase in numbers of students of all ages. This includes traditional students as well as high school dual credit and older students, workers who are trying to switch fields after being laid off from their old careers and not finding work. There are jobs in this area now.

7. Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - Increase in numbers of students of all ages. This includes traditional students as well as high school dual credit and older students, workers who are trying to switch fields after being laid off from their old careers and not finding work. There are jobs in this area now.

Halloween costumes made easy

 

 

 

-          Most of the make up materials used can be purchased at a local Halloween store for a low price (i.e. cream make up, face paint, gel blood, liquid latex)

-          All other materials can be found at a drug store (liquid foundations, eye shadow, bronzer, false eye lashes)

-          Dress items for the costumes can be purchased at a Walmart or Target (whether you decide to buy a “costume in a bag”, come up with your own makeshift version for cheaper)

 

Snooki:

 Materials:

-          Orange and brown face paint

-          Bronzer

-          Smoky eye shadows (black, grey, etc)

-          Black eye liner

-          False Lashes

How To:

1. Mix 1 part orange face paint and 1 part brown face paint and apply all over the face (leaving the eyelids bare)
2. Use a powder bronzer all over the face to set the paint
3. Use dark eye shadows and black eye liner to create a dramatic smoky eye
4. Apply false lashes

To complete the look:

-          Leopard dress

-          Over exaggerated hair “poof” (or Snooki wig)

-          Heels

-          Oversized sunglasses

-          Candy sucker of some kind

Quick tip:

* imitate Snooki’s signature “bling sunglasses” by making your own at home.  Use any old pair of sunglasses and apply rhinestones (can be purchased at any craft store) all over the glasses with craft glue.

 

Edward Cullen:

Materials needed:

-          white face powder

-          black, cream, grey, and deep purple colored eye shadows

-          fake gel blood

-          face shimmer (optional)

How to:

1. Apply white face powder generously to the entire face.
2. Use the deep purple and grey eye shadows under the eyes to create the illusion of dark circles
3. Use the grey, black, and cream colored eye shadows to exaggerate the contours of the face (primarily the cheek bones, for a “sunken in” look)
4. Apply the fake blood to the corners of the mouth. Let it drip for a realistic effect.
5. Since Edward’s skin glistens when he is in the sunlight, you can dust some shimmer all over your face if you would like.

 

Complete the look:

-          gold contacts

-          fangs

-          dark colored jeans, tee, and hoodie

Tip:

*create your own blood at home with items found in the pantry: ½ cup corn syrup, spoonful corn starch, red food coloring, add a few drops of blue for a deeper color

Things to keep in mind:

-          the fake blood (whether it be home made or store bought) will stain your clothes, so be careful when applying it.

Old Lady:

Materials:

-          liquid latex

-          liquid foundation (that matches your normal color)

-          cream makeup (both a few shades darker, and a few shades lighter than your natural color)

-          face powder

How to:

1. Apply a thick layer of latex to the entire face (being sure to avoid getting latex on your eyebrows and avoid getting too close to the hair line or eye area) Let dry. (try to not make any facial expressions while latex is drying)
2. Apply a second layer of liquid latex, but this time in smaller sections. As the latex is drying, begin making exaggerated facial expressions (raised eyebrows, frown, smile, wink, etc) and hold the expression until the latex is dry (this creates lines). Repeat until the entire face is complete.  (Example: apply a layer to the forehead and then raise your brows as the latex dries to create forehead wrinkles)
3. Apply liquid foundation over the entire face
4. Make the same exaggerated facial expressions as before, and use the darker and lighter cream makeup to draw in expression lines.
5. Slightly smudge the lines using your fingers
6. Set the makeup with a layer of face powder
7. Apply brightly colored eye shadow, blush, and lipstick (like, blue and bright pink)

Complete the look:

-          oversized nightgown

-          head scarf

-          grey wig/grey spray on hair color

-          slippers

-          glasses

Tips:

*instead of buying a wig or using spray on hair color, use generous amounts of baby powder to give the hair a dull, ashy look

*wear a turtle neck to hide the “un-aged” skin on your neck.

 

Things to keep in mind:

-make sure you do NOT have an allergy to latex before trying this look.  If you aren’t sure, perform a small patch test (example: the back of your hand, anywhere BUT your face) and wait 24 hours.

-the latex will adhere to any facial hair you may have (peach fuzz, eye brows, hairline, and for guys: beards, etc), so avoid these areas. To remove from hair, just apply generous amounts of baby oil, mineral oil, or any oil-based makeup remover.

Lady Gaga:

Materials:

-          Lightning stencil

-          Black eye liner and eye shadow

-          Bright colored eye shadow of your preference (example: bright blue, neon green hot pink, etc)

-          False lashes

-          Glitter (optional)

How to:

1. Apply your face makeup as normal
2. Place the stencil on the face and outline with black eye liner
3. Color in the lightning bolt (leaving the eyelid uncolored).  Set the color with the black eye shadow
4. Apply the bright colored eye shadow over both entire eyelids
5. Apply false lashes.
6. If you want to make your lightning bolt “bling”, add glitter

Complete the look:

-          blonde wig

-          crazy Gaga outfit

-          heels

-          oversized sunglasses

 

Tips:

• create your own stencil at home by cutting it out of a regular piece of paper
• instead of purchasing the “Gaga in a bag” costumes, make your own by just wearing a black leotard, a black hoodie, and heels

Gunshot victim:

Materials:

-          gel blood

-          red/black/maroon cream makeup

-          special effects facial molding wax

-          button attached to a string

-          liquid latex

-          liquid foundation

How to:

1. Apply a thin layer of latex to the area you wish to create bullet hole.  Stick the button in the latex and hold firmly in place until the latex dries
2. Use the molding wax and place it around the edges of the button (being sure to leave the string free.)
3. Blend the edges of the wax into the skin to hide any lines of demarcation.
4. Apply another layer of liquid latex on top of the molding wax. Let dry.
5. Use the liquid foundation to cover the wax.
6. Grab the string and pull the button straight way from face. (The pulling of the button creates the “blown away” look of the skin.)
7. Paint the inside of the hole with the darker colored cream make up (black, maroon) Use the lighter red to paint the edges of the wound.
8. Smudge a little bit of the dark colors around the outside of the wound to create a “bruised” look.
9. Apply the gel blood to the inside of the wound. (let it drip to give it a more realistic look)

Complete the look:

-          Use a white face powder all over the face and dark shadows to create circles under the eyes.  This will give a “dead” look.

-          Cut some holes in a plain white tee and outline the edges of the holes with fake blood. (be sure to let it dry completely before wearing it.)

Tip:

• Use the same technique to create a vampire bite.  Just use two smaller buttons side by side instead of one medium sized one.

Tips and tricks from:

Eden Turtur & Paula Guerrero

The Upper Hand