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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Google Friend Connect (GFC) Going Away

As you may already know that Google Friend Connect (GFC) will be retiring beginning March 1, 2012. It is sad to know that I may lose some of you followers. If you aren't already following me using any of the social media sites below, please do so you can stay up-to-date with my posts and giveaways. Thanks everyone!

Google+
Twitter @jennieyuen
Jen's Review & Giveaways on Facebook
The Art of Jennie Yuen on Facebook
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No More Google Friend Connect (GFC)

Many of you alreayd know that Google Friend Connect (GFC) will no longer be available starting tomorrow March 1, 2012. Please follow me via Google+ or you can follow me via other methods listed below:

Twitter @jennieyuen
Jen's Review & Giveaways on Facebook
The Art of Jennie Yuen on Facebook
Pinterest
Subscribe by Email



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Project 366 (Year 2012): Day 60 - Riverfront Park

Day 60 of Project 366 (February 29, 2012)
Happy leap day everyone! It's been a strange day today: woke up to a surprise slushy snow weather, then rained (which washed away the snow), then sunny in the late afternoon. Took a drive around Riverfront Park and took this snapshot.


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Smallville Roleplaying Game

I just picked up a copy of the Smallville Roleplaying Game. I'm a huge fan of the show and I enjoy RPG games. The book has about 216 pages with lots of great detail and pictures. The rules are easy to understand. I'm really happy that I got this book.



Description:

Heroes may arise from the ashes of tragedy or the ruins of deceit, but in our darkest hour, can they set aside their differences and save the world? Who do you fight for? What is your destiny? SMALLVILLE tells the ongoing story of one of the most iconic of super heroes, his friends, his family, and his foes. In the SMALLVILLE ROLEPLAYING GAME you may take up this story for yourself, or forge a new path with heroes and villains of your own.

Based on the newest incarnation of the award-winning CORTEX SYSTEM, the SMALLVILLE RPG brings to life the drama, intrigue, and action of the hit television series from The CW. This rulebook features complete rules for creating and playing your own Lead Characters in the world of SMALLVILLE, in addition to a full lineup of heroes, antagonists, locations, and superpowers drawn from the show. All you need to play the SMALLVILLE RPG is this book, a set of dice, and your friends.


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Free Sneaker Giveaway by Del Monte Fresh Produce

In an effort to motivate people to get healthy by exercising and eating more fruits and vegetables, Del Monte Fresh Produce will give away 500 pairs of sneakers, from March 1 to 31, to Del Monte Fresh Produce Facebook fans.

The "500 Sneaker March Giveaway," hosted on the Del Monte Fresh Produce Facebook page, will randomly award 500 sneakers to 500 Del Monte Facebook fans who enter the contest.

All entrants will be encouraged to sign a pledge to exercise at least three times a week for thirty minutes and, as the USDA recommends, make half their plate fruits and vegetables.

Del Monte Fresh Produce is committed to providing consumers with quality fresh fruits and vegetables, which are key components in leading a healthy lifestyle. The "500 Sneaker March Giveaway" was created as a way to encourage Del Monte Fresh Produce fans to exercise as well.

Each week, during the entire month of March 2012, 125 randomly selected eligible US and Canadian consumers that enter the contest, will each be awarded a $75.00 gift card to Foot Locker to purchase a pair of sneakers.

For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/delmontefreshproduce


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Master Chef Helene An's Pho: Not Your Grandmother's Chicken Soup

Mama An’s Pho is the new five-star staple of her immunity boosting menu. According to the New York Times, as of Friday February 24th it’s official, "Flu Season is starting…" What better way to ward off the ills of winter than with the hand-crafted, rich in anti-oxidants Chef Helene An’s Pho (this is not your Grandma's Chicken Soup!). While like the traditional chicken soup Chef Helene’s pho is synonymous with good health, its immunity boosting properties have also been scientifically documented and formally vetted by a dietitian for its immunity enhancing ingredients. The heady chicken broth, chewy rice noodles, sweet spices and scintillating herbs make pho not only one of her most popular dishes -- it is also a staple during the flu season due to its immunity boosting properties.

Chef Helene’s Pho ingredients include:

Onions: Recognized by WHO, the onion has the ability to help relieve symptoms of the flu such as coughs, congestion, and respiratory infections

Ginger: In traditional Asian medicine, ginger has been used as one of the principal herbs to treat a “cold” as it improves blood flow and decreases symptoms of respiratory infections such as the common cold

Garlic: Serves as an antiviral and antibacterial on contact, as shown in many studies, and is ALSO an immune system booster in its own right

In combination, the herbs and spices elemental to Chef Helene’s pho create an intense bodily heat, which results in a natural outbreak of sweat, which in turn rids the body of toxins and other flu symptoms. Yes, Helene’s Pho is the antidote to much of what ails us all during the cold winter months! An added bonus is that pho regularly offer diners myriad options to personalize their bowls of pho: onions, scallions, cilantro, fresh lemon leaves, basil, and Serrano chili peppers- and the herb and spice list goes on. So sit back, relax and let Chef Helene’s Pho work its healthy magic—(just like Grandma’s chicken soup, only better!)


Here's the recipe:
___________________________________
Phở Gà

For the soup
Enough stock and chicken for 5-6 bowls
3-4 pound organic free-range chicken with offal, and 2-3 pound of chicken bones
1 large onion peeled and cut in half
8 large cloves of garlic
65 grams of fresh ginger sliced in half lengthwise (about 3″ length)
roots and stems of 1 bunch of cilantro
3 whole star anise
2″x1″ piece of cassia bark (a.k.a. Saigon Cinnamon)
1/2 teaspoon cracked white pepper
80g yellow rock sugar (light brown sugar also works)
2 and 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)

For serving
for 5-6bowls of phở
20 ounces dried phở noodles or fresh rice noodle
1/2 small onion, very thinly sliced
2 scallions, chopped
chopped cilantro (about 1/2 cup), fresh lemon leaves, basil, bean sprouts
4 serrano chili peppers sliced thin (bird chilies or jalapenos work too)

1) Wash the chicken inside and out, including any offal it comes with and set aside. Using a broiler, torch, or a gas stove, burn the cut side of the onion, both sides of the ginger and both sides of the garlic. If you have some wire mesh you can set it on the gas stove for the garlic, otherwise a torch works great for these. You want the surface to be about 50% black as it adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the soup without making it bitter.

2) Put the neck, gizzards, heart and liver inside the chicken. Place the chicken breast side up and the chicken bones into a stock pot just a little larger than the chicken, then put all the other ingredients for the soup around the chicken. Add water until the top of the breast is almost covered. Cover with a lid and bring the water to a boil over high heat. When the water comes to a boil, skim off the excess fat and impurities on the top then turn the stove to low heat (do not remove the lid), and poach the chicken for 30 minutes.

3) Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. When it’s cool enough to handle, remove the offal from the cavity and set aside. Carve all the meat off the bones and return the bones to the stock. Simmer the stock for another 1 1/2 hours. Slice up the chicken meat and offal and put it in the fridge.

4) Soak the dried pho noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them. Chop up your condiments and have them ready.

5) When your broth is done, strain it through a fine mesh sieve and skim off any excess oil. Taste the soup for salt and add more as necessary.

6) Bring the stock to a boil and in a separate pot bring water to a boil to rehydrated noodles, will cook in a matter of seconds, so a couple swishes is all it takes. Split the noodles into bowls and top with chicken, offal, onions, scallion and cilantro to taste, then ladle on the hot broth.


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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Project 366 (Year 2012): Day 59 - Bird House

Day 59 of Project 366 (February 28, 2012)
Went to the library at Renfrew Community Park and noticed this bird house up in a tree as we were leaving.


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Project 366 (Year 2012): Day 58 - Golden Eagle

Day 58 of Project 366 (February 27, 2012)
Close-up / Macro shot of a 24K gold eagle pendant.


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Ring in Spring with NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

Give spring a warm welcome with the NUVO Springtime Martini, a lush way to celebrate the season. Created with NUVO Sparkling Liqueur, this refreshing and decadent cocktail will help you bid goodbye to the cold winter months and usher in the new season in style. The recipe is below:



NUVO Springtime Martini
½ part vodka
¼ part Cointreau
A splash of cranberry juice

*Serve in a martini glass, top off with NUVO, and garnish with a lime – enjoy!




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BeeSavy Founder To Be Guest on LTDMom Radio Thursday at 10AM EST


We’ve been talking a lot lately about BeeSavy.com, a new approach to cash back sites that rewards you for referring your friends with referral cash back. BeeSavy is really catching on within the deal space and mainstream media alike. If you’ve been wondering what BeeSavy is all about, be sure to tune in to Living The Dream Mom Radio with Nina Frye this Thursday, March 1st at 10am EST. Nina is going to have BeeSavy founder Robert Honer as her special guest. Topics will include how to use BeeSavy, how it works, and how to earn money referring others to BeeSavy. In addition, listeners will be able to call in live and ask questions on the air.



To learn more about BeeSavy and to join this blog’s BeeSavy team, please visit www.beesavy.com.

To tune into the show on Thursday at 10am EST, please visit LTDMom Radio.

There will also be a small giveaway to be awarded during the show.


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Monday, February 27, 2012

Book Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns novel is Beth Revis' second book in the Across The Universe Trilogy from New York Times Bestselling Author.

Description:

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

My Review

This hardcover novel has an amazing storyline and it draws me into it the more I get into each chapter. I'm quite a big sci-fi fan and this was such a really extraordinary book to read. A Million Suns continues from where Across The Universe left off. The mystery and the twisted plot will keep the readers wanting more. It was late one night and I didn't want to put the book down. I just had to find out what happens next.

Where to Buy: The book can be purchased at local bookstores, on Penguin Group Website, or through Amazon.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Revis lives in rural North Carolina with her husband and dog, and believes space is nowhere near the final frontier. Across the Universe is her first novel.

She grew up in western North Carolina reading CS Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle. Her debut novel, a sci fi novel for teens who don't like sci fi, is ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (Penguin). The first of a trilogy, it tells the story of a girl born of Earth but cryogenically frozen for a centuries-long trip across the universe and the boy born on the ship who she meets when she's woken up fifty years too early. The sequel, A MILLION SUNS, will be published in January 2012, followed by the third in the trilogy in 2013.



Disclosure: I received a copy of the mentioned book in exchange of my review in this post. Thanks to razOrbill. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.



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Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Description:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Clay Jensen doesn't want anything to do with tapes Hannah Baker made. Her secrets should be buried with her. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. All through the night, Clay keeps listening. He follows Hannah's recorded words throughout this small town. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face.

My Review:

I am telling you that this book is compelling and mesmerizing. It has a really good suspense. What Clay discovers, from Hannah's tape, changes his life forever. As soon as Clay finds a shoebox full of cassette tapes, he quickly rushes to an old cassette player to listen to the mysterious tapes. He would continue to listen to find answers and why he was one of the reasons that Hannah committed suicide. I find the story somewhat emotional and you'll have to read the book to feel what Clay is going through.

Where to Buy: The book can be purchased at local bookstores, on Penguin Group Website, or through Amazon.com.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jay Asher has worked at an independent bookstore, an outlet bookstore, a chain bookstore, and two public libraries. He hopes, someday, to work for a used bookstore. When he is not writing, Jay plays guitar and goes camping. Thirteen Reasons Why is his first published novel.



Disclosure: I received a copy of the mentioned book in exchange of my review in this post. Thanks to razOrbill. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.



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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Project 366 (Year 2012): Day 57 - Origami Rose

Day 57 of Project 366 (February 26, 2012)
Blue origami rose made with special shiny paper.


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Recipe Challenge Winner

Some of you might have remembered my previous post on the Million Dollar Sauce Contest hosted at Dave's Gourmet.



Retiree Squashes the Competition in Recipe Challenge
Curried Butternut Squash Dip to Join Dave’s Gourmet Lineup

A retired recipe developer who never stopped playing with her food won the national Dave’s Gourmet Recipe Challenge and a potential $1 million in royalties.

Pat Dugan’s Curried Butternut Squash Dip was among the finalists sampled by about 400 food professionals at the Winter Fancy Food Show, Jan. 15-17 in San Francisco, said Dave Hirschkop, owner of Dave’s Gourmet, which produces award-winning hot sauces, pasta sauces, salsas and dips.

It was clear cut who the winner was,” Hirschkop said of the foodies’ votes. “It’s a very tasty dip, an unusual combination of flavors with a little kick.

Dugan, 66, got an immediate $2,000 advance on the royalties to be paid when her creation becomes part of the Dave Gourmet line-up later this year. Distribution might be limited, Hirschkop said, because the dip requires store refrigeration, unlike his other products.

That doesn’t bother the former newspaper food columnist who worked as a chef and recipe developer for Corning Inc., the company best known for Pyrex casserole dishes. (It now manufactures glass and ceramics for high-tech applications.)

I love, love, love butternut squash,” said Dugan, who teaches cooking and recipe development, and plans to publish a cookbook, “VeggieTizers,” featuring her creations.

“It’s available ‘most all over the United States; home gardeners can grow it; it’s affordable. It’s low in calories, high in fiber; it has vitamins B and A, beta keratin, and it has a lovely taste.”

Dugan puts butternut squash in macaroni and cheese, chili stew and on pizza, the recipe for which came with a jar of Dugan’s favorite Dave’s Gourmet product: Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce. It’s also his best seller.

She had already developed her Curried Butternut Squash Recipe, and got raves from her chief critic, husband Roy Ernst, when she learned of Dave’s contest.

“I started going through my A-to-Z files of recipes,” she said. “I came to an Artichoke Roasted Red Pepper Salsa that could be a replacement for tomato salsa. Then I got to the end of the B’s and I found this recipe that we loved.

“When I made it, I stirred in some Greek yogurt because we live (most of the year) in Tarpon Springs, Fla., which is a Greek town. And I used Dave’s chipotle powder sauce, so it has a little zip in there."

She submitted both recipes.

Though this is Dugan’s eighth contest win since she retired in 2002, the thrill never gets old, she said.

“It’s exciting. This is a passion for me; a creative outlet.”

Hirschkop says recipe contests will become either an annual event for his company or an on-going “cash bounty” opportunity. His business is all about innovation and great flavor, and the best place to find both, he said, is in America’s kitchens.

“We have thousands of great cooks out there who can come up with some incredible dishes.”

About Dave’s Gourmet

San Francisco-based Dave’s Gourmet was founded by Dave Hirschkop. After graduating from Boston University in the 1980s, he opened a mom-and-pop restaurant called Burrito Madness. Th




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BeeSavy Getting National Attention on Fox Business

BeeSavy Getting National Attention on Fox Business



If you follow this blog regularly, you know I've been telling you about an innovative new cash back site called BeeSavy for a few months now. Well, it looks like the mainstream media is catching on as BeeSavy was just featured in an article on Fox Business. You can read the Fox article here. And remember, you heard it here first!

If you’re not using BeeSavy yet for all of your online shopping, you’re missing out on valuable cash back. Even better, BeeSavy is the only cash back site that lets you actually earn money every time your friends shop online! Start earning money today by signing up at BeeSavy.com. And remember to refer your friends before they refer you!





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Oscar Swag Giveaway from Intelligent Nutrients

Oscar's with Intelligence




Celebrities to receive Organic Beauty Treats

Minneapolis based company Intelligent Nutrients has been selected to be part of 30 gift baskets handed out to celebrities staying at the Four Seasons Hotel during the Academy Awards weekend.

Created by Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher, Intelligent Nutrients is the premier certified organic beauty collection with a long list of notable Hollywood followers.

The celebs will be receiving: Plant Stem Cells Renewal Complex, Jasmine Absolute Fragrance, Pure Neroli Essence, Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss and a Rose Quartz Aroma Holder.

For us mere mortals to experience the star treatment, you can
log onto Intelligent Nutrient’s Facebook Page and “Like to Win” the Oscar swag above.




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.



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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Project 366 (Year 2012): Day 56 - Cheese Cake

Day 56 of Project 366 (February 25, 2012)
Indulging on Strawberry Yogurt Cheesecake.


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New District 11, 12, & 13 T-Shirts



The latest tees are now available at CrazyDogTshirts.com as a tribute to the Hunger Games!



District 11 Agriculture T Shirt


Check out the new fashion for District 11 t shirt ! Featuring a design sure to please all those in the Agriculture industry, this District 11 memorabilia is the official tee of mid-west Panem! The design is printed on an ultra-soft cranberry tee with a fit and feel that will make you swear you've had it since the days where America was one and the 50 states ruled the world. This Panem shirt, along with District 12 and District 13 are exclusive designs!


District 12 the Hob t shirt



You've found our vintage style hob shirt. The Capitol wouldn't approve, but everyone knows to get the goods you need to go to the Hob. Let Greasy Sae pour you a hot bowl of soup and cash in on that game you've hunted down! The Hob Trading Post shirt is printed on a lightweight gray tee that looks and feels like you've been wearing it for years! Channel your inner Gale and Katniss and slide in to the Hob in district 12!




District 13 Shirt



Are you ready to side with the Rebels? This District 13 shirt features a radiation symbol depicting the Nuclear Science and Technology that the residents of 13 are responsible for. Supposedly destroyed by the Capitol during Panem's First Rebellion, District 13 was redeveloped in underground bunkers, ready for Katniss, Gale, and President Coin to prepare for the final battle of Panem. The District 13 Hunger Games shirt is printed on a soft blue tee with gray ink.



Pick up one for yourself or a friend. Use coupon code PANEM to save $5 at checkout. This applies to any of their tees.




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.




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Oscars Accessories Trend Preview – What to Expect

For some, Sunday’s Academy Awards is a time to celebrate the film industry, but for us over at Blue Nile, it’s all about the red carpet! It’s a time for fresh-faced designers to shine and for top starlets to take their looks over the top.

Gauging from the awards shows we’ve seen thus far, Blue Nile has compiled a list of the Top 4 Accessories Trends to watch for on this year’s Oscar red carpet:

1. Sapphire & Diamonds as seen on Jessica Chastian & Penelope Ann Miller at the SAG Awards (**All jewelry items worn by Penelope here are Blue Nile)

2. Chandelier Earrings as seen on Octavia Spencer at the SAG Awards

3. The Classic Diamond as seen on Charlize Theron at the Golden Globes

4. Black & Onyx Jewels as seen on Tina Fey at the SAG Awards










From thrifty to lavish, Blue Nile has all these celebrity-inspired trends available on BlueNile.com at a variety of price points.



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.


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Friday, February 24, 2012

Project 366 (Year 2012): Day 55 - Plasma Orb

Day 55 of Project 366 (February 24, 2012)
A mini plasma orb that Hubby bought.


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