For all holiday weekends, its key to have fun!
Usually that fun involves good friends, food and drinks and maybe even an out of town trip.
As the summer time quickly approaches and with the first warm weather three day weekend upon us, I thought this would be a great time to share an inexpensive sangria recipe.
It's the perfect drink for a backyard bbq, a beach party, sitting on the porch and kicking back...hanging on the terrace or rooftop...you get the idea!
Simple and cheap sangria:
Carlo Rossi Sangria Wine (large jug only 6 dollars, serves many many people!)
Handful of strawberries
Handful of blueberries
One lemon
One orange
One mango
Small bottle of ginger ale
Poor the Carlo Rossi Sangria Wine into a large jug, dice up the fruit and toss that in, then add all of the ginger ale. Let your Sangria sit in the fridge for about an hour or two and then you are ready to serve!
Have a great holiday weekend and be safe. (this recipe is only for those 21 and over!)
D of J.A.D.E.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thrifty gifties :-)
Along Dana’s day-old-bagel lines, I too like to make off-peak purchases especially when it comes to gift supplies. I was finding the thrill of buying the perfect gift for someone at a bargain price was quickly diminished after the cashier rang up a card and gift wrap and the total was close to half the amount of the gift itself! Now I keep a container in my closet where I store gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper and ribbons. I stock up on these after Christmas, buying the most neutral ones I can find. I’ve noticed that many stores discount not just the Christmas-themed paper and bags but also solids as well. So I snatch those up and use them year round.
You don’t have to wait until Christmas to build up your supply. Today I found greeting cards for $1 so I stocked up on birthday, anniversary, thank you and congratulations cards. When you compare this to the $4+ they charge at Hallmark, it’s a steal! I keep them all in a shoebox (sorted by category) in the same closet I store my wrapping supplies. With cards for all occasions, I’m always prepared when a card-worthy event pops up and I’m no longer caught off guard when my husband informs me that dinner we are on our way to is actually for someone’s birthday. The important thing is to get the most generic cards (not directed specifically at the sender’s sister, for example) so you’ll be sure to be able to use them.
Some other cheap options:
The 99 cent store is another place to turn when you need gift bags or tissue paper.
When people give me a gift in a bag, after I open the gift I fold up the bag and add it to my arsenal. Most people don’t even bother to write on the tag attached to the bag and if they do, I tear it off.
What do you do to save on gift wrap expenses?
What other items do you buy off-peak?
E. of J.A.D.E.
You don’t have to wait until Christmas to build up your supply. Today I found greeting cards for $1 so I stocked up on birthday, anniversary, thank you and congratulations cards. When you compare this to the $4+ they charge at Hallmark, it’s a steal! I keep them all in a shoebox (sorted by category) in the same closet I store my wrapping supplies. With cards for all occasions, I’m always prepared when a card-worthy event pops up and I’m no longer caught off guard when my husband informs me that dinner we are on our way to is actually for someone’s birthday. The important thing is to get the most generic cards (not directed specifically at the sender’s sister, for example) so you’ll be sure to be able to use them.
Some other cheap options:
The 99 cent store is another place to turn when you need gift bags or tissue paper.
When people give me a gift in a bag, after I open the gift I fold up the bag and add it to my arsenal. Most people don’t even bother to write on the tag attached to the bag and if they do, I tear it off.
What do you do to save on gift wrap expenses?
What other items do you buy off-peak?
E. of J.A.D.E.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Pandora Radio
Who can get through a day of work without music???
Not me!
Not any of us J.A.D.E. girls for that matter!
This is where Pandora internet radio comes in. Pandora offers 40 hours of free music a month! Plus the best part is that you can create your own stations based on artists you like. Are you a Moby fan, a Rush fan a Rascal Flats fan? No matter what type of music you like, type in the artist/group's name and Pandora will create a station for you featuring that artist/group and other bands/musicians with a similar sound.
This is also a great way to get to know the music of other artists who you may not have heard of before but who have a sound you enjoy.
Click the link below to get your Pandora stations going!
http://www.pandora.com/
PS - My Pandora station is currently playing Massive Attack :)
Rock on!
D of J.A.D.E.
Not me!
Not any of us J.A.D.E. girls for that matter!
This is where Pandora internet radio comes in. Pandora offers 40 hours of free music a month! Plus the best part is that you can create your own stations based on artists you like. Are you a Moby fan, a Rush fan a Rascal Flats fan? No matter what type of music you like, type in the artist/group's name and Pandora will create a station for you featuring that artist/group and other bands/musicians with a similar sound.
This is also a great way to get to know the music of other artists who you may not have heard of before but who have a sound you enjoy.
Click the link below to get your Pandora stations going!
http://www.pandora.com/
PS - My Pandora station is currently playing Massive Attack :)
Rock on!
D of J.A.D.E.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Well, it's Monday, the start of the work week and many of you may already be thinking about what to do when the weekend rolls around yet again...
For those upcoming weekend plans, I have a tip for you...Wine tasting!
Many of you are already familiar with the Napa Valley and Sonoma in Northern CA or with Santa Inez and Santa Barbara in Central CA, but many of you are not yet up on Temecula in Southern CA. Temecula is close to North County San Diego and about a 1.5 - 2 hour ride from LA (depending on where in LA you live).
Temecula is the home of some 12+ wineries, many with award winning, nationally and internationally recognized wines. The great thing about wine tasting in Temecula is that it has not yet become over - crowded and commercialized. You can have a great day and feel like you are away on vacation in a secluded, mellow environment.
As per usual we like to tell you about deals, the greatest part about most of these wineries is that they have very affordable wine tasting prices! Most of the wineries offer wine tastings for between 6 and 12 dollars and you get to keep the glass! Also, you can get free tours and free snacks at many of the locations.
Check out the link below for information about Temecula CA wineries. Us J.A.D.E. girls hope that you have a fun and relaxing weekend amongst the grapes!
http://www.temeculawines.org/wineries-vineyards/
Enjoy!
D of J.A.D.E.
For those upcoming weekend plans, I have a tip for you...Wine tasting!
Many of you are already familiar with the Napa Valley and Sonoma in Northern CA or with Santa Inez and Santa Barbara in Central CA, but many of you are not yet up on Temecula in Southern CA. Temecula is close to North County San Diego and about a 1.5 - 2 hour ride from LA (depending on where in LA you live).
Temecula is the home of some 12+ wineries, many with award winning, nationally and internationally recognized wines. The great thing about wine tasting in Temecula is that it has not yet become over - crowded and commercialized. You can have a great day and feel like you are away on vacation in a secluded, mellow environment.
As per usual we like to tell you about deals, the greatest part about most of these wineries is that they have very affordable wine tasting prices! Most of the wineries offer wine tastings for between 6 and 12 dollars and you get to keep the glass! Also, you can get free tours and free snacks at many of the locations.
Check out the link below for information about Temecula CA wineries. Us J.A.D.E. girls hope that you have a fun and relaxing weekend amongst the grapes!
http://www.temeculawines.org/wineries-vineyards/
Enjoy!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Togo's Sandwiches
The weekend is here!
Come on, I know you are excited :)
Today's deal is a no - brainer because it's about sandwiches! And let's face it, who doesn't like sandwiches?!?!
Togo's is a great sandwich shop, a chain like Subway, except many feel that the sandwiches are better at Togo's.
Everyday they have a different sandwich on special and for $5 dollars you get that sandwich plus chips and a drink! Some of the choices include Turkey and Cheese, Tuna, Turkey and Cranberry and many more!
If you aren't familiar with Togo's check out the link below.
http://www.togos.com/
Also, if you are in the mood for something on the smaller side, they have mini sandwiches for the low price of $3!
YUM
D of J.A.D.E.
Come on, I know you are excited :)
Today's deal is a no - brainer because it's about sandwiches! And let's face it, who doesn't like sandwiches?!?!
Togo's is a great sandwich shop, a chain like Subway, except many feel that the sandwiches are better at Togo's.
Everyday they have a different sandwich on special and for $5 dollars you get that sandwich plus chips and a drink! Some of the choices include Turkey and Cheese, Tuna, Turkey and Cranberry and many more!
If you aren't familiar with Togo's check out the link below.
http://www.togos.com/
Also, if you are in the mood for something on the smaller side, they have mini sandwiches for the low price of $3!
YUM
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Free Cone Day!
Psst psst, know what's awesome? Ice cream! Know what's even better? Free ice cream! Today is Free Cone Day at Haagen-Daaz! Only good between 4-8 pm, so save room after dinner! :)
J of J.A.D.E.
J of J.A.D.E.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Big Cheese
If you love grilled cheese and are in St. Louis, you need to check out The Big Cheese!
The Big Cheese is a tasty grilled cheese cart which appears at the Tower Grove Farmers Market in St. Louis every Saturday between now and November. They also appear at the Market's Downtown location during lunch on Thursdays.
The Big Cheese is run by Dave and Susana and in addition to great grilled cheese, getting a smile from these friendly faces is an extra bonus!
Their grilled cheese is made from local ingredients from the finest farms showcasing the idea that supporting local businesses is the way to go (and the way to get the freshest food! What could be better???)
It seems to me that if you have a free Saturday and are in the St. Louis area heading to the Farmers Market to check out The Big Cheese is a no brain-er! Tasty grilled cheese prepared for you by great people with the best local ingredients..Need I say more! I think it's time that you mark your calendars!
Be sure to try out The Big Cheese and let us know what you think!
Have a cheesy day!
D of J.A.D.E.
The Big Cheese is a tasty grilled cheese cart which appears at the Tower Grove Farmers Market in St. Louis every Saturday between now and November. They also appear at the Market's Downtown location during lunch on Thursdays.
The Big Cheese is run by Dave and Susana and in addition to great grilled cheese, getting a smile from these friendly faces is an extra bonus!
Their grilled cheese is made from local ingredients from the finest farms showcasing the idea that supporting local businesses is the way to go (and the way to get the freshest food! What could be better???)
Be sure to try out The Big Cheese and let us know what you think!
Have a cheesy day!
D of J.A.D.E.
Friday, May 6, 2011
If You Don't Know Now Ya Know! Nut Carts!
Today's bit of advice comes straight off the street.
In an effort to expand on my NYC coffee cart post from last week, I realized that there is another great piece of NYC cart fabulous-ness that I absolutely must share with all of you readers...
NUT CARTS!
Much like the coffee carts which line the streets of NYC, there are also great carts that sell bags of roasted and coated peanuts, cashews, almonds and more! Think of the coating as a sweet candy shell made of honey, roasted to perfection.
These bags of nuts cost between 1 and 3 dollars and are an amazing bang for your buck. A sweet and somewhat healthy (as nuts are healthy) treat as you are walking down the street.
A true NYC goodie!
D of J.A.D.E.
In an effort to expand on my NYC coffee cart post from last week, I realized that there is another great piece of NYC cart fabulous-ness that I absolutely must share with all of you readers...
NUT CARTS!
These bags of nuts cost between 1 and 3 dollars and are an amazing bang for your buck. A sweet and somewhat healthy (as nuts are healthy) treat as you are walking down the street.
A true NYC goodie!
D of J.A.D.E.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Don Cuco's Sunday Brunch
What's not to love about Champagne Brunch??? Exactly, nothing!
Sunday Brunch really is one of the most fun food outings that one could have.
One of the key ingredients to a good Sunday Brunch is Champagne and the other is a buffet fit for a King or Queen!
At Don Cuco's in Glendale, CA you will find both and at a price that will be music to your wallet!
For $17.99 you will have access to a gigantic buffet with more food choices than you could imagine as well as an omelet bar (so fun!) this is of course in addition to the endless Champagne! FUN!
I suggest this Brunch for Mother's Day :) how could mom not feel loved after that!
Check out the link below for more details...
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/5/64360/restaurant/LA/Don-Cuco-Glendale
Enjoy!
D of J.A.D.E.
Sunday Brunch really is one of the most fun food outings that one could have.
One of the key ingredients to a good Sunday Brunch is Champagne and the other is a buffet fit for a King or Queen!
At Don Cuco's in Glendale, CA you will find both and at a price that will be music to your wallet!
For $17.99 you will have access to a gigantic buffet with more food choices than you could imagine as well as an omelet bar (so fun!) this is of course in addition to the endless Champagne! FUN!
I suggest this Brunch for Mother's Day :) how could mom not feel loved after that!
Check out the link below for more details...
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/5/64360/restaurant/LA/Don-Cuco-Glendale
Enjoy!
D of J.A.D.E.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Go Metro!
You know those days when not even your favorite band can save you from the boredom of sitting in bumper to bumper LA traffic? I don't because I take the Metro to work! Instead of cursing $4.30 a gallon while sitting on the 101, I get to enjoy the company of a very colorful crowd during my daily commute. True, there are the occasional individuals who don't believe in bathing or some very vocal Elton John wannabes who are compelled to share their love of song while on a crowded train amongst strangers, but this is exactly why we love LA, right? Right!
Metro is offering a free three day passes good to use on their buses and rails. Time to start planning that trip to Long Beach, Hollywood or Little Tokyo! Just remember to bring your hand sanitizer. ;D
J of J.A.D.E.
Metro is offering a free three day passes good to use on their buses and rails. Time to start planning that trip to Long Beach, Hollywood or Little Tokyo! Just remember to bring your hand sanitizer. ;D
J of J.A.D.E.
Happy Hour Just Got Extra Happy
From 5/6-5/15, between the hours of 3 pm-5 pm, Starbucks is offering any of their blended Frappuccinos at half off! So whether you need that java chip to get you through the day, have been wanting to try their strawberries and creme, or are going to create your own blended frap, enjoy it at a 50% discount! Doesn't that make the deal even sweeter?
J of J.A.D.E.
J of J.A.D.E.
Monday, May 2, 2011
First Class Free
If you love to work out, but don’t want to pay $15-$20 bucks a pop for a class, this list is for you! There are tons of new student specials you can take advantage of at all the yoga/pilates studios, and most are first class free! It’s possible to studio hop for months and not pay a dime. Enjoy!
Yoga Shelter
Multiple Locations – Studio City is closest
First week free – unlimited classes!!
Mission Street Yoga
Pasadena
They always have a lot of cool events/workshops for free. J
Liberation Yoga
Mid-city
One of my favorites – there’s kind of an outdoor garden/patio where they practice
Dharma Yoga
Long Beach
I’ve yet to try this, but friends have rave reviews. Outdoors and donation-based.
Runyon Canyon Yoga
Hollywood
Used to go almost every day, donation-based. On a hill outdoors in the park, occasional gopher sightings!
Pop Physique
Multiple
A tad pretentious but pretty cool. Similar to barre method. Sign up for their newsletter to get free classes.
YAS
Multiple
Usually first class free, and also free on the day of your birthday!
Lulu Lemon
Multiple
The Pasadena one has some interesting free classes. I’ve taken the SD yoga class and enjoyed it a bunch. I’m not a runner but they do promise free snacks after their Sat morning run club, which is very encouraging, haha.
Silverlake Bikram Yoga
Silverlake
$20 for 1 week special.
IDA Hollywood
Hollywood
Call them to double check, but it’s normally 1st class free if you ask the front desk. They have a lot of awesome 1 hour dance classes!
Pilates Plus
Multiple – downtown LA is closest
This is w/ the reformer. A decent first class free for us, but the teacher will definitely make or break your experience.
Enjoy!
Alice
Free Samples at Trader Joe's
Many of you may already be in love with Trader Joe's, but for those of you who are not yet aboard the love train, you better hop on!
Not only does Trader Joe's have great deals on food and wine (think 2 buck chuck aka Charles Shaw wine for $1.99)...all day everyday there are free samples being given out there. While you are walking through the store shopping for all of your great deals, you will also be treated to a little slice of pizza, a mini garden salad a slice of cheese, you name it! I must say that Trader Joe's has some of the best free samples ever!
Of course they are savvy and hope that after tasting a free sample, you will buy the product, but hey, what's wrong with that! Good ole marketing skills never hurt any business and you will get the benefit of finding out about great new food that they sell while having a treat to help your shopping trip move along faster.
Enjoy!
D of J.A.D.E
Not only does Trader Joe's have great deals on food and wine (think 2 buck chuck aka Charles Shaw wine for $1.99)...all day everyday there are free samples being given out there. While you are walking through the store shopping for all of your great deals, you will also be treated to a little slice of pizza, a mini garden salad a slice of cheese, you name it! I must say that Trader Joe's has some of the best free samples ever!
Of course they are savvy and hope that after tasting a free sample, you will buy the product, but hey, what's wrong with that! Good ole marketing skills never hurt any business and you will get the benefit of finding out about great new food that they sell while having a treat to help your shopping trip move along faster.
Enjoy!
D of J.A.D.E
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