"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess."

How about a cute yellow dress paired with a denim jacket and some camel brown wedges!

Fashionable? I think yes!

Need a Spa?

I was in desperate need of having my eyebrows done before going away for the weekend. I was able to book a late appoinment at Camelot Spa in the Gables. Upon entering it looks like most salons but then they take you to the back rooms and you are in Zen Spa bliss. They play light spa sounds and have dimmed lighting as well as modern furniture. The lady who took care of my eyebrows was very nice, her name is Virginia and I highly recommend her. I had brow shaping done because they were just completely unmanageable. I have to say that although it cost me$30, which at first frightened my wallet, seeing the end result, it was worth it. I plan to continue to visit the spa to maintain my brows (it will be $20 every 3 weeks, not too bad) and also get a facial which I am very skeptical about but after seeing how my eyebrows turned out, I am willing to give it a try.



CAMELOT SALON & SPA

2600 Galiano St

Coral Gables, FL

305.443.5953

http://www.camelotspa.com/

Like them on FaceBook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camelot-Salon-Spa/89066848493

Deal Thursday

Coupon Codes:

• BlueFly: $30 off of $150 with code AFF30, valid until tomorrow.
• Aeropostale: 25% off with code SPR2011, valid until 05/01.
• Harry & David: 20% off $50 or more with code MDAY11, valid until 05/09.
• The Limited: $30 off of $90 or $20 off of $60 with promo codes 153 and 149, valid until 04/30.

Printable Coupons:

• Whole Foods: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/
• Best Buy: 10% off regular priced item http://i51.tinypic.com/x4kmts.jpg, valid until 05/31
• Coach Factory: additional 30% off https://e.coach.com/servlet/formlink/f?JhHJoQWWRDVGf6beX6990G11VLkuHHkuhuxPHohhQJhuVijpglyHnLVljmL, valid until 05/01.
• Buca di Beppo: $10 off of $20 or more http://oi55.tinypic.com/256rdpk.jpg, valid until 06/30.
• Aeropostale: 25% off total purchase http://view.ed4.net/v/JIE4K4D/DJZTD/ZG69FSW/WA1FUV/MAILACTION=1&FORMAT=H, valid until 05/01.

PF Changs 20% off take-out tomorrow

Visit www.pfchangs.com/orderonline tomorrow and enter promo code SCRANTON to have 20% deducted from your take-out total. They are offering this promotion because of tomorrow being Michael Scott's last day at "The Office" (one of my husband and I's favorite t.v. shows.)

Bongos Deal

Cbslocal.com's offer for today is that you pay $12.50 for $25 of food at Bongos in the American Airlines Arena. You may purchase the deal through this link: http://offers.cbslocal.com/daily-deal/miami

Todays Deals

Barnes & Noble: 15% off with promo code N8C8B7A, expires 5/02.
Linens & Things: 20% off and free shipping with promo code UPROMISE20, expires 6/30.
DSW: Free shipping over $35 with promo code SHIPR.
Things Remembered: 15% off with promo code 15SPRING.
Alloy: 15% off with promo code ANE15A, expires 4/28.
Michaels: 20% off with printable coupon http://i54.tinypic.com/2chl6l5.jpg. Expires 4/30.

Todays Dinner

I had bought a ginger lime marinade at Marshalls ( yes I said Marshalls and no their gourmet section does not contain expired items) that I had not used yet.  I had left some chicken to defrost last night and this morning I put it in a pot of boiling water so that it would cook. I also put some potatoes in another pot of boiling water to cook at the same time. Once the chicken was cooked I shredded it into pieces and then put the marinade over it. Once the potatoes were cooked I mashed them and stored them in the fridge as well as the marinated chicken. When I got home, I formed the mashed potatoes into ball shapes and dipped them in an egg and water wash, passed them on panko breadcrumbs and fried them in olive oil, removed them once they were slightly brown and placed them on a plate with paper towel (to drain some of the oil.) I then heated the marinated chicken in the same olive oil. and that was that, dinner is served!

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing flowers in our hair"

For this hairstyle, I seperated my hair in the front into two sections and then braided each side from front to back and tied both braided strands together in the back. With the rest of the hair including the section coming down from the braided strands I started a bottom braid. I then took a flower pin and attached it to the braided section band so that you could no longer see the band thus making it a more feminine hairstyle!

Savings!

Delias: 20% off with promo code sunny. Valid until april 28th.
Crocs: up to 60% off in clearance and free shipping over $69.
Target: camera price cuts and free shipping over $50.
Ulta: $10 off $60 with promo code 15967. Valid until May 8th.

Pf Changs

Did you know that PF Changs offers take-out and that you can order online (http://www.pfchangs.com/orderonline/?) It is super convenient and will save you that 15-20% tip. Also, if you sign up for their "warrior card" each time you eat at their restaurant and present the card it saves you 10% off your total bill amount. http://www.pfchangs.com/warriorcard/. Savings await you!

Crabtree & Evelyn

$10 off $35 purchase online with code EASTER, valid until tomorrow. Also, free Iris tote bag with 4 travel size items with $85 purchase. http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/

"What a strange power there is in clothing."

For this weeks look I went with two top trends for this Spring: white jeans and color-block.

Très chic!

PacSun 15% off

Today only, 15% off with promo code LOOK15 and free shipping on all orders until Sunday. http://www.pacsun.com/

FREE Organic Milkshake @ Evos on Earth Day

Today only, EVOS will be giving away their organic milkshakes for free in celebration of Earth Day, these are delicious! Stop by and get yours today...

9537 South Dixie Highway

Pinecrest, FL

Abercrombie & Fitch Promo

Now at Abercrombieandfitch.com you can take an additional 40% off with promo code 14223. Shop a little without making your wallet hurt!

Todays Sales & Coupons

• Macy's: Free Shipping with $99 purchase and extra 15% off with promo code EASTER.
• Coach: Shoe sale online and in stores, up to 50% off.
• New York & Company: $70 off your purchase of $150 with promo code 3199. $30 off your purchase of $75 with promo code 3309.
• The Limited: $30 off $100 purchase, $50 off $150 purchase, expires 4/25/2011, promo code 144.
• Oriental Trading: Free shipping on order over $35 with promo code DD1280010.
• Coldwater Creek: 30% off  and free shipping on all orders thru 4/23/11 with promo code WZH9117.
• Papa Johns: large 2 topping pizza and 2 20oz drinks for $12.99 with promo code VICTORY.
• Bath and Body Works: $10 off $30, expires May 8th, with promo code S114069
• Old Navy: $10 off $50 with this printable coupon http://www.printablecouponfeed.com/old-navy/26784

Smell This...

                                               

One of my favorite perfumes is Flower by Kenzo. You have to smell this perfume! They sell it at Sephora http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P8660 and there is a coupon code for 15% off that expires tomorrow: CHIC. There is also free shipping on order over $50.

Todays Coupons

Einstein Bros 25% off any purchase, valid until May 8th via this printable coupon: http://einsteinbrosbagels.fbmta.com/shared/images/42949673001/42949673001_20110418232580.jpg

Gordon Biersch Free Garlic Fries appetizer, valid until May 11th via this printable coupon:
http://www.gordonbiersch.com/restaurants/fb/likeget/corp/certificate.php

Marshalls Find...

So today at Marshalls these colorful bags caught my attention:

These are laptop totes but they would be great for traveling! The colors are perfect for spring/summer.

I often look at original price tags to see just how much I am saving and well look at what I saw:

The suggested retail is at $175! That is a savings of $135!

Seems like a pretty good deal if I do say so myself.



Picaboo

I always use picaboo after trips to make my picture albums. You simply download their program and let your creativity start to flow. You can arrange the pictures in the album, pick the background pictures you would like to use, and the layout etc.., Groupon now has a voucher you can purchase where you pay $35 for $100 worth of picture albums! Here is the direct link to the deal http://www.groupon.com/fort-lauderdale/deals/picaboo-fort-lauderdale-fl?utm_campaign=picaboo-fort-lauderdale-fl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&c=ednb_title&utm_content=fort-lauderdale_inter&user=YANESWEET1@AOL.COM&user=YANESWEET1@AOL.COM&d=deal&divison=fort-lauderdale&s=secondary_deal&date=20110419

When in Rome...

A friend of mines will be visiting Rome and asked for some trip tips. Below are a few:

• Always check travelzoo, they tend to have very good vacation packages and hotel specials from time to time and if your lucky sometimes you will search for the destination you want to visit and you'll see some good deals for it. For example, here are some for Rome: http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/rome/
• Browse through viator.com. They offer excelent pricing on tours. I often prefer tours because you get to see more of the city and when you add up the taxi, metro, bus fees, etc..,  you end up spending less by just booking a tour that picks up and drops you off at your hotel. Here are some I found for Rome: http://www.viator.com/Rome/d511-ttd?activities=all
• Look through the tours that Grayline offers and compare the pricing to those you found at viator to see which is the best deal, Grayline also offers a few different tours http://graylinevacations.com/partner/europe/productlist.aspx?categoryid=379
• If you are traveling to Europe, keep in mind that you will lose with the currency exchange so the more you can buy from home in dollars the more you will save, meaning for example, buying airport transfers online prior to your trip in dollars is more often than not cheaper than having to pay taxi fare in euros.
• Another good site is tripadvisor.com where you can view other travelers opinions about places to see and things to do as well as where to stay. Here is a list of things to do in Rome http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187791-Activities-Rome_Lazio.html
• For clothing I tend to check the monthly weather averages at weather.com so that I know more or less what to take (tank tops or sweaters?) Always best to check a week before the trip just incase there is a change http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/ITXX0067
• Travelchannel.com is worth a visit. They sometimes have videos that show you the city you will visit with some insider info from one of their tv personalities. http://www.travelchannel.com/Places_Trips/Destinations/Europe/Italy/Rome

Feel free to message me if you would like more information or tips on a specific destination. Dependant on time, I will do my best to help you out. Addio!

Ann Taylor 40% Off

Get an an additional 40% off at anntaylor.com with promo code SRPING40 at checkout! They also offer free shipping on $150 or more. http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/category.jsp?pCategoryId=3942&categoryId=229&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_229&N=1200034&cid=E0003653

Free appetizer or dessert at Chili's

Simply print this image and take to your local Chili's today for a free appetizer or dessert! (Right click and then print picture.)

American Eagle

Buy one get one 50% off on flip flops and sandals. Plus take 20% off your AE.com or AE store purchase now thru 4/24! Use code 31289081 at AE.com or print this coupon to use in-stores http://on.ae.com/g2c2Kj

Boston Market Coupon

With this coupon when you purchase a 1/4 chicken meal you receive a second one for $5. http://bostonmarket.com/home?page=specialCoupons&promoCode=35486. Valid until Tuesday the 19th.

Meatballs in New Orleans

Today I made some meatballs and accompanied them with some zatarans red beans and rice.

Recipe for meatballs:
Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, oregano, parsley, onion, garlic, panko bread crumbs, one egg, little mustard, and worcestershire. Form into little balls and cook in olive oil. You can serve with the red beans and rice which comes in a box at your grocery and you only have to boil with water and butter.

Delias 15% Off

Delias.com is one of my favorite online stores. Browse through their dress and shoe selection. If you have a trip towards the end of the year to somewhere chilly take advantage of their clearance section and browse through their sweaters/jackets. Use this 15% code at checkout: ENJOY (valid until Monday.)

April is a promise that May is bound to keep.

Spring is here and it's time to put away the black drab and get some color fab! Here is an ensemble using of one of this springs hottest trends, long skirts, and who doesn't love a hat for a nice sunday brunch?

Ihop

Save 20% off your total bill at Ihop with this coupon http://i53.tinypic.com/feqgy9.jpg. Valid until Sunday, April 17th. Try their cinnamon pancakes, yum, yum, yum.

Urban Outfitters

If there is one place that has not just one pair of shoes but multiple pairs that I love, it is Urban Outfitters. Now that summer is pretty much here you have to check out their shoe selection. I doubt you won't fall in love with a pair. http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?popId=&navAction=jump&isSortBy=true&navCount=&pushId=WOMENS&id=WOMENS_SHOES Check out their sale section every once in a while where you can get some great savings. For now, save 10% with promo code THEMUSICISSUE (valid until 5/8.) Shipping is a $10 flat rate.

Date night in the Grove

Date night with your husband or boyfriend (or going out with your best friend)  and no idea where to go? Why not go for dinner and a movie at the new Paragon theaters in Coconut Grove where they offer not just decent sized theaters but also comfort with a modern vibe. When purchasing your movie tickets, you get to select your seats, which means that even if you get there two minutes before the movie starts, you don't have to be asking people if their seats are taken, you already have yours reserved! They have some deals with participating Grove restaurants where you pay a set price that includes two entrees and two movie tickets, you may view these specials here: http://www.paragontheaters.com/dinner_movie_102.aspx. There is also discounted parking for $2 with validation from the guest service desk located in the theater (only valid for 4 hours max.)

Paragon Grove 13

3015 Grand Ave

Coconut Grove, FL

(305)446-6843

http://www.paragontheaters.com/default.aspx?t=102

City Pooch

My wonderful doggie Gracie just came back from the groomers and looks as happy as her mommy after a day at the spa. I take her to City Pooch, they always do a great job and treat her with love. They charge $45 for complete grooming (nail clipping, ear cleaning, hair cut, wash) which is pretty reasonable for what other places charge. So if you have a furry child, try City Pooch the next time they need a "spa day."

City Pooch

1686 Coral Way

Miami, FL 33145

305-859-7829

http://www.city-pooch.com/

Sugar Mama

Want to try delicious cupcakes that aren't Mischas? Head on over to Sugar Mama Cupcakes in Miracle Mile. Not only is their cupcake boutique super cute, but the cupcakes themselves are moist and made in about 18 different yummy flavors. I went yesterday and tried the chocolate, red velvet, and guava. My favorite has and will always be red velvet but they were all delicious!  The mini cupcakes sell for about $1.25 each and the regular size for $2.50. They also sell milk, which in my opinion, is the perfect cupcake partner. Be sure to like their page on Facebook where they put daily specials: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sugar-Mama-Cupcakes/98706108991?sk=wall#!/pages/Sugar-Mama-Cupcakes/98706108991

Sugar Mama Cupcakes

94 Miracle Mile

Coral Gables, FL 33134

305.774.0114

http://www.sugarmamacupcake.com/

TravelZoo Local Deals.

Travelzoo not only has great travel specials but they now also have a section for local deals http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/Miami/deals. I just purchased the amazing ChopHouse restaurant deal, for $69 ($34.50 per person) two people get to enjoy an appetizer, any of their meat entrees and share a dessert. You would usually end up paying double this at their restaurant which I had the pleasure to visit back in January with my cousin and her husband to celebrate their anniversary. From personal experience, their food is very good, meat is high quality, and their sides are delicious. You can visit their own site for more information http://chophousemiami.com/Chop_House_Miami/home.html.

Chophouse Miami

300 S. Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Florida 33131
305-938-9000

South Florida Dines

So yesterday I told you about restaurant.com, now let me tell you my other little secret, southfloridadines.com. They also sell restaurant gift certificates but have a different selection. These certificates seem to have similar restrictions as the ones you purchase at restaurant.com. Browse through their list of restaurants by going to their homepage ans typing in your zipcode on the location box to the right. Happy Dining!

http://www.southfloridadines.com/

Mascara

My YSL mascara had just about given all it had to give so it was time to go out and buy a new one.

The YSL one at Sephora had cost me about $35 a couple of months back, while the new one I bought at Walgreens yesterday was only $10, so I assumed that it would not be as good, but still, after seeing so many TV commercials for it,worth a try.

Judgement: I am happy to report that the Loreal Telescopic Mascara (the gold one) is just a good as YSL!

So if you want the effect of longer lashes without the cost, go to your neighborhood walgreens store and try for yourself.

Before and After:



Restaurant.com

Restaurant.com certificates are just awesome. Although they do have requirements (your meal has to meet a certain amount most of the time and 18% gratuity is added to amount before discount) when they have coupon codes you just can't beat the savings. For example, they have a code valid now for 80% off, so $25 gift certificates are only $2. Type in your zip code, browse through the list of restaurants and voilà, savings! The coupon code is: STEAK.

Bon Appetit!
http://www.restaurant.com/

Looks can be deceiving.....

Today's dinner was inspired by Lasagna. Although it looks kind of mushy, believe me it was delicious, hubby said it was a repeat! Definitely packs in a lot of flavor.

Here is the recipe:
In a pot heat olive oil and cook Onion, Garlic and Green Bell Pepper. Once the onion becomes soft add the ground beef. Add sea salt, pepper, worcestershire sauce,cayenne pepper, dry oregano, ketchup, and garlic powder. Once meat is cooked, set aside. Boil Macaroni (Kraft mac n cheese box.) Once macaroni is done, add the meat mixture and ricotta cheese. When you are going to serve it, sprinkle some of the dry cheese mix that comes with the macaroni on top.

Note: I do not include measurements because I have none, I eyeball everything.

Food and Sweets

For lunch today the hubby and me visited one of our favorites, Panera. I had from the you pick two (good deal) the Chipotle Chicken Panini, Greek Salad, Potato Chips and their home-made Lemonade and my hubby had the Tuna Salad Sandwich with an Apple on the side and Tea. This all came out to $18 after taxes. Panera is one of those places that I just love to go to when I want to go out with my hubby but don't want to spend too much and still have a nice relaxed time. Not to mention that I am close to tasting almost every item on their menu and have yet to find a disappointment.

 After lunch we crossed the street to CocoLimon, if you are into the new hype of frozen yogurt self serve bars you will fall in love with this one (not to mention their pricing.) They have most of the traditional frozen yogurt flavors with some extra ones like dulce de leche, moraberry, pistachio just to name a few. They also have most of the usual toppings like different fruits, nuts, cereals, cookies, candy and syrups such as chocolate, caramel and condensed milk (my fave.) You can view all their flavors here: http://www.cocolimonusa.com/menu#!__menu 

 

Definitely get their punch card, after the 10th hole punch you get free frozen yogurt!

Panera 

137 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 448-0478

mypanera.com

Coco Limon

126 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134

www.cocolimonusa.com

Walgreens $ave $ave $ave

Before visiting Walgreens I always go to their site and browse through the weekly ad to see if any items that I need are on sale. You may do the same by going through this link http://walgreens.shoplocal.com/walgreens/default.aspx and entering your zip code. You can then browse through the catalog, click on the item that interests you and add it to your shopping list which you can then print and take with you. Some items you will have to print the coupon for. FYI they have 75 photo prints (4x6) for $9.99 right now with coupon code travel75 http://photo.walgreens.com/walgreens/storepage/storePageId=Print+Offer

Universal Studios Free Ticket - Chase Accounts

Back in November I was reading on the Chase website about their ultimate rewards program. I was a little hesitant about it because for the one I was interested in (the Ultimate Rewards) we would have to pay $25 annually. After having it for a couple of months I must say that it is worth the $25, in 4 months we were able to acquire 5,000 points which has now equalled a free two park one day Universal Studios theme park admission. If you would like to learn more about this program, here is their direct link: http://public.ultimaterewards.com/html/about_program.html

That's one spicy pork...

Today's dinner involved some spicy honey mustard pork with cheesy mashed potatoes. Below are the recipes for both if interested in also tasting this deliciousness.

• Pork: Marinate pork in mix of dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, vinegar and red pepper flakes. Cook in Olive Oil.

• Mashed Potatoes: Boil red bliss potatoes in salted water. Once potatoes are fork tender strain water, mix in cheddar cheese, butter, ricotta cheese, salt, olive oil and mash together.

Blogger Premiere

Ah yes, blogger, how I have meant to write on you. Well, after a friends wise suggestion I have decided it is about time for me to share my incredibleness....a bit vain? lets just say a little bit of an alter ego never hurt anyone. So just what exactly will be on this blog? I have no idea really, I just find good deals (in every area), cook and eat yummy food, love fashion, and love to travel so I guess I will write about that. I am quite "the planner" so I have been working on the itinerary for my upcoming trip to London & Paris. I found an amazing deal on the airfare a couple of months back, I wanted to visit both locations and found that when searching on kayak.com (my favorite flight search engine) if instead of doing round trip Paris (and then having to buy a round trip train ticket from Paris to London) I did multi-city I might find a better deal and well I did! I was able to find Miami - London and Paris - Miami for $600, departing with Air Canada and arriving with Swiss Air which worked out even better since my husband was traumatized a couple of years back on a Spain flight with American Airlines where there was very little leg room (my husband is 6') and he was smushed next to an older gentlemen who only wanted to speak the whole 8 hour flight back about how long he had worked at the Miami Coca Cola factory. For the hotel in London I was able to find a very good deal through Priceline.com where I refuse to purchase a hotel without naming my own price, I have yet to have a bad experience with this technique, I named my own price and was given the Hesperia London which is right across from Victoria Station. Finding the hotel for Paris was a bit more tricky since some hotels in Paris may have a 4 star rating but in comparison to US 4 stars, they might fall a bit short (no A.C could be a issue.) Nevertheless, I consulted with my next best traveling friend - google maps. You simply type in the address of the location you wish the hotel to be close to (in my case the grayline terminal since we will be taking tours) and then click search nearby and type in hotel. Once the list shows up you can open a separate tab on explorer, google the hotel names that come up and when you browse through the hotels website and like what you see you can then go on tripadvisor to check on other travelers ratings of the hotel as well as actual pictures that travelers take since sometimes the hotel websites may be deceiving. I found that going directly through the hotels booking engine resulted in better prices than orbitz, expedia etc..,  was able to book the Palm Opera which is only a mile walk from where we will be taking the tours most mornings and includes breakfast, the hotel was also recently remodeled and has a modern look to it which is what I tend to like. Well I think have written enough for right now, I must say that I have rather liked sharing all this and have a feeling this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship (once I acquire "followers.") Tootles!