The wedding of the decade is right around the corner, but even if you don’t plan to hop the pond for the actual event, there’s no reason not to celebrate in Windsor style. The key to throwing anyparty is to have it be more fun than stress, and Julie Subotky has all the tips for hosting a successful wedding watch soirée—with a royal touch.

As the founder of Consider It Done, a personal concierge and lifestyle management company devoted to getting life’s sometimes often tricky and sometimes tedious tasks accomplished, Julie Subotky has planned after parties for Guns n' Roses, organized charity events for the Mayor's office, and catered to the every whim of celebrities and socialites alike. In her new book, Consider It Done: Accomplish 228 of Life's Trickiest Tasks (Three Rivers Press; $15.00 paperback), she shares tips on accomplishing tasks from the essential to the zany, and breaks down the essential elements of a great TV viewing party: dress, food, entertainment and décor.

So as the world watches Westminster Abbey on April 29, here’s how you can commemorate the day by hosting a viewing party for friends from the comfort of your own castle:

DRESS:  When it comes to a viewing party, it’s fun to go over the top with a theme. This means costumes. Make it a big deal, just like you are a guest at the wedding. Encourage your guests to wear old bridesmaids dresses - you always wanted another use for something that you spent $200 on and only got to wear once.

Never a bridesmaid? Here’s the perfect opportunity to dress to the nine’s and wear the most British looking hat you can find.


FOOD:  As for the food, the obvious choice is theme food for whatever show you’re watching. You can always go with cuisine native to a show’s setting so for a royal wedding? Tea & crumpets are the logical choice. But remember to break out your nicest china, it's a regal occasion, after all so dine in style. And consider blue wedding cake as your something blue (in honor of Kate’s ring!).

Looking for something more? Check out websites like www.slashfood.com, which have a lot of creative theme recipes, for inspiration. Cheese and bread, cookies, and finger sandwiches are always good options, too. Don’t forget champagne for toasting the happy couple!


ENTERTAINMENT:  If you are watching the wedding in real time, you won't be able to fast forward. The procession will take a longtime so create games to keep your guests entertained. One idea: the guest list has been kept under lock and key, so have each guest make a list of their best guesses as to who will be at the wedding. As the cameras pan the crowd - if you have someone on your list you get a point. The winner goes home with a prize.

Locate a copy of Princess Diana and Prince Charles' wedding and count how many things are new for Kate & William. Watching both weddings at the same time is like taking a trip down memory lane.


DÉCOR:  Go all out with invitations. This is royalty we're talking about - make it a special invitation and people will want to come celebrate. There are plenty of suggestions online or create a custom label and paste it on a champagne bottle.

Display a large photo of Kate and William so that guests can take photos with the bride and groom. Print them right then and there - get some frames (you can even do a simple frame and have guests decorate them at the party). Arts and crafts will help pass the time watching the ceremony, plus you'll have instant party favors for your guests to take home.


Remember, TV viewing parties, especially royal ones, are great opportunities for mixers, because they provide at least one guaranteed topic of conversation. They’re also easy to plan and it’s always more fun to watch together as a social event, instead of something you do in your sweatpants alone on the couch.

Sound the trumpets! After eight long years, Prince William and Catherine ("Waitie Katie") Middleton will walk down the aisle Friday in a fairytale wedding. Contrary to all the pomp and circumstance, the happy couple actually lead a very modest life in a $1,200-a-month farmhouse in Angsley, Wales. If William wasn't heir to the throne, one gets the feeling they might plan a more intimate and reasonably priced affair. That doesn't mean they'd have to forgo all the bells and whistles, however.

If you're planning a wedding and would like to exchange vows in a more royal fashion on a limited budget, read on for 15 tips to help you tie the knot in style without sacrificing your savings.

1. The Proposal

Prince William took Kate all the way to Kenya to propose over a champagne dinner. While you can't replicate the location, you could pop for champagne and cook your own dinner. If you're looking for something a bit more romantic, try Michael Scott's incredibly romantic, candle-laden proposal on "The Office."

2. Princely Invitations

The royal invite is a relatively simple 8-inch-by-6-inch card that says the Lord Chamberlain has been "commanded by the Queen" to invite the holder to the wedding. Eliminating all the extra envelopes, tissue paper and fuss of traditional invites is both very modern and much less expensive. To save even more, opt to create the invite on your home computer or visit sites like PrintRunner.com which offer easy-to-follow directions on custom wedding invitation cards.

3. Pre-marital Counseling

Once the question has been popped, it's wise to seek a bit of advice. The royal couple will meet with both the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Canterbury, but you can turn to your own spiritual adviser or check with your county mental-health center for a recommendation to a counselor who charges on a sliding scale.

4. Wedding Rings

The royal couple will exchange wedding rings made with gold from Wales' Clogau Mine. William is also having Kate's ring engraved inside, a sentiment common couples can easily duplicate. For an excellent price on rings, check out pawnshops and discount jewelry merchants, like Amazon. Watch for promo codes for even more savings on jewelry.

5. Teeth Whitening

Want to know a secret? Kate donned invisible braces and had her teeth whitened for the wedding. (She also lost weight, but that's another topic.) One of the cheapest ways to purchase a teeth-whitening session is via one of the group-buying services, such as Groupon and LivingSocial. Otherwise, try a more affordable drugstore product like Crest White Strips to make your smile dazzle on the big day

6. Flowers

Catherine's floral selection is easy to duplicate as she's planned a white pallet reminiscent of an English garden. While hot-house flowers are nice, it's much less expensive if you ask a variety of friends to share the bounty of their backyard gardens. Or you might use silk flowers, which can be repurposed to decorate your happy new home.

7. Bouquets

Queen Victoria created a tradition when she included a bit of myrtle in her bouquet to symbolize "constancy in affection and duty." Her highness later planted the sprig so future brides could share a piece of her bouquet. Not only is this an inexpensive and lovely idea but planting the sprig is very eco-friendly.

8. Tuxes

An all-tuxedo ensemble at the altar has become rather passe. Follow Prince William's lead and wear your military uniform, or go your own way with a simple suit. Don't have a suit? Thrift shops have some surprisingly good deals on quality jackets, pants and two-piecers.

9. Dresses

Lucky Catherine has her choice of gowns, from Vera Wang to J. Crew, and she can wear what she likes as there's no protocol on bridal wear. Everyday brides, however, can save by renting, borrowing or hitting second-hand shops. For those looking for a gown online or in-store, plan to buy discount gift cards before checking out to help lower the cost by up to 30-percent off.

10. Tiaras

Not everyone wants to wear a tiara, but it would be hard to forgo this headwear if, like Kate, you could chose from 80 stunning tiaras in the royal family collection. Brides who want to look more like a princess than a pauper might check out costume shops for realistic-looking tiaras at rock-bottom prices.

11. Music

Princess Diana rode to her wedding in a glass carriage. Trumpets sounded upon her arrival and three choirs serenaded her walk down the aisle. While that might be overdoing it just a touch for your wedding, there's no reason you can't replicate the sound with recorded music. For a more personal touch, ask a friend to play and sing.

12. Location

Commoners might find it difficult to fill St. Paul's Cathedral, but you don't want to overlook the many low-budget locations open to you. A nice backyard, local church, public park, community garden, historical building on your local university campus...there's no end to low-cost locations if you begin to think outside the box.

13. After Parties

Queen Elizabeth is hosting an intimate luncheon for 700 at Buckingham Palace, then the oldsters will clear out and 400 of the younger guests will enjoy an evening of dining and dancing. While you might need to scale down the numbers, you can follow the same blueprint. Hold a small champagne reception directly after the wedding for the senior crowd and, if you'd like to go really low cost, a potluck dinner followed by dancing to your favorite iTunes.

14. Honeymoon

Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent their honeymoon in Hampshire, England, but it looks like Kate and William will head to equally chilly Canada. Not all of us have a former colony to tour, but we can get away for a nice hiking weekend or time at a friend's cottage. If your budget has been destroyed by the wedding itself, there's always the option of a staycation. Turn off the phones and computers and turn your home into a spa, movie theater or whatever suits your fancy. Just don't tell anyone where you are.

15. Trousseau

Despite having a millionaire's bank book, Kate is an economical clothes shopper, which can't be easy when you have to wear all those hats. The soon-to-be-princess also doubles her wardrobe by sharing with her sister. You can follow Kate's tips or hit thrift shops, second-hand stores and the big boxes for your trousseau. Target, in particular, has a comparatively upscale clothing selection at very reasonable prices.
 
Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more as a media expert source. To view recent interviews or find more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com.

Kate will definitely have a dedicated makeup artist at the wedding on Friday to make sure all her photos are picture perfect - but what about the rest of us? Bridal Makeup Finish by Skindinavia is the next best thing! This setting spray - applied over finished makeup - helps makeup last 16 hours.

The Lexli 30-Day Starter Kit


Lexli's 30-Day Starter Kit is an easy, inexpensive way to try our skincare line and make sure it's right for you. Each kit provides a month’s supply of products featured as a part of Lexli’s Simple 4-Step System. Included in the travel-friendly kit is: Aloe-Based Cleansing Lotion (2 oz.), Aloe-Based AloeGlyC® Renewing Exfoliant (0.50 oz.), Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Normal to Dry Skin (0.50 oz.), Aloe-Based Tone and Balance (2 oz), Aloe-Based Night Moisturizer (0.5 oz).Starter Kit Price: $84.
 
Lexli skincare products are available at select spas, physician offices and salons. To purchase products or to find a listing of participating retailers, visit http://www.lexli.com/. Because Lexli is unlike any other over-the-counter skincare brand, it is advised that consumers use the product line under the guidance of a licensed skincare expert.

For several years, the skincare industry has been driven by the latest fads, trends and celebrity endorsements. Popular culture has dictated that several times a year, a new “miracle ingredient” will burst onto the scene, promising unrealistic results. Just as quickly as the miracle ingredient grows in popularity, it is inevitably replaced by the next big thing.

A trendsetter in the beauty market, innovative skincare brand Lexli International is leading the way with a line of skincare products supported by scientific research and formulated with a base of certified organic, pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera, one of the most clinically effective natural ingredients in the world. Through meticulous research and development, scientific advances, professional expertise and the understanding of a customer’s well-being, Lexli is continuing to change the world of beauty.

Skincare cannot be mentioned without the name Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Lexli. Dr. Abdullah is among the pioneers who began the practice of utilizing pharmaceutical-grade aloe in their plastic surgery practice for the treatment of skin damage, including burns, scars and lesions. “When it comes to skin care, ‘less is more’ is a mantra repeated by experts, no matter how often new and improved technologies are introduced,” says Dr. Abdullah. “Long known for its healing properties, aloe vera has been proven to produce restorative and medicinal effects. Lexli offers results-driven products with high technology formula and a cocktail of essential ingredients to ensure optimal skin health post-treatment and beyond.”


Why Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is a nutritional powerhouse, it contains over 75 nutrients such as minerals, amino acids, and a number of vitamins including B12, enzymes and more. Aloe Vera is currently the only known natural source of vitamin B12. Key health benefits and uses of aloe vera:

• The common advantages of aloe vera include moisturizing dry skin and maintaining the healthy skin
• A natural anti-inflammatory, aloe cleanses gently and penetrates deep into the tissue to heal damaged skin
• Products that contain aloe vera contain high concentration of a curative agent which is useful for the skin
• It is the best moisturizer that keeps the skin flexible by providing oxygen to the skin cells improving the synthesis and strength of skin’s tissue
• Lexli product formulations also utilize vitamins and other proven effective ingredients to achieve healthier, younger-looking skin regardless of skin type, tone or age

All skincare products start with a base. Most over-the-counter and physician dispensed moisturizers and exfoliants are water-based. In fact, 99% of the skincare products on the market today start with water as the base then add other ingredients to make the product. There’s just one problem – not only does water dilute the active ingredients, your skin cannot absorb water.

The Lexli System

The Lexli Skincare Collection is based on a simple four-step system designed to rejuvenate and restore the skin back to health. Lexli’s unique formulation uses 100% pure pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera as the base of each product. According to Dr. Abdullah, “skin care doesn’t need to be a complex ritual. There are many companies who claim different methods to solve common skin challenges like acne or wrinkles. We believe good skin care is more about frequent, preventative care. The key is basic cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and protecting.”

Step One: Cleanse

The first step of any skincare regimen is cleansing, which can be done with any mild cleanser. In order to keep the skin healthy and looking good, use enough product to eliminate any grime, sebum, dead cells, make-up and other particulate matter that may build up on your skin after a day’s exposure to the environment, thereby encouraging bacterial growth and skin cell decay.

• Aloe-Based Cleansing Lotion

Lexli’s Aloe-Based Cleansing Lotion is designed to unclog pores and remove impurities. The special ingredients work to cleanse the skin and leave it feeling soft, silky and refreshed. A noticeable improvement in the suppleness of the skin can be achieved soon after the very first use. Lexli’s Aloe Based Cleansing Lotion is pH-balanced, non-greasy, and soothing for sensitive and traumatized skin.

Step Two: Exfoliate

The second and most important step in the skincare process is exfoliation. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and debris (keratin) from the skins surface that otherwise covers up the new, living, vibrant skin cells underneath. When keratin builds up, it can clog your pores. Removing the keratin promotes new collagen production, resulting in healthier-looking skin.

According to Dr. Abdullah, “a popular skincare myth is that exfoliation should occur with products that contain ‘gentle exfoliants’ such as microbeads or microspheres. The truth is that there is no gentle way of removing the thickened layers of keratin.” For effective exfoliation, Dr. Abdullah recommends skin stimulation by either a chemical reaction or by vigorous mechanical dermabrasion.

• Aloe-Based AloeGlyC® Renewing Exfoliant

Lexli’s Aloe-Based AloeGlyC Renewing Exfoliant combines Aloe Vera, Glycolic Acid and L-Ascorbic Acid beads (Vitamin C) to help remove dead skin cells while activating collagen production – the skin’s natural rejuvenation process. The process is virtually as effective as a doctor’s office peel and results in fewer fine lines and wrinkles and enhanced skin texture and clarity. AloeGlyC’s tiny Vitamin C beads also function as biological cofactors and antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental damage. AloeGlyC is gentle to the skin, yet extremely effective. With consistent use, AloeGlyC can minimize pore size, diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs ofpremature aging; diminishes blemishes and reduces the potential for future breakouts; evens the overall skin tone and skin clarity; and helps fight dryness.

Step Three: Moisturize

Lexli’s skincare products help the skin keep its water content at optimal levels through the use of humectants: molecules that hold more than their own weight of water within their molecular and chemical structure. When applied to the skin, humectants concentrate water, minimizing evaporation. The presence of water on the skin surface plasticizes and smoothes the uppermost layers of the skin and temporarily soothes the discomfort associated with dry, tight skin. Lexli's moisturizers can increase water retention in both the upper and lower layers of the skin, not only by preventing evaporation, but also by stimulating the synthesis of essential skin proteins and oils.

• Aloe-Based Tone and Balance

This gentle skin toner contains natural, moisturizing humectants that restores the skin’s natural pH, removes any traces of cleanser or skin cell build-up, and adds moisture without causing surface dryness. Lexli’s Aloe-Based Tone and Balance leaves the skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and ready for the application of moisturizer. It is alcohol-free and can be used to also calm the irritation caused by shaving or waxing, as well as irritation caused by sun exposure.

• Aloe-Based Night Moisturizer

Lexli’s Aloe-Based Night Moisturizer is a nourishing, humectant-enriched cream designed to replenish the loss of moisture within the skin’s tissues. The strong humectants and masking agents, such as collagen, work overnight to preserve and restore the skin’s natural moisture level and revive the skin’s tension and firmness..

Step Four: Protect

The final step in any proper skincare regimen is protection against environmental factors. Exposed skin can be damaged by ultraviolet light, which can contribute to premature aging of the skin.

• Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Normal to Dry Skin

Lexli’s Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a light, non-greasy formula that moisturizes and conditions to leave the skin feeling extraordinarily soft and comfortable throughout the day. It protects your skin from the environmental factors that cause premature aging with an added SPF 15 which helps to shield the skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays.

About Lexli International, Inc.


Lexli International, Inc. skincare company provides pharmaceutical-grade, potent Aloe-based skincare products to international skincare professionals and consumers. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, a board-certified plastic surgeon and nationally recognized aloe researcher, Lexli® offers a line of professional skin care products created to achieve healthier, younger-looking skin. All Lexli product formulations, including AloeGlyC®, the brand’s patented and celebrated daily exfoliant, and the Lexli Acne Kit, the most potent and focused over-the counter acne treatment available, are developed with certified organic, pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera as their principal ingredient. Formulations incorporate additional natural ingredients, including pH-balanced humectants, masking agents, protectants and botanicals. For more information, please visit http://www.lexli.com/.

One lucky reader will win one (1) Lexi Starter Kit!

This is a special giveaway open to all of our readers - to enter to giveaway, simply "Like" our Facebook Page and leave a comment on the Lexi Skincare Giveaway post (ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE - not here on this post) sharing with us your biggest skin problem.

This contest ends Monday, April 18th at 11:59pm (pdst) so don't wait - enter now!

Please note:

entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to drawing a winner.

Giveaways are open to those with a US shipping address ONLY.

Complete rules can be found on our Contest page.

Please note:  Pink Lemonade received no compensation of any kind for this post/giveaway

Natural Collagen Inventia FACE is recommended for intensive care of each skin type, especially dry and sensitive. It is recommended above all for face, neck and décolleté cosmetic treatments. Intended for use in beauty parlours and at home.

• It is a semi-fluid gel with colour shades from clear white to pearly grey.
• The form of gel facilitates the application and spreading. 
• It increases skin tautness and so minimises visibile expression lines. 
• The preparation stimulates organisms to produce their own collagen Improves general look of the skin.
• Increases the skin’s ability to bind with water.
• Creates a protective film on the skin, which prevents the skin from loosing moistness.
• Distinctly improves moistness.
• Clearly reduces roughness of the skin, making it smoother and more elastic.
• Gently exfoliates the epidermis and so speeds up its regeneration, lightens dark spots on the skin and evens out skin tone.
• It shows a high-degree of absorption.
• It is very well tolerated by the skin.
• It is not a source of prions as opposed to animal collagens
• It shows a very high scale of purity.
• It contains no parabens and preservatives!
• The preparation does not cause an allergy or addiction of the skin to it.
• It does not have any side effects!

Natural Collagen Inventia is a revolutionary new topical skin-rejuvenating skin care line now available in the US, Canada and South America. Natural Collagen Inventia is derived from rigorously inspected and select skins of fresh water planktonophagous fish. It is a highly guarded proprietary process, which creates “live” collagen that is sensitive to temperature and is compatible to the human DNA. This allows for better absorption and can also help reduce wrinkles and promote very smooth, soft skin for women and men.*

According to Boca Raton Dermatologist Dr. Laura Skellchock, “Natural Collagen Inventia is the answer to the shortage of collagen that develops as we age. Its unique collagen is durable and easily absorbed into the skin, making it an ideal anti-aging skin care product.”


About Inventia PT Ltd.


COLLIFX CORPORATION is registered in Florida and is the exclusive import agent for all of North and South America. The Company specializes in importation, manufacturing and development of specialty skin product and nutritional supplement that support a healthy body with emphasis in the benefits to the skin and protection from all forms of skin ailments. The most advanced scientific research and processing is used to create all or our unique products.


Our MISSION STATEMENT: To product non-prescription skin rejuvenation products that are guaranteed to produce results; to create and deliver product to the consumer that are free of toxic chemicals, not animal tested and have a wide application to both men and women.


Our parent company, Inventia Natural Collagen, employs the best experts in the field(s) of biochemistry, biotechnology and cosmetology. Great care is taken to insure that our products are not jeopardized by competitive products and have a broad range of applications. Eighty percent of the manufacturing is done manually. All processing is preformed in sterile conditions (GMP and GHP certified). Raw materials are inspected with rigorous detail and all production is continuously monitored. The purity of the water that the fish live is in monitored and is of key importance. The food that the fish are fed contains no cattle by products

One lucky reader will win one (1) bottle of Inventia anti-age gel for the face (retail value $106.07)


Giveaways on Pink Lemonade are now easier than ever to enter!

Simply Leave us a comment here at Pink Lemonade - share with us what you'd like to change about the way your face is aging.
This contest ends Friday, April 15th at 11:59pm (pdst) so don't wait - enter now!

Please note:

entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to drawing a winner.

Your email address MUST either be in your comment or available on your blogger profile or your entry will NOT count!! - Giveaways are open to those with a US shipping address ONLY.

Complete rules can be found on our Contest page.

* The above statements were provided by the Collifx Company and are in no way the experience of or opinions of Pink Lemonade or it's affiliates.

Please note:  Pink Lemonade received no compensation of any kind for this post/giveaway

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The winner of this giveaway is:

tatertot374

Congratulations!!

Watching cashiers ring up purchases at the grocery store is becoming more painful every day. Unfortunately, things are about to get much worse, particularly for low-income consumers who don't have ready access to discount supermarkets.


According to the United Nations, global food prices hit a record high in February due to upward-spiraling gas prices and stockpiling by importers. These factors are hitting the already volatile cereal markets. Wheat, corn, sugar and edible oils have seen the sharpest price increases in the last six months, with a relatively smaller increase in rice. Produce has already skyrocketed, with prices expected to rise by roughly one-fourth to one-third in the next year.

Such price increases and the resulting extreme poverty are partially credited with recent public unrest that toppled leaders in Tunisia and Egypt and sparked further unrest in North Africa and the Middle East.

So what's an American consumer to do? Here are 10 ways to combat rising food prices.


1. Shop Warehouse Stores

Not all prices are better at membership stores, particularly if you tend to go overboard, but there are some really good deals to be had. Look for great buys on perishable items and shop towards the end of the day, when department managers want to unload extra inventory.


2. Use Coupons

Now's the time to get in on the extreme-couponing trend, particularly since there are so many ways to access them these days. You'll find coupons online in both Internet-code or downloadable (IP) form.. Mobile coupons are as close as your cell phone. CellFire is a great source for grocery savings.

Don't overlook the coupons that print out with your receipt at the register. Known as Catalinas, these coupons are targeted towards the purchases you've made that day. Some stores, like King Soopers, also allow you to stack manufacturer and store coupons for additional savings. Not all supermarkets allow you to stack, however, so check first.


3. Hit Dollar Stores


Whether you cruise the narrow aisles of Dollar General or hit one of the smaller chains, dollar stores offer "ka-ching" savings on boxed, bagged and canned goods. Make sure you check the expiration dates, however.


4. Use Grocery Store Rewards Cards

These loyalty cards have become a necessity to access store sales, but they also have another benefit; You can download online coupons directly to your rewards card and the savings will be taken off at the register. Visit the rewards-card pages of such supermarket websites as Safeway and Food Lion to find these manufacturer coupons.

Some rewards card also provide gas savings when you buy groceries. At times, King Soopers has taken up to 10-cents off each gallon you purchase at their pumps when you spend $100 or more in their store.


5. Buy Generic

By and large, store-brand generics can be much cheaper than manufacturer products with the exact same quality. In fact, generics come off the same assembly line before being slapped with separate labels so skip the brand name items.


6. Use Discount Gift Cards


Shop websites like GiftCardGranny for discount gift cards from Kmart, Walmart and other major chains that sell food goods and produce. Paying just a portion of the card's face value gives you an instant savings on your grocery needs.


7. Make A List

Avoid impulse purchases by making a list before you leave home and sticking to it when you hit the store. Knowing specifically what you need also helps avoid duplications of products you already have at home.


8. Plan Your Meals

It's a lot easier to make a list when you have a plan. Creating a weekly menu also helps you avoid quick trips to the supermarket that end up costing you more in many ways. For last minute meals, create a gourmet dish at a deep discount by buying meats, produce and other food items that are on sale at your local grocery store.


9. One-Stop Shop

Save gas, time and money by shopping stores like Target that allow you to buy everything on your list within one visit.


10. Avoid Out-of-Season Produce

To every vegetable and fruit there is a season...and a better price. Squash are cheaper in the fall while asparagus can be a bargain in the spring. Wait until prices are at their best and plan your menu around seasonal produce to save big.

THE SILVER BOAT by Luanne Rice (Pamela Dorman Books / Viking) a heart-wrenching portrait of three far-flung sisters who come home to Martha’s Vineyard to the family beach house one last time. Memories emerge of their mother and Irish father, who sailed away to Ireland when the girls were young, never to return—and when a cache of old letters is discovered, the sisters journey back to their ancestral homeland seeking answers. The three sisters here are loveable, relatable, yet damaged and vulnerable. Rice is masterful at creating very real, very human women and their unfolding complex family dynamics.

THE SILVER BOAT is a season on Martha’s Vineyard; a mission to Ireland; a cast of friends including one wildly off-the-grid Zen genius; passionate love in the surf; heart-achingly beautiful island scenery; and three extraordinary sisters trying to live ordinary lives filled with beauty, sorrow, and deep love they’d never been quite sure they could trust.

Luanne Rice is the author of twenty-six novels, 22 of which have been consecutive New York Times bestsellers
 
“Popular Rice, in her mellifluous style, captures the essence of family and sisterhood as each character deals with love and loss.” — Booklist


“Rice enriches familiar themes of family, failure, redemption, and romance with a watercolor-lovely portrait of Martha's Vineyard and sketches of the tug-of-war between sea and sand, rich and poor, development and preservation characteristic of the island.” — Publishers Weekly


“This novel is a satisfying and worthwhile ride.” — Library Journal
 

In celebration of her highly anticipated debut book, Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girl’s Hair, kids' hair expert Cozy Friedman opened the doors to her flagship Madison Avenue salon for a chic and kid-friendly evening of fun. Guests sipped on delicious drinks provided by Arizona Teas and Frey Wines, while kids received signature hair styling from Cozy’s talented team of experts.



Special guests included:

- Lala Anthony and four year old son Kiyan, who even took home a few of the trendiest toys from Cozy’s vast selection


- Founder of Completely Bare Spas and the newest addition to Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York, Cindy Barshop, and her two twin daughters, Zoe and Jesse


- Television actress and beauty author Erica Katz and her son Stone



Guests left with a fabulous gift bag featuring items such as So Cozy hair care products, Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips, a gift card from The Children’s Place Bliss Lotion, and an earth-friendly notebook from EcoJet.

If you pride yourself on your late model car or your trendy clothes, you’ll be surprised to learn that you’re walking around in a body designed over a million years ago. This is around the time the Homo Erectus model was first introduced; the Neanderthal version came out around 100,000 years ago and the very latest (but only slightly modified) body style, Homo Sapiens (ironically named “modern man”) was released by the manufacturer approximately 40,000 years ago. Almost no aspect of civilization since then, including the development of agriculture (around 10,000 years ago), the industrial revolution (a few hundred years ago), and the first McDonald’s (around 60 years ago), has even made a dent in our genetic design. You see this evolution business is rather slow going, requiring tens of thousands of generations for any observable mutation to occur. Extrapolating on the basis of the time span comprising a generation, fruit flies (with a generation of only 9 days) evolve around 852 times more quickly than humans. (Makes one wonder why they aren’t the master species in the white lab coats peering at tiny humans stuffed into test tubes or copulating in petry dishes.)

Anyway, the point is your body thinks it’s still back in the Pleistocene epoch, and if you think you have a hard time getting psyched for work every morning, imagine your body’s surprise and disappointment to find itself planted in front of a computer 8 hours a day instead of romping through the jungle chasing (or being chased by) saber-toothed tigers. (This dismay and confusion is sometimes expressed in the form of Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.)

Now we’re told that approximately 133% of our country’s population is obese, and an even greater percentage is just plain overweight. In contrast, Google up the phrase “prehistoric man and South Beach diet” and you’ll find no direct hits - zilch. This research methodology has led scientists to conclude that obesity was not present among our prehistoric ancestors. This makes sense given the dramatic differences in our lifestyles, particularly related to diet and exercise. Think about it - we struggle against super-sizing; they struggled against famine. We exercise to get rid of excess food; they exercised to get enough food and to avoid becoming food (and, I might add, burned a lot of calories in the process).

With regard to that pursuit of food, it appears that before we became hunters and gatherers we were that less enterprising predator – the scavenger. Now that doesn’t sound like a terribly demanding workout - wandering listlessly through alleys sifting through trash. Many of us forage through the contents of our fridges at 2:00 a.m. without breaking a sweat. But as we evolved into hunters and gatherers our exercise routines were definitely kicked up a notch or two.

Hunting, as practiced by cavemen, could be quite demanding. It involved setting one’s alarm for an ungodly hour and taking long walks through the forest on unpaved roads in bare feet. Also they tended to throw heavy stones and long sharp spears (think shotput and javelins). And then there was the intensely aerobic aspect of the activity which occurred when it turned out the large (but surprisingly agile for his 6 tons) Mastodon had become highly irritated by the barrage of stones and spears, instead of highly dead.

Now gathering is something I haven’t done much of but I feel like this activity involves a lot of bending over, crouching and almost certainly squatting. Picture it – squat for a berry, get up, squat for a nut, get up….repeat a thousand times a day. (That’s a lot of reps.) In contrast, today’s equivalent of exerting oneself for a meal means opting for carryout instead of delivery, or bothering to put the leftovers in the microwave instead of eating them cold.

In terms of dietary differences, what we know about the eating habits of our ice age ancestor is that he favored raw meat but wasn’t very picky, i.e., an “opportunistic carnivore”, willing to dine on insects if convenient. He also enjoyed leafy plants, vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, and apparently derived his carbs from “tubers”. (In case you don’t know what these are, Wikipedia defines these as “plant underground storage organs”. Hope that clears things up for you.) Other items on the menu were birds’ eggs, the tissues, brains, kidneys and livers of mammals, rodents and, I’m sorry to say, carrion. It’s also possible our distant relative indulged in the occasional “neighborly” meal, though the issue of cannibalism among our forefathers is subject to debate.

Nothing in the fossils indicates that the trim figures of these early humans was the result of iron wills or super self-control. What they lacked, however, was gastronomical temptations of the kind we face today. Thus it’s hard to imagine this conversation between Wilma and Betty: “I just hate myself – last night I polished off a ton of roots and tubers, and after that I binged on a half-carcass of Giant Wildebeest.” One wonders what would have become of our species if Pliocene man had been exposed to such mouth-watering delectables as double bacon cheeseburgers, deep dish stuffed pizza and caramel pecan Cinnabons. Would he have steadfastly resisted, preferring termites and plant underground storage organs, or become a pizzavore like the rest of us? My money’s on succumbing – after all he was only (mostly) human. And what would have happened next? (I mean after he erased all those pictures of bison on his cave walls and replaced them with triple whoppers and DQ Oreo blizzards.)

Well, one possibility, certainly, is that our species would have become extinct long before the invention of Weight Watchers. But there is also the undeniable chance we could have adapted, and done so in a magnificent way. Over the course of tens of thousands of generations we might have developed a super metabolism, capable of burning 20,000 plus calories a day. Our doctors would be prescribing fettucine alfredo, hot fudge sundaes, and pills to increase our cholesterol; scurvy would be defined as the lack of sufficient butter and whipped cream in the diet.

Think how much further along the evolutionary path we’d be if Homo Erectus had the foresight 500,000 years ago to invent cheese fries and polish sausage instead of fire. Perhaps not what Darwin had in mind when he coined the phrase “survival of the fittest” but, oh, so much better.

In a way it’s rather too bad we aren’t fruit flies. You hardly ever see a fat fruit fly.


OPTIONAL DIET AND EXERCISE PLAN

You, too, can be as svelte as a Neanderthal. Here’s a diet and exercise routine based on the habits of our cave-dwelling ancestors:


Breakfast - eggs of extinct birds, scrambled; fruits and berries


Lunch - flesh of Giant Ground Sloth; termites; side of carrion. (Tip: for flavorful leftovers mash up extra meat with a large stone and sprinkle with assorted insects)


Snack - small fried rodent; nuts and sedge grass


Dinner - leafy plant salad; brains of Woolly Rhino; roots; kidneys of cave dweller living next door (if he happens to be slower than you)


Complementary workout – vigorously chase your pet around the living room hurling small stones and sticks; throw a hundred or so pennies on the floor and squat to pick up each coin individually
 
 
 
-  Alisa Singer
of Alisa Singer.com

On May 14, Universal Orlando guests are in for a big-time treat – Nickelodeon stars Big Time Rush will perform live at Universal Studios Florida’s Music Plaza stage.


With millions of fans all over the world, Big Time Rush is one of today’s hottest names in music and entertainment. Nickelodeon’s hit series “Big Time Rush,” produced in partnership with Sony Music, stars Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan, as four best friends who move to Los Angeles for a chance at music superstardom. Currently in its second season, “Big Time Rush” had the highest-rated and most-watched live-action series premiere with kids, tweens and total viewers in the history of the network. In addition, Big Time Rush performed at the “Nickelodeon 2011 Kids’ Choice Awards,” where they were nominated for Favorite Music Group and Favorite TV Show. Their debut album “BTR,” which consists of original songs from the hit series, is certified RIAA® Gold® (over 500,000 units sold) and debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. The group has also sold 1.7 million combined digital tracks to date, including their current single, “Boyfriend,” featuring Snoop Dogg.

Fans at Universal Orlando will also have the exclusive opportunity to watch a never-before-seen episode of “Big Time Rush.” In the episode, “Big Time Prom,” everyone at the Palm Woods is preparing for the big night, especially Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan, who are all determined to win the title of prom king. Episode viewings will be held throughout the day at the Animal Actors on Location! theater.

Guests can enjoy Big Time Rush’s performance, the viewing of the never-before-seen episode of the show and the thrilling rides and attractions of Universal Studios for the price of regular admission to the theme park. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Events/SpecialEvent/Big_Time_Rush.aspx#.


Universal Orlando Resort:


There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be outrageous – and be extraordinary.




Nickelodeon:


Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

Nancy O’Dell is going to London to cover the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton for Entertainment Tonight – and you could be there with her. “My friends at Creative Memories have put together the most exciting contest: the Happily Ever After Photo Contest, Nancy said. “All you have to do is share a photo of something that makes you happy, and you could win a trip to London during the royal wedding!”


The Grand Prize Winner will spend four days and three nights in London, amidst all of the excitement. Winners will hear the chimes of Big Ben, stroll by Buckingham Palace, celebrate with the locals in Picadilly Circus and join Nancy for a spot of tea and girl talk about all the wedding fun.

The contest runs from April 1 to April 15. To enter, go online and “like” the Creative Memories Home Office Facebook Page, click on Photo Contest and upload an image that makes you smile.




The 100 photos that receive the most votes will be evaluated by Nancy and a panel of judges. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected based on creativity, personality and originality. Fifteen runners up will win a prize pack from the Nancy O’Dell Collection by Creative Memories.

“We’ll be calling the grand prize winner on Monday, April 18,” Nancy said. “I’m so excited about this contest and this once-in-a-lifetime Happily Ever After opportunity,” she added.

With the summer season quickly approaching, now is the time for parents to start thinking about what summer camp programs are right for their children. With more than 12,000 camps nationally according to the American Camp Association, it can be often overwhelming for parents to identify the program that best fits their own working schedules and the interests and aptitudes of their children.

"The type of summer camp you choose for your children can have a real impact on their success in the upcoming school year," said Claire Haas vice president of education for Kiddie Academy, a national child care and education franchisor. "Summer can be a great time to build upon a child's current educational skills with fun and challenging activities, or it can be a time when those skills erode for lack of reinforcement."

With so many programs to choose from, Haas offers the following tips to help parents narrow down their choices:

• Consider your childcare facility. You may not need to look any further than your current childcare facility for a summer camp program that combines the fun outdoor activities and adventure experiences of a typical camp program with quality academic instruction. And, as a bonus, many of these programs provide the extended hours that busy two-working-parent families need. Childcare-based programs are also a good choice if you have more than one child, since they typically accept more than one age group.
• Focus on your child's interests. Put your child's interests before convenience. If the camp you choose is not a good match for your child's interests and aptitudes, then you are heading for a summer-long battle.
• Make it fun. While you may not be on vacation, your children are. The summer camp program you choose should include a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities that give your children a chance to build confidence, explore their abilities, make new friends, learn new skills and just have fun.

"Summer camp programs can help your children test their boundaries socially, physically, mentally and emotionally," adds Haas. "The more relaxed atmosphere of a summer program helps open children up to new experiences. The right program can help a child develop leadership skills and a sense of independence, which are important building blocks for future academic and personal success."

The summer day camp program at Kiddie Academy, 'Camp Adventure,' offers age-appropriate programs for children ages one through 12. Structured around a 'Life Essentials' curriculum, the program offers fun-filled events, special guests and exciting field trips along with physical and creative activities designed to help build character, grow self-confidence and increase knowledge of the world surrounding us.

For more information about Kiddie Academy’s summer camp program, visit http://www.kiddieacademy.com/.

Award winning writer Peggy Orenstein examines the "good girl" role portrayed by Miranda Cosgrove in an in-depth NY Times article.

The Good Girl, Miranda Cosgrove  By PEGGY ORENSTEIN  Published: March 23, 2011

Miranda Cosgrove's High Maintenance EP is now available in stores and online!

The follow-up to Miranda's 2010 album, Sparks Fly, which MTV calls "one of the most underrated gems of 2010" features writing and production work from Avril Lavigne, Max Martin, and Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo. The EP is already receiving rave reviews!
 
"Cosgrove comes back stronger — and sharper — on High Maintenance" - Mikeal Wood, Entertainment Weekly

“High Maintenance is mostly high-octane fun, Cosgrove’s all-grown-up soundtrack to letting loose and testing the rules without breaking them." - Lauren Carter, The Boston Herald

New information from the US Department of Health and Human Resources reveals that despite national efforts to curb childhood obesity here in the US, rates are still climbing! Because the years of preventing childhood obesity are over by the time our children reach kindergarten, parents need products that offer a fun and practical approach to teaching their children balanced nutrition...

Enter  Beanstalk Express, the home of the world’s first snacktivity game, The SnackTime survival kit At Beanstalk Express, they’re parents too! And like you, they're also envisioned raising fruit-and-veggie loving eaters, avoiding processed foods and “just saying no!” to drive through windows! But then something happened along the way … Kids!

After enduring the preschool battles with picky eaters and around-the-clock requests for sweets and goodies, the folks at Beanstalk Express realized what was missing when it comes to inspiring our kids with healthy habits that will last …Food marketers have been making junk food fun for decades. So what if we made healthy choices just as much fun? They decided to try it … and it worked! When you empower children with the ability to make their own choices, amazing things happen! At Beanstalk Express, they make healthy fun! And in the process, it becomes a habit!
 
Wooden Clock Board


Features one working clock, 3 control clocks with moveable arms, and 3 corresponding hooks to hold snack cards in place.


33 Snack Cards

On the front are pictures of delicious snacks to choose from. On the back is important tips and information to learn from.


How it works!

1. Each morning, Mom or Dad selects between 4-6 snack cards that are available to make that day from the deck.

2. From these cards, kids can choose their 3 snacks for that day.

3. Mom sets the control clocks to the desired snack times and hangs the snack cards on the corresponding hooks.

4. And now it's up to the kids! By Keeping an eye on the clocks, the kids alert Mom to when it's SNACK TIME!

5. Mom takes the snack card off the hook and serves up the snack.


THIS IS A PARENTING PRODUCT AND NOT INTENDED PRIMARILY FOR USE CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND YOUNGER. ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED.


One lucky reader will win one (1) Snack Time Survival Kit!
Giveaways on Pink Lemonade are now easier than ever to enter!

Simply Leave us a comment here at Pink Lemonade - share with us what your biggest snack time challenge is with your kiddos OR your child's favorite healthy snack.

This contest ends Wednesday, April 13th at 11:59pm (pdst) so don't wait - enter now!

Please note:

entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to drawing a winner.

Your email address MUST either be in your comment or available on your blogger profile or your entry will NOT count!! - Giveaways are open to those with a US shipping address ONLY.

Complete rules can be found on our Contest page.

Please note:  Pink Lemonade received no compensation of any kind for this post/giveaway

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The winner of this giveaway is:

susansmoaks

Congratulations!!  I will be contacting you shortly.

WORLD WITHOUT FISH by Mark Kurlansky, acclaimed author of the bestsellers Cod and Salt is for moms, nature-lovers, foodies, pet owners, Kurlansky fans, and anyone who wants an overview of the circumstances facing our oceans.  WORLD WITHOUT FISH will be available April 18, 2011.

WORLD WITHOUT FISH is a family book—Mark’s 10-year-old daughter and fishing companion, Talia, vetted each chapter to ensure that it would be equally enjoyable to children and adults—that explains how and why the fish we commonly eat and see in aquariums could become extinct within 50 years, and what we can do to prevent that from happening. This important book is:


— A seafood lover’s guide to safe and sustainable menu options and where to find them

— The cool children’s pick of the season that includes an 11-page full-color comic interwoven

throughout the book

— A great teaching tool for parents and educators

— A timely look at the impact of oil spills on the ocean environment (the anniversary of the Gulf

Oil Spill is 4/20, two days after publication)

— An engaging history of fishing

— An inspiring, user-friendly handbook filled with things we all can do to help save fish

— A fascinating crash course on the state of our oceans


Some Fun Facts from WORLD WITHOUT FISH:


There is no such thing as a true Chilean Sea Bass. The fish we know as the Chilean Sea Bass is actually a Patagonian Toothfish, which is not a bass at all, and, for that matter, not necessarily from Chile. Since a “Patagonian Toothfish” doesn’t sound very appetizing, the alternate name was created to market the fish internationally.


Mammals usually give birth to one to six babies. A bird will lay this many eggs. A fish will lay millions of eggs. For years, people assumed that this meant that fish have millions of babies. Only recently have scientists come to understand that a fish will usually have only one to six surviving babies, just like a mammal or a bird.


The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest known concentration of floating trash in the world. Located in the north central Pacific Ocean (the area between Japan and the United States), the Patch is alternately estimated to be from one-eighth to twice the size of the United States.


For more Fun Facts, visit "10 Fascinating Facts from WORLD WITHOUT FISH"



We are lucky enough to be able to offer a copy of WORLD WITHOUT FISH and a beautiful poster to one of our luck readers!

Giveaways on Pink Lemonade are now easier than ever to enter!

Simply Leave us a comment here at Pink Lemonade - share with us what your family is doing to help the planet.
This contest ends Wednesday, April 13th at 11:59pm (pdst) so don't wait - enter now!

Please note:

entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to drawing a winner.

Your email address MUST either be in your comment or available on your blogger profile or your entry will NOT count!! - Giveaways are open to those with a US shipping address ONLY.

Complete rules can be found on our Contest page.

Please note:  Pink Lemonade received a review copy of WORLD WITHOUT FISH for review purposes.


















_______________________________________________________________________

Our lucky winner in this giveaway is:


tatertot374


Congratulations!  I will be emailing you shortly with instructions for claiming your prize.

Ben Franklin once said the only certainties in life were death and taxes.

As the filing deadline approaches many are expected to e-file which is why AVG Technologies wants to remind folks that with proper security in place, filing taxes can be safe, fast and easy. If you plan to file your own 1040 online, follow the tips below to help protect and keep your personal data exactly where it should be – between the you and the IRS:


1. Vet websites claiming to be free e-file services – Do your homework before selecting a third-party site for filing your taxes. Read online reviews to find a reliable, trusted site that works best for your needs. Before you log on, double-check the site you’ve selected is listed on IRS.gov.


2. Evaluate mobile apps on your smartphone – If you plan to file a simple return or track the progress of your return via your mobile device, do you homework just as you would if filing on your personal computer. Ensure the app you select is from a trustworthy source, read the reviews and pay attention to its ratings before downloading. Also remember not just your tax time app can cause harm. Consider all third-party open source libraries, apps and components that may harbor bugs and malicious code on your smartphone to protect your personal information when you file and every day.


3. Use a trusted Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection – While you could file your taxes on your smartphone or laptop from the neighborhood coffee shop, the airport or even a fast food establishment, simply don’t. File from home, or the office, where you have a firewall in place and internet security installed on the network.


4. Update your computer’s anti-virus software – New online threats are discovered every day. The first line of defense against these attacks is an up-to-date anti-virus program on your computer or smartphone. While getting all your documentation in line, run an update on your system’s security software to ensure you’re fully protected, or download free protection from trusted sites such as AVG.


5. Don’t believe an email from the IRS – The IRS does not email individual taxpayers. If you get an email from the IRS, do not click on any links. Mark it as spam, and move on. You can go to IRS.gov to report the phishing scam or call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 if you suspect that you have received a fraudulent notice. But rest assured the IRS will not notify you that you’re being audited via email.


6. Email over fax – If you’re compiling taxes with your tax preparer or family members from multiple locations, think twice before faxing sensitive materials back and forth. Email is far more secure, especially if sent and received via a secure Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection and a computer with up-to-date antivirus software. Also ensure you don’t leave those files sitting on your email server to collect virtual dust. Delete and store them securely to protect yourself from future attacks, long after this year’s April 18 filing date.

OneRepublic stopped by "Dancing With The Stars" last night to perform their latest single "Good Life" while Lacey and Dmitry took the floor for a beautiful routine set to the song.  The band also played "All The Right Moves" off of their current release Waking Up.  Tune in to Conan tonight (4/6) for another live performance.