School Fashion: August 2012

How I plan to finally get my Kitchenaid mixer

My preciousssssssss

I have coveted the Kitchenaide mixer for a number of years. I enjoy baking tremendously and although my handmixer is pretty good, there are times when I wish for the power of a stand mixer. Especially when I'm whipping up egg whites until they peak. Takes forever and my arm fatigues despite the fact that the mixer is doing most of the work. I have been without "my precious" for so long because, well, simply put. this is a cost prohibitive item.

At over $200 it is not at the top of my list to purchase. Aside from my large appliances, this would be the most expensive item in my kitchen and with competing "needs" versus this "want" I have been unable to justify the purchase. As I was browsing the aisles at Walmart the other day I noticed the Kitchenaid mixer. I didn't realize it was carried there and I once again stopped to admire it and proceeded to continue to complete the shopping on my list. I still yearned for the mixer but filed that feeling away to address at a later date.

And that was that. Until....I learned that Walmart is offering layaway again this year for the holiday season. Suddenly purchasing the Kitchenaid is within my reach. I manage payments over time much easier than an all out full payment. And it only takes a $10 or 10% downpayment (whichever is greater) and $5.00 service charge - which is refunded by Walmart giftcard once the final payment is received- to start. Products eligible for layaway include electronics, jewelry, toys, small electronics and select sporting goods. This year, layaway begins for everyone on September 16th but fans of local store pages will receive early access on September 14th!

Layaway is back and that Kitchenaid may very well be my gift to myself this year. But most likely, if I decide to use layaway I will purchase a gift for my son! All I know is that with the fuel prices as high as they are and the state of the economy in general, layaway is a welcome option for holiday shopping.

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and have been compensated for this post. All opinions, as usual are my own.

Puppies!

Baby Austin is 9 weeks old!! Can you believe how big he's gotten?!

Baby Austin sez, "I can getz in the toy box all by myself!"

Sweet little Napoli is looking so pretty too! She's going to the v-e-t for a checkup while we see if her symptoms are degenerative or not. Please keep your paws crossed for her!

And today is the last day of Norwood's Dog Days of Summer Photo Challenge! I've had so much fun pawticipating in this. Thanks, Norwood!

Today is #31 - Traveling. Here I am lounging in the back seat while Momma takes me on another fabulous adventure.

And don't furget -- LBR is in a contest to win $3,000 from the Animal Rescue Site! We're trying to start a program to help promote our senior boxers. Our program is called "Gray Muzzle Boxers are Awesome!" You can vote here once a day (per computer) until September 16th. Right now we're neck and neck for first place. Please help us win!

Pixi Lash Line Ink- best eyeliner ever

I am a lover of all things beauty. Although I don't talk about it frequently here, I've written quite a bit about make-up (LOVE), most recently on CafeMom. Give me pretty eyeshadow, great mascara, lip gloss (my fav - especially flavored) and most importantly my eye liner and I am ready to go! As a matter of fact, when I was obese rather than purchase clothing, I'd go out and buy some new make-up. I could continue to use it no matter what size I am and why not have a pretty face when you are disappointed with your current size?

My mainstay is eyeliner. However, I've always been a bit conservative with pricing on this item. Generally I will visit a drugstore or a large chain like Target or Walmart and purchase eyeliner with the hope that it will be the perfect one. I just hate spending an exorbitant amount of funds on make-up and finding out that it really isn't great for me when I get home. Rather than buy my eyeliner from a department store and finding out it doesn't work, I can purchase numerous eyeliners and find a "good" one in the bunch from a drugstore.

Good eyeliner in my opinion goes on smoothly, with ease and precision. I've tried so many different eyeliners but have not fully been pleased with one. That is, until now! When I attended the Social Luxe lounge during the BlogHer conference earlier this month, I had no idea a treasure would be hidden in my giftbag. Please see Exhibit A:

This my friend is the ULTIMATE eyeliner. Prior to seeing it in my giftbag, I had never even heard of the Pixi brand. Pixi is dedicated to given you the natural look "just had a good night's rest" look. And after using it, I tell you, I am in LOVE with the Pixi Lash Line Ink. This is a waterproof liner that goes on smoothly, dries quickly and lasts all day! My favorite aspect of the liner is that it actually is like a pen. I have the ability to thinly line my lashes at the lash line for daytime wear or switch things up and line my eyes dramatically with this versatile liner.

I wore this eyeliner for the duration of BlogHer. In an effort to condense my belongings while staying at a friend's home, every evening I'd go into my giftbags and make piles of things to keep and giveaway. I discovered this eyeliner and was convinced I'd found a winner. Immediately after using it I searched for the website and the eyeliner and it was nowhere to be found! We had been given a preview of the fall line with Lash Line Ink and mascara. I finally found a blog that talked about new items for the season and realized the price point is $16.00! Hefty for me BUT worth it! I am not turning back, I am sticking to Lash Line Ink. Check out my video for a demonstration of the product in use!

Have I said how much I LOVE Pixi Lash Line Ink? LOVE,LOVE,LOVE! I will be visiting Target or shopping online when I need a new one. Seriously? My search for the perfect eyeliner is over!

Disclosure: I received the Lash Line Ink in my giftbag at the Social Luxe Lounge but my review is entirely my own opinion. Try it. I bet you will love it too!

Final Dog Days

Tomorrow is the very last day of Norwood's photo challenge, so I need to catch up on the last few days!

#28 Running/Jumping

#29 Favorite photo

Cinderella and I both wanted to get in on this one. No question what my favorite picture is. You see this one a lot, because it's my icon. Looks at my great smooshy face!

And this is the bestest picture ever of Cinderella. I dare you to look at this and not smile.

#30 Ice cream/popsicles

Umm.... I'm not really one for ice cream. I've had Frosty Paws a few times and it's nice, but Momma didn't take any pictures of it. But there are other nummies I like!

Tune in tomorrow for the LAST DAY! Oh, and remember you can pre-register for my Back to School class, "Back to School Fashion Tips" by commenting on this post.

Wordless Wednesday

LBR foster Snow White

Tailgating, Buffalo shrimp and team pride!

With the heat here in Atlanta it is hard to believe that football season is literally around the corner! But pre-season is in full effect and around town I see teams ranging from pee-wee to high school getting ready for football. If you've been reading Cutie Booty Cakes for any amount of time, you know that in my game time posts in the past all noted that I am not a football fan. Surprisingly, I am warming up to football and not only watch games but intend to fully comprehend the game this season. Never mind the fact that I was a cheerleader in high school and LOVED playing my football game in middle school, beyond the basics I am clueless.

Regardless of how clueless I am, I do know how to throw a party and this time I am sharing some of my tailgating solutions with you. I have highlighted my favorite GameTime food, buffalo shrimp in the past. My recipe was fairly healthy but the shrimp were still fried and the buffalo sauce was buttery goodness! This time, I decided to search for a recipe that did not require frying and breading.

Martha Stewart (of course) has a roasted buffalo shrimp recipe that fit the bill. From preparation to completion it takes 30 minutes! This is so quick and easy, a perfect recipe for game day! Instead of utilizing the dressing that Martha suggested in her recipe (which utilizes sour cream), I decided to make a variation on the Guiltless Blue Cheese dressing that I used in my first post about buffalo shrimp. I used Greek yogurt which has a whopping 24 grams of protein per serving which leave you with a feeling of fullness for a very long time. I decided to forego the Blue Cheese and the light dressing was the perfect complement for the buffalo shrimp. I served my shrimp on a salad composed of mixed greens, tomato and avocado but it can also be served in the traditional style with celery. For tailgating either the salad or celery can be served, you can even do both! It is simply a matter of personal preference.

Speaking of tailgating, a post would not be complete without my essential items....sadly, my home team is the New York Giants so I will only have one opportunity to tailgate this year. Otherwise, I'll be enjoying the tailgating items in the comfort of my home in front of the big screen!

My big flannel throw is essential for chilly weather both relaxing while tailgating and for use in the stadium during the game. I would NOT be a true fan if I didn't have a Giants tee shirt in a woman's cut and finally a Giants pilsner to hold a frosty cold beer that will complement the buffalo shrimp!

There you have it! All of my essential ingredients for tailgating. Of course, other foods will be available but I highlighted the essentials here. And by the way? All of the ingredients for my shrimp and all of the Giants gear is available at Walmart.

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and was compensated with products and compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

Entrepreneurism with AVON

This is Jaquice not your average stay at home mom, she is an AVON entrepreneur

I have been an entrepreneur intermittently since 2003. I have worked for various organizations as an independent contractor with long term (a year or more) contracts but since 2009 I have been truly solo. And have built a business first as a maker of diaper cakes (hence the name Cutie Booty Cakes) with a blog, to a lover of social media who has retired from the baby shower gift business and grown in the new media space.

There are many other women like me who have the entrepreneurial spirt and start their own businesses. As a matter of fact, there are more than 6.5 million AVON Representatives worldwide who are receiving support from AVON to start their own home-based businesses with a network of women, all united by the motivation to empower one another and gain financial freedom. One of these AVON representatives is Jacquice.

Jaquice joined AVON in March of 2010 because she had a difficult time finding a full time position ad needed an income to supplement her husband's earnings. She is a stay at home mom and she is able to manage her business while taking care of her three year old son. Before embarking with Avon she polled her husband's co-workers asking them for brands that they trusted for health and beauty products and Avon won hands down. With only a $10 start-up cost, a new Avon representative was born!

As a result of working with AVON Jaquice says:

"AVON has provided me the opportunity to make a little money and stay at home with my son during precious moments in his life. It has also given me the chance to meet more awesome women and everyone's story is different…I meeting and helping those who allow me to help them."

She notes that with the income earned from AVON she is able to keep gas in her car, pay her own car insurance, buy new clothes for her son and treat him to special outings. She also mentioned that her husband is her biggest support and she doesn't think she'd experience as much success with AVON without him.

I have to add that I think Jaquice's lovely demeanor, smiling face and helpful attitude have also contributed to her success. I have had the opportunity to watch her in action and it is obvious to me that not only is she a great sales woman but she also serves as a wonderful mentor to new AVON representatives who she recruited.

I will provide you with a snapshot of her daily grind in an upcoming post and in the meanwhile for more information about AVON and opportunities to own your business you can visit Avon on facebook.

Disclosure: I am an AVON ambassador and have been compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Back to School Pre-Registration!

That's right, folks, it's BACK TO SCHOOL time! And here in Blogville, we're celebrating with a Back to School day on September 12th. There will be some totally pawsome classes offered by guest lecturers all over Blogville. Check out Mayor Frankie's post for the details!

LBR foster Gringo is ready to impress the teachers.

As for me, I knew there was only one class I could volunteer to teach. Sure, school is about reading and writing and 'rithmetic, but we all know that it's about seeing and BEING seen! So I'm going to offer a set of Back to School Fashion Tips for the fashion-conscious canines and felines out there. (Crabby Girls, I don't know if you go to school, but I'm sure we can modify my tips for you too! :))

LBR foster Haole says it's easy to show off your style!

I will have tips for all shapes and body types. Let's face it -- it's easy to find all sorts of cute outfits when you're a teeny little dog. But us larger doggies have a bit more of a challenge. Don't worry, Casey's got you covered!

LBR foster Henry dresses to impress all the ladies!

You can pre-register for the class by commenting on this post. I hope to have a full class!

Finally, LBR is in a contest to win $3,000 from the Animal Rescue Site! We're trying to start a program to help promote our senior boxers. Our program is called "Gray Muzzle Boxers are Awesome!" You can vote here once a day (per computer) until September 16th. Right now we're neck and neck for first place. Please help us win!

Christian Themed Back To School Supplies

My son attends a Christian homeschooling cooperative school and since we don't have a church home, this is a wonderful opportunity for him to develop a foundation in Christianity with fellow believers. The school starts with daycare and goes all the way up to high school. I cannot wait to share the news with the teachers that Walmart carries Christian themed school supplies by DaySpring.

I know the kids are going to really love them, honestly I've never seen anything like them. And living in the Bible Belt I am sure that many children will be utilizing them. Here is a closer look at some of the items.

I must admit, the cheekiness of the "You Need Jesus" folder cracks me up! I actually wish there was a shirt with that bible verse (obviously it is a contemporary translation) I'd wear it often! I find that the products are on par with the usual school supplies and that the difference is in the sayings on the items. Not only are they age appropriate but also appeal to my "geeky" tech side with the heart made from characters on a keyboard like a text.

All in all, if you have been looking for Christian themed items for your child you can't go wrong with DaySpring. The line is available at Walmart and you can also check out more items on the website.

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and have been compensated/sent items for this post. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Good morning!

"Good morning to you! Good morning to you! Good morning, dear Blogville! Good morning to you!"

Boy, it sure is nice to wake up to Baby Austin and Li'l Aspen serenading us, isn't it? Because of the tragedy and drama of this weekend, I fell WAY behind on Norwood's Dog Days of Summer Photo Challenge. It makes me smile to find pictures to meet these fun challenges, so let's bring on the smiles!

#24 Hanging out - Cinderella and I love to hang out on our couch. It's very comfy and lets us monitor the whole house. See how hard we're working? Plus whenever Momma walks by, she scratches our ears! Best spot in the house.

#25 Teethers -- In LBR, we call this "teefies." I don't use it much, but here's my best shot! (This is the photo that won me a Judge's Choice award in Garth Riley's Silly Photo Contest.)

#26 Sunning - I don't sun, but it's one of Cinderella's most favoritest things to do. Can you believe she actually loves to go out in the backyard, NOT just to potty, but to lounge around on the grass??? I know, I can hardly believe we're related! (But then, whenever she's lounging like this, Momma goes over and rubs her belly, so maybe she has a cunning plan!)

And today is #27 Eyes -- This is what Momma calls my "soul eyes" pose. She just loves my beautiful amber eyes. What can I say? I'm gorgeous!

Cheering myself up

We're all still very depressed over Nala and Bruno, plus my furiend Tessa is in the hospital with heart problems. Siiiiiiiigh. So I needed to cheer myself up!

This is sad BIN 12592 as he's asking for help from the shelter. He's a young boy but has been fighting mange most of his life. His daddy didn't know how to help him, so he ended up surrendering him to the shelter. The shelter was very full, and he was nearly euthanized for space! But the magical LBR volunteers came through and found him a home!

His name is DJ now, and he's a whole new dog! Look at him run around the backyard!

He loves to wrestle with his new foster brother, Keebler. Keebler went through mange himself, so he's told DJ all about what to expect as he goes through treatment.

Just look at that smile! That definitely makes me feel better. Welcome to the Legacy family, DJ!

Godspeed, Nala and Bruno.

I'm devastated to report that Nala and Bruno were helped to the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. They kept getting worse, and we couldn't let them keep suffering. LBR will not stop until we've found justice for you. I'm so sorry we couldn't help you.

Update:
Their momma wanted to share their last picture. As they started to fall asleep, they moved closer together until they were touching. At least they had each other! Thank you for all the kind words. Momma and I are still crying, and so is the rest of LBR. :(

Great pupdate!

Update from the foster mom on Nala and Bruno:

"I want to start off saying I am blown away from everyone’s support. I can’t stop crying reading all the emails and facebook posts. It has been crazy. So if I don’t respond to communication as quickly please forgive me.

Renaldo and I went to visit the babies around dinner time. Like Sharon has said the blood work looks good overall but they haven’t been peeing. Well we spent an hour and a half with them and got both Bruno and Nala to pee a good deal, and #2 several times for both of them. They are definitely swollen and retaining water. While we were out their gums got white toward the end so we went back inside and laid down next to them.

Another 15 minutes and both of their gums were pink. So that is good news. They both drank water but are just very swollen and lethargic. Walked very well but just looked exhausted. They were VERY happy to get outside to see each other and walk around and lay in the grass.

So we are still in rough territory and this by no way means that they are home free, but I am so glad they peed for me. So keep those prayers and vibes coming. Thank you all so much for your help."

Wow, who knew humans would be so happy to see dogs pee? :) Since antifreeze poisoning shuts down the kidneys, peeing is a really good sign because it shows that their kidneys are still functioning!!

LBR set up a ChipIn page to help cover Nala and Bruno's vet bills. (Since Nala isn't a foster dog, LBR can't cover her bills directly.) Thank you to anyone who helps!

Pupdates!

Thank you to everyone who responded to yesterday's post! If you missed it, two LBR dogs (LBR foster Bruno and his foster sister LBR alum Nala) suddenly got sick two nights ago. They were having neurological symptoms, like losing control of their bowels and not being able to stand up. Their momma rushed them to the vet, and they were diagnosed with antifreeze poisoning! That's not something that a lot of pups survive, but they're still hanging on and fighting as of this morning. I'll keep you updated when I hear more about their condition.

"Thanks for all your prayers! We will keep fighting!!"

Unfortunately, we know this was intentional, not an accident. :( The police are involved, and we can't talk about the pending investigation, so that's all I can say for now. We hope that Nala and Bruno pull through and the person who did this to them is punished as they deserve. I want to bite them, but Momma said we have to let the legal system work instead. Phooey.

LBR set up a ChipIn page to help cover Nala and Bruno's vet bills. (Since Nala isn't a foster dog, LBR can't cover her bills directly.) Thank you to anyone who helps!

And now for something to cheer us all up a little...

Baby Austin turned eight weeks old yesterday!! I can't believe our little baby is so grown up. He's officially available for adoption from LBR now, but I have a feeling it will take his foster momma a while to decide on his perfect home. Happy birthday, Baby Austin!!

Update: Not much news, but the V-E-T tells us that Nala and Bruno's blood work is normal (GOOD!) but they're not peeing (bad). We're going to keep fighting for both of them, so please keep that Power of the Paw coming!

Baked Plantains - Tostados

For as long as I can remember I've been a fan of plantains or platanos. They are extremely popular in Latin Carribean cultures and in some nations of Africa as well. Plantains are usually prepared as a side dish but depending on it's ripeness, the preparation varies. I enjoy eating them in so many different ways - the really ripe ones are sweet enough to be considered a desert! For the uninitiated, Chiquita has developed a labeling system (that you will see at Walmart's carrying Chiquita plantains) that provide direction: Green-fry me, Yellow-grill me, Black-Bake me.

I suppose I may be a little of a rebel because I've always fried plantain no matter what color! Obviously, the combination of oil and sweetness (I'm a fan of the really ripe ones) probably are not the best for my health so I decided to try something different and bake them. At home in New York, I am able to purchase bags of plantain chips which I love but haven't seen them here in Atlanta. Baking my own is a solution! Since plantains are full of Vitamin A, C, and fiber, I want to make them in the healthiest way possible!

You start with yellow plantains.

The yellow plantains have just the right consistency for cutting and bake well. Next you thinly slice the plantains. Try for 1/4 inch or less in thickness so that the cooking time is uniform for all of them.

The next step is to spray with Olive Oil. I like using the spray (which I found at Walmart) but my can sprayed a straight stream so I used a brush to distribute the oil evenly on the plantains.

Finally, I topped with spices. I used basic Sea Salt on half of the chips and Creole Seasoning on the other. I baked them at 400 degrees for 30 minutes (bake time varies depending on the thickness of the slices) but I suggest setting your timer for 20 minutes and checking them. If they are crispy to your liking remove from heat. Otherwise set the time for five minute increments until they are perfect!

The finished product are crispy chips that I think truly rival potato chips, especially since they are quick, easy and pretty good for you too! My recipe is just one of many ways to prepare this versatile vegetable. You can check out the Chiquita website for more recipes and inspiration. And I may go on the hunt for black plantain to introduce my son to joy of fully ripen plantains. In the meantime, I'll pack some of these chips for his lunch!

Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and have been compensated for this post. My participation is voluntary and all opinons and views expressed are my own.

Dog Days

URGENT:
We need Power of the Paw urgently for LBR foster Bruno and his foster sister Nala! We don't know what's wrong with them, but they're both exhibiting severe neurological symptoms -- losing control of bowels, trouble standing, etc. For them both to have it at once means it's probably something environmental that they would've both gotten into, but their mom is at a loss for what. They've been rushed to the vet, and we're hoping to hear something soon. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!!

UPDATE: Grr, I am going to BITE someone! I've never bitten anyone in my life, but I'm going to do it now!! We've figured out what the problem is -- antifreeze poisoning. Except the foster momma doesn't even HAVE antifreeze on her property, which means somebody poisoned them!!

They're both still fighting right now. I don't have any other updates on their condition, but I'll share as soon as I know anything. :~~~~~(

Back to your regularly scheduled post...

Okay, yesterday was #22 Begging. Now, I don't beg. I just make sure that I'm in the area any time someone might think "Hmm, I want to share this tasty morsel with someone." So here's a picture of my foster sissy, LBR alum Laila, doing the more classic begging pose.

Today is #23 Tails & booties. this is a good shot of my gorgeous bum and cute li'l boxer nubbin. Check out the tuck and run action!