Crayola Color Bath Dropz

Posted on August 9, 2016 by missalaneyus

Ellie was invited to her first “school friend” birthday party a few weeks ago. It was at a paint your own ceramics shop, and in the adorable favors, they gave each kid a few art related items. One of which was a small box of Crayola Bath Dropz. I had never seen them before, but apparently, they have been around for a while.

To use one, you just drop a tablet into your kiddo’s bathtub. Then, it turns the water a vibrant hue. Ellie loved it and got a big kick out of choosing a color to use each night and seeing the shade it would turn the water.

I couldn’t find the exact favor we received online, but was able to locate a container of 45 at Target. This inexpensive item ($3.79) would be a fun stocking stuffer or addition to any gift.

Have you used these before? What did you think?

The Secret to Great Skin and Nails

Posted on August 8, 2016 by missalaneyus

Let me start by saying I am not a doctor. Repeat: I am not a doctor. So, before trying this, go ahead and check with yours, okay. Deal?

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I’ve been taking two of these probiotic gummies a day to fend off some super glamorous digestive issues at the suggestion of my doctor. And while they’ve been helpful with those, I’ve been most impressed with the improved condition of my skin and nails.

Specifically, I’ve noticed the coloring and tone of my skin is more even and my nails, which were shredding, are strong and growing like crazy. It’s pretty incredible.

As far as which brand to use, I don’t have a preference. I’ve been using the ones shown in the picture, because I can’t bring myself to swallow another pill in the morning and these make me feel like I’m eating candy……even though I’m not. If you decide to go this route, you can find them at drugstores or Target.

I’d love to know if you take a probiotic. If you do, have you noticed an improvement in your skin and nails too?

Fresh Salsa

Posted on August 3, 2016 by missalaneyus

This recipe is crazy easy, but with fresh, in-season tomatoes, the results are addictive. In it, I used just a little jalapeno, because I am a wimp. Feel free to scale the heat level up by adding more or leave it out if that’s not your thing.

Stir this together soon for some of your favorite people. Or, make it for yourself like I did.

Fresh Salsa
Ingredients:
1 c. finely chopped tomato
1 tsp. minced and seeded jalapeno
1 tbsp. finely chopped yellow onion
Juice from 1 lime
1 tsp. finely chopped cilantro
Salt
Pepper

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the tomato, jalapeno, onion and cilantro. Stir. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust to your liking.

Transitional Tops for Summer and Fall

Posted on August 2, 2016 by missalaneyus

So, for some reason, there were like zero short sleeve tops again this year. Ok, I take that back. There were lots of t-shirts this summer and shirts with open backs and flowy, boho numbers, but your typical “work/casual” top was sort of non-existent.

You can imagine my delight when I found four, really great, versatile options over the last few weeks. Here they are (left to right):

Lace t-shirt, J. Crew: This shirt comes in gray and white as well. I love it with jeans, but think it would look equally cute with a skirt. Also, the price point is fantastic. ($29.50)
Wrap shirt with dots, Banana Republic: Let’s start with one of this top’s greatest assets. It’s machine washable and doesn’t wrinkle. It’s also really flattering and work appropriate. ($88.00)
Striped tee with ruffle sleeve, J. Crew: This t-shirt is actually a really heavy weight and would work with a skirt or pair of dress pants, as easily as it would with shorts and jeans. ($49.50)
Olive short-sleeve sweatshirt, Sincerely Jules: You may not be able to get away with a short-sleeve sweatshirt at work, but I promise, you’ll want to live in this sucker all weekend. The fabric is soft and substantial, and in case olive isn’t your color, it comes in a bunch of other shades as well. ($75.00)

AFI Top 100 Movie Reviews

Posted on August 1, 2016 by missalaneyus

Today, I’m sharing four, new movie reviews from our AFI Top 100 Movie project. You can find each of our his and hers reviews here, but for those of you who aren’t familiar with the project, Keegan and I are working our way through the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest American Films of All Time list. Sometimes, we agree. Others, we couldn’t be further apart. We only watch the ones that we both haven’t already seen.

Shane
Lane: Hmm…..I’m not sure what to say about this one. I saw it once in middle school. I didn’t like it much then. I felt similarly about it this time around – though may have liked it a bit better.

Keegan: Come on Lane! Shane is a classic. Cool stranger from out of town. Saving the day and riding away. It’s the classic hero story. Who doesn’t like that plot?

It Happened One Night
Lane: I loved this movie. I’ve been a big fan of Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable for at least 20 years now. Their on-screen chemistry is off the charts in this classic romantic comedy. Watch it and skip Keegan’s review.

Keegan: If you loved Philadelphia Story, then get excited because this movie will be like a sequel. Conversations galore while I snored.

A Streetcar Named Desire
Lane: So in high school, I was a theater geek and read a lot of Tennessee Williams’s plays, including this one. I saw the movie about the same time, and while the performances are epic in this one, I wished the movie script had stayed a little truer to the original.

Keegan: Marlon Brando was really good in this movie, but not a very good dude. Pretty horrible actually. It’s a really good movie with lots of levels and complicated characters. It’s not Rambo, but it doesn’t suck.

Rear Window
Lane: I love this movie. It is one of my favorites from Hitchcock. It’s incredible the way he draws intriguing storylines from glances into apartment windows. Aside from centering around a good mystery, it’s also pretty funny. Two thumbs up.

Keegan: After the snoozers (literally) we’ve been watching, I had the bar pretty freaking low for this one. I really enjoyed this movie. I’ve never seen a Grace Kelley movie, and she’s not bad to watch. I really like Jimmy Stewart also. He’s a solid actor. The story line moves well and it’s entertaining for being shot from one set. Good movie.

Crazy Rich Asians

Posted on July 28, 2016 by missalaneyus

So, I’m a little late to the Crazy Rich Asians party. This book was recommended to me about a year ago by a friend, and I snapped it up pretty quickly. Then, I sort of forgot I had it – despite the fact that it’s been buzzed about for a while.

And, I’m pleased to report I can see why. This light read has well drawn characters and offers a look into a world I:

Never knew existed and
Will never have access too. Ever.

While I enjoyed the book, I was a little annoyed that not all of the plot lines are resolved at the end. In fact, there are quite a few loose ends hanging all over the place. I guess I’ll just have to pick up the sequel…….(Kevin Kwan – you’re one crafty man.)

Outside-In Cheeseburgers

Posted on July 27, 2016 by missalaneyus

Let’s just start by getting the obvious out of the way.

This is not health food.

This is cheesy, beefy goodness.

Please send my apologies to your swimsuit. But, I don’t think either of you will be disappointed.

Outside-In Cheeseburgers
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
Block of sharp white cheddar
Worcestershire sauce
Salt
Pepper
2 tbsps. extra virgin olive oil
Buns

Directions:
Cut small rectangles of cheese from your block. These should be about 1 inch long by 1/2 inch wide. You’ll need one for each burger. Set aside.

In a large bowl, add the beef. Then, sprinkle on a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper too. Lightly mix with your hands to combine. Then, use your hands to evenly section the meat into 4 equal parts. Place a cube of cheese in each section. Now, in one section, gently shape the meat around the cheese, being sure to cover it up. Don’t pack them too tightly, but make sure the cheese is secure. Repeat with the remaining three sections. Drizzle each with extra virgin olive oil to lightly coat.

Now, heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot, add the burgers. After about 3 minutes or when browned, flip. Let cook another minute or two until browned and flip again. Turn the heat down to low and cover loosely with foil. After about 6 minutes, remove the tent to see if ready. Once cooked through, remove them to a plate, tent with foil and let rest for about 5 minutes.

Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Detangler: The Wet Brush

Posted on July 26, 2016 by missalaneyus

So, Ellie has been lucky enough to inherit my super-tangly hair. (It’s a thing. Trust me.) Brushing her hair elicits a series of shrieks and groans with which I completely sympathize. I’ve been grimacing every time I brush my hair for years, and poor Keegan can hardly take it.

As you can imagine, we both jumped all over our hairdresser when she recommended the wet brush. You guys, it gets tangles out so easily. We snapped up one for Ellie, and I’ve been borrowing hers every day, because it’s so good. FYI, it works on wet hair best (hence the name).

If you have a small person with a natural rats nest, pick this up immediately. It will transform your mornings.

Where the Cool Kids Have Been – Kansas City

Posted on July 25, 2016 by missalaneyus

Like many 30-something mothers, it can take me a while to hit up the new hot spots in Kansas City. And while I’m far from the first to get there, I still love discovering great places to shop and eat. In this new blog series, I’ll share some of my favorite new-ish spots in KC.

Golden and Pine – This store has a well curated selection of home goods. You’ll find plants, books, stationery, pillows, art and pottery here. It’s the perfect place to find something new to spruce up your home decor or pick up a gift for a friend. Also, the owner sources lots of artisans goodies, so while you’re being stylish you’re also supporting small businesses (win win).

Plate – Located in Brookside, this small, gorgeous restaurant is super popular. Be sure to make a reservation before going. Then, while you’re there, don’t miss the arancini, budino or pork shoulder pasta.

Krokstrom Klubb & Market – This is hands down my new favorite place to eat. The service is impeccable, and the food is even better. The menu features small plates, which means you can try a few things while you’re there. Everything we had was wonderful, but be sure to leave room for dessert, which ended up being my favorite part of the meal.

Shio Ramen Shop – This small restaurant is big on flavor. I’m still trying to figure out how to make mushrooms that taste half as wonderful as the ones in my shoyu ramen. On another note, the service is fast, which means you can be in and out really quickly – perfect for movie night.

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream – This ice cream shop is a place after my own heart. Their ice cream line-up changes constantly, which means even predictable eaters like myself will switch things up. Also, the cones are made from scratch. Get there (and bring me).

Magnolia’s – We popped into Magnolia’s for brunch and ordered enough food for 50 people. Everything was spectacular, including the friendly service. Your dishes will take a bit to come out, so order that extra mimosa and relax. I promise it will all be worth the wait. (Favorites were Magnolia’s French Toast, the Sweet Potato Pancakes and the corn bread.)

Missalaneyus

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