This was my favorite ad from said Super Bowl. Love this take on it.
Controversy-shmontroversy.
Seriously people. Turn da frown, de udduh way aroun’.
This was my absolute favorite super-bowl ad this year.
YouTube link:
View original post 170 more words
Balmy, breezy palms are my photo obsession.
You don’t have to read very many of my posts to figure out what an island girl I am. I mean, really, I named my blog “Somewhere in the Sand.” How much more of a clue do you need? Give me a swaying hammock, a shady palm tree and some nice, soft sand beneath my (bare) feet and I’m all set.
You’ll probably also notice what a big Jimmy Buffett fan I am (islands … Buffett … palm trees and soft sand … I’m noticing a pattern here). The sound of steel drums and island tunes is, well, music to my ears.
Besides being a writer and promoter of prose, I’ve always had a secret desire to be a songwriter…not necessarily a singer, per se. I’ve been told by my wise nine-year-old that I was not “made for singing” so we will just leave it at that. But the writing, now that would interest me.
That brings me to the topic of this post (you’ll also notice I can be a bit long-winded…). I just received a very cool press release from the tropical lifestyle brand Balmy Palms. If you’ve never heard of them, you should really check them out. They’re right here on the good old world wide web-o-sphere at BalmyPalms.com.
The “pop of trop rock” Jimmy Buffett – Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, Virginia, 2010
The fine folks at Balmy Palms are on the search for an original trop-rock song to represent the brand on its website, radio and other media outlets. Balmy Palms is inviting up-and-coming singers/songwriters to submit an original song for consideration. The ideal song will give off the laid-back image of a stress-free island lifestyle as well as the company’s tagline “No worries, no qualms … just Balmy Palms.” They want to put listeners into a “Balmy Palms state of mind.” Hey, I like that philosophy.
With roots in the ‘60s, trop rock, or tropical rock, is a blend of country, Caribbean, reggae and rock with the use of island instruments and tropical themes. Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, the Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney (all favorites of mine) are a few of the big-time trop rock crossover artists. Buffett is often called the “pop of trop rock.” Other trop rock singers/songwriters include John Frinzi, Sunny Jim White, Dave McKenney and Keith Sykes, as well as the Jimmy Buffett tribute band, A1A.
The selected song will receive airplay on the trop rock internet radio station, BeachFront Radio. BeachFront Radio has won the number one “Trop Rock Station of the Year” title several times at the annual Trop Rock Music Awards. I have recently started listening to BeachFront Radio and it is quite good. I go back and forth between it and Radio Margaritaville.
In addition to radio play, the artist of the winning song will receive $400 and select Balmy Palms apparel. They will also receive publicity by way of the Balmy Palms website and press releases.
Balmy Palms plans to enlist the public’s help in the song selection process (Yippeee!), but the final selection will be made by the staff at Stratosphere Media Group, along with input from the DJs at BeachFront Radio. Even if a song is not selected, this is an excellent opportunity for exposure (radio exposure that is, not…other kinds of exposure), as all of the songs will be listened to and considered for eligibility.
Kara Benson, Balmy Palms Marketing Director, says
“This is a great opportunity for an aspiring musician to receive valuable publicity for his/her talents.”
All music and lyrics must be original as well as written and performed by the submitting artist. Songs must be submitted in an MP3 audio file format, and be ready for radio play. The date for songs to be submitted in the Balmy Palms songwriting contest is June 30, 2013. Submissions can be made at BalmyPalms.com.
Please visit BalmyPalms.com for a complete list of rules and regulations. I wouldn’t want to waste any virtual ink by posting them all here since you have to hop on over there anyway.
So, all of you talented trop rockers out there, pull out those steel drums, congas and marimbas and get the inspiration rolling. I’m expecting some great things.
Photo: Balmy Palms
It’s all Greek to me.
From the cute cow (who doesn’t love a cute cow?) to the creative use of flavor names like Chubby Hubby, Imagine Whirled Peace, Phish Food, Chunky Monkey, Coffee Caramel Buzz and Karamel Sutra, and those dedicated to celebrities such as Jerry Garcia (Cherry Garcia), Jimmy Fallon (Late Night Snack) and Stephen Colbert (Americone Dream), Ben and Jerry’s always manages to stay at the top of the frozen treat counter.
My first foray into the world of Ben & Jerry’s was their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. The forbidden goodness of cookie dough mixed with cream, milk and sugar was one of the best things to ever grace a spoon. My tastebuds have never been the same. Nor has my waistline, which is what brings me to this posting. Well, not my actual waistline…that would be weird….you know what I mean.
In addition to their world-famous (and waistline-widening – let’s face it, nothing that good can be calorie-free) ice creams, Ben & Jerry’s also has a nice selection of sorbets, no-sugar-added and frozen yogurt products.
The latest endeavor involves delving into the world of frozen Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt seems to be everywhere lately. Ben and Jerry’s has taken the newest cool kid in town and given it a tasty spin with the addition of pineapple, lemon, passionfruit, blueberry and other yum-a-licious flavors.
Ben & Jerry’s new line of Greek frozen yogurt.
There are a few other flavors besides the ones pictured above but, as I said, I was thinking of my waistline when making my purchases.
Liz Lemon is a swirl of blueberries and lavender swimming through a sea of lemon frozen yogurt. Lemon is one of my most favorite flavors, and smells, in the entire world and I really thought I would love this creation. The lemon frozen yogurt is quite light in taste, not at all tart and citrus-y as I expected. The blueberries and lavender are also on the subtle side. Don’t get me wrong, it is very good but I can’t say that it is my favorite.
The flavor, named for Tina Fey’s “30 Rock” character, actually debuted at a party the night of the “30 Rock” finale. Proceeds from the sale of Liz Lemon frozen yogurt go to an organization near and dear to Tina Fey, Jumpstart. Jumpstart is an early education organization that helps kids in low-income areas to develop language and literary skills needed for school. They train college students and community members to work with the preschool kids to help develop these much-needed skills.
Strawberry Shortcake is right on track with what I expected. The strawberry flavor is subtle and the small pieces of berries and shortcake pieces sprinkled throughout are fabulous. I think the shortcake pieces are my favorite.
Pineapple Passionfruit
Pineapple Passionfruit is a pleasing package of pineapple frozen Greek yogurt with perfectly placed pineapple pieces and delicious swirls of passionfruit. Tropical in taste, it sends a burst of passionfruit to the palate while mixing in just a hint of pineapple. If you haven’t already guessed, Pineapple Passionfruit is my favorite. I also like alliteration.
Ben & Jerry’s frozen Greek yogurt selections weigh in at under five grams of fat and under three grams of saturated fat per one half cup serving. They are all smooth, creamy and ahhhhh-inducing.
Besides the taste of their super yummy flavors, Ben & Jerry’s has a strong stake in environmental and global issues. Ben & Jerry’s uses milk and cream from family farmers who do not treat their bovine employees with rBGH. The company uses fairtrade sugar and vanilla and is working on being able to acquire other ingredients in a fairtrade manner. Go Ben and Jerry. And cows.
I think I’ve strayed from my original reason for writing this review/post (so what else is new?). Basically, I think I was trying to say that frozen Greek yogurt could be a bit less pound-inducing than a regular scoop of ice cream. And Ben & Jerry’s has it. And it’s really good. Yeah, that’s about it.
I’m proud to say that I’ve actually been to the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Vermont. It was super cool. And equally yummy.
I have a confession to make. I’m a bit of a bag lady. No, not that kind. I mean literally, bags. As in those fabric-covered treasure chests in which to stuff all of the various junk deeply important items that I think know I will need at any given time. Not one for shoe shopping (that alone keeps the spouse happy), I can’t resist scooping up the latest pretty print in the form of a beach bag, travel tote, shoulder bag or cute cosmetic case.
Of course, I have my go-to bag for quick trips to the pool or water park, and ones for longer beach trips, but there is always room in the bag basket for at least one or two (or three or four) more. This is my current go-to beach bag, just throw a few things in and you’re ready to go. Of course, I also have one with multiple pockets and a gigantic interior for towels, goggles, cover-ups and such but this one is tried and true.
You can’t go wrong with Margaritaville.
Given that I also have a big, and I’m talking BIG, theme park obsession, this latest round of bags I’ve discovered is now at the top of my “must acquire” list.
The Dooney & Bourke company was one of the first to get in on the Walt Disney bandwagon with their well-known name, high-quality materials and pricey price tag. Dooney certainly does Disney well. Take a look.
Dooney & Bourke wristlet
Photo: ©Dooney & Bourke
Dooney & Bourke Mickey tote
Photo: ©Dooney & Bourke
I especially love this design and bag style.
Dooney & Bourke Disney satchel
©Dooney & Bourke
This cute letter carrier bag is tied as a favorite, as well.
Dooney & Bourke Disney letter carrier bag
©Dooney & Bourke
Being the paranoic that I am, I don’t know if I would trust myself to spend a day at the theme park carrying around one of those super cool, but super pricey, Dooney bags. Water rides, slippery snacks and the chance of rain would all but have me worrying more about protecting the bag than having fun in the World (or Land as the case may be). I would probably reserve it for a special occasion. That being said, there is another great looking bag in town that I am currently drooling over.
Lesportsac has a very happy version of Disney in their “Small World” collection. Based upon the classic ride and the artwork of Mary Blair, the patterns are taken from the various countries, or rooms, of the ride and feature colorful scenes and ride icons. It’s a Small World is my favorite ride/attraction at Walt Disney World (Yes, really, it’s my ring tone. Don’t judge), so I am particularly fond of these bags, which are a bit lower priced than the Dooney ones.
Lesportsac Well Wishes bag
Photo: ©Lesportsac
Well Wishes is based upon the Holland room. Happy young ladies peer out from pretty pink and pastel toned fabrics.
Lesportsac Well Wishes tote
Photo: ©Lesportsac
I am actually torn between the girly pink pattern above and the one below. I really like the iconic buildings and architectural elements depicted on the tote below. I can definitely see myself using this as a beach bag or carry-on for books, sunscreen, snacks and what-not.
Lesportsac See the World tote
Photo: ©Lesportsac
The Fancy That pattern is from the England room of Small World. The pattern features famous English icons and scenes.
Lesportsac Fancy That bag
Photo: ©Disney/Lesportsac
I love this bright, colorful Moroccan Sun pattern. It is, however, from the summer 2012 collection and is most likely not easy to find. I just had to include it though. You can also get an idea of what the backpack models look like.
Lesportsac Morroccan Sun backpack
Photo: ©Disney/Lesportsac
There is even a Lesportsac Small World diaper bag for the well-traveled baby and mom.
Lesportsac Wondrous Journey baby bag
Photo: ©Disney/Lesportsac
There is a great review of the Lesportsac Small World bags at Onezumiverse.com. Check it out.
Next up is the big bag announcement of the week. This was all the rage in my Facebook news feed the other day. Yeah, I subscribe to a lot of Disney blogs, sites and pages. It’s a weakness. Now, without further ado….
It is none other than Vera Bradley, the queen of the widely popular and equally beautiful quilted bag. Disney and Vera have joined forces, and these fabric designs will eventually be found in the form of the usual selection of Vera Bradley bags, totes, pouches and cosmetic cases.
Disney and Vera Bradley team up to bring a bit of the World to the quilted bag.
Photo: ©Vera Bradley
Here is a close-up of the pattern. I wish they had done more of a “Hidden Mickey” type of design with the pattern, but that is just my opinion. The colors are great and I can’t wait to see the completed product.
Pink design: Just Mousing Around
Black design: Midnight with Mickey
Photo: ©Vera Bradley
Visit the Disney Park’s blog for more detailed information on the Vera Bradley Disney bag, which will debut this fall at Disney parks and will eventually be sold online. I have not seen any information on price point but I’m thinking that they will be along the lines of the current Vera Bradley items.
That is my roundup of Disney-themed bags. Please let me know if you know of any that I have missed, including non-Disney characters and patterns. I’m always on the look-out for a useful and great looking bag.
Carry on.
This sounds better than any pancake I’ve ever had. Lemon and blueberries. How amazing is that?
STOP!
If you are hungry and haven’t had a good meal in a few hours…
You don’t want to read this blog!
You have been warned!
Tonight I made a new recipe. It’s not anything out of this world or dramatic in appearance.
They just came out so good that I had to share them!
They are….
Blueberry and Lemon Pancakes!
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour
1/4 Salt
1 tablespoon heaping Baking Powder
1/3 cups Sugar
1 1/2 cups Milk
1 Lemon (juice and zest)
1 large Egg
1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla
2 tablespoons melted Butter
1 pint of Blueberries
Directions:
Heat your griddle or skillet to medium.
In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients (not blueberries). In a separate bowl, mix your wet ingredients (not blueberries). After mixing, add your wet ingredients to you dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, but may have a few limps in…
View original post 219 more words
Somewhere in the Sand 