Friday Finds #16

It never fails – the best of intentions to post a new Friday Finds every week always seems to fall short. Not from lack of content – that’s for sure. Family obligations, feeling ill, or just general Murphy’s Law junk (what can go wrong will go wrong) seems to always throw a wrench in the plans!

With that being said, where the hell have June and July gone already? I swear I just blinked 10 seconds ago and it was June 1 – and now the kids are all gearing up for the back to school sales and getting ready for school! Sheesh! We still have a little summer fun up our sleeves though so let’s get to it!

Grace & Lace Christmas in July Sale

Rocketbook Fusion

I have the smaller version of the Rocketbook – the Rocketbook Everlast – and absolutely love it. It truly is a marvel how you can jot down notes and such, take a photo and instantly have the information available at your fingertips. Take a moment to check out the video below to understand how it works.

https://youtu.be/FL2aOGwm3Ak

This is the only notebook your kids will need for school – endlessly reusable! You can also order a variety of Pilot FriXion pens that work with the Rocketbook system. Don’t forget to click below to get yours!

Candy Club Sweetness

For the rest of July, indulge in a sweet deal! Candy Club partners with small artisans and famed candy producers to fill your box with a thoughtfully curated selection of delectable candies every month.

Choose between the Fun Box: six 6-ounce candy cups or the Party Box: six 13-ounce candy cups. Our family always goes for the 13-ounce candy cups!

Don’t forget to use code: SUMMER50 to receive 50% off your box! 

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical

I have always loved the Elf on the Shelf so I am thrilled to the tip of my Santa hat that the musical will be coming to Richmond, VA this season! It seems as though most of the tour dates are East Coast, hopefully, if the musical is a great success, they will be able to expand the tour dates next year to the rest of the United States and perhaps abroad as well!

This all-new musical and premiere stage production includes an exclusive invitation to Santa’s North Pole and engages audiences with a glimpse into the magical lives of Scout Elves.  Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and wondrous moments that make even the most cynical believe, this momentous celebration of the season leaves spirits high and captivates all with the splendor of Christmas.

THE ELF ON THE SHELF: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL Tour Dates (Should additional dates confirm, the full tour schedule will be reflected on the official tour website, www.elfontheshelfmusical.com.)

DateLocationCity, State
11/14/2019State TheatreEaston, PA
11/15/2019Civic TheatreAkron, OH
11/16/2019Taft TheatreCincinnati, OH
11/17/2019Carson CenterPaducah, KY
11/19/2019Saenger TheatreNew Orleans, LA
11/20/2019Seanger TheatreMobile, AL
11/21/2019BJCC Concert HallBirmingham, AL
11/23/2019Fox Presents at Cobb Energy CentreAtlanta, GA
11/24/2019Thrasher-Horne CenterOrange Park, FL
11/25/2019RP Funding Center Youkey TheatreLakeland, FL
11/29/2019Marc C. Smith Concert HallHuntsville, AL
11/30-12/1/2019Palace TheatreLouisville, KY
12/2/2019The Carpenter TheatreRichmond, VA
12/3/2019Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre 
at the Basie Center
Red Bank, NJ
12/5/2019Lynn Memorial AuditoriumLynn, MA
12/6/2019The Palace TheatreAlbany, NY
12/7/2019Kodak CenterRochester, NY
12/8/2019The Onecenter Crouse Hinds TheatreSyracuse, NY
12/10-12/11/2019Hershey TheatreHershey, PA
12/12/2019FM Kirby CenterWilkes Barre, PA
12/13-12/14/2019Toyota Presents Oakdale TheatreWallingford, CT
12/15/2019BU Center for the ArtsBuffalo, NY
12/17/2019Palace TheatreColumbus, OH
12/18/2019Mendel CenterBenton Harbor, MI
12/19/2019Stifel TheatreSt. Louis, MO
12/20/2019Genesse TheatreWaukegan, IL
12/21/2019Stranahan TheatreToledo, OH
12/22/2019Peoria Civic CenterPeoria, IL
12/23/2019Old National Events PlazaEvansville, IN
12/26/2019Selena AuditoriumCorpus Christi, TX
12/27/2019Smart Financial CentreSugar Land, TX
12/28/2019Majestic TheatreSan Antonio, TX
12/29/2019Majestic TheatreDallas, TX

Pereg Exotic Spice Blends

I love experimenting with various spices and meat rubs because – let’s face it – my family of men are “stick in the muds” who like what they like and don’t always want to try something new unless I disguise it. If it looks like something they normally eat but their tastebuds explode with flavor – it’s a win/win!

Pereg’s exotic spice blends give an irresistible Middle Eastern accent to chops, ribs, chicken, fish, even vegetables! You will really be able to make the most of those summer flavors with these delicious meat rubs!

Meat rubs are an essential secret ingredient of every Middle Eastern pantry. Rubs seal in flavor, form a tasty crust, add color, and have a long shelf life – not to mention super easy to use! Best of all? They infuse an addictive flavor to everything they touch.

But the term “meat rub” is a bit of a misnomer, say the spice experts at Pereg Natural Foods. Classic blends like ras el hanout and koobah partner as beautifully with fish and vegetables as they do with steaks and briskets.

In the Middle East, families hand down their secret spice blends from generation to generation. That’s why there are as many variations of rubs as there are households!

But you don’t have to be an heir to access the traditional ingredients and proportions behind these exotic mixtures. Pereg scours the world for fresh, natural, 100% pure spices, bringing more than 100 years of expertise and quality to the table.

Koobah

Pereg’s Koobah starts with baharat, a ubiquitous Israeli and Mediterranean staple, and then adds warm layers of cinnamon, allspice, rose, nutmeg, and cardamom for a complex finish. It makes an excellent dry rub for grilled or roast lamb, salmon, and chicken. It’s also delicious when sprinkled into burgers, mixed with hummus, or tossed onto vegetables (particularly corn on the cob and eggplant) before roasting.

Kabab

It wouldn’t be shish kabab without kabab seasoning. Douse cubes of chicken, beef, or lamb liberally with Pereg’s hearty mash-up (paprika, black pepper, coriander, garlic, and cumin) and thread on skewers with vegetables of your choice. Grill over medium heat until fully cooked. Serve on warm pita bread – also prepared on the grill – with tahini and a side of cucumber salad for an authentic version of Israeli street food.

Shawarma

Another food truck favorite, shawarma is easy to make with Pereg’s perfect mixture of cumin, coriander, allspice, garlic, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Simply rub Shawarma spice blend onto thin slices of chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey. Toss the meat into a zipper top bag with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and red onion. Marinate overnight and grill. Serve on warm pita and plenty of garnishes: tahini, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cilantro…

Ras el Hanout

Traditional recipes for this Moroccan seasoning call for up to100 ingredients!  You could make your own, or turn to Pereg’s intriguing blend of cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, allspice, cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and more. Ras el hanout brings aromatic warmth, a hint of sweetness, and complexity to anything from burgers to brisket. A key component of soups, stews, and tagines, can also be used as a table-top condiment. Sprinkle it on vegetable dishes or even over popcorn for a punch of flavor.

About Pereg

Pereg was established in 1906 and is based in Clifton, NJ. They first became known for their vast variety of pure and natural spices and spice blends, more than 60 in all, from traditional favorites to exotics from around the culinary world. Today Pereg produces an array of all-natural products that includes ancient grains and ancient grain blends, gluten-free pasta, couscous, rice, gluten-free cereal and much more. PeregNatural Foods products are available at select retailers throughout the US and Canada, and on their website, www.pereg-gourmet.com.

Follow Pereg Natural Foods on Facebook @peregnatural, Twitter @peregnatural, and Instagram @peregnatural. Don’t forget to check out all the mouth-watering recipes on the website!

Prevent Drowning

May was Water Safety Awareness Month, and while drowning is 100% preventable, nearly 300 children under the age of five drown in pools and spas every year. Summer is in full swing, so we wanted to share these tips with our readers.

According to Eric Lupton, President of Life Saver Pool Fence, the number one way to prevent drownings is through proactive parent supervision, but most drownings occur when a child was thought to be in the house but slipped outside without anyone knowing. 

In 77% of accidental drownings, the child had been seen 5-minutes or less before being missed. Here are 10 tips for keeping their kiddos safe.

1. Install high locks 

Put locks on doors and windows that are high and out of reach. Some drownings happen because a parent didn’t know their toddler figured out the doorknob. Don’t forget sliding glass doors as well.

2. Get door and window alarms 

Families should install simple contact alarms for doors and windows that lead to the pool. The ring-type alarm sounds every time a door opens, alerting an adult.

3. No doggy doors

Pet doors should be permanently sealed off. Toddlers are known to mimic their pets and may follow them right out the doggy door and into the pool area, putting both child and pet at risk.

4. Pool safety fence

One of the most reassuring steps is installing a pool fence. Fences should be at least 4′ tall and have a self-closing, self-latching gate. Mesh pool safety fences, like Life Saver Pool Fence, flaunt an effective layer of protection with a transparent and aesthetically pleasing look. 

5. Pool alarms

Surface pool alarms will trigger a sound inside the home when the water’s surface is broken. However, a small child could quietly walk down the pool steps and slip underwater without setting off the alarm, so they cannot be used alone.

6. Child immersion alarms

When you first move into a home, consider using a wearable immersion alarm, like the Safety Turtle, which triggers an alarm inside the house if the sensor gets wet. This is especially important when you are unfamiliar with the area. 

7. Assign water watchers

When children are in the pool, assign one person as a designated Water Watcher. Active supervision means sitting close to the pool with your full attention on the child/children. Do a regular headcount never leave young kids unattended.

8. Clear out pool area after swimming

Always remove pool floats after swimming, especially toys that attract children to the water. Also, make sure to move any tables or chairs away from the pool fence so they cannot be used to climb over. 

9. Swimming lessons

All children should receive swimming lessons. Some organizations even offer training for infants to roll over and float, and to swim to the edge of the pool in case they fall in. 

10. CPR

Every adult should be trained in CPR. Check out community centers for classes. This training can make the difference between life, permanent disability, and death. 

For more information, click here.

Thanks for joining us again this week! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

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