Saturday, June 20, 2009

Egg Salad

Try this on a rye or whole-wheat bagel with a lettuce leaf. Even though the taste of the curry powder is barely noticeable, if curry isn’t your thing, leave it out and add a little Dijon mustard instead.

What You’ll Need:
Serves 2 Vegetarian

2 hard-boiled eggs
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

What You’ll Do:
1. Place the eggs in a small sauce pan; fill with cold water until the eggs are covered. Place over high heat just until it starts to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Chill the eggs for at least two hours or put them in a bowl of ice-cold water for 20 minutes.
2. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the other ingredients. The easiest way to peel an egg is to peel it under cold, running water. Place it in an egg slicer; first one way and then the other so the egg is diced. Add to the bowl and stir, mashing the egg yolks.
3. Refrigerate until the next morning and assemble your sandwich then. (If you make it the night before, the bread will get soggy.)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Burger Bar!

Treat dad and the fam to a good old fashioned meat and potatoes meal for Father's Day. Not having a big family dinner?

Cook up one for dad and make him his own unique burger based on his faves (see some of our all-new add-ons below!). Either way, it's delish din that's as simple as the pie you'll serve for dessert (Get a great recipe RIGHT HERE!)

What You'll Need:

1 Box of hamburger patties from the grocery store freezer section1 Bag of hamburger bunsVeggies like shredded lettuce, tomatoes onions, relish, pickles, olives, chili peppers, etc.
The fun part? Go topping cuh-razy!

Make your patty oh-so-perf with some of these cool substitutions. Mix and match for your own unique creation.

*Instead of American cheese, use: cheddar, mozzarella, provolone or add a li'l spice with pepperjack.*Instead of mustard, ketchup or mayo top your burger with a fave salad dressing like blue cheese or ranch.*Add a li'l bit of kick with a touch of hot sauce or your fave spice sprinkled on top of the patty.

What You'll Do:

1. Set the table up like a good ol' fashioned picnic (red-checkered cloth, a few fresh flowers, maybe some cute framed pics of you and dad).
2. Have mom (or daddyo himself) help you cook the hamburgers on the grill.
3. Put hamburgers in buns out on a big plate.
4. Place the bowls of toppers and condiments on the table near your burgers.
5. Let everyone dig in and make their burger just how they like it, with tons of different combinations. See who can come up with the craziest (and most delicious!) burger.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Dad's Day Craft – Make a Memory Mug!

Father's Day is next Sunday...eek! What are you gonna give dear ol' Dad to say thanks for cheering you on at all those soccer games, cooking you pancakes on the weekends or taking you to baseball games? Give him a presh li'l prezzie and remind him of all the good times when you make your own memory mug.

It's easy to do and super fun, too!
What You'll Need:

White coffee mugEnamel paints – any colors you want
Paint brush
Mementos of you and your Dad – pics, concert tix, sea shells from a vacay

What You'll Do:
1. Buy a new coffee mug, or use an old one – just make sure that it's clean and dry before you use it.
2. With the enamel paint, be creative and decorate the mug with all sorts of fun stuff. Write "I Love You, Dad," draw hearts, stars, and other patterns with all different colors. With a thinner paint brush, you can even do stick figures of you and your dad together, or write a longer message to him.
3. Once you're finished decorating, bake the mug in the oven at a low temp. See the directions on the enamel paint bottle for how long to bake it. You can also leave the mug out to dry, which can take a few days.
4. Once the mug is all dry, get ready to load the inside with all sorts of goodies for dear ol' Dad. Include funny pics, movie ticket stubs from your fave flicks, silly sayings that you two share and of course a little note about how much you love him! Another great idea? Slip in some coupons that entitle daddyo to some favors. Taking out the trash, doing dishes or making his fave dish will def put a smile on dad's face!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Easy Peanut Butter Pie

Difficulty: 1
Ingredients:
(1) Store bought pie crust
1 Cup - Confectioners' Sugar
1/2 Cup - Crunchy Peanut Butter
1 Package_ Pudding (chocolate or vanilla)

Materials:
Pie Tin
Spatula

Directions:
1. Open your pie crust from the store. It can be graham cracker or whatever you like.
2. Mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter with spatula and spread in bottom of crust.
3. Make a package of vanilla or chocolate instant pudding as directed on package,
4. Spread pudding above the peanut butter and sugar mixture.
5. You can decorate it with Reeses Pieces, chocolate chips...or try it with bananas!

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake

Are you a chocoholic who loves strawberry shortcake? Well, we've got the perfect recipe for YOU! Bring this simple and satisfying dessert to your next sleepover, BBQ or pool party.

The combo of mouthwatering chocolate and fresh strawberries is sure to be a huge hit.
What You’ll Need:
Boxed brownie mix and all the ingredients called for on the box (water, oil, eggs, etc.) If you have a healthier recipe for brownies, don’t hesitate to use it!Low fat vanilla yogurt or whipped cream Strawberries
What You'll Do:

1. Prepare and bake brownies according to the instructions on the box.2. Once the brownies are done, let them cool off completely. 3. Cut the brownies into equally sized squares. 4. While the brownies are baking or cooling off, take fresh strawberries and slice them vertically (recommended thickness: ¼ inch) 5. Take a piece of brownie and spread a good amount of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream on the top surface. 6. Place sliced strawberries on top.7. Add another layer of yogurt.8. Place another brownie piece on top. Decorate your mini cake any way you want! (You can use the strawberries for more fruit or sprinkles, icing, chocolate etc.)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

BFF Summer Special: Unique Envelopes!

Yay! It's summer and that means it's time for tonsa vacays and fun travels...but also lots of time away from your BFF. How are you gonna let her know how fab it is when you're at the lake with your fam? Who can you dish to the next time that dude at the snack shack smiles at you?
Whether you're traveling far and wide, or she's the one cutting loose at sleepaway soccer camp, you two can keep in touch the old school way – letters. Check out these oh-so-easy envelopes to send 'em in. Feeling more short 'n' sweet? Check out these collage postcards RIGHT HERE.

What You'll Need
Your fave old mag
Glue

What You'll Do:
1. Find a magazine and pick out your fave page or any colorful page.
2. Take one of those pages and fold two of the longer sides over a half an inch and glue down.
3. Fold the bottom end of the page and glue the sides together to make a pocket.
4. Take the top and fold the corners over then glue them down.
5. Fold the top over the bottom and voila you have your own unique envelope!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Summer Entertainment Survey!

Summer vacay’s almost here, and that means ya have loads of free time to watch your fave shows, jam out to your fave artists and even mellow out with your fave reads. So dish the entertainment buzz, babe – what are you most thrilled to tune into?

What movies are you most excited to watch this summer?

Who’s your current fave recording artist?

What movie can you not wait to release on DVD?

What’s this month’s beach read obsession?

What’s the one video game that you cannot stop playing?

Who’s your all-time fave celebrity?

Celebrity crush?

What TV show is always on your must-watch list?

Which show are you most excited to see next season?

Have the funnest summer...EVER!

Woo hoo! School's out (or just about)! Who's excited for summer? The girlies here at GL are! Sure, this is a great time to sit back, relax and do nada, hit the beach or travel to cool new cities...but you might get a li'l bored of the same ol' day-to-day. Lucky for you, we've found 100 ways to revamp your summer vacay.

Check out the first 25 right now. Then, check back every Saturday in June to get 25 more!

1. Plan a sizzling BBQ with your buds
A barbeque is simple to put together and it is great way to soak up the summer sun while socializing with friends. Just grab some grill-friendly foods, invite over some friends, and lounge around eating, gossiping and getting your tan on (with SPF of course!)
Make it a Healthy BBQ – Want to plan a BBQ but worried about the extra fat that comes with the burgers and the buns? Instead, choose a healthier choice, like chicken, so you can have fun and still look great in a bikini. PLUS, check out this great pasta salad recipe RIGHT HERE.

2. Be a cool clothing designer
Have lots of clothes that are just sitting away in the closet collecting dust? Why not make them into somethin' new with a pair of scissors? If you have a pair of jeans that you've outgrown in length but still fit around the waist make them into stylish pair of jean shorts instead. Or learn how to make a cool bag from those old pants RIGHT HERE.

3. Clean out the clutter
With no school on your hands there's puh-lenty of time to organize the mess of papers and junk that's accumulated around the house throughout the year. Help your parents out and get rid of the things you no longer need. Put the stuff you wanna keep in a safe spot that is visibly out of the way and easy to remember. PLUS, CLICK HERE for tips on how to clean out your closet!

4. Rock on at a cool concert
A concert is a great way to let loose and have a good time with friends. Look up your favorite band’s tour sched and see if they'll be at a venue near you. Get ready to dance and sing the night away!

5. Have fun in the sun with a relaxing romantic novel
School is out, which means you no longer have to read the boring books your teachers require. Instead why not curl up outside with a book of your choice? CLICK HERE to see some of our top summer reads!
Tip – The library may sound old school but it's actually a cheap and efficient way to get tonsa good reads.

6. Take a walk on the wild side
Planning day-trips is always way fun, so why not head to the nearest zoo? Take a friend and explore the diff animals and fun facts. And who knows...maybe will meet a sensitive, animal-loving cutie while you're at it.

7. Picture perfect
Aspiring photographer or not, photos are always fun to take. Start a summer photo album or scrapbook with your new snapshots. Arts and crafts are always fun, so get creative and start taking lots of pictures of family and friends to fill a scrapbook with your summer memories.

8. Game on!
Bored on a Friday night? Get your fam together and play a competitive game of Monopoly, Scrabble, Catch Phrase or any other fun game of your choice.

9. Amuse yourself
The summer weather is perf for a nice day at an amusement park. Head out early to avoid all the long lines. Ride the rollercoaster at least three times, and eat all the cotton candy you can stomach. Our tip? Invite your crush along and hold his hand in the haunted house.

10. Spruce up your space
Is it too dull in your bedroom? Brighten up your bed by changing your sheets to a bright summer pink or yellow. GO HERE for some free DIY tips.

11. Gym haters rejoice!
Are you the type of person that wants to workout but the sight of elliptical machines all lined up makes ya think AHHH? No problem, start exercising around the house, play tennis, or take long walks on the beach to get that heart rate up.

12. Fine-tune your talents
Have a hidden talent that you are dying to share? Organize a talent show with your besties at your next sleepover. Create cool programs and have each girl perform. Is Gia great at guitar? Have her strum a song! Does Tia totally love tap dancing? She should show off her routine.

13. Be a summer job genius
What gal doesn't love a summer gig? It's a great way to earn moolah and gives ya something to do during the dog days of summer. But what to do if your job starts to bore you?
Spice it up by taking initiative and asking your boss what other tasks you can do. Or, if you have your eye on the cute waiter that works your shift be courageous and ask him out. You never know!

14. Dance party divas!
Dancing is always fun, not to mention a great way to burn off the calories. Get your friends together for a night out at a dance party or host your own. All you need are some sweet tunes and you're all set to shake what your momma gave ya!

15. Get golfin'
Mini-golf is a lot less time-consuming than real golf and requires little to zero experience. Hit the golf course for a fun day activity and make a bet that the losers buy ice cream afterwards.

16. Set the scene for summer
Put up a hammock or grab a couple lounge chairs to make your backyard the ultimate summer layout spot. Choose an area that's not so shady...but always remember to later up with tons of sunscreen!

17. Sp-aaah
Bond with your Mom or your BFF and take a day trip to the spa. Get matching polish on your nails and fun facial masks.
Too Pricey? – If a spa is too expensive, have a spa party with do-it-yourself kits! Get some great DIY tips RIGHT HERE!

18. Bold new bathing suits
Bored of all your same old swim suits? Start making new ones by pairing different tops and bottoms together for a fab new style.
Tip – Black bathing suit bottoms are very versatile and can be matched with almost any top!

19. Tune in to the tube
If you missed some of your favorite TV shows while you were busy studying this school year, summer is the time to catch up so you can be ready for next season. Buy the whole season on DVD or download a specific episode on iTunes.

20. Collect 'em all
If you are traveling a lot this summer or have nothing better to do, compile a collection. Get a souvenir from every place you visit or go to a beach and gather pretty shells to make a necklace.

21. Fun summer flings
Keep your mind and heart open and you'll find the ultimate summer crush. How to catch him? Prove you can let loose and hang with the guys by playing Frisbee or enjoying a friendly game of beach football.

22. Film fanatic
Plan an all day movie extravaganza! Invite a couple friends over and tell them to each bring their favorite movies. Then pick out your favorite movie, microwave the popcorn, and enjoy some back-to-back films. Perf for a rainy day!23. Bust traveling boredom
No one enjoys long hours of driving in a car or riding on a plane, so prep yourself. Pack snacks, games, and anything else that will help take your mind off of the traveling boredom.

24. Make your own version of Nanny Diaries
Just like in the movie The Nanny Diaries, starring Scarlett Johanson, you too can document while you babysit this summer. Ask around to find 'rents that work and need a daytime sitter. You can get your tan on and make money at the same time! Get all the babysitting tips you could ever want RIGHT HERE!

25. Throw your own campout
Can't take a real summer vacay? A great getaway is just minutes away...right in your own backyard! Ask mom and pops to help ya pitch a tent and invite your girlies over with their sleeping bags. Get set to cook s'mores, tell scary stories and sing silly songs. For more camp sleepover ideas GO HERE.

Vanilla Freeze (Non-Dairy Ice Cream)

OK, so this isn’t “Ben & Jerry’s” but it’s a creamy-rich ice cream for vegans, those who are lactose intolerant, and anyone else who wants to cut back on the dairy fat. Soy milk has the consistency of cream without all the fat. The refrigerated soy milk has a richer flavor.

What You’ll Need:
Serves 41 quart (4 cups)

vanilla soy milk – not the 1% fat brands (I use White Wave’s “Silk”.), very cold
1/2 cup real maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

What You’ll Do:
1. Put the chilled soy milk in a blender with the rest of the ingredients. Blend on high until smooth and foamy. (Taste to see if it needs additional maple syrup or vanilla since different brands of soy milk vary in flavor.)
2. Pour into an ice cream freezer or a shallow pan according to Method II*. The freeze is ready when it's the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. Eat plain or with toppings.

*Method II: Freeze 'n Whisk (You guessed it, you're the machine.)
Pick out a shallow baking pan or plastic container such as a 9"x9" cake pan. (It needs to have enough room to whisk the ice cream.) Arrange the food in your freezer so there's a flat spot for the pan. Pour the ice cream mixture into the pan and place carefully in the freezer. Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap.Set the timer for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the freezer after the timer goes off. Using a wire whisk, beat the ice cream until the frozen pieces are mixed into the mushy stuff. Return the pan to freezer and set the timer for 30 minutes. Keep repeating this process 3-5 times, depending on the temperature of your freezer. What happens if you forget about it for 12 hours? It'll be rock-hard; break it into chunks and pulse it in the food processor to make it creamy again.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Collage Postcards!

Is your BFF leaving you for a long time this summer? Whether your go-to gal is travelin' to her mom's for the whole vacay, spending time at summer camp or you're the one jet setting to super cool getaways, collage postcards are a great way to keep in touch.
Our tip? Use local mags – if you're the one staying put you'll give your bestie a sweet 'n' funny reminder of home, and if you're the one traveling you can show her all the cool places that you've seen. You could also send these to grams, gramps or good ol' Aunt Edna.

What You’ll Need:
Old Magazines
Scissors
Glue stick
Paper or index cards
Marker or pen

What You’ll Do:
1. Cut out words and pictures from the inside pages of the magazines.
2. Tear off the back or front cover (your choice!) of a magazine (this is where you will glue down your cut-outs).
3. Glue down words and pictures onto the magazine cover. Cover the entire page using big and small pieces.
4. When you are finished let your collage dry and cut it into four rectangular pieces.
5. Write your message on a piece of paper or index card and glue it to the back of the collage. Make sure to write your message on the left and the address and place a stamp on the right.
6. Use these pieces as a puzzle for a family member or friend. Send the same person one of the collage pieces (from the same collage) four different times that you write to them so they can put them back together and make a big collage.