good luck deluxe

In my endeavor to clean up my diet with lower-fat foods (getting ready for summer ), I’ve been scouring the Internet and cookbooks for healthy recipes. I made these
Banana Pudding Squares, a Kraft Foods recipe, and loved this!

I think it’s a great idea to serve healthier (but still tasty) desserts if you plan to entertain and serve real food as the main course. Easier to digest! Your guests will leave happy. It’s the low-fat version of an old-school favorite.

Note: If you don’t like bananas, feel free to substitute with the fruit of your choice; pineapples, peaches, etc. Some people add more bananas and Nilla Wafers than the recipe calls for, but do it to your liking.

Banana Pudding Squares

Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 3 hr 30 min
Makes: 24 servings

35 Reduced Fat NILLA Wafers, finely crushed
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
3 medium ripe bananas
3 cups fat free milk
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling
1/2 square BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, grated

COMBINE wafers and margarine; press firmly onto bottom of 13×9-inch dish.
MIX Neufchatel cheese and powdered sugar until well blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust; set aside. Cut bananas in half crosswise; cut each piece lengthwise in half. Arrange over Neufchatel cheese mixture.
POUR milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. Spoon over bananas. Spread with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

To Easily Remove Dessert from Dish:
Line dish with foil before using, with ends of foil extending over sides of dish. Prepare recipe as directed. When ready to serve, remove dessert from dish, using foil handles. Cut dessert into pieces as directed.

Note: Concerned about sugar and carbs, or are you or someone you know diabetic? You’ve got to try Insulow. Click here to read my review of this awesome carb and sugar-reducing product that WORKS. Insulow is how I can eat all of these delicious sweets without guilt. I have taken Insulow for years and love it!

I think I would sell my mama up a river if someone would bake this pie for me today. What is it with me and pecans?!

As I’ve shared with my readers before, I can cook like a champ, but can’t bake worth a fig, so to speak. But on second thought, since this recipe calls for any unbaked pie crust, I suppose I can just grab one of those frozen pie crusts from the grocery store and have a go at making this thing.

This recipe comes from Karo brand corn syrup’s site. If you’re anything like me, your family always had a bottle of Karo in the cupboard back in the day. Brings back memories!

Cinnamon Pecan Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 to 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

3 eggs
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup Karo® Light or Dark or with Real Brown Sugar Corn Syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen deep-dish pie crust

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Beat eggs slightly with a fork in a medium bowl. Add brown sugar, Karo®, butter, cinnamon and vanilla; stir until blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into pie crust.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

Note: Concerned about sugar and carbs, or are you or someone you know diabetic? You’ve got to try Insulow. Click here to read my review of this awesome carb and sugar-reducing product that WORKS. Insulow is how I can eat all of these delicious sweets without guilt. I have taken Insulow for years and love it!

When the character Miles in the movie Sideways emphatically shrieked to his crony,
“I am NOT drinking any f*cking Merlot!” I almost gave the screenwriter a standing ovation. I wholeheartedly agree.

It seems that Merlot is the good old standby for the masses. It’s safe. Merlot doesn’t shock, doesn’t have a lot of drama surrounding it, and is not known for producing head-banging hangovers. But is safe luxurious? I think not. Let’s venture outside of the box, shall we?

I was once at a party where a lot of scrumptious grilled food was being served. The hostess served the most exciting beverage: a sparkling Shiraz, from Australia.

But wait - it’s RED. Dark red. Not some wimpy rose or pinky blush nonsense. This was real red wine…with a bubbly, peppery kick to it! And it was slightly sweet, with a light cap of effervescent froth.

I heartily scarfed down my wood-fired pizza and gourmet grilled burger with a newfound zest and zeal for what I thought was never possible: sparkling red wine.

Peter Rumball is perhaps the most elite of the Australian sparkling red wine makers. Since I lost my sparkling red virginity to Rumball (and loved every minute of it, I might add!), I am forever loyal to it. Rumball is a great celebratory wine; a nice alternative to champagne. It pairs happily with casual foods like grilled meats, pizza, even curries.

Peter Rumball also makes a sparkling Merlot, but I’m not holding it against him.

As for plain old Pinot Noir, who needs it when you have South Africa’s scintillating Pinotage! According to the Pinotage Association:

“Good Pinotage goes well with most good food. The medium-bodied, ‘lifestyle’ Pinotage pairs particularly well with a freshly-caught game fish or a hearty winter bean soup. Try it also with sashimi and sushi. Bobotie, ratatouille and curry also taste better with a glass of Pinotage next to the plate. Full-bodied Pinotage is better suited to venison, spare ribs with a rich barbecue sauce, oxtail or osso buco.”

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to finish off your palate with a nice Amarula cocktail. Amarula is an African liqueur, most notably called Amarula Cream; it is produced from the Marula fruit.

The Amarula web site has loads of exotic recipes for relishing their awesome concoction. I dig their recipes for spicy fish, bittersweet Amarula drumsticks, and African beef stir-fry.

They also feature lip-smacking dessert recipes that call for Amarula Cream, such as a ginger-white chocolate cheesecake laced with Amarula, and dessert fondue.

Here is a Kilimanjaro, made with Amarula Cream, Creme de Menthe, and crushed peppermint candy. Mmmm:

Want to know more about the world of African wine and spirits?
African Tradition is a very comprehensive site on the world of South African wines and liqueurs.

Gifts International makes delightful gift baskets with South African wines, liqueurs, and delicacies. These would make a nice gift for me…er, I mean someone.

Enjoy!

If I were a guy, I would probably be Metrosexual and as into grooming products as I am now. Or maybe I’d be a ruggedly handsome dude with five o’clock shadow trimmed ever-so-slightly.

Whatever type of guy I’d be in this land of make-believe, I would HAVE to have the very finest, most exquisite and lavish shaving products. Believe that.

Meet The Art of Shaving. Ooh - this shop looks like shaving heaven!

Does their $1,200 swirl silvertip badger brush tickle your fancy? No? Well, how about the less expensive model, at a fraction of that cost then?

Click this pic to buy yours from Amazon:

Need quality razors, shaving sets, men’s skincare…or haircare? Then I think you need to hustle on over to The Art of Shaving.

Here’s some history behind it:

“Like most men, Eric had sensitive skin. One day, in the kitchen of their Manhattan apartment, Myriam decided to formulate a special oil for him to be used before shaving—a combination of botanical ingredients and pure essential oils. The next morning, Eric applied this protective pre-shave oil before shaving. From the first stroke of the razor, he could feel the blade glide smoothly across his face. A new shaving concept was born.”

Every now and then, I see men with a face full of razor bumps. Not a good look. And I wonder - how much time, money, and attention do these men spend on themselves?

Instead of scraping a Bic single-blade razor (ouch!) across your jaw with some cheap soap or 99 cent shaving cream, why not splurge for once and at least TRY the better-quality shaving products? Your skin will thank you.

If you’re just too tight to spend the money on a designer shave, there’s always
Tend Skin. I use it to shave my legs, and it works like a dream.

Need to nix your razor bumps or ingrown hairs?

Click this pic to buy Tend Skin from Amazon:

Happy shaving, whatever your choice!

Since my readers have me working like a slave punching out these posts all hunched over my PC, I think it’s high-time I get a lumbar extender to straighten me out.

I would imagine that this neat-o tool would be ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time at a desk without proper back support; people who do a lot of bending and lifting; and just anyone with poor posture, period. Does this describe this you or someone you know?

Then listen up:

“Improve your posture, relieve back pain. Lumbar Extender stretches your back easily, safely, affordably. Rigid muscles, overstretching, poor spinal alignment are just a few of the culprits that can wreak havoc on your back. Fight back with the Lumbar Extender.

Simply place this curved, multi-level back stretching device on the floor, recline onto its arched surface, and center your spine in the cradle.

Just a few minutes a day in the Lumbar Extender can help shift muscles. You may not only better your posture and flexibility, but also reduce back pain and strain. Get “back” on track!”

The Lumbar Extender is the lazy (wo)man’s yoga!

Couldn’t your back benefit from this?

Amerie is so cute. I love her exotic style! I have yet to see Amerie in a serious fashion no-no moment. She just knows what works for her.

Pretty girl, with awesome fashion sense.

Amerie absolutely rocks her dark hair!

I am so in love with her short bob hairstyle. A message to my hairstylist:
TAKE NOTES!

I like this flouncy blouse. Hot!

This dress, top, or whatever the heck it is - I WANT IT!

Now this is an interesting top! It works on her.

Yay Amerie!

I love my hair. Wait, let me rephrase that. I loooove my hair! Ever since I realized I had hair, I was always playing in it.

As a kid, I even collected loads of Barbies so I could experiment with their hair. I would roll their hair up with setting lotion and bobby pins, straws, pencils, you name it. I even kept a flashlight under my bed so I could style my Barbies’ hair under the covers at night. So this is a deep-seated passion I’m talking about, not some passing fancy.

But believe me, it ain’t all roses!

I happen to have thick, THICK hair, which means it requires more time and attention. As if I need to spend any more time and attention on my hair! Can you relate?

Over the years, I have sampled enough hair products for the population of a small third world country. Here is my list of WHAT WORKS, and what I find myself going back to time and time again.

My absolute favorite kind of hair products are Dominican hair products from the Dominican Republic, as well as hair products from Brazil.

The Dominican and Brazilian manufacturers use a wide range of natural ingredients in their products such as avocado, coconut, mango, pure aloe vera, etc.
AND THEIR PRODUCTS PERFORM. They really do. And don’t get me started on Dominican hair salons!

Since many Dominican and Brazilian hair products are inexpensive, you have the benefit of affordable quality. What’s not to love?!

My favorite Brazilian line is Kan Kanechomn.

Next in line would be Ojon haircare. Their most well-known product is Ojon’s Restorative Hair Treatment. Truly like butter!

It would take me forever to explain the history behind Ojon’s superb products, so per their site:

“Restore your hair’s natural beauty with this ancient native secret from the remote tropical forests of Central America.

For over 500 years, this secret to remarkably healthy hair has been hidden in the rare oil of the tropical Ojon™ tree known only to the Tawira indians who are referred to as “the people of beautiful hair.”™

The secret to their beautiful hair and skin is Ojon™, a rich exotic oil extracted from the tropical Ojon™ tree. This unique tree grows only in the rainforest of the Mosquitia region of Central America.”

Could your hair benefit from Ojon?

Click this pic to buy it from Amazon:

I fell in mad, passionate love with Mixed Chicks leave-in conditioner/styling cream.

On days when you don’t feel like fussing about with your hair and you want to do a simple wash and go, Mixed Chicks will save the day. My only recommendation is you use a weekly clarifying shampoo like Nexxus Aloe Rid to remove the buildup.
Mixed Chicks defines my curls like nothing else!

Do you need a better wash and go style?

Click this pic to buy Mixed Chicks from Amazon:

Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair is rockstar hot! She is a famous lover of the
Carol’s Daughter line of products, and I agree. Good, good stuff. Talk about DELUXE! Try “Lisa’s Hair Elixir” and the Hair Balm.

Blended Beauty is a nice, natural line with nourishing ingredients. Her products are ideal for childrens’ hair.

Aveda deserves an honorable mention for their Brilliant Conditioner, Sap Moss products, and Be Curly leave-in conditioner. Sound like what your hair needs?

Click this pic to buy it from Amazon:

Click this pic buy it from Amazon:

Click this pic to buy it from Amazon:

Miss Jessie’s Curve Salon is home of the famous Baby Buttercreme for curly and kinky hair. It’s meant for kids, but I absolutely LOVE this stuff! Their Curly Buttercreme (for adults) is lovely as well, but I fancy the baby version.

As for hair oils, I prefer all-natural, lightweight oils such as monoi, kukui nut, jojoba and unrefined coconut oil.

Dabur Vatika Hair Oil is an East Indian hair oil I love; I use it sparingly, but often.

Monoi Tiare Tahiti Oil is also fabulous!

What can I say - I know hair!

I couldn’t believe how seamless and smooth P. Diddy’s Sean John web site is. Well actually, yes I can believe it. Everything that man churns out is on point. His daggone web site is complete with music, moving images, the whole nine. When you click around, there’s no break in the music. Gotta love it!

So let’s talk about the Sean John clothing line for a minute. Actually, I’m more into men’s business and formal wear, so I spent more time previewing the Sean John suits. Amazing. Diddy’s style is that perfect line between understated and pimp. It’s the happy medium.

As a woman, I’m telling you, if I saw a man enter the room wearing the suit pictured above, I WOULD LOOK DIRECTLY AT HIM. The design is eye-catching, compelling. In a word - SHARP.

P. Diddy’s web site is so complete, so there’s really nothing more for me to say.

You did good, man!

Let’s cut to the chase. Here is a link to CNN’s site which features
Fortune Magazine’s Best Jobs in 2007 list.

I reckon a few of you read my blog from work. Those of you who are reading Good Luck Deluxe from your job, a certain percentage of you hate your jobs.

Some of you may even be in toxic work conditions with maniac bosses who terrorize you, or work directly with psychic vampire co-workers.

Or maybe you work for a company that lets the higher-ups take all the credit for your work; and they don’t even have good coffee in the breakroom, let alone Krispy Kreme doughnuts on Fridays. Believe me, I understand.

It’s time for a new job.

The Fortune Magazine list is clear, concise, and organized. It clearly shows just why certain companies were chosen as being “the best.”

Google and Whole Foods made the list, and I wholeheartedly agree. I know people who work for both companies and they are very satisfied working for them. I mean, what’s not to love about Whole Foods? I live in that store!

Fortune’s list details the pay, benefits, bonuses, best jobs for women and (I despise this term) “minorities,” or people of color.

So quit yer whinin’ and get busy!

Although I love my readers, this post is more so a reminder for myself than it is for your entertainment. The good news is you (guys & girls) still benefit from reading it.

Over the years, I have stumbled upon various online consignment shops.
What a cool idea!

For those (including men) who dream about sporting real couture but don’t want to pay “real” funds for them, read on.

Jill’s Consignment has been around for a long time and has a great reputation. Her merchandise appears to be high-quality.

Turn About Shoppe has A LOT of items for sale.

Michael’s Consignment has awesome designer threads.

Clothes Heaven is another online consignment shop worth mentioning.

Nicole’s Revival carries some really good labels, and her prices are excellent. I’ve even spotted stuff FOR MEN on this site!

But these two online shops take the cake…

Bag, Borrow or Steal is an online shop where you can RENT designer handbags for a month or more, with the option to purchase them. They have almost every designer!

Rent Fame is another such shop that assists you in your mission to look fly. They have a wide selection of designer handbags.

I wonder if any celebrities not only know about these shops, but actually use them. And here we ladies were spending $3,500 for Louis Vuitton bags trying to keep up with them!