Wrap It Up: 3 Ways to Use Decorative Paper at Home

Who knew that pretty paper had so many different uses!

Shopping at stationery stores, the beautiful paper sold by the sheet in brilliant colors and patterns always catches my eye. Many times they are thicker, more decorative and more expensive than the thinner gift wrap that is sold on a roll, but are so pretty that I would love to find an excuse to buy them.

Here are three ideas for using paper to transform, protect and decorate in the home.

(1) In a step-by-step DIY, Blue Eyed Yonder shows us how to transform cloth into stiff material akin to paper that works beautifully to line drawers. This can be done with either paper or cloth and both serves to protect your things and adds a little beauty to an otherwise overlooked spot.

 

(2) I love the idea of turning something as common as a brick into a chic book end as demonstrated by Design Sponge. Adding a touch of color or a pattern that would feel too bold on a grander scale is perfect when done easily and affordably.

(3) These decorative clip boards double as a display area in place of a cork board and are an easy DIY via Martha Stewart that can be changed on a whim.

Read more at ApartmentTherapy.com.

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Listen Live in San Diego: When Every Day is Mardi Gras!

Check out some upcoming music events in this post from San Diego Blog!

Officially, Fat Tuesday falls on February 21, 2012. And when Sir Simon Cowell himself says that “DJ’s are the new rock stars,” it is fair to pay homage in this blog to the 4 stages and rotating DJ’s of Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego on Tuesday, February 21. But while I may give up carbs or cuss words for the Lenten season, I certainly am not giving up live music – which makes every day Mardi Gras for me! What will be your musical Mardi Gras this year?

House of Blues 

Mardi Gras music starts at 3:00 pm on February 21 and is free for all revelers. Perfect. My office is a block away. Continue the party on February 29 with Indie pop-rock of the British persuasion. The Kooks will be performing their “catchy as hell” tunes for all of us who won’t see them at Bonnaroo this summer.

Belly Up Tavern

So the CAKE show is sold out, but the Belly Up delivers such consistent quality that this doesn’t concern me. If you have a predilection for plaid shirts and converse, enjoy the sweet Paul Simon-inspired falsetto of Indie rock Ra Ra Riot on Thursday, February 23. I support any band that jams with a cello. Of course, there is still a chance to see what 40-plus years of rocking out looks like with classic rock favorite, America, performing February 26.

Birch North Park Theatre

Probably not your first thought as a live music venue, but I love taking in a show at the beautifully refurbished Birch for the sheer proximity to the bars, restaurants and culture of North Park’s young, indie neighborhood. While they always have a full season of theater to enjoy, it is a great, old school venue for a variety of bands as well. For instance, on March 2, Girls, performing with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, will grace the stage with their contagious energy and a few more plaid shirts.

Enjoy this next few weeks of music everyone! And have an awesome Mardi Gras! As always, let me know what shows you want to see!

Read more: http://blog.sandiego.org/2012/02/listen-live-san-diego-mardi-gras/

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Flu Shot Guidelines For Imperial Beach Kids

If you have kids, make sure you familiarize yourself with these flu shot guidelines!

Every year as winter approaches, many Imperial Beach parents wonder if they should get their kids a flu shot.

Everyone gets the flu, right? Is it that big of a deal?

In most cases, the flu is an inconvenience, but not detrimental beyond missing a few days of school. However, Imperial Beach pediatricians caution that it is extremely important for high risk kids to get a flu shot. Ditto if your child is in regular contact with a high risk person.

What qualifies a child as high risk? Imperial Beach experts say that chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma puts a child at greater risk because the flu can contribute to serious complications. Many Imperial Beach doctors also recommend flu shots for all children under five years old. Imperial Beach experts advise getting your child’s flu vaccination as early as possible, in August or September or as soon as it is available, to protect them through the entire season which generally lasts from October to April.

Remember that two shots are required for children under the age of eight, given four weeks apart, for full protection your first year of getting vaccinated. Just one shot per year is needed after that.

Flumist is a nasal spray vaccine that can be given to healthy children ages two and up, an option that can be more child friendly. Side effects from either method of vaccination may include runny nose, muscle aches, vomiting, or low grade fever. The new flu vaccines offer protection from both H1N1 and the seasonal flu.

Read more http://orachowischocolatemade.the-adam-green.com/2012/02/09/flu-shot-guidelines-for-imperial-beach-kids/

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Ultimate Superbowl food: Wings or nachos?

We’re getting close to the Super Bowl!!

For a day that’s all about the rough and tumble, you need to serve your guests something bold and flavorful, that isn’t afraid to play hard. What is your ultimate pigskin party food - wings or nachos?

CHORIZO AND PINTO BEAN NACHOS

Yield: 8 servings

1 pound Mexican chorizo, casings removed

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 cups cooked pinto beans

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large bag tortilla chips

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Chopped onion, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa and chopped black olives, for garnish (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large skillet, cook chorizo, garlic and cumin until chorizo is thoroughly cooked. Drain most, but not all, of fat and add pinto beans, chili powder and salt. Cook until heated through.

2. On large ovenproof platter or cookie sheet, spread tortilla chips and top with chorizo-bean mixture. Repeat with another layer of each and top with cheese.

3. Bake until cheese is melted. If desired, serve with chopped onions, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa and olives.

Nutrition data not available.

Source: Ellyn Bouts

CHICKEN WINGS

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup water

3/4 cup soy sauce

1 level teaspoon dry mustard

2-3 pounds chicken wings

Procedure:

1. Combine first five ingredients in a pan to make a marinade, bring to a boil and simmer a few minutes.

2. Pour over cleaned chicken wings in slow cooker and cook 5-6 hours low. Alternative method: Set aside a little marinade, then steep wings in remaining marinade at least 8 hours in refrigerator; bake 1 hour on a flat pan at 350 degrees, basting with the marinade that was set aside.

Read more http://www.pikespeakparent.com/blogs/ultimate-superbowl-food-wings-or-nachos.html

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