Chipotle Chiptopia Rewards

Like a dumped lover longing for a second chance, Chipotle hopes to woo customers with loyalty rewards. Grab a Chiptopia summer earnings card at any location and make a purchase before 7/31 to earn free chips and guac.
https://chipotle.com/chiptopia

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Westside Community Garden, New York

Guess what's in bloom at Westside Community Garden? Tulips galore. The plot, tucked away in a mostly residential area, offers tranquility from NYC's continual grind.

Besides stunning flowers visitors can partake in concerts and other, mostly free, events.

Westside Community Garden depends on the kindness of volunteers and donations. So don't cheap out.

Drop a few bucks in the collection jar!

Visit www.westsidecommunitygarden.org/ for a list of upcoming events.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Either I'm becoming better with my timing when cooking seafood or the quick marinade I made countered any overcooking blunders. The totally tender shrimp remained so even when I microwaved leftovers. Use more or less of the entree ingredients based on your preferences.

You'll need approximately:

• .75 cup shredded purple carrots
• 3.75 cups cold, steamed Jasmine Rice
• .50 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• garlic salt
• 1 egg
• 4 basil leaves
• black sesame seeds
• .25 cup soy sauce
• tbsp agave syrup
• 1 tsp sesame oil 
• 10 large raw shrimp
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• .25 tsp salt 

For marinade:

• 2 dashes black pepper
• 2 dashes garlic salt
• 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1.5 tbsp canola oil

Make the marinade first. Whisk the juice and oil together. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the mixture. Season with pepper and garlic salt. Refrigerate until you are ready to fry the rice. My shrimp marinated for a few hours.

Now for the rice. Beat the egg, a pinch of pepper, and .5 tsp of sesame oil. Set aside. Add 1.5 tbsp of canola oil to your wok or heavy frying pan. Heat to medium and add shrimp when oil starts to sizzle.Turn them as soon as they become opaque then remove from pan after the other side is done. Set shrimp aside but reserve oil for the carrots and onions. Lightly season vegetables with garlic salt  then cook for about 5 minutes, depending on how tender you like them.

Set veggies aside. Add remaining 1.5 tbsp of canola oil to your wok. Increase the heat to high then add the rice.Toss so the oil coats most grains. Add the ginger and stir. Repeat process with syrup and soy sauce. I use enough sauce to make most of the rice brown without drenching it. Create a well in the center of the rice. Scramble the egg there then distribute it within the rice. Add veggies, salt, and .5 tsp of sesame oil. After stirring, remove from heat. Cut shrimp into thirds then toss into rice. Garish with basil and sesame seeds. Add more soy sauce if desired.

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Dream South Beach

Quirky germaphobe searching for a suitable South Beach hotel. That was me until I discovered Dream South Beach, formerly the Palmer House. I spent countless hours reading reviews for other hotels, none of which struck the balance of cleanliness, service, location, safety, and price I sought.

Soon I realized that most Miami accommodations were pricey but expensiveness did not equal quality. Not only was Dream's standard suite comparable to if not cheaper than many of its competitors, the peace of mind and relaxing setup proved priceless.
Attendants remained in the lobby around the clock. Often they remembered my name and asked about my itinerary, gleefully providing suggestions upon request and asking how I enjoyed spots I visited. One employee even offered to snap a picture of me when he noticed me photographing Dream’s exterior.

The staff stayed attentive without stalking. I sensed they would recognize non-guests lurking about. Since I was solo, feeling secure in my surroundings was especially important.

Phone calls and internet service are additional charges, but beach chairs and towels are free. For me, parking was a non-issue because I chose to forgo renting a car. The hotel is in walking distance to the beach and restaurants.

Those who don't mind mingling with the masses can catch the SOBE local one street over for a quarter or splurge on a $5 day pass to explore other parts of town. Also, the Airport Flyer provides cheap and quick service, so there's no need for a cab to and from the location.

This boutique establishment proved tranquil overall. Sounds from other rooms were minimal. However, I could sometimes hear loud employees at the hotel next door. Its kitchen and patio area faced my room. Closing windows significantly muted the noise.

I scoured the suite for cleanliness issues and found one foreign eyelash (even I could live with that). The lighting felt weird at first: subdued blue and white hues throughout, including the shower. Dark, rich wood flooring covered all areas. Luxurious bedding allowed me to sleep comfortably after my first night there. That's a virtual feat when I'm in unfamiliar surroundings.

Upon returning home, I dreamt of duplicating the Dream suite on my turf, especially the bedroom.

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

New Park Pizza, Howard Beach

I skeptically stared at the piece square of pepperoni pizza before it entered the brick oven. Would it engage my taste buds or disappoint them?

The perfect combo of savory tomato sauce and cheese crowned this unassuming pizza's slightly salty, chewy crust. One more bite of the filling portion and I would've been stuffed. New Park's fare isn't gourmet, but it certainly calms a pizza craving.

Belly Rewards

Belly, a little-known loyalty program, tracks visits when users sign in at restaurants and other businesses. Download the app or join for free by activating a scannable card that fits on your keychain.

To maximize this app's money saving potential, sign up for Belly Bites. These limited-time offers entice potential customers with free products and services from hot dogs to haircuts and everything in between. I even scored a grocery store gift card. Also, the location search option proves particularly beneficial when traveling in unfamiliar territory. It lists participating businesses that are in close proximity. Here's another tip. Plenty of merchants add on additional incentives if you haven't returned within a month. Their attempting to steal you from the competition, which equals even more savings for you!

Explore offerings in your area: www.bellycard.com.

Holiday Markets

Want to deck the halls but hate crowded malls? Select New York Greenmarket locations transform right before Thanksgiving, adding booths full of gifts and edible goodies.

Seek out similar holiday markets in your area to find last-minute gifts.

Free Sandwich Deals

Even if you're not "Lovin' It" McDonald's latest promo proves hard to ignore. Download the app to receive virtual coupons, including one for a free sandwich. That deal might not appear instantly. Mine came over a month after sign up: http://bit.ly/1WM35hF.

In addition to #WakeUpWednesdays, which offers a free hot or iced coffee of any size, Cosi will give New Yorkers a free sandwich on Fridays from 11 am to close until 11/20. Sign up for the coupon here: http://bit.ly/1NZmqdd. If you don't live in NYC, never fear, Cosi's eclub sends offers directly to your inbox, so check that out!

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Free + Cheap Coffee Deals

Need to perk up? Plenty of nationwide shops offer coffee deals and steals that'll keep you caffeinated without draining your budget! Here's a sampling:

Dunkin' Donuts: Live in a city that hosts an NFL team? Download the DD Perks app to score $.25 medium hot or iced coffee the day after your team wins. Plus, Dunkin' will throw in a free drink at sign up and on your birthday and every time you reach 200 points

7-Eleven: Some swear 7-Eleven has stellar coffee. Judge the retailer for free from Oct. 12 - Oct. 18. During Free Coffee Week, any size hot coffee is free for 7Rewards members who "pay" with the app. And, if you're actually a fan, pay for your coffee and fountain drinks with the app since every 7th cup is free.

Pret a Manger: Known for its menu of all-natural entrees, Pret also sells organic coffee for about 1.75 a cup. If you like yours hot grab a free self-serve refill.

Cosi: This upscale casual dining spot hosts #WakeUpWednesdays until Dec. 30. Choose hot or iced coffee. No size restrictions apply.

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Whole Foods Customer Appreciation Month

There's still time to feel the customer love at Whole Foods' Love Fest. Besides 25 cent coffee all month, the chain also offers weekly specials like 80 cent yogurt, marked down bakery treats, and soap for a buck.

Check out WholeFoods.com for current deals.

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

"Amazonia" Book Review

Science fiction and fantasy are book genres I haven’t delved in. Surprising since I religiously tuned into TV shows revolving around other worldly plot lines. I happened upon a paperback copy of Amazonia in a recycling bin. It appeared in mint condition, almost unread. The cover, green and gold with cutouts showing menacing figures, grabbed my attention.

James Rollins’ story lagged initially. I attribute the disconnect in part to trying to reconcile multiple character viewpoints and settings. Generally, I read novels with fewer main characters. Each act began with a page listing scientific aspects of a particular botanical species. This info tied back to themes involving the rainforest’s hidden, healing properties.  

Amazonia held my interest as I read on, particularly when a group of core characters arrived in the Amazon and faced attack upon attack. The rainforest evolved as a setting and a character. It ultimately emerged as a nemesis and hero all in one. If you appreciate unpredictability, you’ll appreciate Amazonia’s smart and suspenseful plot.

Free Summer Jams, Brooklyn

Want to get your groove on without going broke? Brooklyn serves up free, family friendly summertime events:

The Archway under the Manhattan Bridge offers a prime backdrop for art and culture. Thursdays through October, Dumbo's Live at the Archway series hosts DJs and musicians from an array of genres.  Hours vary within the 5 - 9 PM time range. http://bit.ly/1JOeU4o

The Fort Greene Jazz Festival returns Saturday September 12th from 3 - 7 PM. Headlined by founder Eric Frazier, tunes flow each July too. And it raises awareness for the park's conservancy. Guest entertainers include dancers, drummers and solo vocalists.
Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn. http://www.fortgreenepark.org/events.html 

On summer Sundays, the Soul Summit Music Festival hits Fort Greene Park. DJs spinning house tunes, dancers, vendors of food and fashion all make this natural setting come even more alive! Fest lasts from 3 - 8 PM. http://soulsummitmusic.com/the-love-of-music/

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Fleming's Steakhouse, Atlanta

If the obligatory pre-meal bread offering draws you in the main course better rock, right? Surprisingly scrumptious loaves topped with cheese come with two delectable spreads and threaten to fill tummies before the main event.

Be bold and order prime rib, like my sis. Or strategically choose a small plate, like me, to save room for dessert. From French onion soup to braised short ribs to carrot cake, Fleming's will not disappoint.

Despite being a chain, the customer love is evident. Fleming's even rewards diners with birthday and anniversary treats. Check out FlemingsSteakhouse.com to find a location nearby.

Follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Yahoo! Live

Yahoo! Live promised 365 days of events. And, in partnership with Live Nation, it delivered.

Walk this way with Aerosmith. Party with Prince. Catch your favorite TV characters contemplating plot twists.


Into sports or fashion? Yahoo! Live has amazing content for everyone. Visit https://screen.yahoo.com/live/ to view  upcoming dates or past shows.

Click to follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook