Eden Mosaic Tile, Resource for the Loo, Man Cave and (Maybe) Tree House. And the Kitchen, Too.

Mosaic Tile Mural at Naples Botanical Garden, Fla.

 One of the coolest things I saw this summer was the Naples Botanical Garden (Naples, Fla.) and a pretty awesome mosaic mural. There's just something about mosaic tiles that floats my boat. 

Have ya noticed there's a silver lining in the economy and people are returning to their needs list beyond their wants list? This includes finishing that kitchen or bathroom project which is where a company like Eden Mosaic Tile serves as a resource, which happens to be supporting my travel habit.

How about adding lovely mosaic wall tile to bring dimension and excitement in the loo, and to distract from that laminate floor that’s so old you can no longer get away by calling it retro any more. Oh, heck. Just slap some mosaic tiles down. 

A friend redid her bathroom about a year ago and used groovy stone tile in the shower which makes me feel I’m showering outdoors but with privacy from Mother Nature. Or, go chichi with glass mosaic tile like something you’d see in a high-end hotel room bathroom. 

I imagine a man cave's restroom would be decked out with metal mosaic tile with manly, slick colors of black, silver and perhaps dark blue. Personally, if I were redoing a bathroom, I'd go with crisp white with black interspersed for a classic vintage look. 

Whether you need mosaic tile for your home or business, consider Eden Mosaic Tile with their specialty tiles in a variety of textures, colors and finishes. And, tiles just aren't for the bathroom – consider them for the kitchen, around the fireplace, wall accents or wherever you can imagine them. I can see them on a patio or even a tree house! How about you?

What's Been Cooking in My Kitchen? Candied Chinese Chestnuts

Chinese Chestnuts and Glass Pumpkin

Fall is my favorite season. A native of Western New York and now a Floridian, autumn just isn't the same down here. 

A few weeks back my mom sent my favorite fall treat - Chinese chestnuts from the family backyard. It's always a game picking them up before the squirrels and deer do.

I'm not too versed in what to do with them other than slice the shell and roast em in the oven (on 350 F degrees) until the shells have peeled back and the exposed nut is lightly browned. Peel them (little pieces always get underneath my fingernails and cut up my fingers - ouch!), dip in melted butter, sprinkle with salt and savor.

Yum, yum!

I did that with some but wanted to try something different so I found this recipe for Candied Chestnuts which basically consists of chestnuts, water, sugar and vanilla. Apparently, this is a popular delicacy in France. Ooo, la, la.

Now, what the recipe doesn't explain is what to do with the chestnuts first. It discusses boiling them but doesn't say whether in the shells or not.

Chestnuts Boiling in their Shells

Having made the recipe I'm thinking I should have roasted them then boiled them because it was a heck of a time getting them out of the shells after being boiled. I ended up breaking about half of them.

Chestnuts De-Shelled

The Candied Chestnuts recipe then calls for boiling the chestnuts in the water, sugar, vanilla solution. Okay, fine.

But then, the nuts are stored in the fridge between 12 and 24 hours then boiled again and the process is repeated for a few days.

Chinese Chestnuts Boiling for the Fourth Time

Once the nuts have absorbed the sugary sweetness (or as the French call it, "marron glacé"), to your liking, place them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet in a 275 F degree pre-heated oven and turn off the heat. The nuts should dry until, well, until dry on the outside.

Candied Chinese Chestnuts

Honestly, I don't think the marron glacé penetrated all the way through the nut but the exterior sure is sweet. The center is still soft and holds the nutty flavor.

I've sealed them up and have them in the freezer, waiting to share them at Christmas. I'll probably pop them back in the over to firm up a little.

Do you have a favorite recipe for Chinese chestnuts?

Note: The glass pumpkin in the photo at the very top is from the Glass Market at Corning Museum of Glass – thanks, Mom!

And remember, see what else is new with me over at www.SoloTravelGirl.com.

Is Medicare Supplemental Insurance On Your Mind?

With Age Comes Goodies to Take Daily

I've been dealing with a medical situation the past month and I'm grateful for having excellent health insurance picking up the tab. I also live in a popular retirement destination where value is king. Many of my neighbors are thinking of Medicare Supplemental Insurance while they sit by the pool soaking in Florida sunshine and enjoying their pretty cocktails topped with colorful umbrellas.  All while I’m sitting in an office typing away. *sigh*

Honestly, I'm not up to speed on Medicare supplements but I've been doing a little research in exchange for having my travel habit supported. A few years ago just before my grandmother became ill Medicare changed a tad bit. When she fell ill it was extremely important she had a Medigap plan.

Okay, the term "Medigap" reminds me of being in Britain on the Tube when the voice says, "mind the gap". Never mind...

Medigap is private supplemental health insurance covering the “gap” in expenses between Medicare reimbursement and the full amount charged. i.e.: difference in medications or tests.) According to an Aug. 2008 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation called, “ExaminingSources of Coverage Among Medicare Beneficiaries: Supplemental Insurance,Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Coverage,” as of 2006, 18 percent of Medicare beneficiaries had a Medigap policy.   

Um, okay. I realize that's about five years ago but that doesn't seem like a whole heck of a lot of people and this Medigap stuff already sounds confusing. Luckily, there are some resources on the web to help you find the best plan, such as what Kaiser Permanente offers. It's best to compare Medigap plans and find the best one for your needs. 

Remember, I work in the tourism industry and am not an expert on medical insurance or Medicare supplements. I'm just like you, sharing what I learn and researching before I make an educated purchase. And I'm sure hoping this Medicare thing is figured out when it’s time for me to sign up.

Busy, Busy, Busy as a Bee

Sorry I haven't had much to say over here lately, or over on www.SoloTravelGirl.com, life is moving at 1,000 mph and I'm catching what I can. I do wish there was a way to tap my brain with some kind of USB cable and download my thoughts while I sleep into a blog post. There's so much up there waiting to be shared.

In due time, you'll be reading more either here or there.

Guess I can share yesterday was a good mail day, received a $5 survey check, $4.98 rebate check from Bissell Stomp 'n Go Pads (they work okay, especially for kitty throw up; I'm buying another pack), coupon for a free Tai Pei entree and couple of photos on Canvas via Canvas People. See, I'm trying to spend my money smarter and I found these deals via Freebies4Mom.com and Time2SaveWorkshops.com.Check 'em out.

I also saved more than $12 on groceries today with things I needed. I didn't save 90 percent on my bill but every bit helps.

Get Ahead by Earning an Online Degree, See What Walden University Can Offer

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has rattled some anthropologists' cages recently by stating he wants to see people pursuing degrees in technology and science rather than anthropology degrees. Not everyone has the time to attend a traditional college so thankfully there are programs such as Walden University's online degree programs to fit the needs of working professionals. They're supporting my travel habit in exchange for me to check them out.

Walden University (find them at WaldenU.edu) offers a host of online degree programs including Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees in a range of disciplines including psychology, information technology and health studies. Online courses allow some flexibility yet keeps you on pace with studies.

Hey, STEM is where the future is (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and exciting things are happening in those fields yet it takes a college degree for most people to get ahead these days (I'm saying most because there are exceptions, such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg who dropped out of college.)

President Bill Clinton spoke to Walden graduates during the school’s commencement on July 30, 2011. More than 4,700 students graduated from 39 countries (including from Afghanistan, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Serbia) that day and President Clinton encouraged them to pursue positive change as they began a new career chapter.

Sound like online university for you? Learn about Walden to see if it's a university to help you achieve your higher learning needs.

Having Fun with My New Zoku Quick Pop Maker!

When I attended the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) conference in Vancouver last June, attendees received admission to EAT! Vancouver, a consumer foodie show also taking place at the convention center.

It's there I was introduced to the Zoku Quick Pop Maker - a quick and relatively easy way to make gourmet frozen treats on sticks. The gals giving the demonstrations made it look so easy.

Zoku Quick Pop Maker - So Simple

All they did was pour juice into the little box and within minutes, frozen treats popped out. I thought it'd be fun to own one and experiment with my own concoctions, until I saw the price tag, just under $50.

Over the weekend I headed up to Sarasota to use a Sur La Table gift card. Having NEVER shopped the store, I had no idea what I wanted until (insert angels singing) I glanced over to a corner and saw the Zoku on display.

I'm the Kid

It's something I wouldn't purchase on my own and really, it's not very practical but it's loads of fun! The clerk asked if I had kids because "kids just love it."

"No," I told her and quickly added I would have to try it with my niece and nephew. I said this because I was embarrassed to admit this was for my own personal enjoyment - and any of my visitors. I also rationed I'd make healthier desserts.

Strawberry Lemonade with Hint of Basil Pop

My first (and only) experiment has been making strawberry lemonade pops with a hint of basil. Basically, you freeze the unit at least for 24 hours, then when ready, make your mixture (there's a Zoku Quick Pops recipe book available for purchase, too, which I picked up), place the special sticks in the unit, pour and wait. After about 5 minutes, my pops were ready. Use the handy dandy orange screw thing to pull out the sticks then place the drip cups on and enjoy.

Zoku makes three frozen pops at a time and since I won't (admittedly) eat three pops in a sitting, I placed the other two in the freezer. Of course, there's a special freezer container to store the pops, along with a host of other accessories. Well, this will make Christmas gift buying for me easy.

I tried to make a second batch by adding limoncello but they didn't freeze. Either the unit wasn't cold enough or I had too much alcohol in the mixture.

Simply, my new Zoku is fun and I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes in the book and inventing my own flavors. I don't have exact measurements but this is what I did for the strawberry lemonade with a hint of basil:

Mashed four strawberries with four sliced basil leaves and about 1 Tablespoon of lemonade.
Poured it all into a measuring cup and added more lemonade to equal 3/4 cup.

That's it! The photo at the top of this post is my creation.

Have ya tried the Zoku yet? What's your favorite recipe?

Sur La Table in Sarasota is located at 22 N. Lemon Ave. Tel: (941) 365-0380

And don't forget to check out SoloTravelGirl.com to see what else I've been up to!

Fashionable and Cheap Nursing Scrubs from Blue Sky Scrubs

How am I starting my week? With a trip to the doctor’s office for my annual health risk assessment. Bleh! While I sit in the sterile waiting room, at least I can admire the staff with their splashy colors to take my mind off the inevitable recommendations from the doctor. Speaking of, Blue Sky Scrubs (http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/) is supporting my traveling habit in exchange for me sharing information about their offerings.

When did scrubs become so stylish? I understand they serve a utilitarian purpose and finally there are fashionable ones for both men and women. Will we be seeing them during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week? Um, ya never know but…

I know non-medical professionals enjoy wearing these uniforms for the comfort. Consider Blue Sky as your resource for cheap scrubs for men and women. The company offers stylish tapered tops for women and sells adorable scrubs for kids! Orders come with a money back guarantee if you don't feel fierce and fabulous about yourself when wearing their products.

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

Still remembering. Are you?

I've posted more thoughts about today on my Solo Travel Girl blog.

Peace.

VA Mortgage Rates Assist Members of the Military to Own Homes

Owning a home is an American dream and no one is more deserving of owning those dreams are members of the military and non-active duty military veterans. Thanks to MilitaryVALoan.com, which is supporting my travel habit, I've learned there are VA mortgage rates available for active duty military personnel and non-active duty military veterans.

In addition to obtaining VA mortgage rates, there a host of loans available to members of the active military and veterans including no down-payment mortgage, mortgage refinance, home equity, personal non-mortgage backed and auto loans. Before applying for a VA refinance or loan, it's a great idea to have your ducks in a row. This VA loan checklist offers a great rundown of what will be needed.

I'm not a financial adviser and not familiar with the military culture. Be sure to do your homework before taking out a loan. Visit resources available for active duty military and veterans on Veteran Affairs online.

Justin Bieber: Now I Understand

Up until Friday night I didn't understand the fascination with musical artist Justin Bieber. Yeah, he seemed like just another pretty face fans who cranked out danceable tunes and enamored fans across the globe. Having been told Bieber's "Never Say Never"movie is a great marketing flick, I rented it and...

OMG - I'm in love with Justin Bieber! Seriously, I can't believe I just admitted that. Wait! This is not in a creepy kind of way. That kid seems so genuine, fun, smart and plain adorable. I now understand why my mom is a Clay Aiken fan and an older friend is a big Justin Timberlake fan.

What impressed me watching "Never Say Never" was how the 17-year-old performer connects with his fans (free concert tickets, meet and greet, replying to Twitter messages, etc.) and how family seems important (staying with his grandparents when he played a concert in his hometown). He appears to enjoy entertaining while being grounded and grateful for what he's achieved.

He also never gave up on his dreams. Granted, he's only 17, signed a record deal when he was 15 after being discovered on YouTube. He has a whole life of dreams ahead of him.

Growing up in the 1980s, I adored Duran Duran and I wrote them fan letters with hopes of an autographed photo. Instead, I received a brochure with pricing levels for their fan club. Bieber appears to be different because he knows his fans put him where he is. Other bands, as Duran Duran, feel they were entitled to their success rather than appreciate who put them there.

Bieber is just refreshing. Seriously. Watch "Never Say Never."

So yeah, I'm officially coming out as a Justin Bieber fan. What are ya going to say about it?

Don't forget to visit www.SoloTravelGirl.com to see what else I'm up to.