Search Peeps Diorama or Peeps Scenes on the web and you'll get a host of them, To the left are Peeps doing yoga!
Cupcake and Cookie Toppers Peeps make great cupcake and cookie toppers. Since they are marshmallow and sugar based, they taste wonderful with most frosting. Stick them in the frosting for a delicious and beautiful springtime treat.
Peep “Sushi” The only thing this sushi has in common with real sushi is that it looks similar. Even if you are not a fan of raw fish, this sweet version will have you reaching for more. You can use the peeps as filler for sushi rolls that include Rice Krispies treats for rice and Fruit by the Foot for seaweed. Slice and enjoy! More on Peep Sushi here.
Peepcicles The only thing better than Peeps out of the box are Peeps out of the freezer. Make them even more delectable by covering them with dark, milk, or white chocolate and topping them off with nuts or another sugary decoration. Slide a popsicle stick in them, pop them in the freezer for a few hours, and savor this chilled treat. Get the recipe here.
Rice Krispies Treats Made with Peeps Since Peeps are just glorified marshmallows, you can substitute them for the marshmallows in your Rice Krispies treats. The added bonus here is that they lend a bit of color to otherwise ordinary bars, making them the perfect, easy dessert to whip up for Easter Sunday.
S’meeps Peeps can also be substituted for the marshmallows in your S’mores. Just grab some chocolate bars and graham crackers and assemble your S’mores as you normally would. If you live in a warm climate and are feeling especially vicious, you can even roast the Peeps over a fire.
Do Some Research Did you know that there is an entire website devoted to doing research on Peeps? They have tested these resilient little guys in different environments, and even discuss how, conjoined at birth, they are separated successfully. It’s a medical miracle! Visit the Peeps Research site
Peep War Peep Wars in the microwave. Put two Peeps chicks on a plate facing each other. Insert a toothpick sword into each, then heat in the mocrowave. Watch as the Peeps expand and stab each other before they explode.
Peep Stamps Since Peeps are such an iconic representation of Easter, you can use them as stamps to create greeting cards or fun tote bags or other Easter party favors. Just press your Peeps into ink or paint and press them onto whatever you want to stamp. Wait for it to dry, then draw tiny eyes just like your Peeps have. Just be sure you don’t eat ink- or paint-stained Peeps!
Place Card Peeps Throwing an Easter party or a spring get-together? No party is complete without place cards, and Peeps make them all the more fun. Write your guests’ names on cards. Then, grab some chick-shaped Peeps and make a slice just behind their head. Place the cards in your sliced Peep and put them on the table.
Centerpieces with Peeps A great way to use Peeps for decoration is to make a super cute centerpiece with them. You can either use a foam shape and toothpicks to arrange your Peeps in a floral-like centerpiece, or you can line a vase with them and insert flowers in the middle. Either way, it is a beautiful way to spruce up a springtime party!
It's called "Powerful Yogurt" – and it's just for dudes.
According to the website, "In a niche typically dominated by female consumers, we decided to develop a new Greek yogurt specifically suited to address the unique health and nutrition needs of the most neglected consumers in the category: men."
And if that isn't enough, the tagline for the yogurt is: "Find your inner abs."
The website had also claimed that consumption of their product would even help with male fertility, but that part of the site has since been pulled down.
So what's next? Powerful Pudding and Popsicles? (Huffington Post)
March Madness is a huge event - Check out the new ROUND bracket. Participants spend hours on end preparing their brackets and watching games. It also makes a ton of money...when it comes to generating TV ad revenue during the playoffs, the NCAA men's college basketball championships is king.
Total TV ad revenue for March Madness surpassed $1 billion for the first time in 2012 – making it larger than any professional post-season sports championship.
And it will only get bigger this year because of TBS broadcasts – as well as the new CBS sports channels. (USA Today)
Photos of clothing store mannequins from a Swedish retailer have gone viral, and it's because they are curvy. These mannequins have more realistic proportions and look like real women.
Dressed in lingerie, it's easy to see the mannequins have fuller figures, softer stomachs and fuller thighs. The photo blew up on Facebook, garnering mostly positive feedback.(Shine)
Miranda Lambert dressed up as Honey Boo Boo child for Halloween last year, and now the two have officially met. Ran met Boo backstage at a recent concert in Georgia.
Black Blazer A tailored blazer is classic, feminine and looks great on all body types. Pair it with anything: jeans, little dresses, trousers, skirts. Make sure to find one that fits you well and accentuates your waist—you don't want it to look like it's swallowing you!
Leopard Scarf Even if you're wearing a basic T-shirt and jeans, use accessories like a printed scarf as the 'bright' piece to complete your look.
Red Flats Black is the obvious choice, but red flats provide a pop of color and work for every season. Pair them with a striped shirt and a trench coat.
Striped Shirt This timeless classic is having a comeback. It looks great paired with brights or prints or peeking out from underneath a blazer.
Statement Necklace Having basics in your closet and playing with your accessories is a must. The statement necklace can make a simple outfit look strong and feminine.
10 Dangerous Indoor Plants For Pets from vetstreet.com (Keep in mind some of these plants have multiple varieties)
1. Asparagus Fern The asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern or lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in the plant is sapogenin — a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal pain can occur. Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) can occur if an animal is repeatedly exposed.
2. Corn Plant Corn plant (also known as cornstalk plant, dracaena, dragon tree or ribbon plant) is toxic to dogs and cats. Saponin is the offensive chemical compound in this plant. If the plant is ingested, vomiting (with or without blood), appetite loss, depression and/or increased salivation can occur. Affected cats may also have dilated pupils.
3. Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia (commonly known as dumb cane, tropic snow or exotica) is toxic to dogs and cats. Dieffenbachia contains a chemical that is a poisonous deterrent to animals. If the plant is ingested, oral irritation can occur, especially on the tongue and lips. This irritation can lead to increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
4. Elephant Ear Elephant ear (also known as caladium, taro, pai, ape, cape, via, via sori or malanga) contains a chemical similar to that in dieffenbachia, so an animal’s toxic reaction to elephant ear is similar: oral irritation, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
5. Lilies Many plants of the lily family are toxic to cats, and some are toxic to dogs. Cats are the only animals in which the Easter and stargazer lilies are known to be toxic. Generally, a cat’s first reaction to this plant includes vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite, but kidney failure and even death can quickly follow if a cat is untreated. The peace lily (also known as Mauna Loa) is toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of the peace lily or calla lily can cause irritation of the tongue and lips, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
6. Cyclamen Cyclamen (also known as sowbread) is a pretty, flowering plant that is toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested, this plant can cause increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. If an animal ingests a large amount of the plant’s tubers — which are found at the root, generally below the soil — heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures and even death can occur.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron Heartleaf philodendron (also known as horsehead philodendron, cordatum, fiddle leaf, panda plant, split-leaf philodendron, fruit salad plant, red emerald, red princess or saddle leaf) is a common, easy-to-grow houseplant that is toxic to dogs and cats. This philodendron contains a chemical that can irritate the mouth, tongue and lips of animals. An affected pet may also experience increased salivation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
8. Jade Plant Jade plant (also known as baby jade, dwarf rubber plant, jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant or friendship tree) is toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic property in this plant is unknown, but ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, ataxia (incoordination) and bradycardia (slow heart rate; this is rare).
9. Aloe Plant Aloe plant (also known as medicine plant or Barbados aloe) is a common succulent that is toxic to dogs and cats. Aloin is the toxic agent in this plant. The bitter yellow substance is found in most aloe species and may cause vomiting and/or reddish urine.
10. Satin Pothos Satin pothos (also known as silk pothos) is toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested by a cat or dog, the plant may irritate the mouth, lips and tongue. The pet may also experience increased salivation, vomiting and/or difficulty swallowing.
Oysters Said to have aphrodisiac properties, oysters are among the best dietary sources of zinc, a mineral that is often recommended to people experiencing hair loss. Some studies indicate you need zinc for normal hair pigmentation as well. Zinc promotes cell reproduction and tissue growth and repair, all of which are important to hair health. A single oyster provides about 37 milligrams (mg) of zinc, more than a day’s worth for adults. Other good sources of zinc: Red meat, whole grains, other shellfish.
Beer Hidden in all of that foam is a healthy dose of silicon, a natural element that some research suggests can help to thicken and strengthen hair. Studies have also found that silicon can improve hair that is dry and brittle. But when it comes to alcohol, more is definitely not better -- the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that men limit themselves to no more than two drinks a day (or two 12-ounce beers), and women should stick to one. Other (non-alcoholic) sources of silicon: Bananas, root vegetables, whole grains.
Strawberries Vitamin C is needed to maintain the natural oils on the scalp and hair to keep hair shiny, and strawberries are a good way to get it. Vitamin C is essential to normal circulation, and good blood flow to the scalp helps keep the skin and hair healthy. Adults need about 60 to 100 mg of Vitamin C per day -- one cup of whole fresh strawberries provides about 85 mg. Other great sources of Vitamin C: Broccoli, sweet red and green peppers, tomato juice, citrus fruits.
Avocados A favorite ingredient in many commercial and homemade hair conditioners, avocados are rich in several nutrients including biotin, a B vitamin that promotes hair growth and scalp health. B vitamins are coenzymes essential to helping reactions occur in the body that can promote healthy cell growth, which is important for hair.. B vitamins and other coenzymes also stimulate blood flow throughout the body, including to the scalp. Other good sources of biotin: Egg yolks, nuts, whole grains, cauliflower, bananas.
Canola Oil This common cooking oil is a great source of Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that can help keep hair strong and flexible by protecting it from the damages of sunlight and other environmental threats that break down the protein bonds of hair and weaken it. Many vegetable oils are rich in Vitamin E, but canola oil is versatile and easy to use in recipes, and is less expensive and has a longer shelf life than other oils. One tablespoon of canola oil provides about 2.5 mg of Vitamin E, or about one-fifth of the 12 mg of Vitamin E recommend daily for adults. Other great sources of Vitamin E: Wheat germ, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, roasted almonds, safflower and sunflower oil.
Average Wedding Budget: $28,427 (excludes honeymoon)
Most Expensive Place to Get Married: Manhattan, $76,678 average spend
Least Expensive Place to Get Married: Alaska, $15,504 average spend
Average Spent on a Wedding Dress: $1,211
Average Marrying Age: Bride, 29; Groom, 31
Average Number of Guests: 139
Average Number of Bridesmaids: 4 to 5
Average Number of Groomsmen: 4 to 5
Most Popular Month to Get Engaged: December (16%)
Average Length of Engagement: 14 months
Most Popular Month to Get Married: June (17%)
Popular Wedding Colors: Blue (33%), Purple (26%), Green (23%), Metallics (23%)
Percentage of Destination Weddings: 24%
Notable Regional Differences
Budget: New York City (Manhattan) has the highest average wedding budget ($76,687), and Alaska brides has the lowest average wedding budget ($15,504), excluding honeymoon.
Age: Hawaii has the oldest brides (33 years), whereas Utah has the youngest brides (25 years), on average.
Engagements: Middle Atlantic brides have the longest engagements (15.8 months), while brides in East South Central have the shortest (11.9 months), on average.*
Wedding Size: On average, Utah brides still have the largest number of wedding guests (209), and Nevada brides still have the smallest number of wedding guests (64).
Wedding Style: Wyoming has the most casual weddings (39%), while Chicago, IL, has the most formal (black-tie) weddings (44%).
Wedding Dress Spend: Brides in Manhattan spend the most on their dresses ($2,877 on average), while Idaho brides spend the least ($878).
Honeymoon: Savannah, GA, Couples are most likely to book a honeymoon (90%), while Alaskan couples are least likely to honeymoon (44%).
Registry: Brides in West North Central are the most likely to register for wedding gifts (94%), while Mountain brides are least likely to register (84%).*
Top 8 2012 Wedding Trends
BOOMING BUDGETS. Brides are spending even more on their weddings. Following 2011's trend of growing budgets, for the second year in a row since the economic downturn, the average wedding spend has grown year over year, hitting $28,427, the highest level since 2008. In this vein, fewer brides (26%) say the economy affected their wedding spend – a statistic that has continually decreased year over year, from 29% in 2011, 31% in 2010 and 34% in 2009. Wedding standards also continue to rise, as the average wedding spend per guest increased to $204, as compared to $196 in 2011 and even $194 in 2009. In fact, about 1 in 8 brides (13%) are spending more than $40,000 on their nuptials, and nearly 1 in 4 (23%) didn't even have a budget.
YEAR OF THE GUEST. Brides are concentrating on creating an experience for guests. Not only did spend per guest increase to $204, up almost $10 per guest from 2011, when brides spent $196 per guest, but also guest entertainment continues to gain popularity. This rapidly rising category only continues to grow – in 2012, more than 1 in 4 brides (27%) provided additional guest entertainment, compared to just 22% in 2011, 15% in 2010 and 11% in 2009. Additionally, while the number of brides who throw a rehearsal dinner, after-party or morning-after brunch has remained steady, brides are spending more money on these events. In 2012, brides spent an average of $1,135 on their rehearsal dinners (up from $1,078 in 2011) and $429 on their morning-after brunch (up from $416 in 2011). More than 1 in 4 (27%) are even providing shuttles and buses for guests to attend their weddings.
SAME-SEX WEDDINGS. First-ever same-sex wedding statistics released. Same-sex couples have longer engagements and are older at the time of their weddings, compared to traditional couples. They're more likely to have a casual wedding and report having fewer wedding guests. Same-sex couples spent slightly more on their overall wedding costs and more per guest. They're also less likely to host a bridal shower, bachelorette or bachelor party, but more likely to have an after-party, engagement party and couples party.
LESS-FORMAL STYLE. Casual and fun weddings grow. Wedding style continues to move toward the more casual end of the spectrum. In 2012, approximately 1 in 6 (17%) of brides said their wedding style was "casual," compared with 16% in 2011, 14% in 2010 and 12% in 2009. Throughout the past several years, brides have increasingly described themselves in less formal ways, as well. "Fun" was the number one descriptor chosen, with more than 1 in 4 (27%) brides describing themselves this way. Additionally, 1 in 4 described themselves as DIYers, compared with just 17% in 2008. "Elegant," which was the number one descriptor in 2008, when 31% of brides chose it, continues to decline, falling to just 22% in 2012.
WEDDINGS LESS RELIGIOUS. Number of weddings taking place in religious institutions declining. In hand with the move toward more-casual weddings, religious institutions are chosen less frequently for the wedding ceremony. Only 35% of brides opted to hold their wedding in a house of worship in 2012, down from 2 in 5 (41%) in 2009. Additionally, more couples are opting to have a friend or family member officiate the ceremony. In 2012, 1 in 3 (33%) couples chose a friend or family member to officiate, up from 31% in 2011 and 2010, and 29% in 2009.
HONEYMOONS ARE HAPPENING. Honeymoon planning is less affected by economy. For the past several years, brides reported that due to the economy, they were opting to postpone their honeymoons to keep wedding budgets in check. In 2009, 82% of couples took a honeymoon, compared to 77% in 2011. For the first time since 2009, this number remains steady and is no longer declining; in 2012 more than 3 in 4 couples (77%) took a honeymoon. As we see the economy's effect on wedding planning continue to lessen, the impact on honeymoons continues to lessen too.
BRIDES HAVE THE BLUES. Blue is the most popular wedding color. Blue has gained popularity in recent years, with 1 in 3 (33%) brides opting for the hue. Dark blue has actually doubled in popularity since 2008, when only 10% chose the color, compared to 20% selecting it in 2012. Purple continues to be popular, with 22% picking purple in 2012. Gray is also gaining steam, with 11% choosing the color in 2012, up from only 7% in 2011.
SAVING THE DATE. More couples opting for Save-the-Dates. In 2012, couples were more conscious of their guests and chose to send save-the-dates more than in past years – nearly 7 in 10 (68%) sent save-the-dates compared to 57% in 2009. Brides are also opting more for professionally made save the dates, as well. Two in five couples (40%) sent them, compared to just 29% in 2009. Electronic save-the-dates are also popular: 28% created and/or sent save-the-dates online, compared to just 19% in 2009
Clean Your Place: This will burn a ton of calories and your place will look super.
Go Shopping: Walk, walk and more walking. It'll melt the calories away.
Switch Up Your Date Plans: When you cook at home you normally eat smaller portions.
Sleep In: Those who are sleep-deprived burn the same number of calories daily as those who do get enough shuteye—but they consume an average of 300 more calories a day
Schedule a Girl’s Night: What better way to unwind than strut your stuff on the dance floor with your girlfriends?
Have Sex: On work-free weekends, you can devote a little more time to…well, taking your time. An hour of hot lovin’ can sizzle up to 300 calories, with kissing adding an extra calorie burned to every minute.
Sweat It Out In the Sauna: A single sauna sweat session burns anywhere from 300 to 600 calories.
Run Outside/ Take A Hike: Break out from the confines of your cubicle and explore the outdoors. Taking time to enjoy the scenery with a light jog or an evenly paced run can easily torch 500 calories an hour
Tap Into Your Weekend Warrior: Gyms offers weekend classes that are designed to give you an intense workout that fuses cardio, strength, and flexibility into a 90-minute session for those gym goers who want to get in, work hard, and get on with the rest of their weekends
Oz The Great and Powerful (Rated PG) ... Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Joey King, Bruce Campbell. Disney's fantastical adventure "Oz The Great and Powerful," directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he's hit the jackpot--fame and fortune are his for the taking--that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone's been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity--and even a bit of wizardry--Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.
DEAD MAN DOWN (RATED R) Starring: Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace, Dominic Cooper, Terrence Howard, Isabelle Huppert. "Dead Man Down" is an action thriller that stars Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace as two strangers whose mutual desire for revenge draws them together and triggers an escalating trail of mayhem. The film, which also stars Academy Award-nominee Terrence Howard and Dominic Cooper, marks the American theatrical debut of director Niels Arden Oplev (the original "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo")
The 15th Annual Record Searchlight Regional Spelling Bee is this Saturday. 42 local students will compete for the chance to represent the Northstate at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May! The BEE is FREE - 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at Sequoia Middle School's McLaughlin Auditorium.
1. The average American woman is expected to earn more than the average American male by 2028
2. Fifty-one percent of U.S. private wealth is controlled by women
3. Women account for over 50% of all stock ownership in the U.S.
4. Women control more than 60% of all personal wealth in the U.S.
Spending Power
1. Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases, including everything from autos to health care
2. Women make 80% of healthcare decisions and 68 percent of new car purchase decisions
3. Seventy-five percent of women identified themselves as the primary shoppers for their households
4. Women influenced $90 billion of consumer electronic purchases in 2007
5. Nearly 50% of women say they want more green choices, with 37% are more likely to pay attention to brands that are committed to environmental causes
Women and Cars
1. Women buy more than half of the new cars in the U.S., and influence up to 80% of all car purchases
2. Women request 65% of the service work done at dealerships
3. Women spend over $200 billion on new cars and mechanical servicing of vehicles each year
4. Forty-five percent of all light trucks and SUVs are purchased by women
Mom Power
1. Moms represent a $2.4 trillion market
2. Fifty-five percent of active (daily) social media moms said they made their purchase because of a recommendation from a personal review blog
3. 18.3 million Internet users who are moms read blogs at least once a month
4. In 2014, 63% (nearly 21 million) of all online moms will read blogs
5. Moms mention brands an average of 73 times per week compared with just 57 times per week among males
6. Seventy-seven percent of mom bloggers will only write about products or brands whose reputations they approve of, and another 14% will write about brands or products they boycott
7. Ninety percent of moms are online vs. just 76% of women in general
8. Sixty-four percent of moms ask other mothers for advice before they purchase a new product and 63% of all mothers surveyed consider other moms the most credible experts when they have questions
In order to pay less taxes on cigarettes, the Cheyenne company adds kitty litter ingredients to make the cigarettes heavier, meaning they can be classified as a cigar, which is taxed at a lower rate. Gross!
The Internal Revenue Service's "Where's my refund?" website is being overrun. The agency wants people to stop checking the site multiple times per day. The IRS says ''You can generally expect the IRS to issue your refund in less than 21 calendar days after we receive your tax return. Use this tool to check on the status of your refund. It provides the most up-to-date information the IRS has. There’s no need to call us unless Where’s My Refund? tells you to do so. Where’s My Refund? is updated every 24 hours – usually overnight -- so you only need to check once a day.''
Update: The body of Marysa Nichols was located yesterday in a field/creek near Red Bluff High School. This link below is from the Red Bluff Daily News and is a transcript of the Red Bluff Police Department press conference from last night.
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Peep “Sushi”
Peep War
Place Card Peeps
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