Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal - Really Seal!

A dazzling smile lights up your face and makes a great first impression. A bright smile is one of the easiest ways to erase years from your appearance.

I have several weddings to attend in the next few months and I decided it was time to undertake my annual teeth whitening. I've used Crest Whitestrips for several years and even my dentist commented that my teeth were noticeably several shades lighter.

In the past, my one complaint of Whitestrips was the fact that they slipped off my teeth before the prescribed time for the session elapsed. With the new Crest Advanced Seal Whitestrips that is no longer a problem.

While a little more expensive, these Advanced Seal strips do just that and stay put on your teeth until your session is over and it is time to remove them. In fact, you'll have to tug a bit to loosen the strip. I'm just a few days into my whitening period but already my teeth look brighter.

I can't comment on other teeth whitening products but I highly recommend analyzing your teeth for discoloration and considering a whitening agent. For me, Crest Whitestrips are an affordable product with good results.

First Spiral Style Give Away

Time for the first ever Spiral Style Giveaway

I am giving away this freshwater and sterling silver pendant on Friday, October 9.

Here's what you need to do to be eligible to win the necklace.

Visit dfjewelry, then come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite piece.

Be sure to include your email address if not in your profile so I can contact the winner.

Winner will be drawn at random, posted here on Friday the 9th and notified by email. The necklace will be mailed to the winner by USPS. You have from now until Thursday the 8th at midnight to post your comment.

Pumpkin Pleasure

I found this cute little pumpkin at the Farmers Market yesterday. It was the stem and corkscrew tendrils that made me choose this little sweetie.

photo by me

Today is raining and dismal. A perfect day to have a cup of tea and bedeck the house with fall ornamentation. Time to put away the summery objects. I may just polish silver and wash windows...nah!

Have an enchanting weekend.

My Eric Solomon Selections

Let me introduce you to Eric Solomon.

He was named Food and Wine's 2007 Top US Importer.

Yes, Eric Solomon is the middle man, the importer, but you can trust any bottle that carries the Eric Solomon, European Cellars on it's label.

Joe, my local "wine guy" gave me this tip, "you can't miss with an Eric Solomon wine", and he is so right. The wine is imported from France, Spain and Portugal. Many of the wines are less than $10 per bottle. You can do your own research for your favorite varieties of wine by searching Europeancellars.com.

Fabulous white wine is great with fish. Read a review here.

A favorite red that I buy for $7.99/bottle!!!-

"Move over Las Rocas, there's a new smash hit value in town. Outstanding ripeness and concentration, with notes of black cherry, black currants, mocha and a savory coffee note. This is a must buy by the case."

This is a favorite with burgers and pizza. It got 90 points from The Wine Advocate.

Enjoy searching for a great, affordable bottle of wine.

Please tell me your favorites in the comment section following this post.

Fresh, Quick, Delicious

Yesterday was crazy-busy. I planned to make this fast and fantastic dinner. I still have basil in the garden and incredibly scrumptious corn from the Farmers Market. Add those fresh ingredients to shrimp and dinner is just a few minutes away.

see the recipe below

photo by me

Shrimp and Corn with Basil

serves 2

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Kernels from 2 ears of corn

1/2 lb shelled, deveined, large shrimp

4 scallions, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over moderately high heat, then saute corn and shrimp, stirring, until shrimp are cooked through, 3-5 minutes. Stir in scallions and basil and season with salt and pepper.

Hope Town House Rental

Monday was a very damp, rainy, cool day here in Michigan. I must say I was dreaming of being at my Bahamas house, baking something with coconuts. Instead, I had a dental appointment and walked the dog in the rain. I also booked some weeks at my house for rental guests. 2010 weeks are going fast so I thought I might let my readers know about Cozy Corner, my house on Elbow Cay in the Bahamas. Click here to view Cozy Corner and renting. Click here to read about Hope Town, the quaint settlement on Elbow Cay.

If you would like to inquire about renting Cozy Corner, send me an email by clicking on the "Contact Me" envelope to the left of this post.

Typical, quiet beach.

Cozy Corner, 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with pool.

Living space with stairs to the loft.

Full kitchen with dishwasher.

photos by me

Famous lighthouse and Hope Town cove.

Granite: Method is my Method

I love my granite counter tops and I have a penchant for gleaming counter tops. I tried a variety of microfiber towels and sponges as well as cleaners but nothing achieves the shine I love like

Daily Granite, a non-toxic cleaner by Method

No streaks or smudges and non-toxic. The packaging is 100% recycled.

This product is a winner.

I am using other Method products too, like this Hand Soap.

If you have decorative pump soap dispensers, why not use these Eco-friendly pouches to replenish your soap.

I have been using this shower spray for years. My shower remains free of soap scum and mold and only requires an occasional scrub.

Method is easy to find at most grocery stores and Target.