Friday, May 17, 2013

In the Kitchen: Spinach & Tuna Pasta - Easy Weeknight Meal

 

Ingredients:



Directions:

Cook pasta (1 box) as directed on package
Saute chopped garlic (2-3 cloves) and spinach (1 package, frozen or fresh)
Mix in cooked pasta (drained), tuna (2-3 packages drained), a few dashes of parmesan cheese and black pepper.

Bargain Shopper: What is Ibotta?

ibotta

Let me start by saying that this new program is awesome! Now the scoop on Ibotta:
What is Ibotta?

Ibotta is an app for smartphones (Android and iPhone) that allows you to save money when you purchase popular products. You can learn facts, watch videos and take one question surveys before purchasing a product to earn cash. Also, Ibotta now has bonus offers for opportunities to earn even more cash back. So far I've earned over thirty bucks since I started using this app in April.

How do I Get Paid?

Once you have purchased the product, you simply submit a picture of your receipt showing your purchase of the item. After you’ve redeemed offers totaling $5 or more, Ibotta lets you transfer your earnings directly to your PayPal account. Choose “Withdraw Cash” from the main menu of the app, then select “Get My Cash” to link Ibotta to your PayPal account.
What Stores are Ibotta Coupons Good At?

There is currently over 40 stores that are partnered with Ibotta and they are adding more all of the time. Some of the stores currently participating are CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart, Target, and Family Dollar just to name a few.


How Do I Get Started?
Sign-up for Ibotta on your tablet, iPad, iPhone or Android phone using this link: www.butterflylifestyle.com/ibotta.

***Tip: Combine Ibotta offers with sale prices, store/manufacturer coupons for extra savings!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Relationship Post: Pat Robertson Gives Marriage Advice - What are your thoughts?

Butterflies....I can't even! So, I was supposed to be sleeping but I had to send a few emails, anyway I somehow ended up watching this video and let’s just say I won't be going to bed anytime soon.

First, to say “men will be men” is basically saying, it's ok he can cheat on you because he is a man and then to say that “it's a spouse's job to keep the other mate in line” is preposterous! It's each individual’s own responsibility to have willpower and not give in to temptation. At the end of the day people (men and women) are going to do what they want to do or at least what they think they can get away with. I did agree with a few things he had to say but for the most part his comments and advice were ridiculous.

I can personally attest to the fact that marriage takes a lot of work, it might look easy from the outside but it's something you have to constantly work at and be 100% committed to. After years of being together life happens, sometimes couples grow apart and fall out of love with each other, that's why it's important to stay focused and enjoy the things you love about your spouse each day.


What are your thoughts on what Pat Robertson had to say?


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Actress Zoe Saldana talks Race & Sexuality

Hey Butterflies! I just came across this interview with actress Zoe Saldana (currently my favorite female actress) and BET rep Smriti Mundhra; I had to share it. I first fell in love with Ms. Saldana after seeing her performance in the action packed 2011 Colombiana film. Watching this interview made me love her even more. I agree with pretty much every thing she had to said. Check it out!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Visiting Texas: Ocean's Restaurant in Houston

Prior to this last visit I had been to Ocean's a few times before in the past mostly for happy hour or a quick business meeting but neither time did I reserve a few seconds to take in this establishment. Now that it's a thriving Mexican ceviche eatery it's hard to believe this place was once a regular two story house; revamped, given a modern look and the name Ocean's.

Now on to the food...

Ocean’s Salad

Starting with the Ocean's Salad, I have to say it was creatively prepared. This salad is started with a mix of lettuce and red and yellow bell peppers topped with goat cheese, then garnished with tomatos, crispy noodles and pecans and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.




Prime Filet Mignon Taco

The Prime Filet Mignon Taco consisted of one or two thin slices of beef, minced white onions, and cilantro on a corn tortilla. Since I dined during their "happy hour special" this single and very tiny taco only cost me $5, do I think it was worth it? As I ate I couldn't help thinking, for that same five bucks I could have gotten at least 3 to 4 tacos from a couple of places in my own neighborhood. In this situation you are defiantly paying for the atmosphere.



Citrus Margarita

Sangrita


The drinks were average, there was nothing extravagant about the drinks at all but for the price I have to confess I expected a little more.


Ocean's patio for outdoor dining
The one other thing I like about this place other than the fact that it is conveniently located in the Midtown-Houston area is the patio. I have dined on the patio at Ocean's twice and each time I really enjoyed it. If you choose to visit Ocean's you will find that the patio area has a very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere depending on the evening you decide to visit; each time I visited Ocean's it was on a weeknight so there was no crowd and the weather was beautiful so I'm sure that enhanced my patio experience even more.


Summary:

Overall my experience at Ocean's was almost fair. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a hearty meal at a decent price. I would however recommend Ocean's for a nice quit place to have a drink or two with friends or meet with business associates or if you just want to get some work done while enjoying the sun and a little fresh air.


Cost Rating:★★☆☆☆
Experience Rating:★★★☆☆
Overall Rating:      ★★½☆☆


*Ratings are conducted based on a cost for quantity/quality ratio.



Ocean's
819 W Alabama St
Houston,TX 77006
Ph: (713) 520-7744


Photos courtesy of My Ultimate Photography