Thoughts on...Stacey Dash

Everyone commenting about Stacey Dash...humor me..Stacey is an actress...an out of work actress whose biggest roles were in Clueless, Mo Money, and Single Ladies. She was fired from Single Ladies after the first season and she was the main character. When Clueless was made into a TV Show, Stacey was the only starring actress to appear on the show. The others were making movies. Stacey also appeared on a reality show called "Celebrity Circus" where she learned how to be a circus act. The lesson for today is this...STACEY DASH IS THIRSTY. She is making a career move. She will become a household name by being an Uncle Tom and validating racism on Fox News. She will have her own show, books, and probably a radio show on conservative talk. She will sit on Fox News election night panels. She will guest host The View when the conservative voice is absent. Our society handsomely rewards ignorance, shock, and controversy. That is all. Read my blog "Blogging On A Budget" at fewdstar.com

Blogging on a Budget: New York

Restaurant Floor of Planet Hollywood in Times Square

  

New York City has quite the reputation for being a mecca for EVERYTHING. More importantly, New York City is known for being expensive. A reputation quite undeserved. Yes, there are plenty of expensive restaurants and places that only the rich and famous can afford. However, there are some great bargains for the thrifty traveler and the average Joe. I was actually able to stumble upon some one of a kind deals that only the Big Apple has to offer. 
Our first stop in Times Square was Madam Tussaud's wax museum. After paying an arm and a leg for parking, New York was quickly losing its charm. Do not drive to New York, pay for a train ticket and stretch out your walking legs. New York is a city where pedestrians have the power. Driving is only for idiots or those who want to train their heart for a heart attack marathon. 

While standing outside next to an astonishingly beautiful and creepy wax figure of the pope, we were pitched by a young man trying to get a commission for selling tickets to the wax museum. His offer- $20 to skip the line and get tickets to both the museum and the 4D Marvel experience. SOLD. That's one of the great things about New York City. There is always a new kid trying to make a buck or someone competing for your money. You can stumble upon some steals if you keep your eyes and ears open. 

The Wax Museum is absolutely stunning and if you're a visual person, you will be extremely pleased. The first floor walks you through A-list Hollywood stars before taking your through three more floors and ending with a 4D Marvel adventure. The Marvel adventure is pretty good for the deal that we were given and I have to admit that I felt like a kid again!

 Our next trek was to find food and drinks. Planet Hollywood caught or attention with their huge happy hour light display. There was a festive environment inside Planet Hollywood with trinkets and memorabilia from big budget movies of the past. The Hollywood theme merged well with the New York City theme of the restaurant floor. 

While we didn't order food at Planet Hollywood, the drinks were cheap and the conversation was great. We had a great time chatting with the bar staff about their travels and even got some advice for visiting San Francisco! The drinks were only $5 during their happy hour. Definitely a great price for a city with such expensive taste. 

The best part about being in New York is being in New York. There is an energy and life force that makes you feel like you are in the center of the universe. It literally feels like there is no place else you would rather be...at least for someone like me. 

We headed back out with a buzz and stumbled upon TGI Fridays. A place I wouldn't usually stop in but they had a kicking happy hour sign also. $5 appetizers and $4.75. The food was typical bar fare but it was executed really well and for a few bucks there was no reason to complain. Being in New York just makes everything more fun..especially a $5 appetizer. 

After filling our bellies with cheap bar food and more drinks, we were in jovial spirits. We headed down to the famous Hell's Kitchen section of town. As if all parts of New York are not famous. On our way, we passed numerous Broadway theaters, pizza shops, and a theater shopping district. Again, being in New York makes everything seem so important. You find yourself walking past famous buildings and landmarks wherever you turn.

We ended our night at bar called Bottom's Up in Hell's Kitchen. The name was fitting for it to be a gay bar. They too had $5 drinks till 9. We capped off our New York day trip with two more rounds...enough to keep us warm on our walk back to our car some 12 blocks away. All in all, New York is an awesome place to be but don't be intimidated by the hype. You can actually get further on just your two feet than anywhere I've ever been. 

Memphis is New Year's destination...hidden holiday jewel!

For many, New York is the gold standard for ringing in the New Year but a different time zone and different tastes make Memphis, TN a hassle-free and charming southern getaway for those not quite interested in holding their bladders for 7 or more hours in Times Square. Many of Memphis' most charming spots remind us of "auld lang syne." More on Memphis coming up! 

Fewd Star's #RestaurantStyle Turkey Salad 

Because you can use whatever turkey is left over, taste and try the ingredients until you get the perfect blend. This recipe can be modified to accommodate any amount of leftover turkey or even a fresh turkey. I found a large turkey on sale at my local grocer for just over $5.00. They like to mark them down after the holidays. At checkout, I saved over $25.00 on the turkey,

Prep Time: 20 mins  Cook Time: 10 mins  Total Time: 30 Mins 

Ingredients

Roasted Turkey Leftovers

1/2 cup Dried Cranberries or Craisins 

1/2 cup Green Onion 

1/2 cup Celery 

1 cup Mayo 

Salt to season 

Pepper to season 

Garlic Powder to season 

1/2 cup Pecans 

Directions 

1, Dice your remaining turkey into small shreds or cubes and place in a large bowl. Don't be pretty, you want different textures of meat. 

2. Mince your celery and green onion. You will probably have celery leftover from the holiday!

3. Crush your pecans while they are still in the bag. Don't turn them into dust but break them down!

4. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and pepper over your turkey and toss lightly. 

5. Add green onions, celery, and mayo to bowl. 

6. Toss your ingredients until blended. 

7. Add pecans and cranberries and continue to toss. 

8. Serve on crackers, bread, or in lettuce wraps as a tasty holiday appetizer or snack, 

Hello World... I am the FEWDSTAR...Look forward to hearing from me!