Bijou Americano

2008-11-06T08:51:00.001-08:00

CLICK HERE to see BijouCo's latest launch, Decades!

Don't forget to vote!

2008-11-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

Make your voice heard today!

And after you are finished, don't forget to get your free Starbucks coffee and donut from Krispy Kreme

Amazing Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker

2008-10-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

Amazing Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker

1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup red wine
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker with the contents of the soup packet. Pour water, wine, and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat. Carefully spread garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast during cooking as possible. Sprinkle with pepper, cover, and cook on low setting for 4 hours. Serve with cooking liquid on the side as au jus

Serve with roated potatoes

An Apple A Day

2008-10-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

An Apple A Day

Consider these intriguing tidbits about apples:

An apple in your bag of potatoes will help keep the potatoes from sprouting.
An apple in your brown sugar container will help to keep the sugar moist.
An apple in your cookie jar will help to keep the cookies moist.
Add lemon juice to an apple recipe if the apples you are using lack tartness or need flavor.
If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, eat an apple. Eating a raw apple will cleanse your mouth of more than 95% of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Although apples have been credited with causing the downfall of man in the Garden of Eden, most nutritionists today realize that apples are an important food in promoting health. One medium apple contains 80 calories, zero fat, zero cholesterol, zero sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrate and 5 grams of fiber. The fiber helps lower cholesterol, especially if you eat the skin of the apple. Apples also contain flavonoids, compounds that scientists believe are responsible for preventing heart disease and some types of cancer.

There are literally thousands of apple varieties to choose from. For the freshest apple, choose locally grown varieties whenever possible. The Ohio State University Extension Office offers these ideas:

For the best eating apples, try:

McIntosh
Cortland
Jonathan
Red Delicious
Golden Delicious
Stayman Winesap
Melrose
Franklin
Prima

When making pie, use:

Cortland
Jonathan
Grimes Golden
Melrose
Rome Beauty
Yellow Transparent
McIntosh
Golden Delicious
Stayman Winesap
Lodi

In addition to biting into a juicy raw apple or savoring a homemade apple pie, try these delicious ideas:

Slice apples very thin and use in a peanut butter sandwich instead of jelly. They're also delicious in cheese sandwiches.
Dice apples and add to pancake batter.
Grate apples into coleslaw or other cold vegetable salads.
Dip apple wedges into vanilla yogurt or peanut butter.
Add diced apples to chicken or tuna salad.
Sprinkle chopped apples over vanilla ice cream and top with cinnamon.
Add chopped apples to hot breakfast cereal.
Mix apple slices with cinnamon and brown sugar, then microwave until warm and slightly softened for a delicious and healthy after-school treat.
Make a breakfast parfait by layering vanilla yogurt, granola cereal, and diced apples in a pretty glass.
Saute sliced Granny Smith apples with onions until soft, then use to top grilled chicken breasts.
Kids love to bob for apples, and they get to eat the results of their efforts!

From Amy's Desk

2008-10-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Learning On-line
Sites for all ages

I found this in our local parent magazine. It's website is http://www.williamsonparent.com . . . and I really think it's neat. They posted a lst of "brain boosting" websites that can help build children's cognitive skills. Visit some of the recommended sites and bookmark your favorites for faster access.

DANA -- http://www.dana.org
This private philanthropic foundation focuses on sciend, health and education. The "Brainy Kids Online" section offers games and activities, as well as a "virtual lab" to help your child learn more about the human brain.

Games for the Brain -- http://www.gamesforthebrain.com
From Mahjongg, Solitaire and Chinese Checkers to trivia games and crime scene scenerios, there's a wide variety to choose from at this site.

Fun Brain -- http://www.funbrain.com
This colorful site allows you to search games by grade or just browse by subject. There are Web books and comics, movies, classic fun brain games (grammar, math, reading), bold graphics and mainstream cartoon characters to keep kids interested.

Kaboose -- http://education.kaboose.com/tutoring/brain-index.html
The tutoring section of this website offers educational games for kids, as well as word puzzles, language builders, online stories, online musical games and mazes.

Math.com -- http://www.math.com/students/puzzles/puzzleapps.html
"A world of math on-line." Games include Peg Solitaire, a maze generator, and other math-based games.

Discovery Education -- http://school.discoveryeducation.com/brainboosters/
Brain Boosters are broken down by category: lateral thinking, logic, reasoning, spatial awareness, number and math play, categorization and word and letter play.

Kids Sites -- http://www.kidssites.com
A clearinghouse of web sites thatincludes a section of games for younger kids.

Cool Math 4 Kids -- http://www.coolmathforkids.com
Math games, brain benders, math problems, a math dictionary, times tables and more.

Christmas Around the World ~ Charity Launch

2008-09-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

There are many holiday traditions around the world -- but all celebrate in the spirit of giving. That is why the designers at Bijou & Co. are most excited to announce our newest launch, Christmas Around the World. Reaching across countries, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Children's Hospital. So you know that your bid goes beyond the custom -- it's helping to heal a child. And, after all, what better Christmas gift can you give, than the gift of hope? Bid early. Bid often. Make a difference.

Beginning on September 9th, search BijouCo on eBay!

Here is just a small peek at the many festive outfits and accessories that you will find as we journey to Christmas Around the World!

Greek Bifteki

2008-09-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Greek Bifteki

1 1/3 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
2 teaspoons dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces feta cheese

1. Preheat grill for indirect heat.

2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, yogurt, thyme, and salt and pepper. Form meat into 8 patties, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Serve with Basic Cheese Polenta

Basic Cheese Polenta

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups boiling water
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a mixing bowl combine cornmeal, cold water and salt. Grease a loaf pan.

2. Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a rolling boil and stir in the cornmeal mixture. Bring the mixture back to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the cheese.

From Amy's Desk... Classroom Parties

2008-09-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

It's that crazy, busy holiday season that's starting to creep up on us . . . beginning with classroom parties in October and roaring through the end of the semester. If you're planning on helping out for classroom parties, don't feel like you have to donate a lot of money -- with a little planning, time, and organization, you can have a party that rocks . . .

Are you looking for a special font to use on party goods? Look no further -- here is a great place to find kid's fonts for free:
http://simplythebest.net/fonts/kids_fonts.html

Another great idea is to create personalized BINGO cards for the class . . . Using candy corn as a marker and a small chocolate bar as a treat, the class will think it's the coolest -- especially when their names are used. For younger kids, use pictures. I usually leave these cards with the teacher in case there is an indoor recess where an activity might be needed.
http://www.dltk-cards.com/bingo/

Another fun party activity is the scarecrow race . . . gather together three or for sets of an outfit . . . the first child has to put on the clothes, race down and around a pumpkin and back in line to take off the clothes and give to the next person . . . sometimes I'm mean and they have to pose for a pic with the pumpkin . . . talk about some fun memories.

Do you have great party ideas? It's time to share on the boards . . . planning meetings will be on everyone's agenda soon.

Stand Up To Cancer

2008-09-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Tune in and
STAND UP TO CANCER
In an historic, star-studded television telethon, ABC, CBS, and NBC will join together to Stand Up to Cancer!

Airing on Friday, September 5 at 8 pm (EST & PST) on all three networks, the show will feature celebrity performances and participation in special live and filmed pieces designed to educate, inspire, entertain, and raise money for cancer research. Over 50 of the biggest names in TV, film, sports, and music will participate in the live phone bank, answering calls from viewers who want to donate.

How can YOU Stand Up to Cancer?
In addition to watching this show, you can Stand Up to Cancer at any time with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. Here are a few ways to start:

Keep informed about the upcoming Kennedy-Hutchison cancer bill. Expected to be introduced this fall, this far-reaching bill will modernize the war on cancer. Sign up for email updates about this bill.

Share your own cancer story so others can learn from your experience.

Tell a Friend

Donate to the Cause

Earn Extra Cash Selling Toys on eBay/Amazon

2008-08-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Bijou Americano can show you how to earn extra cash for the holidays, who couldn't use more of that?! Our private toy forum is up and running and we would love to have you as a member, but don't delay! Time is limited to gain access to this one of a kind, exclusive toy area of our message boards.

Expert researchers and toy sellers will share what is hot and what is not in this password protected forum. Many of these members make thousands of dollars profit during the months leading up to Christmas, wouldn't you like that to be you?

Also today, I wanted to share this amazing crock pot cooking blog I stumbled across, just in time for the busy holiday toy selling season.

365 Days of Crock Pot Cooking

eBay Changes

2008-08-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Big changes are coming to eBay..

Check out this link to read more!

If you have ever thought about making money by an ebay trading assistant, than we have something for you! Coming next week in our newsletter we will have a special interview with Tamara. She is an experienced eBay seller, turned Trading Assistant. She will be providing information about how to use a trading assistant, as well as talking about how you can earn money by becoming a trading assistant.

JOIN FOR FREE to received this special interview by email.

Muffaletta Pizza

2008-08-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Muffaletta Pizza

8 jumbo black olives, pitted
8 pitted green olives
2 tablespoons chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
2 cloves chopped garlic
6 leaves chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 (16 ounce) package ready made pizza crust
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to taste
salt to taste

2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 ounces shredded provolone cheese
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
2 ounces thinly sliced hard salami, cut into strips
2 ounces thinly sliced mortadella, cut into strips
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips

1. In a medium bowl, mix jumbo black olives, green olives, celery, red onion, garlic, basil, parsley, olive oil, oregano, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until using.

2. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Sprinkle pizza crust with olive oil, salt and garlic powder.

3. Place the crust directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 5 minutes. Do not allow crust to become overly browned or crisp. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

4. In a medium bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, Provolone cheese, Parmesan cheese, hard salami, mortadella and prosciutto. Stir in the olive mixture.

5. Preheat the broiler. Spread the cheese and vegetable mixture over the baked pizza crust.
Broil 5 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and meats are lightly browned. Cut into 3 inch squares and serve immediately.

From a friend of Amy's... found in this weeks Newsletter

2008-08-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

A friend in Kansas alerted me to the coolest tip -- Red Box movies.

You've seen them around -- at grocery stores, McDonald's, Walmarts . . . the infamous RED BOX with $1 movie rentals . . .

What I never knew was that you could return them to ANY redbox location. . . so when you START on a long car trip, bring along a DVD player or laptop . . . because you can rent close to home and return anywhere along the route . . . all for $1 a movie.

Isn't that AWESOME? Here is the link to learn more: http://www.redbox.com/HowItWorks.aspx

eBay and Amazon Tip

2008-08-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

Join Bijou Americano for a free trial and receive weekly tips to increase your eBay and Amazon sales!

Are you thinking about Spring/Summer sales right now? Probably not! However, NOW is the prime time to purchase discounted items to sell, starting next January. Stores are marking things 50%, 75% and even 90% off to make room for their fall inventory and you can take advantage of those discounts to build your inventory!

Same holds true with toys. I notice that stores, like Target, are marking many items on clearance in the toy department. They are preparing to set their stores up for the Christmas toy season! Do a little research, there is profit in those discounted toys, especially on Amazon.

Bijou and Company, Back to School Custom Designs

2008-07-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

Each school year thousands of memories are created. Some of them are saved in a folder, journal or scrapbook. But one of the most important memories you will look back on in the years to come will be your child’s school picture. You of course will want everything to be perfect. Bijou & Co. can help you create the perfect memory that will last a lifetime.

Bijou & Co presents Create Your Own School Picture. From July 24 – 31, our talented group of designers will be listing amazing back to school outfits. Perfect for the first day or school, or school picture day! Not only will you receive a one-of-a-kind boutique outfit, but you will also receive an original 11x17 artist portrait of your child wearing her custom boutique design.

What could be better?! The perfect outfit and the perfect photo. Two memories rolled into one. After all a picture is worth a thousand words and in this case a thousand memories.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THESE LISTINGS!

Why Women Cry

2008-07-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

This sweet post was shared on our message boards this today and I wanted to pass it along!

Why Women Cry

A little boy asked his mother, 'Why are you crying?' 'Because I'm a woman,' she told him.

'I don't understand,' he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.'

Later the little boy asked his father, 'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?'

'All women cry for no reason,' was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, 'God, why do women cry so easily?'

God said:

'When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,

Yet gentle enough to give comfort

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue with out complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.'

'You see my son,' said God, 'the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides.'

Recipe Of The Week

2008-06-28T13:12:00.001-07:00

Let's do brunch this week! Just in time for Sunday morning...

German Apple Pancakes

2/3 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 apples, peeled, cored and diced

Sift first 3 ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Combine next 2 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir in flour mixture gradually, beating until smooth. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté apples 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until just tender. Toss cinnamon mixture with apples. Melt 1 Tablespoon butter in a heavy 6 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancake batter to about 1/4 inch depth. Cook 1 minute. Sprinkle 1/4 of the apples over batter. Pour enough batter over the top to just cover apples. Cook pancake another minute or so until bottom is lightly browned. Turn pancake and cook 1-2 minutes, or until brown and thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a platter and keep warm until ready to serve. Repeat process with remaining batter and apples. Serve immediately with butter and maple syrup.

This recipe serves 4 people. Due to the nature of this recipe, it adjusts the number of servings in multiples of 4 only.

Green Your Closets!

2008-06-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

Green Your Closets --

While most of us already recycle many of our clothes through ebay, there might be something here that you aren't doing and could easily add to your routine. Again, every little bit helps!

(taken from http://www.aboutmyplanet.com)

Take a bite out of consumer excess by recycling your clothes. The clothing in your wardrobe like the food in your fridge is derived mostly from natural materials, like wool, cotton, leather, and so on, which needs to be generated by plants or animals, harvested, processed in factories, and then transported to outlets across the world.

It may not be obvious, but every step of the way the clothing industry like any other is contributing to the major problems threatening the planet.

Making sure your clothes are being used to their full potential is a good way to reduce needless waste and excessive exploitation of natural resources.

Take a look through your closet. Chances are there are things you don't wear anymore. Get them back into circulation ... give that old sweater to a friend. Or donate those jeans that never fit very well to a charity or a second-hand shop. If you think you could get some money for them, hold a garage sale, or post your higher-quality items jackets, boots, whatever for sale through a community listings portal.

Buy recycled clothes. Second-hand shops and thrift stores have great deals on nearly-new clothing; you'll be amazed what you can find. This way you're supporting small businesses and community charities, and you're increasing the lifespan of an article of clothing.

You can even recycle clothes that are past their prime. Stretched or damaged clothes, socks with holes in them things like this can be sent to textile recycling organizations, where they'll be broken down and rebuilt into new textile-based products. Most cities will have a textile recycling drop-off; you just have to find out where it is.

Better there than in a landfill.

Recipe of the Week - Let the kids decide!

2008-06-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Some weekly newsletters feature recipe choices chosen by the kids...along with healthy choice recipes and more!!

Here was the kids pick recipe from last week, yummo!

Make sure you CLICK HERE for a free trial membership to our weekly meal planning newsletter.

Old Fashioned Chili Mac (Kids Pick)

1 cup elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1/8 cup brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

2. In a small saucepan, simmer celery and green pepper with water to cover until tender; Drain.

3. Place ground beef in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly brown. Add onion, and cook until tender and translucent. Drain excess fat. Add celery and green pepper. Stir in kidney beans, condensed tomato soup, diced tomatoes and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in macaroni.

Serve with garlic sticks and fresh fruit

Summer = Time For Ice Cream!

2008-06-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

For our blog readers only...

A special sneek peak at one of the tidbits coming out in our June 12th newsletter!

It's summertime -- and time to start making some memories with your kids.

One thing we like to do is make homemade icecream. Recipes are easy to find on-line . . . but here is one that sounds simple:

EASY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

1 can Eagle Brand milk
2 tbsp. water
2 egg yolks, beaten
4 tsp. vanilla flavoring
1 pt. whipping cream

In large bowl, stir milk, water, egg yolks, and vanilla. Fold in whipping cream. Pour in large container and freeze 6 hours.
Chocolate: Omit water, egg yolks, and vanilla. In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and 2/3 cup chocolate flavored syrup. Fold in whipping cream.

My kids also LOVE making smores . . .
In a pinch, we do it over the grill! Though I'm hoping for a firepit this year!

We have the best conversations while "cooking" together -- and it's a great activity to invite neighborhood kids over for -- make your house the "fun" house this summer!

eBay Store Listing Contest

2008-06-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, in about 4 weeks people will begin buying items for fall/winter. As we have talked about before, now is a great time to consider opening a season store for 2-3 months. To help you get started on stocking your stores, we will be having a listing contest during the month of June. Visit our Bijou Cafe message boards for all the details!! You will get a little motivation from listing with friends and there are fun prizes! CLICK HERE TO JOIN

To go along with the listing contest we are going to chat about how to make your eBay listings stand out!

One thing that is always important is good pictures. Here are some tips that were shared by our powersellers on the message boards.

1. Use a clean, simple background. Some ladies use a piece of white vinyl fabric, which can be purchased at the local fabric store for less than $10. Others use a wooden type rug, which also looks amazing.

2. Make sure you have good lighting. Take the pictures right beside a bright window if possible.

3. Use the macro (or flower) setting on your camera for close-ups that are in focus.

4. Take lots of pictures! Chances are you will receive higher bids if you enclose more pictures of the details.

5. Consider a prop. Especially if you are selling childrens clothes. Some auctions where they use a beautiful shelf to display the clothing have done well lately!

6. Make sure clothing is reasonably wrinkle free and display outfits nicely.

Recipe Of The Week

2008-05-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

Chicken Rollatini

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 teaspoons butter
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
10 ounces sliced whole milk mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup white wine
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pinch black pepper

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Pound chicken breasts flat, and lay them on work surface. Sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese on both sides. Place a pinch of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon butter in the center of each breast. Cover each breast with a layer of prosciutto and mozzarella cheese. Reserve some of the prosciutto to place on top of the chicken. Roll up each chicken breast, and secure with toothpicks.

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine white wine and olive oil. Arrange chicken rolls in dish. Place a small piece of prosciutto on top of each roll, and sprinkle with pepper.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

Serve with Risotto

The Winner has been Announced!

2008-05-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

Dawn (BigMommaD) was the winner of our grand prize charity raffle prize! She won $250 to her choice of a housecleaning or a spa day. Would you like to know what she chose? Here is what she had to say about winning this awesome prize:

THANK YOU!

Not only the owners and mods, but all my bijou gals and your congrats and good thoughts!

I am so excited, you cannot even imagine.

I seriously have TIME

The Lord is so incredibly good to me. Just this morning I found myself counting my blessings, and not giving in to the depression that was threatning to take a hold of me because of money. Things are just so tight right now. Don't get me wrong, we have food. We have this beautiful new house. We are all healthy, and my husband has a job. No one is naked (well, the little kids are, but not for lack of clothing ) But there is no extra. None.

I did not sign on for Mothers day because I didnt want to give myself a chance to be jealous while everyone was talking about their great gifts. There was no money for gifts. No money for going out to eat. But it was OK. I kept reminding myself about the post (was that Karen??) that talked about us being greatful to BE moms, and not expect to be pampered. I kept thanking God for the blessing of being a mom.

Part of me feels guilty, because I know that there are other ladies here that struggle every day. Struggle with depression, struggle to take care of their special needs kids, struggle to pay the bills. I want you ALL to know that when I say I am praying for you, I truely am. And I would have been (almost LOL) just as happy for you if you had won. Almost.

The one thing that has been weighing heavily on my mind lately is that chelseas 14th birthday is coming up on Jun 9, and there is just not a lot of extra money. Ive been wracking my brain to try and think of a way to give her an extra special birthday. She has worked very very hard this year at maintaining her belief system in public school. Many of you here have prayed her through her struggles, been angry and outraged with me when she was mistreated, and celebrated her strength of character with me.

This will be her last summer at home with me, and possibly even her last birthday for sometime. This summer she is an incoming freshman, but by next summer, her plans include lots of ministry tours and missions trips that will take her away from me for a good part of the summer.

It is with an incredibly greatful heart that I accept the gift of a spa day so that I can share it with my incredibly lovely daughter for her 14th brithday
(and my 38th which falls on Jun 24th)

Bijou has blessed me in so many ways. I learned to sell on ebay here, which has helped us so much when times have been tough. I've learned about friendship, forgiveness, and acceptance here, and have grown into a better person because of BIJOU. (TIME)

Thank you all so much, for so much more than the prize.

I love U all.....

Recipe Of The Week!

2008-05-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest perks about belonging to Bijou Americano is our weekly newsletter. The newsletter contains 2 different parts. The first part is a weekly meal plan, complete with dinner, desert, and breakfast recipes for a whole week! The second part contains eBay/Amazon tips, crafts, mom tips, diet tips, and more!

Here is the first of our weekly recipes! Each week, on Wednesday, you will get a sneak peek at one of the recipes from our newsletter.

Glazed Chicken Breasts

1-1/4 lbs. Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/3 cup orange marmalade
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup chicken stock

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Melt butter in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken breasts 4 minutes per side. Remove skillet from heat. Reduce heat to medium low. Stir marmalade into skillet, turning chicken to coat thoroughly. Return skillet to heat and cook 1-2 minutes, turning chicken occasionally until glazed. Transfer chicken to a platter and keep warm. Add apples and stock to same skillet, stirring with a wooden spoon to deglaze. Simmer 4 minutes or until apples are tender and sauce has thickened slightly. Serve chicken with apples.

Serve with Brown rice.

Brown Rice

1 cup long grain brown rice, rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Combine brown rice and water and a dash of salt in heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Boil 5 minutes. Lower heat as low as possible. Cover pan tightly and let rice simmer 45 minutes without lifting lid. After 45 minutes, turn off the heat, and let stand covered 10 minutes. Add butter, fluff with a fork and serve seasoned with pepper to taste.

Bijou Americano & Autism

2008-05-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Autism affects 1 in 150 children, 1 in 94 boys. Most likely, someone that you know has a child affected by Autism. Including several of our wonderful ladies on Bijou Americano. Our message boards are a great place to encourage and support each other, many of these ladies have shared their struggles and heartwarming stories in the Bijou Cafe boards.

Because of that, we decided to have a little fun! We combined a raffle, full of fun events and prizes, with an autism fundraiser event.

There are several ways to win tickets to the raffle, you are automatically entered just for joining Bijou Americano right now! In addition to winning tickets, tickets may also be purchased. And all proceeds will go to Autism research.

This picture is just a SMALL sampling of the prizes that you can win! We would love you have you join us in supporting this worthy cause, that affects to many!

In Honor of Mothers Day

2008-05-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

This beautiful sentiment was shared on our message boards, by member LisaLu

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

What is Bijou Americano?

2008-04-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

What is Bijou Americano and why should I join, you ask?

Well because you have nothing to lose!! Try us out, FREE for one month.

CLICK HERE

Bijou Americano is a great group of moms, just like you. Do you want to know how to make money from home by selling on eBay and Amazon? Do you like to create custom boutique designs? Do you want to lose weight, redecorate your home, or just get some adult conversation with other moms? Then this is the place for you! We gaurantee you will love it!

To give you a sampling of the many wonderful tips, sprinkled with a lot of fun of laughs, we have started the Bijou Americano blog. Here you will find little tidbits of the many things discussed and learned on your message boards and newsletter each and every week. Enjoy!