MIMOblog.net has a New House

MIMOblog has moved to a new house.  Instead of renting we decided to buy our own place.  We now have our very own domain.

Please join us for continued fresh new ideas...come on, MIMOblog.net. Let's go...MIMOblog.net

Glossy Nails Always

To look down at the keyboard and see your well-groomed, polished Shalak Nails is worth all the money in the world.  I have seen some last 3 weeks. It costs about $30 and officially lasts up to 10 days.  Always having your nails look clean and done is like a wish...only now it can come true.  It also lasts longer meaning you don't have to go back quite as often to get your nails redone.

When I do, on occasion, chip mine (I have slowly learned to be more gentle), I apply a glitter polish atop and it looks brand new again.  The only downside is that it lasts so long the nailbed grows out and looks bare.  My new favourite thing.  Definatelly a MIMO, luxury, time and polished.  Enjoy the new colors of the season...beautiful.
Vana Shipton

Coste D' Este Spa & Hotel owned by Gloria Estefan

What a treat, in the eastern coast of Florida, just below tacky Daytona, who knew, one sleepy town sparkled and shined.  A wedding called for us to visit this unbeknownst town.  I have been living in Florida for almost 20 years and shame on me for not knowing about this wonderful town.  No lines, just enough people to make you feel welcome, no crowds, miles and miles of gorgeous ocean, and wonderful sunshine on most days.

A small hotel, damaged in the 2004-2005 hurricanes, Gloria and Emilio Estefan bought it and saved the sad looking property.  High-end finishes with an Art-Deco feel, along with a simple, glamarous, contemporary, clean and unconventional beach-like lifestyle Coste D' Este, quaint and modest hotel, sits right on the sandy beach while their friendly staff are waiting to serve you.


A simple treat of luxury, beach, family and peace.  I'm sure when the snowbirds return, the town hussles and bussles, but while they are away, I think the Floridians, or anyone seeking sunshine without chaos, should take full advantage.  Enjoy the late sleep-in, the delish breakfast at The Wave Restaurant and a slow walk on the sandy beach with your lover while spotting a turtle nest. 

What beats slipping away to the sound of crashing waves at the end of a sun-soaked day?  Buenas noches...
Vana Shipton

Free International Calling and Texting

Oh my goodness, is this one handy.  I use these two apps, Viber and WhatsApp, all the time.

Viber which works on iPhone, Andrioid, iPad and Windows and it's free.  Free international calls and free international texts or any texts for that matter, this is the bomb.  Both ends have to have the app for it to work.  I used mine as if they were up the road, I forget that I'm speaking to my cousin across the ocean on a whole other continent.  With Bluetooth in my car it's a breeze.

WhatsApp is fantastic for free texting, I used to use ATT and it would cost me 25c per text, it doesn't sound like much but it adds up, believe me.  I use this one for my Godchild, we stay in touch via free texting across the world, thanks to WhatsApp.  Once again, both parties have to have the app.  I think this App is 99c.  Probably one of the best Apps I have bought.  Worth every single penny.

It's easy, free, luxurious, fun and super-social.  Talk to your hearts content, no more watching the clock and having visions of your bank manager running after you with a club. Enjoy the connection and Enjoy your day...Good Bye.
Vana Shipton

Raving Appetizers at Roy's

Happy Hour Deluxe, it's luxurious, high-end, clean, delicious, social and the list goes on.  I met with my friend on Monday night for a good girl chat.  We almost cancelled the pre-arranged date which was made a few weeks ago.  Both our days turned out differently to what we had expected however, we decided to keep the date and met at Roy's in Tampa, which she introduced me too, a few months ago.

It really is a welcome retreat of food, socializing, great drinks, and a wonderful atmosphere.  It was a breath allowed.  We talked the hind legs off a donkey, ate to our hearts content and had drinks.  The best part is that it didn't cost too much. 

Happy hour is between 4:30 - 6:30 pm everyday, even Sundays, there is a choice of drinks and appetizers that are only $5.00 each.  My favorite dish at Roy's is Hawaii Kai Style Braised Short Ribs of Beef.  It is delish, Hawaiin Fusion at its best.  Cheers...tomorrow 4:30pm?
Vana Shipton

Salon Hair from Home

This product is Dynamite with a capital D.  A friend came over to discuss a work project and her hair has never looked as good as this day.  She always looks fabulous, but this was a whole new level.  Hollys' hair looked luscious and healthy.  Polished as ever Holly sported hair that looked like she had just walked out of a hair-salon while an orchestra played classical music behind her.

Holly told me about a product called "It's A 10".  I rushed out and got it, tried the Miracle Shine Spray and absolutely love it.  The spray is seriously dynamite, I couldn't believe the results a simple squirt of a spray could give me.  I no longer have to go the the salon to get my hair blown out or straightened for a wedding,  I hardly worked on my hair after I sprayed it and it looked fabuloso.

I will try the Hair Mask in a few days which promises to detangle, restore moisture and elasticise. It softens, smoothes and adds a luminous shine.  Ease, convenience, time-saving, money-saving and total luxury.  Nothing beats feeling good about yourself, and Target has it with the added 5% off,  if you have the Target Debit Card.   I also found it on Amazon and SalonSavings.com for saving some moola, if you are not in a hurry to get it.

Go...look beautiful.  Enjoy the wind blowing through your hair.
Vana Shipton

Dinner Served with Smiles

Suppertime...probably one of my favourite times of day.  The kids are winding down, the dog is lying on the kitchen floor hoping to catch something that falls off the counter while I'm preparing dinner, and my hubby is coming home soon.  The family is coming together and the day to an end.  I love to cook, love different dishes and love the smells that flow through the house.  On occasion though, you have the crazy day, or simply get tired of your dishes and want a change.  My hubby and I recently decided to have Sushi on Monday nights.  I set up a standing order with the Sushi guy at my Publix and pick the Sushi up at 3pm every week on my way home from picking my girls up from school.  I'm not too sure how long Sushi will be exciting for us, but the ease is phenomenal, and much better than pizza. 

In the evening when dinner is served with smiles, all I have to do is take the Sushi out of the refrigerator and lay out the chopsticks, Soy sauce, plates and napkins.  I love a cold beer with mine.  It's easy, quick, convenient, healthy and light with left overs, enough for lunch for my husband and I for the next day.  The next days lunch saving, helps me justify the cost of the Sushi.

It does cost a bit more than a dinner cooked at home, but for a treat for everyone, every now and then makes it way worth it.

Cheers and Itadakimasu!  Would you please pass the Wasabi?
Vana Shipton

Save 5% Always

Recently, Target got a new card and it's not a Credit Card.  That's the part that kept me listening to the cashier.  It is a Target Card that is linked to your checking account and it pulls the funds out just like a normal Debit Bank Card would.  There is never a bill that arrives at the end of the month in the mail.  The best part of using this card, apart from Target donating to the community, is that you received 5% discount on everything you ever buy from Target.  I have become savvy in my shopping adventures and am slowly figuring out which items are worth getting from Target. 

My husband and kids sneaked the card out of my handbag last year, and used it to buy an iPad (it was a surprise that's why they sneaked the card) for me.  He received a discount of $48.93, that's from one purchase.  This year I noticed a "2012 total saved to date" from the use of your Target Card, that appears on your receipt, I'm up to about $83.00 for 2012.  Another bonus, when you buy from Target online, shipping is free.  This comes in handy over the holidays.

I shop there anyhow, but now if we need a TV or phone of almost any brand now, or something larger that we would normally not get from Target, we wait till it's on sale and on top of that get the 5% off.

You going there anyhow, get it already.  It's convenient, easy and saves cash which gives you a blissful feeling.  Happy saving!
Vana Shipton

Yummy Natural Food

I love this easy, quick, instant, tasty and healthy food.  A friend told me about the benefits of this product and I thought that I have tried everything else, what's one more thing.  It's clean food at it's best.  Bob's Red Mill, Old Country Style Meusli.  It contains whole grain rolled oats, wheat, rye, barley, dates and raisins, sunflower seeds (my favourite), almonds and walnuts for high energy. 

I eat it with cold milk in the summer and I'm going to try it warm in the winter.   My friend likes it with bananas and honey.   It suppose to be eaten as a cereal for breakfast, but when I just have to have a nibble of something from the fridge, instead of reaching out for something bad, I get myself a small helping of Muesli.  I actually think I've become addicted to this product, better this than potato chips.  I get mine from Amazon with Subscribe and Save, so it comes every 2 months (or which ever you prefer) automatically and I don't have to worry about getting it from the store.  With Amazon Subscribe and Save you save 21% and shipping is free.  It doesn't get better than this.  On occasion when my husband sneaks a packet off to work and I run out, I grab a bag at Publix.

A highly nutritional meal that's so yummy I think I'm going to make a quick bowl.  Enjoy the guilt-free breakfast, snack or even lunch and dinner.  Thanks Lynn and David of The Body Tune-Up Shop for the superb suggestion.  Stress-free ordering a natural healthy meal which can be eaten instantly.  Bon appetite'.
Vana Shipton

No Mess Laundry

I do everthing in a hurry, which is not a good thing.  I am constantly telling myself, "Slow down, what's the rush?".  This however, resulting in liquid detergent floating on the bottom of the cupboard from me spilling it on occasion.  As the bottle empties over time, it gets more and more goopy, sticky and I simply don't even want to touch it. 
The other day while getting my groceries, I noticed PODS by Tide at the end-cap.  NEW, speed reading while walking away from it, you know, to save time, I find myself backing up to look closer.

  The best part of this whole encounter was that is was, "contained", and I had visions of a clean bottom in my closet with little fairies singing, no dirty bottle and even no dirty washing machine.  No more raw washer liquid, PODS by Tide comes to the rescue.  There are a few other brands that have also come out with what my daughter calls, "bubbles", so now they are available for the dishwasher and the new PODS for the clothes washer and they can be used in HE machines, simply put the bubble in the tub. 

It is easy, clean with a capital C, quick and stress-free.  I love my new PODS, I even bought a brand to color co-ordinate with the room.
Vana Shipton

iCloud iPeace

I would've blogged about my, "saving face", with the help of my iPad.  It's one of those things you don't really think you need, then you finally treat yourself to one and don't know how you managed without it before. 

Then....came iCloud, now that is genius.  My iPad, iMac Desktop and iPhone are all connected to iCloud...oh my, it has saved me so many times, they are uncountable.  If you look up "forget", in the dictionary, my photograph will be there.  iCloud is a true lifesaver, it wirelessly syncs my schedule (my lifesaver), and the same schedule appears on all three devices.  No matter which one I used to change or update it, it magically appears on the other two.  I <3 iCloud.  Yesterday I updated my Target shopping list on my iPhone, and added some laundry detergent while I was at the washer and saw I was almost out, when I got to Target and took my iPad, voila...the list had been updated.   In case I didn't mention it before, I <3 iCloud.  iCloud makes my life stress-free, saves time, money and frustration, it syncs my life with ease.
Vana Shipton

Mount Dora Mini Vacation

A great getaway, physically not too far from the crazy fast world...mentally, miles and miles away.  This is where out-of-site really means out-of-mind.  A little west of Orlando, FL...is gorgeous Mount Dora.  We parked our car at the Lakeside Inn which sits right on the lake, hence its name, and checked in.  We never drove the car again until we left.  Walking the small historical town, with quaint mom-n-pop shops, from antique stores to a real tea store with scones, was a real treat.

After a day of exploring Mount Dora we sat on the Lakeside Inn's porch and rocked the sun to sleep.  So peaceful and perfect for cleaning your mind, or as a friend says, "A mental shower". 

The next morning after checking out we stopped at stylish Hoity Toity Mercantile Store and got some favorites before our drive home.  A great display of unusual collections, a feast for your eyes and wallet. 

Mount Dora offers lots of cultural and art events to enjoy.   After our short visit I felt ready to face the world again.  Thank you Mount Dora.
Vana Shipton

Hair Detangler

An absolute lifesaver, TRESemme' Hair Detangle.  Any mom knows how little girls yelp and cry when their wet hair gets tangled and we have to brave the chore of untangling it without tears.   You can find TRESemme' Hair Detangle at just about any grocery store.  Even my child loves this product, she will go get it without me even asking for it.  TRESemme' Hair Detangle is a leave-in spray with a light and fresh scent.  It works like a charm, is quick, easy and convenient, leaving lots of smiles, love and kisses to go around after the once...dreaded duty.

 A tear-saver and a time-saver.  What beautifully perfect, clean and shiny detangled hair you have my dear..
Vana Shipton

Chalkboard Paint

All the stickies, little pieces of papers, back of envelopes with loads of lists on them that magically dissapear when you suddenly need them...have vanished, in my house.  "Be gone", I said.  The physical mess has decluttered my house and life.  I now use a huge central chalkboard in my kitchen where everybody writes their retail wishes.  I have also painted a cupboard in my office which allows me to write all my client jobs on it, allowing easy viewing and peace of mind.  My brother has painted an entire wall with chalkboard paint and it looks fabulous.

Almost any flat surface will be a great chalkboard, from a broken old fashioned window frame, an old tray, cupboard, door, wall, table-top, and old framed mirror, an old computer screen, a window that you don't want anymore and it can also black out and even an old big hardcover book would look fantastico.  While you are being stylish, you are also being green.  My days are now more organized and blissfully perfect.  Class dismissed.
Vana Shipton

Free App Gas Buddy

I simply love this one.  In these trying times of driving around with rising gas prices which are reaching numbers no-one ever imagined that they would rise to, Gas Buddy comes to the rescue.  It's easy, convenient and saves money in the process.  I just downloaded the free app on my cell and is available for the computer also.  I have to fill up today.  It will quickly and easily tell me who has the cheapest gas in a particular zipcode or give "current location". 

Even if I only save $1.00 a time, it makes me feel good driving 4 blocks out of my way to fill up.  I fill up twice a week so that's an $8.00 saving per month which makes this a perfect app.  Enjoy the ride.

Vana Shipton