Enjoy Your Leap Day!

Every four years we get an extra day (as long as the year is evenly divisible by 100 AND 400.) Since this year's leap day falls on a Wednesday, many will spend the excess time working. You can still celebrate the additional 24 hours of February this evening, or delay festivities until the weekend. Here are our recommendations for how to spend your extra day.


5. Plan a Dinner
Take time to enjoy the extra day by inviting friends or family over for dinner. Reflect on this year and remember previous leap years. Don't know what to serve for dinner? Try the Chicken and Zucchini recipe we made a few weeks ago!

(The Iron Handle Skillet by Le Creuset)

4. Travel
Leave your familiar spots behind and explore a new destination. You need not go go far - maybe head to that hiking path or museum you've been meaning to check out. You'll feel like you've made the most of your extra day.

(The Passport Mighty Wallet is eco-friendly and tear and water-resistant)

3. Pamper yourself
You've worked hard - and if you're on salary, you probably won't be paid for the additional day! Create a relaxing environment at home. Light some candles and give yourself a home spa treatment.

(Voluspa 'Laguna' 2 Wick Candle)

2. Sleep!

Spend the day recharging and snooze away the extra hours. True, you'll miss leap day by sleeping through it, but your newfound energy will prove you spent your surplus time wisely! 

(The Supreme AirFlow Airbed feels like a high end bed!)

1. Make the Best of Work!

If you must work, as many do, make the most of your day. Leap off the office chair with a cup of espresso and go out for lunch with your office mates. 

(Nespresso's Pixie C60 Electric Espresso Maker will make sure you're alert on your extra day!)

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Happy National Chocolate Cake Day!

Today is National Chocolate Cake Day! Bring out your inner chocoholic and celebrate with your own style of cake! Huffington Post has a number of recipes from which to choose, including classics and bakery-worthy indulgences. Our cake-making items will let you bake your favorite chocolate dessert and decorate it your own way! How do you like your chocolate cake?

4. Frosting Deco Pen

 (The Frosting Deco Pen is battery powered for consistent writing and decorating!)

Add borders, shapes and writing to your chocolate cakes, cupcakes or even cookies! The battery powered pen lets you easily load in frosting for no-mess decorating. Mix colors inside the frosting cartridges and modify speed and interchangeable tips to make the cake look extra divine!

3. Cake Tester

(Ditch toothpicks with this tester that reaches the bottom of the pan)

Know when your dessert is ready with The Endurance Cake Tester! The stainless steel, 8" tester will let you bake like the professionals and know when your cake is just right.

2. Cake Server with Slide Mechanism

(The Zyluss Cake Server lets you slice and serve with one hand)

Don't let your slices tip over after all your effort to make an exquisite dessert! The slide mechanism extends the server's top layer to delicately place your cake on a plate. The blade is serrated on both sides for right and left handed use! 

1. Square Cake Dish

(The clear design lets you see how your cake is baking!)

Make sure your cake is ultra delicious with this clear dish. Cook cakes, casseroles and other delights in non-porous glass, which is stain and odor-free. Use the dish in the oven or microwave and store it in the fridge or freezer. Add the plastic cover and keep your cake fresh for later!

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For Your Oscar Party

The stars of cinema will be celebrating each other at the Academy Awards on Sunday - why not join in the festivities by having your own Oscar party? You can have just as much fun, but in the comfort of your own home! Here are some ideas that could win an award for Best Oscar Party Item:

4. Sonoma Red Plate
You may not have your own red carpet, but give a nod to the award show by adding your own crimson accents! Your guests can dine on oscar-shaped cookies with these Sonoma Red Plates.

(Sonoma Red Plates are hand painted!)

3. SodaStream Fizz Home Soda Maker

Make your own bubbly with this home soda maker. You can add sparkle to your drinks (with flavors pre-mixed or all yours) and make sodas, sparking water or energy drinks!  Plus, you'll save money on bottled drinks and ditch plastic!

(SodaStream comes in red!)

2. Cookie Decorator
Make bow tie and oscar statue shaped cookies and decorate them with this kit! You can make letters, stars and dozens of other effects. Show us how they turned out and we'll post them!

(The Cookie and Cupcake decorating set helps you make professional looking cookies!)

1. My 2 Cents Coin Purse
While some of the oscar nominees may leave empty handed, your guests certainly won't! Give out gift purses and let your friends know that, although you may disagree with some of their movie choices, their opinion matters to you!

(The purse is made of 95% recycled material!) 

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Bakes It Plus: Chicken and Zucchini

The Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe at Taste of Home looked too good to pass up! It seemed healthy and light, yet delicious. It's also easy to modify with additional veggies and spices. See how ours turned out below. Did you try out the recipe too? Tell us about it in the comments below!

BEFORE:

 

(Dinner began as a whipped egg, raw veggies, chicken, bread crumbs and shredded cheese)

*Mixing bowls available online and and the measuring cups shown are at your local Basics Plus store. Click on all photographs for product information!

 Ingredients: 

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup dry bread crumbs

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

5 medium zucchini, sliced

4 medium tomatoes, sliced

1 cup (4 ounces) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

2 teaspoons minced fresh basil

See full recipe at Taste of Home

(Our chicken taking a dip pre-breading)

After its egg bath, we'll bread the chicken in our resealable plastic bag filled with breadcrumbs and...

(Looks like we are on the right track so far!)

We cooked the chicken in oil for a couple of minutes on each side. Now it's time for the veggies: 

 (Our zucchini and tomatoes won't be separate for long!)

 We sauteed the zucchini before putting it all together:

First the tomato and then the shredded mozzarella:

We didn't forget about the chicken:

And thanks to the magic of photography we fast-forward 35 minutes to......

Looks good, but how does it TASTE?!

It's a perfect blend of textures with the breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella, chicken and veggies! The seasoned breadcrumbs added just the right amount of extra flavor to the chicken. We'd make it again! What about you?

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Want and Win! Cuisinart Coffeemaker

** March 1, 2012 Congratulations to Mimi LeCat for winning the Cuisinart Coffeemaker! There are many chances to win items as we give away appliances and other gifts every month!

Win this 12-cup programmable Coffeemaker, which features a Heater Plate for temperature control and a Brew Pause for when you can't wait for the brewing cycle to finish! It also contains a Hot Water System - perfect for soup, tea and other hot beverages. 

(Cuisinart's Coffee Plus Coffeemaker retails for $99.95)

Just tell us in 140 characters or less why you want this Coffeemaker. Be clever and entertaining, but keep it family-friendly. Leave your entry in the comments below or tweet us @BasicsPlusInc. You have until Wednesday 2/29.  Either pay just for shipping or pick up at our NYC headquarters! So tell us, why should we give you this coffeemaker?

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Tips for Trips

Planning a getaway this winter? Start your relaxation while journeying to your destination with with these travel must haves. These items may not let you skip airport security lines or driving time, but they'll help you arrive calm and ready to kick back.

4. Inflatable Neck Pillow
No need to take up extra space with a stuffed pillow! This ergonomic inflatable pillow lets you travel comfortably by supporting your head and relieving tension in your neck and shoulders.

(This Samsonite Inflatable Neck Pillow folds up to save space in your suitcase!)

3. Filtered Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and avoid lines and overpriced beverages with the Bobble Filtered Water Bottle. The reusable bottle purifies tap water with its replaceable carbon filter.

(Each filter provides the equivalent of roughly 300 bottles of water!)

2. Security Waist Belt

Don't dump your passport, cash, tickets and credit cards into your purse or briefcase. Keep them together and easy to find in this Samsonite Security Waist Belt. It's ultra-light and contains a breathable padded back for support. 

(This Security Waist Belt has multiple pockets to keep your items separate, yet easy to find)

1. Portable Garment Steamer

Have an event or meeting at your destination? Make your clothes look crisp after their suitcase journey! This portable steamer has dual voltage AC for international use and contains thirteen steam vents. Relax knowing you will arrive in style!

(The Conair Micro Pro Garment Steamer quickly removes wrinkles)

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Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

It's not too late to give your gal a Valentine's Day gift that will show your love all year round! Just click on overnight shipping or visit one of our stores to get these presents by tomorrow's big day. Many of our gifts are also eco-friendly, so you'll give love to the Earth at the same time!

5. Cherry Lane Envirosac
She'll look chic heading to a picnic or the market with this roll-up reusable envirosax bag. It holds up to 44 lbs and is water resistant. Her envirosax can match every outfit with even more patterned and colored bags.

(Skip plastic with this stylish reusable envirosax bag)

4. The Thymes Face Polish

This gentle exfoliating cleanser contains aloe vera and silica powder from sea algae to polish and moisturize skin.

(This fragrance is cucumber and tangerine)

3. Soy Candle - Geranium 

Help your lady relax with fragrant candles. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Candles are made of vegetable wax and come packaged in a reusable jelly jar. 

(Give multiple candles for extreme relaxation!)

2. Frasier Fir Reed Diffuser

Add warmth and frangerence to her home with these bamboo reeds that disburse scents into the air. Control the scent intensity by adding or taking away reeds. 

(The reeds smell of Siberian Fir needles, cedarwood and sandalwood)

1. Make Dinner with the Cuisinart Griddler

Show your love and appreciation by making dinner for your gal. With this Griddler, you can make everything from pancakes to sausages and steaks to paninis!

(The Cuisinart Griddler has five separate cooking options!)

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Valentine's Day Gifts for Him!

Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean choosing between a pink or white stuffed bear clutching a heart-shaped box of chocolates.  We found some fun and functional items that guys will love all year round. Even better, you can show your love to the planet at the same time, as many of our gifts are eco-friendly!

5. Superman Mighty Wallet

Give your guy a symbol of strength and good that he can use everyday! This wallet will protect your guys money - it's made of interlocking fibers, so is extra durable. It is also tear and water resistant.

(The Superman Mighty Wallet is recyclable)

4. Bamboo Serving Bowl

Serve popcorn, breads or salads in this bamboo bowl. Bamboo is harder than most hard woods and can be re-harvested every 4 1/2 years. Hardwood trees take usually take 30 - 60 years to grow back. 

(Bamboo has been called the "green building material of the future.")

3. Filtered Water Bottle

Your guy can ditch plastic and have clean water anytime he wants with this reusable bottle with replaceable carbon filter! Fill with tap water and the filter removes chlorine and organic contaminants. Other colors are available.

(Skip plastic bottles with the reusable Bobble Filter Water Bottle)

2. Cuisinart Griddler

Make everything from hamburgers and sausages to pancakes and paninis with this griddler, which includes five separate cooking options. It's easy to clean in a dishwasher and has adjustable temperature control. It even comes with recipes!

(The Cuisinart Griddler is now on sale!)

1. SodaStream Fizz Home Soda Maker

Give your Valentine's day some sparkle by adding it to your drinks! Make your own sodas in any flavor. Save money on store-bought sodas and skip the plastic bottles!

(Make your own sodas, sparkling water or energy drinks!)

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Lights Out For Inefficient Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs are being phased out this year, in favor of energy efficient options. The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, signed by President George W. Bush, requires that bulbs use no more than 72 watts. Next year the permitted wattage drops to 53. The legislation promoted innovation and now we have several ways to light our homes and offices. We've offered the basics on choosing new lighting. For more detailed information on switching bulbs, check out this guide by the Natural Resource Defense Council.

Classic Incandescent Bulbs waste 90 percent of their energy by creating heat. They last for roughly 1,000 hours, or about six months when used five hours per day.

Photo by KMJ and Edoktr

(An Incandescent bulb) 

Halogen Lights can last three times as long as Classic Incandescents and use 25 percent less energy.

 (This 60 watt Clear Halogen Bulb has an average life span of 5,000 hours)

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) last ten times longer than traditional lighting because they don't create heat. They're lit by a gas that emits ultraviolet light. A coating on the bulb transforms the UV waves into visible light. CFL's are now available in warmer color shades and can be further softened behind shades and screens.

(Satco's 23 watt CFL uses 75 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs)

LEDs - or Light Emitting Diodes - can use 25 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.

 (This Maglite flashlight uses a 3-watt LED)

Buy two boxes of GE light bulbs at your local Basics Plus store, and get one free! 

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Gifts for Cat Lovers

February is Cat Appreciation Month! We don't often see how people celebrate their cats. Owners keep them inside, while their dog counterparts saunter down the street in the latest puppy coats or grooming trends.  Let us know how you will honor your cat this month! If you don't own a cat, you can still be part of the festivities with these gifts for cat lovers!

 

Photo: Joaquim Alves Gaspar

(How will you celebrate Cat Appreciation Month?)

Yoga Shopper Bag: You can try downward dog while giving a nod to cats with this BLUE Q Shopper!

 

(BLUE Q products are not tested on animals and are made of 95% recycled material!)

My Treat Coin Purse: Remember your love of cats each time you make a purchase with this coin purse!

 

Cat Butts Pencil Case: OK, so cats are the 'butts' of this joke, but the humor stems from our affinity for felines! This case is travel sized, so show your cat love wherever you go.

 

(This pencil case includes a cat butt field guide!)

Pet Lover Vacuum: The best way to celebrate your cat is by keeping it clean and healthy. This vacuum is designed to rid your house of cat hair. Let your cat enjoy being a homebody in a clean space!

(This EUREKA 368F Pet Lover Canister Vacuum includes upholstery brush and odor eliminating bag!)

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Beat Dry Skin This Winter!

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday, which means we'll get six more weeks of winter. Almost two months of blustery weather doesn't have to mean dry skin. Here are our top five skincare tips that will carry you through spring and beyond!

Photo by Sanjay Ach

(Your skin doesn't have to look like rhino skin this winter!)

5. Take Shorter Showers: Long, hot showers remove your skin's natural oils. Take five to ten minute warm showers to stave off dry skin.

(This shower curtain can help you pretend it's spring!)

4. Add Omega-3 Foods to Your Diet: These foods improve the health of cells by diminishing inflammation and replenishing fat in the skin. Get your Omega-3s by dining on cold water fish, like salmon and sardines, or walnuts and safflower oil. 

(Salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids)

3. Use Gentle Soaps with Moisturizer: Frequent hand washing is a sure route to dry, cracked skin. Mrs. Meyer's Hand Soap contains aloe vera gel, olive oil and other oils to protect hands. 

(Mrs Meyer's Liquid Hand Soap bottle is recyclable)

2. Moisturize While Skin is Damp: After washing, immediately apply lotion to keep that moisture in your skin! 

(The Thymes Body Lotion contains aloe vera and Vitamin E)

1. Use A Humidifier: Humidifiers help you look AND feel better by adding moisture to your skin and sinuses!

(This ultrasonic humidifier offers mist control and operates silently)

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