In the Time of the Butterflies (En el tiempo de las Mariposas) is a novel by Julia Alvarez and centers around four sisters and their fight against the Dominican dictator Trujillo.  The story emphasizes their lives and the battles they face as individuals, as women, as a family and as a country.  If you want to read this in English or Spanish both copies are available.  Try checking your local library! Not much of a reader?  Well, there is also a movie to go along with the novel starring Salma Hayek and Marc Anthony and you can watch it streaming online for FREE on Hulu, look for the link below!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/34568/in-the-time-of-the-butterflies

Red Oak Living, Reading, Walking, Talking, Eating, Sleeping, Relaxing, Enjoying- That’s Apartment Living!

Red Oak Apartment Homes, Inc.

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If you rent and/or call a small space home, it’s possible your life isn’t overflowing with bathroom storage options.  Here’s how I tackled that design dilemma in my apt.

As the last two homes I rented  had small bathrooms with pedestal sinks, I had to improvise a decorative and utilitarian  storage space for all the girly stuff I primp with daily.   A beautification station.  In each situation, I created a space in the bedroom for a small vanity area

Thanks to a bookshelf I had on hand, and a mirror that I snagged on a serious budget, I put the space together for almost nothing.  At Pier 1,  nestled amongst the mirrors, was this gorgeous wooden one – with a bright little clearance sale price tag announcing the price of only $19.  Marked down from about $100!  Hello, bargain.

The top of the bookshelf became the landing pad for my makeup, hair product, etc.

I grouped like items in brown wooden storage containers for a more cohesive look.  I collected the containers over a month or two.   My mom gave me the cute little cat ring holder years ago – it holds my Grandma’s diamond engagement ring when I’m not wearing it.

The bins, which I already owned, fit almost perfectly on the shelves – providing storage for hair accessories, travel toiletry bags, hair dryers, purses, hats, and other girly stuff.

I think I enjoy this cheerful little vanity more than I would have enjoyed a built-in cabinet in my small bathroom. At the end of the day, the key to making your small rented home personal and functional comes down to one thing:  creative thinking.  If the apartment doesn’t have a functional space that you need, just create it.   There’s always a way.

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WZID’s Women’s Expo – THE GREAT MAKEOVER
presented by Hannaford Supermarkets
February 18th from 10am to 4pm
Center of NH / Radisson Hotel Expo Center
Elm Street, Manchester
  

Whether you’re a first time attendee or a five-year veteran, there is always something fun and new at the WZID Women’s Expo.  Here’s a list of some things you’ll want to keep in mind in order to have a fantastic time at this year’s Expo.
 
You can purchase tickets online this year. When you arrive, you can either get in the ticket line, or save time and buy online and get in the entrance line.  This is where you’ll be able to get your free goodie bag, map, copy of the “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know” magazine and all of the details about the Expo.  The doors will open at 10.
There will be about 120 exhibitors to visit this year.  Make sure to grab a map from the check in areato see the locations of all exhibitors. Some exhibitors will have items for sale.  We suggest you bring cash or checks if you want to take advantage of the great offers these exhibitors will have available.
 
The parking lot at the Expo Center generally fills up very early.  Offsite parking is available on streets surrounding the Radisson.
 
 
The 20 Outstanding Women You Should Know presented by Hannaford Supermarkets, will be presented their awards on the stage at 3pm. Make sure to stop by the stage to see these women accept their awards.  To find out more about what makes these women outstanding, you’ll want to read your copy of the “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know” magazine.

 
Fashion Designer, Nick Verreos will be our guest speaker. Nick Verreos received national and international recognition when he was showcased on Bravo’s Project Runway. Nick’s quick wit and personal zingers made him a natural as he was a recurring fashion expert on TV Guide, E!, Style Network, Lifetime, CNN, NBC, Soapnet, CW and MTV to name a few. Nick Verreos most recently was featured in a national Ad Campaign for VIRGIN MOBILE and has worked alongside Macy’s, Sears/Kmart and Orbit Gum. Under his label, NIKOLAKI (pronounced NEEK-O-LAHKEE), Nick has designed unique event gowns such as the one for actress Marlee Matlin during the 2008 Academy Awards. He’s dressed celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Kathy Griffin, and Katy Perry. The NIKOLAKI Collection has been sold in hundreds of stores throughout the North America, Japan, and Latin America. Nick is far more than just an on-camera designer he is also a teacher and official spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. (FIDM)

Jennifer Vaughn, WMUR co-anchor, will also speak at the Women’s Expo at 10:30am Her first novel, Last Flight Out, is the story of being true to who you are, facing your own regrets, and maybe having the opportunity to set things right before it’s too late. Ms Vaughn says her debut novel, “… includes a little bit of everything I’ve seen during my career thus far. A mix of politics sprinkled with a health crisis for my main character, and a touch of devious behavior to round it all out.”

Ms. Vaughn will share insights into how she came to be a writer, and the pitfalls and successes of becoming a published author, copies of the book will be available for sale and autographed after the presentation.

 
Enter to win a $2,500 Macy’s Shopping Spree!

Most importantly…plan to have a great time!  

 
 
This is WZID’s 14th year of presenting the WZID Women’s Expo. 
Don’t be fooled by cheap imitations. 

We are the original!

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets!

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You will first need: Brownies, Vanilla Pudding, Whipped Cream, 2 Bananas and a Large Bowl.

First, cut 2 bananas into small slices.  Next, break brownies into pieces.  Then add a little bit of everything into the bowl, repeat 3-4 times to create a delicious mixture of foods.  Place in the refrigerator and wait 1-2 hours for a scrumptious treat!

You can also add pieces of cookies and/or bits of cake into the mix.

 

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Red Oak Apartment Homes, Inc.

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Ok. So you’ve waited to the last minute and you don’t have a Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone in your life. And, in these trying economic times, you might not be able to afford anything extravagant. But you still want to do something special. 

Don’t fret, we have some solutions!

What really counts is the thought, sincerity and emotion you put into a gift. Chocolate gets eaten, flowers wither and cards are tossed into the bin, but a loving memory lasts a lifetime. So if you are on a budget, or feel that Valentine’s Day is just too commercialized, here are some thoughtful gift ideas that cost very little but will be priceless to your loved one. 

Best Pix of the Week

  • Write a letter telling your love how much he or she means to you. Put it on nice paper and frame it in an inexpensive frame from a second hand store with a photo of you both.
  • Make a CD of love songs that remind you of your partner and personalize the cover with a special picture such as a favorite flower, a sunset or a picture of you both. 
  • Cook a dish you loved from your childhood and share your memories. Conversely, you can cook a dish from your love’s childhood and listen to his or her memories.  If you are an inexperienced cook you can find countless simple recipes on any type of cuisine online.
  • Buy a book that you know your loved one will enjoy and take turns reading it out loud to each other. 
  • If any type of cooking is not possible create and indoor candle-lit picnic. Simply spread a blanket out in the living room, buy a couple of nice sandwiches and a bottle of sparkling cider, dim the lights, light a few candles and put on some romantic music.     
  • Rent a romantic movie, dim the lights and pop some popcorn to create a home theater atmosphere.  Remember you are inviting your love to a (home) movie so make sure all electronic and mobile devices are turned OFF. Combine this with a home-cooked meal, or inexpensive takeout, for a ‘dinner and a movie’ Valentine’s Day date.
  • We all know that the price of roses goes way up for Valentine’s Day. Why spend a fortune? Purchase a single red rose and two Valentine’s Day themed cupcakes from your local supermarket. Trim the rose with some ribbon and place it in between the cupcakes on your nicest platter and present it with love.
  • Buy a set of inexpensive, sexy red underwear for each of you and model them off to each other.

Now that you have the ideas get to it, make it happen and have a lovely Valentine’s Day!!  That’s the Red Oak Life!!! 

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/02/14/last-minute-valentines-day-gift-ideas/#ixzz1mO5xg4MC

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Here’s a Valentine Treat  for you to try.  This is a super easy recipe and always a big hit!!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Red Oak Apartment Homes!

3 long cucumbers

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup crab meat, excess water removed

1 tsp hot pepper sauce (Tabasco or tapito)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp brown mustard

1 tbs minced green onion

Remove the peel from the cucumbers using a vegetable peeler. Cut the cucumber into 2 inch slices. Using a small melon baller, scoop out most of the inside. You want to leave the walls and a thick portion of the bottom intact.

cc-cups-baller

In a bowl, combine the sour cream and the cream cheese with a fork until well combined. add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Fill each of the cucumber cups with the crab dip. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve within 2 hours of making.

cc-finished-3

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, here’s  a project idea for you!Using construction paper cut out some hearts.   Then hole-punch one edge and place the ribbon into that hole-punched section.  Next, tie a colorful ribbon into a bow and write 14 reasons why you love/admire that person so much!  Add color, glitter, stickers, etc!  To top-off the gift, add a baked treat such as brownies with caramel or mini velvet cupcakes with whipped cream and crushed almonds.  Happy Valentine’s Day from the Staff at Red Oak Apartment Homes, Inc.!

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Posted on February 3, 2012 by redoakpr

Snack #2: Mango and Black Bean SalsaMakes 2 1/2 cups.

High in fiber, and pretty to look at, this salsa tastes even better the next day.

2 cups diced fresh mango

2 cups black beans, rinsed and drained, if canned

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped, seeded jalapeno pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions: In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.

Per serving (1/4 cup): 69 calories; 14 grams carbohydrate; 4 grams fiber; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 3 grams protein; 199 milligrams sodium; 0 milligrams cholesterol; 10 milligrams calcium.

 

Eating Healthy…Now That’s the Red Oak life!

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Posted on January 31, 2012 by redoakpr

This past Saturday, the Red Oak reporter went to the AMC movie theater in Methuen, MA.  The theater was big, bright and beautiful.  Are you looking for a movie suggestion? View some of AMC’s current listings: Beauty and the Beast in 3D, Mission Impossible, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of the Shadows, The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo and The Iron Lady.  Looking for more to do? At the Loop, explore the variety of restaurants such as Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, Not Your Average Joe’s, the Olive Garden and T.G.I Fridays.  Choose from an assortment of shops including the Loft, Olympia Sports, Bath and Body Works and Avenue.  The Loop plaza is located on 90 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen, Massachusetts approximately 18 minutes from Derry and about 31 minutes from Manchester, New Hampshire.

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That’s the Red Oak Life!

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Posted on January 27, 2012 by redoakpr

    

As the sun departed on a late Thursday afternoon, the Red Oak reporter drove to OPUS, (or Other People’s Used Stuff) a local consignment shop on 194 S Main St Manchester, close to some of our Apartments on Second St!

Walking up the stairs, I noticed the bright lights emanating from the interior.  The flow throughout the entire space provided a smooth, simple and steady transition from one department to the next.  Boutique and vintage items such as candles, jewelry, shoes, purses, clothes, furniture and kitchen décor filled the room.  The experience was rich, the prices were reasonable and all was in good taste.  As time goes on, something aged grows in flavor and finds its way into a new home!  Here at Red Oak Apartment Homes, we expand the boundaries our community! Check back next week for more community new from the Red Oak reporter!

For more information about Red Oak, discover the opportunities and variety on our website: http://www.redoakproperties.com/

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