Next to Newsletter: Next to Newsletter- Monday, July 4, 2011

We hope you all have a safe and happy Independence Day!
N2N will be open regular hours on the 4th of July.
Come see us.

What's on sale?

You just can't beat the Wild card sale. Pick a card to see where you'll find your 30% discount. Is it ladies' tops? Kid's clothes? Menswear? 30% off your whole purchase? Hey, you'll never know if you don't play!

Columns

My husband, Arthur, and I each write twice-a-month columns for The Times here in Gainesville. His deal with computing and technology issues. Mine deal with whatever strikes my fancy.

Arthur's latest was published on June 25. Click here to read "Random tips to keep your computer humming." This is one to be clipped and saved- it'll save you a fortune in service fees and down-time.

My latest column was published June 24. Click here to read "Doggie DNA test reveals the mystery of Ginger."

Get Your Motor Running...

Looking for a unique shower gift? Here's a twist on the typical diaper “cake”. It's super easy to make and unique enough that no one will give the same thing. The diaper bike consists of the following:

Newborn disposable diapers as the tires
2 rolled receiving blankets as the chassis/axles and handle bars
2 bibs as the fenders
1 burp cloth as the seat
1 4-oz. plastic bottle for the headlight
1 pair of frilly socks for the handlebar grips
1 pink bowed headband for the part above the light
1 soft sculpture doll

It's all sitting on a 14 inch cake round. The most difficult part is figuring out how to assemble the diapers into a round spiral for the tires. The problem is solved by using an 8 or 9 inch springform pan. Make a single tube using one diaper with a rubber band for the axle, stand it in the middle of the pan and added all the rest of the diapers in a tight spiral around it. Wrap a large rubber band to secure them all in place and cover with a 2 inch wide ribbon to hide the rubber band.

Refresh!

Evelyn Asher wrote to us about the Pepsi Refresh Project. Pepsi is giving away millions each month to fund refreshing ideas that change the world. The ideas with the most votes will receive grants. Click here to see some of the astounding ideas for making communities and the world a better place. Then vote for the ones that touch your heart.

Early Bird +

Gone are the days of your grandmother’s “early bird special” at the local diner. As baby boomers reach retirement age, hundreds of retailers are featuring new and improved discounts exclusively for the 55 to 60 and older crowd. Brad's Deals has composed a list of senior savings that will help you keep more cash in your pocket. (And hey, don't forget N2N's Senior Discount Day each Monday- 55 and older get 30% off their entire cash purchase!) Click here to check it out Brad's list.

Showtime!

Wonderful news! Movies on the Green are back! There will be outdoor screenings of "Rio," July 7; "Rango," July 21 and "Gnomeo & Juliet," Aug. 4 at the Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center Lawn, 331 Spring St. in Gainesville. Admission is free for members, all others are $4 for adults and $2 for seniors/children. For more information, call 770-534-2787 of click on www.theartscouncil.net. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Free Family Day

It's Family Day at the Northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University, 322 Academy Street in Gainesville. They will be celebrating Lake Lanier--Legends and Resources.On July 10 from 1 pm to 4 pm they'll have fishing games, a watermelon seed spitting contest, crafts, and a demonstration by the Lake Lanier Rowing Club. Admission is free. For more info, call 770-297-5900 or go to www.negahc.org.

Whatcha Eatin'?

It's blueberry season- a perfect time to celebrate this versatile fruit!

Blueberry Trifle

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups sugar, divided

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

8 large egg yolks, beaten

1 cup water

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup butter

3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

4 cups heavy whipping cream

12 blueberry muffins, torn into bite-size pieces (approximately 12 cups)

6 cups fresh blueberries

In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, cornstarch, and salt, mixing well. Add egg yolks and water to sugar mixture, whisking well to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until mixture thickens, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add lemon juice, butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla, stirring well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream and remaining 1/2 cup sugar at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

In the bottom of a trifle bowl, layer half of blueberry muffins. Top muffins with 3 cups blueberries. Top blueberries with half of whipped cream. Top whipped cream with two-thirds of lemon mixture. Top with remaining 3 cups blueberries and remaining blueberry muffins.

In a large bowl, combine remaining lemon mixture and whipped cream, folding gently to combine. Spread over muffin layer.

Garnish with additional blueberries and a lemon-peel curl, if desired.

Wise Words

"I wish I looked like Cindy Crawford."

~ Cindy Crawford

Weekly this 'n' that

N2N wants you to like us...on Facebook! Click here to go to our fan page and click "like" to join up. We post great deals when we find them during the week and link to other great frugal sites. We have the Deal of the Day and Hot Flashes...you sure don't want to miss out on that!

Remember to bring in your plastic grocery bags to recycle and register to win a $25.00 store credit. May's winner was Evelyn Sims. Congratulations, Evelyn!

Get a $5.00 store credit any time you bring us a new shopper. It's easy. Just bring in your friends who've never tried N2N shopping. When they check out at the register, we'll give YOU a $5.00 credit to use on your next visit.

Let's work to get the word out: friends don't let friends shop retail!

...and remember Senior Discount Day- each Monday, everyone 55 and over gets 30% off their cash purchases.

From Arthur:

Arthur says he realizes that more and more computer users need help not just with viruses and malware, but with using their computers.

Getting a basic education in PC use is paramount in operating one. It's like getting into the driver's seat of a car, not knowing how to drive.

His upcoming column will deal with this issue. In the meantime, Arthur is available not just for your computer repairs, but to assist you in learning about your PC. He can teach you, one on one, what you need to know. Whether it is using Microsoft Word or learning how to cut and paste in Windows, Arthur can help you.

Make a list of the things you clarified and give him a call. He will also do a seminar for a group. Call a few friends and split the cost. His personalized assistance is affordable and he will make sure you understand what you need to. There are no questions too small and no answers too big.

Call Arthur at 770-540-5100 or email him at arthur@glazerthepctech.com if you need to set up an appointment. He guarantees his work, has rapid response times and reasonable rates. You've read his columns in the Times, now let him go to work for you.

That's it for now. Remember-email goes both ways...

If you run across any exceptional bargains or impressive new products, let us know. We'll put the word out!

Have a remarkable week!

Teressa and the Next2New Crew

Next to New Resale Boutique
1705 Cleveland Hwy.
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-534-9070

Monday- Saturday 10-6

Sunday 1-6