Recently a friend of mine told me about the Master Lock Dual-Function Security Bar she purchased for her daughter, who was going away to college. I remember years ago I had something similar that we kept in the sliding glass door so that it couldn’t be opened. What a smart idea to purchase for someone who doesn’t have a security system, or even if you do have a security system, for a little extra protection. The same friend said she had a builder friend and when she told him about them he went to Home Depot and purchased their stock for his homes that are always getting broken into. He told her that since purchasing he hasn’t had any material theft. Another great use is to take with you when you travel, so that you can secure your hotel door.

It can be used either as a security bar for a door with a handle, or for a sliding glass door.

From Master Lock:

• Dual function door security bar for hinged and sliding doors
• Resists forced entry through doors and sliding patio doors.
• Adjusts from 27-1/2″ – 42″ to fit most standard doors and sliding patio doors
• Top piece removes for sliding door application
• Rugged 20 gauge steel construction
• Pivoting ball joint assures full contact with floor
• Padded foot provides sure grip without scratching

The Weather Channel is something most of us are familiar with. When we have storms coming everyone switches the television over to the Weather Channel to get the most accurate information. The Weather Channel app is no different. This free app gives me everything I need at my fingertips. I can see the forecast for my area currently, hourly, or even view the forecast ten days out. I also love the radar map.

If the forecast predicts rain, I click on the radar map and can view the moving radar to see if it is going to actually hit my area or not. Here in Texas, in the hot summer, we are fascinated by such things as rain. Any possibility of rain makes us all giddy! Now that the seasons are changing, I also love to look at the ten day forecast to see that we are most definitely, finally, out of the 100 degree days. YAY!

You can also bookmark the places where your loved ones live, so you can keep up to date on their forecast too. That is, if you don’t have a life, which apparently I just realized I do not, because I do this.

Um, um good! I love that fall is here and I can start cranking up the oven again. A feat I try to avoid during the summer 100 degree weather!

This is a yummy recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.

Hamburger Pie

• Mashed Potatoes* or one 24-ounce package refrigerated mashed potatoes
• 1 1/4 
pounds lean ground beef
• ½ cup chopped onion (1 medium)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Dash black pepper
• 2 ½ cups frozen cut green beans, thawed
• 1 
10 ¾ ounce can condensed tomato soup
• ½ cup shredded process American cheese (2 ounces)

Prepare Mashed Potatoes; set aside. In a large skillet cook meat and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Add the salt and pepper. Stir in thawed beans and soup; pour into a greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish or casserole.

Spoon Mashed Potatoes in mounds on bean mixture (or, if desired, pipe potatoes using a pastry bag and a large star tip). Sprinkle cheese over the potatoes. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese begins to brown. Makes 6 servings.

*Three Options for Mashed Potatoes: 1) Use four servings refrigerated mashed potatoes. 2) Prepare 4 servings instant mashed potatoes according to package directions, except reserve the milk. Add egg and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add enough reserved milk so potatoes are stiff enough to hold their shape. 3) Make mashed potatoes using 5 medium potatoes.

Nutritional Information: Servings Per Recipe 6, Calories 376, Protein (gm) 23, Carbohydrate (gm) 34, Fat, total (gm) 16, Cholesterol (mg) 80, Saturated fat (gm) 8, Monosaturated fat (gm) 6, Polyunsaturated fat (gm) 1, Dietary Fiber, total (gm) 4, Sugar, total (gm) 9, Vitamin A (IU) 680, Vitamin C (mg) 25, Thiamin (mg) 0, Riboflavin (mg) 0, Niacin (mg) 5, Pyridoxine (Vit. B6) (mg) 1, Folate (µg) 28, Cobalamin (Vit. B12) (µg) 1, Sodium (mg) 796, Potassium (mg) 694, Calcium (DV %) 101, Iron (DV %) 3, Vegetables () 1, Starch () 2, Other Carb () 1, Lean Meat () 3, Fat () 2, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Swisspers are the absolute BEST out there, in my humble opinion of course, for your beauty regime. Start with the basic cotton rounds. These can be used for nail polish remover, among other things. I use the cotton rounds to remove my eye makeup. My glam alert post last week was about the Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover.  So while you are out buying that, pick these up. But don’t stop with just the cotton rounds.

Swisspers also carries exfoliating rounds.

These are great for toners, like Dickinson’s Witch Hazel. I was telling my friend the other day that out of all the products I use, I think Dickinson’s is my fav. I have really noticed a big difference by using a toner. I had never thought a toner was necessary, but you know, once Dr. Oz says you have to have it, you have to have it! The great thing about the Swisspers exfoliating rounds is one side is soft, and the other is exfoliating. So I use the exfoliating side on my face, neck, and back of my hands, but flip over when covering my delicate eye area. I am a delicate flower, you know.

Also, in my love of Swisspers, the Cotton Cosmetic Applicators.

One end is round, and the other end is pointed. Great for touching up or blending eye makeup.

Finally, and I really, REALLY hate to do this, but I just bought these last week at Wal-Mart, and I cannot find anything online about them. So I am telling you to run, don’t walk, to Wal-Mart and see if you can find some. I am going there right now, as I realize now this is a Special Edition thing and may not be around much longer. My confusion lies in the fact that I cannot find similar packaging, even without the color, at any of my go-to online sites like amazon.com, or drugstore.com. I can find Swisspers sponges, but not the same packaging. I’m sure they are all the same, but this is the only one I have tried.  See below on my package where it states it is a “Special Edition Color”?

These are the softest, spongiest, densest makeup sponges I have ever used. Great for blending in under my eyes that get all crepey. Crappy, creepy, and crepey, that’s me.

I know some of you may not believe me, and that all of these things cannot possibly be that different, but the Swisspers truly are a much higher quality, and not any more expensive than the generic brands, so why not put the highest quality applicators on your skin? Trust me, when you get old as dirt like me, you will thank me. I always told my son when he was younger, “take care of your face, and your face will take care of you”. I’m pretty shallow like that.

SURPRISE!!!!*** Because I love each and every one of you, I am going to have my first ever GIVEAWAY! I did run to Wal-Mart, and bought the cosmetic sponges in blue, lime green, and purple. All you have to do is “Like” The Average Consumer on Facebook and/or follow on Twitter.  If you already follow The Average Consumer, leave me a comment about anything, your favorite product, an idea for the blog, suggestions, and I will do a random drawing and give away one set of these to three people. That’s three winners! Limited to the United States only. I know, big giveaway, but you gotta start somewhere! Winners will be chosen by Friday at 5:00 p.m. Good luck!

***GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.  Winners have been emailed. Thanks for playing! (9-14-2012 at 5:11 p.m.)