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Name:Christina From::Canada
I'm a freelance writer with a laid back approach to most everything! Happily married to my truest friend, who believes in me even when it doesn't make sense to. View my complete profile
Hate house cleaning? Yeah, we all do! Drop by my cleaning website today and
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The Happy Slob's Guide to
Housecleaning for the EASIEST solution to house cleaning ever! It's fun, practical
AND will help you spend WAY less time cleaning...so you can do all that other stuff you love.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Natural Cholesterol Lowering Drink
There are many slightly different versions of this natural homemade cholesterol reducing beverage...but this one was sent in by Nancy from California. :) Thanks Nancy! Since we first ran a recipe similar to this, I for one have shared it with all sorts of friends and family members!
5 cups Concord Grape Juice, no sugar added 5 cups Apple Juice, no sugar added 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix all ingredients together and store in a large container in the refrigerator. Drink 4 ounces, per day.
I've been using this drink for about a month now and have lowered my blood pressure and my glucose level, I am diabetic, I don't know about my cholesterol yet, however I will let you know when I find out.
Posted by HappySlob ::
5:08 AM ::
0 comments
RUSTIC APPLE TART Sent in by our regular contributor, Sue B. An easy apple tart to make, using premade pie crusts to keep things very simple in the kitchen... Prep. Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS: 1/2 15-ounce package refrigerated pie crust (1 crust, not the pie-plate version) 2 10-ounce packages frozen cinnamon apples partially thawed 1 tsp. grated lemon peel 1 egg lightly beaten 2 tbsp's. sugar
DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray. Unfold the pie crust and place on sheet. Place the cinnamon apples in the center of the crust and mix in the lemon peel. Fold the edges over the filling making pleats as you go. Brush the edge with the egg; sprinkle with the sugar. Bake 20 minutes or until the crust is golden. With a spatula, transfer from baking sheet to a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature. YIELDS: 6 servings.
Posted by HappySlob ::
5:01 AM ::
0 comments
12 chicken drumsticks, skinless 3 & 1/2 cups ice water 1 cup plain non-fat yogurt Breading Mixture (see recipe below)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet heavily with vegetable-oil cooking spray. In a large bowl with ice water, place chicken pieces; set aside.
In a shallow bowl, place yogurt. Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the ice water; roll each piece of chicken in the yogurt. Place one chicken piece into a plastic bag with Breading Mixture, reseal and shake to coat thoroughly. Transfer breaded chicken to prepared baking sheet. Repeat process until all chicken pieces are breaded. Spray chicken lightly with vegetable-oil spray.
Place baking sheet onto bottom shelf of oven and bake, uncovered, 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. (juices will run clear when cut with the tip of a knife), turning the chicken pieces every 20 minutes to allow even browning. Remove from oven and transfer onto a serving platter. Serve hot or at room temperature.
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine bread crumbs, flour, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano. Seal and shake well to mix.
Posted by HappySlob ::
7:04 AM ::
0 comments
Or, if you're a cheesecake fiend like myself, you'll find our collection of cheesecakes at: Our Cheesecake Favorites
FROM: SUE B.
SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE
INGREDIENTS: 3 cups sugar 3/4 cup butter 4 eggs 1 1/2 cups sour cream 1 tsp. baking soda 4 1/2 cups cake flour pinch of salt 2 tsp's. vanilla
DIRECTIONS: Cream together sugar and butter. Add eggs and beat well. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and baking soda and stir. In another bowl combine flour and salt. Alternately add sour cream and flour mixture to sugar and butter mixture. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter into a loaf pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until center is done when a toothpick is inserted in the center of the cake. Cool before cutting and serving. NOTE: To cut calories, use your favorite sugar and egg substitutes and fat free sour cream.
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:57 AM ::
0 comments
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
A Fabulous Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich
:) Am I the only one who loves these? I just whipped up a great sandwich loaded with crunchy (YUM!) peanut butter, tons of sliced bananas, a drizzle of honey - all served on toasted whole grain bread. With a cup of hot, strong coffee on the side I'm in heaven!
What other old fashioned sandwich favorites do you love?
P.S. On our message boards at Our Message Boards we have breakfast ideas galore! Check it out and add your favorites too...
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:19 AM ::
0 comments
It's true. :) The Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning DOES make cleaning your home a lot more fun! Drop by The Happyslob.com Site or The Happy Slob Cleaning Blog for loads of fun cleaning tips from me AND others from around the world!
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:07 AM ::
0 comments
Chocolate Covered Cherries 3 1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar 1/4 Cup Butter Or Margarine Softened 3 Tablespoons Creme De Cacao Liqueur 1 Tablespoon Milk 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract 60 Maraschino Cherries With Stems, drained and patted dry 6 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate Chips, or Vanilla Baking Chips, divided 6 Ounces Chocolate Candy Coating, or Vanilla Flavored Candy Coating, divided
In a large bowl, combine confectioners sugar, butter, liquer,milk and vanilla, chill 1 hour. Mold a small amount of mixture around each cherry, being carefull to completely enclose cherry with mixture, place on baking sheet lined with waxed paper. chill 1 hour. In the top of a double boiler over simmering water,melt half of desired chocolate and half of candy coating. dip half of cherries in chocolate mixture and return to waxedpaper. Melt remaining chocolate and candy coating, dip remainging cherries. allow chocolate-covered cherries to sid at room temperature. Check bottoms of cherries and reseal with additional chocolate if necessary. If desired, drizzel tops of cherries with additional melted chocolate. Cover loosely and store in a cool place at least two days to form cordial(do not refigerate) Store in airtight container. Yield: about 5 dozen candies.
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:23 AM ::
0 comments
Blackberry Lip Gloss Mix 1 tablespoon of light oil with 1 blackberries,1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Heat this mixture until it begins to boil. Mash the blackberries into the mixture and let the mixture set for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture and let cool. Place the gloss on the lips with a clean finger or applicator. This smells so great you will want to eat it right off your lips. :)
P.S. If you try this, please post a comment telling all of us how it turns out!
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:19 AM ::
0 comments
Clean fruits by soaking them in a solution of vinegar and water (2 tablespoons to a gallon of water) to help remove chemical residues and insects. Prevent cut and peeled fruits, such as apples, from browning by placing the cut up pieces into an apple cider vinegar solution (1 tablespoon ACV in the holding water) until they are ready to be used.
Posted by HappySlob ::
8:40 PM ::
0 comments
Buttermilk Substitute: A great buttermilk substitute can be made by simply adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of fresh or canned evaporated milk and letting the mixture stand for 10 minutes or until thick.
Posted by HappySlob ::
8:36 PM ::
0 comments
This blend of oils has been used through the centuries to lessen or eliminate laugh lines, crows feet and even forehead wrinkles.
2 oz extra virgin olive oil 20 drops of patchouli essential oil 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix the oils in a dark bottle or jar. Dip a cotton swab into the oils, dab on your facial lines, wrinkles, etc. twice a day. Not only will the blend immediately start to rejuvenate the top layer of your skin, it will travel down into the deeper skin layers below the surface to heal and replenish those layers before they surface.
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:21 AM ::
0 comments
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Herbal Bath Crystals (Salts)
A relaxing bath, full of natural herbs...and enhanced with essential oils of your choice.
1/2 cup Sea Salt 1/2 cup Epsom Salts 1/2 cup fresh herbs leaves or flowers 1/4 cup Baking Soda few drops essential oils
Blend the above ingredients in a food processor or blender. Some oils to try: Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Patchouli, High John, Rose, Geranium & Grapefruit. Instructions: Place 1/4 cup of the mixture under running warm water for fragrant herbal bath.
Place all but almonds in food processor (or blender). With it running, add the extracts. Stop and scrape the bowl and blend for 10 seconds longer. Add the chopped almonds. Store in refrigerator.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Seasoning a Cast Iron Skillet or Pan
Jane also sent in this -- thanks again. :)
1. A well-seasoned cast-iron pan will resist rust and create a virtually nonstick surface for cooking. To season it, brush vegetable oil lightly over all its surfaces.
2. Heat the pan in an oven at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, recoating it with more oil after 30 minutes.
3. Wipe the pan well with paper towels, and let it cool completely before using it.
4. To preserve this natural, protective coating, do not use soap when cleaning a seasoned pan. Instead, scrub it with salt and oil, rinse it with hot water, then dry it completely over low heat before storing it.
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:38 AM ::
0 comments
1. Depending on the pan's size, pour 2 to 4 tbsp. salt into the middle of the pan. Add an equal amount of vegetable oil.
2. Scrub the pan vigorously with a folded paper towel, concentrating on the rusted spots but covering all surfaces with the oil and salt mixture. Add more salt or oil as needed.
3. For more serious rust spots, scrub with fine steel wool.
4. Wash the pan with dishwashing liquid and rinse well with hot water. Dry completely.
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:37 AM ::
1 comments
Doesn't this one sound lovely? Treva just sent it in to me - I loooove pears! And it sounds like it would be PERFECT with a nice, hot cup of tea or coffee. YUM.
Glazed Pear Snack Cake
Makes 12 servings Choose fragrant, thin-skinned pears that yield to gentle pressure for this cake.
1 3/4 cups whole-grain pastry flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 large egg white 3 tablespoons canola oil 3/4 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or fat-free plain yogurt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 ripe medium pears, peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks 1 teaspoon apple jelly
To Make:Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9" x 9" baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, egg, egg white, and oil until smooth. Whisk in the buttermilk or yogurt and the vanilla. Stir in the pears. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until blended. (The batter will be very soft.) Scrape into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch and shrinks from the sides and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool 30 minutes on a wire rack. Spoon the apple jelly on top and spread it gently with a pastry brush. Cut into squares and serve the cake warm or cool.
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:29 AM ::
0 comments
http://www.happyslob.com is your one stop shop for TONS of handy cleaning tips, advice and lots of humor along the way. Check out my OTHER website today for the Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning...or...the blog at http://happyslob.blogspot.com
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:26 AM ::
0 comments
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Traditional Irish Corned Beef & Cabbage
Corned Beef & Cabbage Thanks to Treva for this recipe!
Ingredients: 5 lb Corned-Beef brisket 2 Whole cloves 2 Bay Leaves 8 Medium Potatoes, pared 1 Medium cabbage, cut in wedges Chopped parsley 1 Clove Garlic 10 Whole black Peppers 8 Medium Carrots, Pared 8 Medium yellow onions, peeled 2 tb Butter
Wipe corned beef with damp paper towels. Place in large pan, cover with water. Add garlic, cloves, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Skim surface. Cover pan; simmer 3 to 4 hours, or until corned beef is fork-tender. Add carrots, potatoes, and onions during last 25 minutes. Add cabbage wedges during last 15 minutes. Cook vegetables just till tender. Slice across the grain. Arrange slices on platter with cabbage. Brush potatoes with butter, sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Posted by HappySlob ::
1:18 PM ::
0 comments
Easy Basic Milk Bath Big thanks to Shannon for sending this in! :)
Equal parts of: Powdered Milk Salt Baking Soda
You can literally mix the three in a big bowl and store, but I really like to put it in a blender and mix it all together to get a very fine powder.
Just pour in about a cup for your bathtub.
Optional... Mix a few drops of your favorite fragrance oil in with the ingredients while in your blender. Make sure you use this blender for crafting only!! And wash it well when you're done so you don't have fragrances mixing together.
I usually add about 4-6 drops of my favorite oils (less if it's a stronger scent) per cup of Milk Bath mixture.
I also purchased the bottles with cork lids like you find in craft stores, and filled them with this. (Good Will stores often have these bottles very cheap) Then I melted some colored wax, turned the bottle upside down (lid on, obviously), and dipped it in the wax a few times, so it was sealed, and I sold the heck out of them for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day last year! I took them to work, and then I marked them even higher on or just before the actual holiday.
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:39 AM ::
0 comments
This is a great one for all of you diabetics OR anyone who has a diabetic in the family. You can still make a delicious cake but without the sugar...Big thanks to Sue B. (our regular contributor) for this one...
INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups + 2 tsp's. reduced-fat biscuit baking mix, 3/4 cup Splenda Granular, 2/3 cup fat-free milk, 1 egg or equivalent in egg substitute, 2 tbsp's. + 2 tsp's. reduced-calorie margarine, 1 1/2 tsp's. vanilla extract.
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9 by 9-inch cake pan with butter-flavored cooking spray. Sprinkle 2 tsp's. baking mix into prepared pan. Gently pat pan to coat. In a large bowl, combine remaining 1 1/2 cups baking mix and Splenda. Add milk, egg, margarine and vanilla extract. Mix gently just to combine. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
This is such a great bargain I had to post it here for all of you to see. :) Satin sheets - a queen set - for only $29.99...I can't remember the last time I saw any sheet set for that price, let alone satin!! Definitely one of those bargains to buy a few of -- these would make wonderful gifts for a bridal shower, a wedding, or a gift to yourself. (Aren't those the nicest kind? LOL)
There's nothing nicer than slipping into bed to be wrapped up in the softness of satin sheets...sigh...
Posted by HappySlob ::
8:44 AM ::
0 comments
:) Not exactly a fun topic for this Monday morning...but hey, this is a tip that I just have to share!
Tonya sent in this easy toenail fungus treatment -- really pain-free...
"We were told that vicks vapor rub would do the trick for this..Put on toenails and wear white socks to bed. This does work."
Posted by HappySlob ::
6:43 AM ::
0 comments
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Dishwasher Detergent Alternative
Apparently, there is one useful product you might already have in your laundry cupbard that works GREAT as a dishwasher detergent replacement.
BORAX! Take between 2-4 teaspoons of Borax (more for harder water areas) and dissolve in about 1/4 cup of plain tap water. Use as a liquid dishwasher detergent alternative.
:) I'm going to try this tonight and report back to all of you. Tomorrow I'm going to try mixing the Borax with baking soda to see if that works even better! If you try it, please post here...
Saturday, March 18, 2006
A Girls Night of Movies...
:) Tonight is my monthly girls night of movies with my friends! Last month we snacked on homemade cookies, ice cream with berries...and a supper of garlicky Caesar salad with homemade lasagna. Yum, I'm getting hungry just thinking of it.
I'm taking a HUGE chocolate swirl cheesecake over tonight...
Try starting your own Girls Night with YOUR friends. A fabulous old movie, some good eats, and lots of laughs equals a fun night you won't forget.
Posted by HappySlob ::
2:04 PM ::
0 comments
Friday, March 17, 2006
Pure Lavender Essential Oil
Treat yourself with this fabulous pure lavender oil -- it's many uses include natural cleaning formulas, homemade bath and beauty products and so much more. :) It naturally helps to soothe your nerves and just smells plain old wonderful...
For more on using natural essential oils in cleaning: http://www.happyslob.com/cleaningrecipes.html For more ideas on using natural essential oils in bath & beauty formulas: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/bath.html
Posted by HappySlob ::
7:38 AM ::
0 comments
Consumers are demanding safer alternatives to the traditional paraffin wax candle. Soy candle wax has been introduced into the marketplace and is the biggest thing to hit the gift market in decades. Soy wax comes from US soybean farmers and is a natural renewable resource, unlike its petroleum-based counterpart. Soy wax also offers wonderful benefits such as longer burn times and less soot emission. For this reason, soy candle making has become the newest home-based business opportunity. Many people around the nation are busy making and selling custom soy candles in their hometowns and on the Internet.
Several candle supply companies offer soy candle making kits. Be sure to pick one that offers a soy blend that has natural vegetable and soy wax. There are several soy-based waxes on the market that are a blend of soy and paraffin and these are not recommended. Be sure to purchase a kit that comes with the basics. Your kit should include soy wax, fragrance oil, color chips, cotton wicks and containers, along with caution labels, at a minimum. Most kits will come with additional supplies, but this will get you started. Additional needs for candle making will include a kitchen scale, candy thermometer and small pourer.
Each soy wax has different flash points and temperature recommendations. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations for heating your wax. I currently use NV’Soy wax and could not be happier. This is a true one-pour wax that will give you wonderful scent throw and smooth tops. Once you have found the right wax, it is time to start making candles!
Prepare your candle containers by cleaning them out with a damp cloth. Insert your wicks into the jars, being sure to center them. Be sure to select the proper wick by measuring the widest point of your container. If your wick is to small, then your candle will tunnel. If the wick is to big, then it will burn fast. I find the wick stickers helpful in securing my wicks. At this point, you may begin melting your wax.
Use your pourer and measure out one pound of wax. Soy wax will weigh the same in dry and liquid form. You can melt your wax using a double boiler, or by using a wax melter. Be sure to have your thermometer handy, so you do not overheat the wax.
After melting the wax at 125-140 degrees Fahrenheit, remove from the heat and add the fragrance oil and color chips. Recommended use for fragrance oil is 1.5oz-2oz per pound of wax. Slowly stir both the chips and fragrance together until completely blended. Insert the thermometer into your pourer and let the mixture cool to 100-125 degrees Fahrenheit. Candle making is not a science, but an art. You will need to heat and cool at the recommended manufactures temperatures to find what works best for you.
Once the wax cools down to 100-125 degrees Fahrenheit, it is time to pour. The soy wax will begin to look milky and you will know it is time. Stir the mixture once again to ensure it is mixed well. Begin pouring the wax mixture into the containers, slowly. The slower your pour, the better the wax will adhere to the sides of the container. Center the wicks with a pencil or tool and let them harden. Most soy candles require a curing time of 48 hours or more before burning. This gives the candle the chance to absorb the fragrance and will produce a better candle. Once your candle has cured, it is time to trim the wick to ¼" and burn it!
Congratulations, you have just made your first soy candle! Candle making is addictive, fun, rewarding and can be enjoyed by anyone. I encourage you to look into purchasing a sample candle making kit so you can be a part of the soy candle revolution.
Posted by HappySlob ::
7:14 AM ::
0 comments
This great, creamy perfume recipe will make wonderful gifts or a terrific addition to your craft sale inventory!
Ingredients: 3 parts oil (Sweet almond, canola or light olive oil will all workfine) 2 parts White beeswax 1 part Scent (You can use fragrance oil…find tips below on wheretofind these.)
In a double boiler, melt all ingredients, stirring well to combine.Pour into containers, seal with a lid and allow to sit and harden slightly before using.
Tips, Hints and Other Ideas: ~ Find fragrance oils at either fragrance oil suppliers (look online for some great ones) or at your favorite craft store. You can also check at candlemaking or soapmaking supply shops. Fragrance oils come in literally every scent imaginable, so you can get very creative with the type of solid perfume you make.
~ You could also try using "essential oils" for the scent.Essential oils are highly concentrated oils of real herbs, so if you're lookingfor an all-natural perfume, this might be a good choice for you. Youcan find these at good health food stores, and craft stores. (Always make sure that the essential oil is intedned for use on the skin -- some are irritating to the skin.)
~ This makes a great gift. To make it really special, why not add a single dried flower to the top of the solid perfume, before it'scompletely hardened. Press a tiny dried flower into the warm mixture. Then when it hardens, there is a small flower on the top,and makes for a beautiful presentation. Try finding unusual containers for this solid perfume – miniature tins are a great idea,or even lip gloss containers. Anything small and with a lid will work just fine.
Posted by HappySlob ::
9:58 AM ::
0 comments
Aloe plants not only LOOK great, with their fat spiky leaves, but they're amazing at soothing minor skin irritations. Just cut off a section of aloe, squeeze to release the gel inside, and smear onto little cuts or any irritation of the skin that needs a little TLC. :) This is also one plant that isn't too hard to care for! And, that natural aloe juice can be used in some natural bath & beauty recipes.
Got clutter? Need help organizing? Drop by http://happyslob.blogspot.com and join the Fabulous Decluttering Challenge! :)
Posted by HappySlob ::
9:35 AM ::
0 comments
big thanks to Jill for this great recipe - use it when you run out of Pedialyte OR if you want to save money. :)
2 quarts water 1 teas. baking soda 1 teas. salt 7 tbls. sugar 1 packet sugar-free kool aid (Optional) 1/2 teas. salt subsitute (optional)
Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher and store inrefrigerator. Use instead of juice or milk for diarrhea, vomitting &fever.Be creative with this-use koolaid & put into ice cube tray. You can put the cubes in a drink or put toothpicks in it & make popsicles.
These would make a nice surprise for a diabetic who normally can't have pancakes! Also great for kids...While the recipe doesn't call for cinnamon, feel free to add some if you want a little more flavor.
1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup unbleached white flour 3 teas. low-sodium baking powder 1 egg 1 cup whole milk 2 tbls. vegetable oil or melted margarine 2 tbls apple juice concentrate, thawed 1/2 cup applesauce
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Coat agriddle with vegetable spray; heat to medium high. Reduce heat tomedium, then spoon on batter to make 4-inch pancakes. Heat until thesurface bubbles and the bottms are golden brown. Then flip and brownthe remaining side. Cool slightly before serving. Serve with diabetic sugar-free syrup, or try a scoop of warmed applesauce on top and even some whipped cream to make it decadent!
Posted by HappySlob ::
8:31 AM ::
0 comments
A cute idea to add a 'smile' to your breakfast table is to make simple happy face pancakes. Use your favorite pancake batter, and while it's cooking on the first side, use squeezable chocolate syrup to create a simple happy face design. Flip the pancake over as usual and you'll have an adorable pancake that kids will love!
You can also use this trick to write messages in the pancakes, or whatever your imagination can whip up! :)
Wash your face with milk, which is a source of lactic acid, a natural exfoliant. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week helps remove dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin underneath. Simply pour milk into your hands and splash it onto your face using circular movements. Alternatively, you can soak a muslin face cloth with milk and scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Posted by HappySlob ::
11:43 PM ::
0 comments
Treat your skin to a sweet treat that is calorie free! :) So easy to make, you'll already have the ingredients sitting in your pantry.
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil (I like olive oil)
Directions:Mix ingredients together until completely blended. Apply to face and lightly scrub for about 5 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Clears pores of dirt and oil. Should be applied in the morning.
Posted by HappySlob ::
11:40 PM ::
0 comments
Here's a really soothing tea to try if you (like me! boohoo) have been battling a cold or flu. Especially if you grow mint in the garden, you'll want to keep this recipe to use over and over again. It's even yummy served cold over ice in the summertime! Really refreshing...just add a slice of lemon and you're set.
Honey-Peppermint Tea 2 tablespoons good quality honey (I really love clover honey) 1 lemon, juice of Handful of fresh peppermint leaves, washed and torn Boiling water
Put the honey, lemon juice and peppermint leaves into a nice big mug. Pour boiling water over top and let steep for at least 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy your soothing cold and flu tea!
* Health Tip: Try different types of honey. I'm really hooked on clover honey right now...but there are all sorts of varieties to try. Different flavors of honey just mean the bees were snacking on different types of flowers. :)
* Lemon squeezing tip: To get ALL that great juice out of the lemon, I run the lemon under warm water for a few seconds. Then just cut the lemon in half and squeeze - you'll get more juice out.
Posted by HappySlob ::
10:02 AM ::
0 comments
What would make a regular bouquet of flowers EVEN better? Having candy tucked inside, of cousre! This is a fun project to try -- take it to a friend who's recuperating in hospital, or anyone who needs a bit of cheering up. :)
Sue just sent this in to me and my first thought was: Everyone will want this one! Don't we all have fond memories of Cracker Jack popcorn -- especially that cool little toy we knew was hidden inside. :) Enjoy...
INGREDIENTS: 6 qt's. unseasoned popped popcorn 2 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 2 sticks butter 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1 tsp. baking soda
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 200° F. Divide the popcorn between two large bowls. Oil 2 lipped cookie sheets very well and set aside. In a deep saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt and cream of tartar. Insert candy thermometer. Bring to a boil and cook the mixture over MEDIUM heat for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally until the thermometer registers 260° F. (hard ball stage). Remove from the heat and quickly stir in baking soda. The mixture will foam. Pour the syrup mixture over the popcorn, half into each bowl. Work quickly to coat all the popcorn with the carmel. Spread popcorn evenly on the cookie sheets and bake for 1 hour stirring 3 times. Remove from oven and spread popcorn on wax paper to cool, breaking up the larger pieces if necessary. Store in airtight container.
Posted by HappySlob ::
9:32 AM ::
0 comments
Monday, March 13, 2006
Making Your Own Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract is NOT hard to make! And it makes excellent gifts for friends who will be shocked that YOU made it yourself! All you need are some good vanilla beans, a bit of alcohol, a cute container to hold the mix...and you're on your way to VANILLA GREATNESS...
Craving a delicious cup of vanilla flavored coffee? Simply add around 1 or 2 teaspoons of good vanilla extract to 1 cup of cream, and of course, store in the refrigerator. Use as you would with any other coffee creamer to add a burst of intense vanilla flavor. The more vanilla you add, the more taste you add! Enjoy that cuppa java....
P.S. You can also add a teaspoon of good vanilla to the coffee grounds before turning the coffeemaker on...another way to add great flavor to plain ground coffee. :)
Posted by HappySlob ::
10:45 AM ::
0 comments
Want gorgeous, strong nails that don't break? This nail strengthener is easy to whip together and really works to nourish nails...
To strengthen and shine nails, combine 2 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. castor oil, and 1 tsp. wheat germ oil and mix thoroughly. Pour into bottle. Shake before using. To use, rub a small amount into your nails. Leave on 3-5 minutes and tissue off. Follow up with more plain castor oil, if desired.
Posted by HappySlob ::
10:32 AM ::
0 comments
Awww...have you got a cold? Here's an easy way to make your own saline spray - which is basically just a salt water solution - to help ease that stuffiness away.
Salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion, while also removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose. Here's a popular recipe: Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a bulb syringe to squirt water into the nose. Hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain. Repeat 2-3 times, then treat the other nostril.
Posted by HappySlob ::
10:00 AM ::
0 comments
