Kitchen Crafts 'n' More

Friday, April 17, 2009 Salt and Flour Finger Paints - Frugal Crafts for Kids

Salt and Flour Finger Paints
Here's an old-time favorite recipe from our website. If the kids are looking for something fun (and you're looking for a frugal craft-time activity) then these fun paints will be perfect. The kids can even help make the paints, before they get creative and make their artistic masterpieces! this is a non-toxic recipe.

2 c Flour
2 ts Salt
3 c Cold water
2 c Hot water
Food colouring - in lots of different colors for a variety of paints.

Add the salt to the flour in a saucepan. Pour in cold water gradually and beat the mixture with an egg beater until smooth. Add the hot water and boil the mixture until it becomes glossy. Beat it until it is smooth. Mix in food colouring.

P.S. For more frugal crafting ideas, visit our Crafts page at Homemade Craft Recipes and Projects

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Posted by HappySlob :: 11:00 AM :: 0 comments

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Fresh Sprintime Beauty - Natural Oatmeal Scrub (Facial Scrubs)

Winter does a real number on our skin, and by the time spring finally comes around we want to freshen up. This natural oatmeal scrub is a perfect way to slough off dead skin cells, leaving fresher, healthier looking skin. And it's easy (and cheap, and we loooove cheap stuff!)

To make your own natural oatmeal facial scrub, you'll need:
  • handful of raw oats (quick or old-fashioned, it doesn't matter)
  • Enough water to moisten and create a thick paste (or, try plain yogurt instead, if you have it on hand...the natural enzymes will leave your skin even softer and smoother)

Simply mix the two ingredients together, and use all over your clean facial skin, gently scrubbing. Rinse with cool clean water, and moisturize as usual. It's absolutely amazing to me that something as simple as oatmeal can leave your skin feeling so fantastic. Try it out!

Want more simple and natural skincare recipes?

Our Free Listing of Skincare Recipes includes favorites such as Aloe Cleansing Gel, Almonds and Berries Mask, Anti-Aging Face Mask and Herbal Acne Remedy using fresh basil. Treat yourself to a spa treatment at home today!

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Posted by HappySlob :: 10:50 AM :: 0 comments

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Mustard Style Potato Salad - Lower in Fat and Delicious

Mustard Style Potato Salad
Serves 8
Thanks to Dorina, a fantastic recipe researcher! The addition of mustard (prepared is called for, but I would try dijon instead) adds a tanginess and a more complex flavor. Enjoy!

6 large potatoes - peeled and cubed
3 eggs
1 onion, finely chopped
3 stalks celery, diced
3 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos
2 teaspoons prepared mustard (or Dijon, if you prefer - as I do)
3 tablespoons creamy salad dressing
1 teaspoon paprika

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, place in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.

2. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, onion, celery, relish and pimentos.

4. Blend together the mustard and salad dressing, add to salad and mix well. Sprinkle with paprika and refrigerate until chilled.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Calories: 179.48 Calories from Fat: N/A Total Fat: 4.50 g Saturated Fat: N/A Cholesterol: N/ATotal Carbohydrate: 29.12 g Sodium: N/A Dietary Fiber: N/A Sugars: N/A Protein: 5.63 g Vitamin A: N/A Vitamin C: N/A

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Posted by HappySlob :: 10:44 AM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, April 04, 2009 Natural Peanut Butter (or Nut Butter) Cookies - Sweetened with Honey

Natural Nut Butter Cookies
These are my new favorites! Absolutely delicious, incredibly easy to whip together - AND - easy to create in a gluten free form. There's no dairy in here, so they're also perfect for anyone with lactose intolerance. Enjoy!

1 cup peanut butter (or your choice of almond butter, walnut butter, any nut butter will work)
1/2 cup honey (I oil the measuring cup slightly before pouring the honey in - that way it all slides right out without sticking)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg (optional - but I like using it; it helps bind the ingredients together)
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional - if you're using PB without added salt, I'd add this)
1 1/2 - 2 cups flour (brown rice flour, buckwheat, or regular all-purpose if that's what you have)

Optional Add Ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine nut butter, honey and egg until well combined.
  3. Add vanilla, and then start mixing in the flour. Depending on the type of flour you're using, you'll need more or less. I used about 1 1/2 cups of brown rice flour and these cookies were perfect. Add flour until the cookie dough is thick, but not too stiff. Add the add-ins if you're using. (With chocolate chips these are ridiculously good!)
  4. Roll dough into balls, place on a greased cookie sheet and then press with a fork to create a criss-cross effect.
  5. Bake 9-12 minutes, watching carefully. If you have a hot oven like I do, reduce the temp to 325 and bake just until browned. These do burn easily, so keep an eye on them.
  6. Remove cookies onto a cooling rack and let them cool before eating.
  7. Enjoy! These freeze beautifully too.

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Posted by HappySlob :: 9:16 AM :: 1 comments

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Spring Cleaning Hints - Easy Homemade Cleaning Recipes

Yes, it's that time of year again - time to get your whole home tidied up with a great big SPRING CLEAN!

Oh...I see you grimacing from here. But don't worry, I have some great tips, ideas and recipes for you to make spring cleaning easier than ever. First up - dozens of homemade cleaning recipes!

Homemade Cleaning Recipes #1 These include favorites such as Garbage Can Deodorizer, All Purpose Cleaners, Bleach Alternatives, Carpet Stain Remover and many more recipes. A total of 36 easy homemade cleaners are featured on this one page!

More Cleaning Recipes! Even more cleaning recipes and hints on my Happy Slob's Housecleaning page. Includes some of my favorite uses for baking soda, vinegar and newspaper. (I love newspaper for cleaning glass, for instance. And hey, it's frugal!)

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Posted by HappySlob :: 9:09 AM :: 0 comments

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