Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid (Dynamic, Euphoric) Review + SWATCHES!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Vibrancy Dynamic Foundation.jpeg
This is Dynamic ($45).
Vibrancy Euphoric Foundation.jpeg
This is Euphoric ($45).



Everyone wishes that they could wake up every morning to look naturally amazing.  However, most of us aren’t that fortunate when it comes to perfection.  Thus, it always helps to have great skin care and cosmetics that can transform us from blah to beautiful like Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundations that PR sent for this review.

All the skin care benefits this particular foundation has with argan oil, shea butter, aloe, vitamin E, squalane, rapeseed, blueberry fruit extract among its other ingredients along with raw pigments for complete healthy coverage really appealed to me.  

Monday, January 30, 2017

Rimmel Oh My Gloss! Oil Tint Line Review–New Drugstore Beauty Find!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Rimmel Oh My Gloss! Oil Tint Line.jpeg
Going from left to right is 200 Master Pink, 500 Pop Poppy, 300 Modern Pink, 400 Contemporary Coral, 100 Smart Pink and ending with 600 Orange Mode on the right.


Lip gloss lovers will delight to learn that Rimmel has expanded their Oh My Gloss! line to form another offshoot of those wonderful lip products with their new six shades of the Oh My Gloss! Oil Tints.  PR graciously sent along the line so that I could share my thoughts with all of you.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Beauty Box 5 January 2017 Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Beauty Box 5 January 2017.jpeg
The Beauty Box 5 theme for January 2017 is Red Carpet Ready. 


If you’re like me and love to experiment with all sorts of new beauty products, then a beauty subscription is what you need.  One that I really enjoy is Beauty Box 5 that sends five full and sample sizes each month from makeup, skin and hair care products, nail polish, tools, etc. for $12.00 per month with free United States shipping. 

Each assortment always is centered around a theme, making a dive into each box even more fun like the one for this month with Red Carpet Ready beauty products. 

Now that I may have gotten you curious about the contents of this month’s box, let me show you what awaited me once I opened that little green box.


Beauty Box 5 January 2017

1.  So Susan Light Diffuser–Full Size---------------------------------------------------$18.00

2.  Pur-Lisse Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Cleansing Milk (1 oz. Sample)---------------------$7.20

3.  Novex Bamboo Sprout Leave-In Conditioner (3.88 oz. Sample)---------------$3.70

4.  Maskeraide Spotted Anti-Blemish Clear Spot Patches (Sample)---------------$3.50

5.  Nanacoco Classic Collection Nail Polish (Full Size)--------------------------------$3.95


                                      Total Approximate Value:  $36.35!


The So Susan Light Diffuser is a new brand to me.  This is a small compact with a deep bronzer shade and champagne illuminator.  This product isn’t heavily pigmented so you do need to keep swiping until you get enough color to show up.

Pur-Lisse Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Cleansing Milk uses white tea and soy milk.  This is a water rinsing cleanser that treats even dry skin like mine delicately.

Novex Bamboo Sprout Leave-In Conditioner couldn’t arrive at a better time than what winter weather puts my hair through.  It helps with the shine and provided a softer feel to my suffering hair.

Maskeraide Spotted Anti-Blemish Clear Spot Patches is a sheet that has 12 clear patches with blemish-fighting ingredients of salicylic acid, volcanic ash and tea tree oil.  I really don’t break up much so this product is going to my neighbor’s teen daughter that could use this more. 

The Nanacoco Nail Polish that I got was in a creamy shade called Best of My Love.  This is a gray-blue color with some violet that is quite lovely.  I didn’t try it out yet, but I will soon.

I thought January 2017 was a very decent beauty month.  If you feel the same way, then check Beauty Box 5 out because you’ll love this beauty subscription, too!

*****Beauty Box 5 is no longer in business.*****

Saturday, January 28, 2017

How to Make Your Own Instant Plant Fertilizer Out of What You’re About to Throw Away!

amaryllis plants.jpeg
Your house plants will love this  DIY home fertilizer!


You probably are aware of the value of saving your old eggshells and crushing them up for your garden plants.  However, there is another way to speed up the fertilizer effect for your indoor plants using those discarded eggshells by making a home solution.

What I like to do after making a batch of eggs is soaking the shells in a covered container for at least a day or two.  Once the solution has time to set, pulling the nutrients from the shells, the fertilizer solution is ready.

All that is left to do is to scoop out the old eggshells and then feed the houseplants.

Saving those eggshells and treating your own indoor plants with this home solution at least once a week will help them thrive.  Try it yourself and see!

Friday, January 27, 2017

Jergens Crema Deep-Conditioning Shea Butter Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Crema Deep-Conditioning Shea Butter.jpeg
This  cream has a fluffy texture, great scent and lubricates rough areas nicely.


My skin gets exceptionally dry, especially during winter.  Therefore, I was quite interested in seeing how Jergens Crema Deep-Conditioning Shea Butter would handle my most difficult rough spots like elbows, heels, and the ultimate test of red, chapped hands.

The star ingredients are Shea butter for moisturization and softening and oatmeal for calming irritated skin.  It also has mango seed and cocoa seed butters in its formula for lubrication.

This is a delectable white cream that smells wonderfully of nuts.  It has a light texture that absorbs fairly quickly without feeling greasy.

What I noticed was it how soothed the dryness and didn’t need reapplied all that often to smooth my elbows or heal irritated hands.  I really liked the feel and the way this stuff worked to keep me smooth and soft, despite the ill effects of winter weather.

If dry winter skin is more of a problem for you now, then check Jergens Crema Deep-Conditioning Shea Butter out because it does work and is reasonably priced.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

How to Get More Winter Beauty Advantages From Your Bronzer Without Overdoing It!


woman brushing on bronzer.jpeg
You won't have to run out and buy a new bronzer just tweaking your application makes a difference.


The winter season has most of us spending a majority of time indoors.  As a result, our complexions become paler and more washed out.  Your first thought may be to pile on the bronzer.  However, you suddenly notice what worked so well only a few  months ago looks overly done from all that color.  Yet, you don’t need to run out and necessarily buy a new bronzer.  Instead, you just may want to think about getting a new brush!

If you’re noticing that the brush that you were using is depositing too much color, then you want to switch to a brush that has fewer hairs.  A less dense brush like a fan-shaped brush has a limited number of strategically positioned hairs that are spread out so the likelihood of picking up too much powder is eliminated.

You might also want to try double-dipping using your powder brush first in your loose transparent face powder before swiping it over your bronzer.  Afterwards, blend, blend, blend until you get the color dispersed properly and the amount you need.

One last thing that you can try to tone down the harsher summer color of that bronzer is by scraping a bit of the bronzing powder off from your compact and mixing with a little of a moisturizer in the palm of your hand. This trick sheers down the color enough to keep it natural looking and more appropriate for your winter face.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Some Useful Makeup Tips to Make You Look More Rested Instead of Robbed of Sleep!


pretty blonde peering over her sweater.jpeg
This beauty doesn't need to hide now that she knows how to do her makeup for a sleepless night.


We all have occasional sleepless nights.  Regardless of the reason that had us staring at the ceiling or mindlessly thinking, the next morning our drained faces pay the price with deep circles and overall exhaustion.  We can’t always have the luxury of crawling back in bed so here are some makeup tips that can help revive a tired face.

Once you manage to dare a look in your mirror, you might notice that your complexion is extra dull that morning.  After you wake the skin up by washing and rinsing, you might want to gently exfoliate with a product that contains alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid.  An exfoliating peel pad makes the task simple, but you have other options that you may prefer at your disposal.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

How to Survive Winter Without Adding on the Pounds!


scale and measuring tape.jpeg
Keeping your scale close to where you eat  in the kitchen helps your thinking about what goes into your mouth.dd caption


I don’t know about you, but winter is always the time of year when those pounds can creep up.  Overeating or indulging in higher calorie dishes and treats during the holidays doesn’t help to start this fattening cycle. Later, you tell yourself that you simply need to eat more to keep warm–-at least this has always been my excuse.  Nonetheless, with the dieting strategies that I’m about to share, you’ll be better equipped to keep your eating more in control.

Monday, January 23, 2017

How to Give Your Feet a Better Pedicure at Home!



woman's feet with red nail polish.jpeg
Make it a habit to keep feet healthy by sanitizing all metal nail tools after every use for beautiful toe nails.



Many of us spend more time concentrating on our manicures than pedicures because our hands are always on display.  Yet, our feet deserve the same tender loving care to keep them comfortable as well as beautiful. Therefore, you might want to know some pedicure tips for the best way to go about it.

Before you begin, I find it is always a good idea to remove old nail polish first. Next, soak your feet in some warm, soapy water for at least 10 minutes or so.  Feel free to add some soothing Epsom Salt for extra help with tired, sore feet.  Soaking helps make hard nails easier to clip.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

A Simple Contouring Trick That Works Miracles to Correct a Double Chin and Other Woes of an Aging Face!

loose powder, brush and mirror.jpeg
You can give your aging face a mini lift using the right cosmetic.



As you know, you can do a lot with makeup to change the dimensions of your face.  Contouring products can help when strategically placed.  However, you might want to try a matte bronzing powder to downplay problems with saggy cheeks, neck or jowls.

To make this gentler contouring work, you don’t want that matte bronzer to be overly orange in color but more golden brown or pink brown.

What you do is lightly brush some of bronzer under your cheekbones, chin, and along the jawline.  Be sure to blend carefully in the process.  

Next, dust just a little loose transparent powder over top of your work or just buff with a clean powder brush to artfully blend and tone any excess down. 

When you’re finished, your chin and cheeks will seem to have more lift!

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Recipe: My Spanish Bar Cake Is Wonderful When You Want Something Easy and Delicious!

piece of Spanish Bar Cake.jpeg
My recipe is easy, tasty, and a moist great keeping fruit and spice cake!



When you want an explosion of flavors in one deeply satisfying cake, then you need to try my Spanish Bar Cake.  This rich, spice moist cake  is loaded with plumped raisins before being finished with your favorite creamy white icing.

Just like my other recipes, this is another easy cake to bake.  Basically, you just measure, boil, sift, and stir the ingredients before depositing in your cake pan and baking.  In fact, you don’t even need to take out your electric mixer.  Instead, you can just stir with your wooden spoon, if you care to.

Friday, January 20, 2017

How to Get Better Results From Your Skin Care Moisturizers and Treatments!



moisturizer with pump.jpeg
Know how to get the most benefits from skin care products that you buy can make a difference to your complexion.


If you want to keep your complexion thriving, then you have a better chance by saving your day creams and anti-aging moisturizers that have less active ingredients and SPF protection for daytime use.  Basically, these are lighter duty products that help keep the skin comfortable and safe from the harmful effects of the sun.

However, nights are a different matter.  You can get the most complexion benefits from your night creams and eye serums when the body is at sleep.  The skin warms and helps activate the more powerful active ingredients that also renew cells.


Thursday, January 19, 2017

Jergens Oil-Infused Monoi Moisturizer Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Oil-Infused Monoi Moisturizer.jpeg
Reasonably priced, Jergens Oil-Infused Monoi Moisturizer also has such a beautiful scent.


My skin tends to be on the dry side.  The problem is worse during cold weather.  Therefore, I was glad to try one of Jergens Oil-Infused Moisturizers in the Monoi scent when it arrived for this review.

As soon as you open the cap, you are greeted to a lovely gardenia fragrance.  Yet, once you squeeze some of this creamy white lotion out and lavish your skin with it, it is fast absorbing on contact without leaving any greasy residue behind.

This product nicely hydrates whether you use it like a hand lotion or to lubricate while your body is still wet after bathing.  It left my skin silky and lightly perfumed with that enticing floral scent due to the monoi oil.

I thought it was wonderful and want to try the other Coconut scent soon.  You can find this Jergens Oil-Infused Monoi Moisturizer at your local Target store.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Why Older Complexions Need to Be Careful of Matte or Heavy, Dry Foundations!



older woman wearing hat.jpeg
This beauty doesn't need to hide because she is foundation savvy.

If your complexion is aging, then you probably have noticed how some foundations tend to gather in lines and wrinkles more than your younger days.  Therefore, you need to think seriously about your foundation formula to avoid this problem.

Instead of turning to matte and heavy, dry foundation formulations, you would be doing your face a kindness by lightening up with a dewier or more moisturizing formula that won’t accumulate in those lines and wrinkles.  

You want that foundation formula also to benefit your complexion by casting more light over the skin to help it glow with light-reflecting particles, which tends to make it appear younger.   On the other hand, a matte or heavy, dry foundation will only sit flatly on your face like a mask to announce your age to the world.  

Less can do more and work to your advantage when you have lines and wrinkles that you want to play down.  Another great option for an aging complexion is turning to BB creams or tinted moisturizers.  These can give you great coverage, protection, and skin care all in one step.

You might be surprised at the beautiful difference once you have the right foundation formula working for you–-instead of against.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Fuego Box January 2017 Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Fuego Box January 2017.jpeg
If you want to fire up taste, a hot sauce subscription can help.


For some reason, I can never tire of my hot and spicy food obsession.  This is why I am so drawn to hot sauces for firing up flavor.  With my Fuego Box, the hot sauce subscription, I am always discovering new ways to excite my taste buds.

The best part of Fuego Box is how special these small-batch, artisan sauces are that arrive.  For $29.95 per quarter with free shipping, you can expect three of the most unique hot sauces you can possibly imagine along with a card with the ideal ways to enjoy each.  If you prefer buying one box at time, you can also do that for $12.95 with a $5.00 shipping charge. 

Monday, January 16, 2017

Mally Beauty 4K Ultra HD Fantasy Foundation (Fair, Light) Review–For the Complexion You Always Wanted!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**



4K Ultra HD Fantasy Foundations.jpeg
This powder foundation puts a natural soft focus on the complexion.

A powder foundation is perfect for someone that hates the feel of liquid foundation.  Another strong point is the convenience of grabbing your flat top brush and swirling the powder for a fast application when you’re rushed.

The 4K Ultra HD Fantasy Foundation from Mally Beauty has a fantastic silky texture from a blend of aloe leaf extract and coconut oil among the ingredients in this superfine powder. 

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Here Is Some Unexpected Relief for Dry Eyes

blue eye.jpeg
Diet  plays a part in the health of our eyes.

Anyone with dry eyes knows how uncomfortable this condition can be.  The only recourse seems to be adding artificial tears.  However, there is something else that you may also want to try if you suffer.  

You may want to start adding more vitamin A to your diet.  The best sources are sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squashes, dark leafy green, bell peppers, fish, liver, tropical fruits, dried apricots, pumpkin, and cantaloupes.  You can also get more of this vitamin from eggs, plain yogurt, tomato juice, skim milk, and foods like ricotta cheese.

According to some studies, supplementing with high doses when supervised by your physician can bring relief.  Nonetheless, avoid self-medicating because Vitamin A can be toxic and accumulate in your system. It also can interfere with your current medications such as any cholesterol lowering drugs.  

Therefore, start incorporating more Vitamin A rich foods into your life and do ask your doctor about what amount of this vitamin is safe for you at your next visit.  

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Recipe: My Cheesy Sour Cream Potatoes Make a Great Side or Light Main Dish!

Cheesy Sour Cream Potatoes.jpeg
This dish gives potatoes a delightful twist  with its special custard and cheese influence.


With all the ways that you can serve potatoes, they are on the menu more often than not at my house. Today’s recipe is a far cry from your standard scalloped potatoes.  My Cheesy Sour Cream Potatoes use fried onions, sour cream, eggs, butter, and cheddar cheese for a custard-like base that brings something extra and filling to that equation.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Some Simple Skin Care Tips That Can Help Turn Your Complexion Around!

woman with beautiful complexion.jpeg
This beauty takes her skin care seriously and it shows!


I have been asked what my secret is for beautiful skin.  If you’re hoping to improve the look of your complexion, then let me share some essential skin care tips that definitely can help you as much as it does for me.

To begin with, there is no magical one beauty cream that can change what heredity has dealt you as far as your complexion is concerned.  Use a formula of a moisturizer or anti-aging cream geared to your complexion type to nourish it properly.  Make sure that your skin care has active ingredients like retinol and moisturizing hyaluronic acid for helping stimulate collagen and cell turnover for younger skin.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Rimmel BB Cream Radiance (Light) Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Rimmel BB Cream Radiance.jpeg
 Rimmel BB Cream Radiance delivers more of a natural fresh finish.


What I like about BB creams is that they do what normal foundations do for coverage, only with added skin care benefits of smoothing, toning, moisturizing and evening out the complexion all in one product.  I had never tried Rimmel’s BB Creams yet so I thought to start with their BB Cream Radiance.

Two shades are available from Light to Medium, but I thought Light would be the best option for my fair to light complexion.  The shade was a good choice because it matched my warm tone without being too yellow or pink, but more neutral.

Unlike some other BB creams that I had tried in the past, this one from Rimmel had a thicker than thinner consistency.  The texture felt light on the skin.  The coverage I got was light and natural looking, but you can layer if needed for extra concealing.

When I initially applied the BB Cream Radiance in the morning it did smooth and give my dry complexion a slightly dewy finish without looking obvious like I was wearing a foundation for the hours I wore it.  I don’t know how this formula will work for someone with an oily complexion, but for me it did what I needed to perfect the look of my skin.

I liked this Rimmel BB Cream Radiance for what it did for me, but if you prefer more of a matte finish there is another Rimmel BB Cream Matte and their Original BB Cream, which I haven’t tried yet.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Burt’s Bees Natural Healthy Lip Color Glosses, Shimmers and Shine Products for Beautiful Winter Lip Care--Review!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Burt’s Bees Natural Healthy Lip Color Glosses.jpeg
From left to right is Sweet Sunset, Starry Night, Summer Twilight, Rosy Dawn, and ending with Ocean Sunrise on the right.


Thinking of all the lip products that we digest with countless chemicals that could eventually build up in our system is a concern for many of us.  If you’re like me, then you would like to see more regulation in our makeup and might be turning more to natural products like Burt’s Bees Natural Healthy Lip Color Glosses, Shimmers and Shine products for beautiful lips such as the assortment PR recently sent along.  

The Natural Healthy Lip Color Glosses ($9) are in a range of 12 shades from neutrals, pinks to red and plum tones that come in a tube with a doe-foot applicator.   Unlike some other glosses, these are rich in natural lubricants such as sunflower oil, essential fatty acid, linoleic acid and palmitic and stearic acids to benefit and relieve dryness.  

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Mally Beauty Muted Muse Eyeshadow Palette Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Muted Muse Eyeshadow Palette.jpeg
Muted Muse Palette is well thought out with two larger size shades of color that you use the most!


If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette of polished neutrals, then let me tell you about one that I have been obsessed with lately from Mally Beauty with their new Muted Muse palette.  This great set has eight warm and cool tones from shimmer to matte shades that you’ll be smitten with because of how easy it is to wear every day.

The exciting part about this palette is the inclusion of two larger shades that you use most with a gleaming champagne highlight (Awakening) and easy to wear contour orange-toned brown color (Artistry).  Both compliment and work well with the six other shades that include Daydream (a pale pink shimmer), Insight (deep brown), Illumination (burnt orange), Inspire (a cool medium brown shimmer), Euphoria (matte plum), and Fancy (a plum-brown shimmer).

The shades have excellent pigmentation and the silky texture of the powder was wonderful for blending. You have so many options with this particular set that can keep your look fresh.

I really liked the shade selection and the thought behind adding two larger pans of the highlight and contour color to get even more use out of it.  Mally Beauty’s Muted Muse Eyeshadow Palette retails for ($29).  My advice is when you are in the market for new great palette of eyeshadow check this one out!

Monday, January 9, 2017

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Nude Collection Lipsticks (43,44, 46, 47) Review + Swatches!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Nude Collection 4 Lipsticks.jpeg
Starting on the left is #43, #44, #46, and ending with #47 on the right.




A must for any woman’s lipstick wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a selection of nude shades like Rimmel’s Lasting Finish by Kate Nude Collection.  This is a line of 10 neutral shades that can effortlessly compliment any outfit or coloring like #43, #44, #46, and #47.

These possess a creamy texture and do wear well for hours.  Though the manufacturer would like you to believe these lipsticks will last for eight hours without need to reapply, I had to reapply after eating or drinking.  


swatches of four Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Nude Collection Lipsticks.jpeg
On the left  is #47, #46, #44 and ending with #43 on the right.


As to the four shades that I am currently sampling #43 is more of a peach-nude, #44 a pink-nude, #46 deeper peach-nude, and #47 reddish-peach nude, which is my favorite of the group.

If you’re looking for the perfect nude lipstick color, then you are bound to find at least one or more of the 10 shades in Rimmel’s Lasting Finish by Kate Nude Collection ideal for your needs.  Do check this line out at your drugstore or wherever you buy Rimmel products the next time you shop.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Keeping Track of all the Passwords is Getting to be Overwhelming!

*Disclaimer:  This post was not  compensated by Dashlane in any way.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


hacker.jpeg
You need to be one step ahead of all those waiting to get into your computer.

If you’re like me, you have a lot of passwords and you need to keep changing them to stay one step ahead of the crooks.

I found one nice program recently called Dashlane and it’s free!  It got good reviews and will store the passwords so you don’t have to remember them.  You create a “master password” and you better save that one somewhere because Dashlane doesn’t save it.  Then when you go to a site that needs a password Dashlane can fill it in.

This is a cool program.  I’ve used smart cards that hold the passwords but sometime the physical readers start to break down with use.  

This program stores everything you need making it easy managing dozens of passwords and even has a secure digital wallet.

You have to try and stay one step ahead of the hacker.  Complex passwords are great if you can remember them.  Dashlane remembers it for you!

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Recipe: Vinegar Bread a Step Up From Regular White Bread!



Vinegar Bread loaf.jpeg
This is a delicious white yeast bread that keeps well.


This is a really nice white bread with the addition of vinegar that produces a delicious old world flavor.  This bread stays fresh, but it won’t last long because your family will devour it!

Friday, January 6, 2017

An Easy Hair Care Trick That Will Save You Blowout Time!

two long-haired smiling women.jpeg
These beauties are excited that they found a better way to cut down drying time.


Since my hair is quite thick, it takes extra time to dry it.  However, there is a way to speed up how long you need to blow dry it that I always used to rely on before I had so many layers cut into my hair that I thought you might want to try.  This hair tip works the best for when your hair is longer and all one length, but it is a wonderful way to finish up drying faster.

All you need to do is apply some leave-in hair conditioner after you shampoo and tightly secure your hair into a ponytail.  Make sure the hair is forced back enough to hug your head.  This tightness is what will gives you the smoothness at the top when you later release it when still damp from air-drying in the ponytail to finish last-minute blow drying. 

I hope you try this hair care tip because it does come in handy when you’re rushed for time.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Recipe: Try My Pizzelles for a Special Treat!

pizzelle cones.jpeg
You can also make your own ice cream cones when you make your  own pizzelles!


Delicately flavored to perfection with amaretto and anise extract, you will love this recipe for my pizzelles. The dough is thicker than you would expect and this is so much less expensive than buying them.  My pizzelle iron paid for itself many times!

Pizzelles are  versatile cookies that you can even form into yummy ice cream cones, use for luxurious ice cream sandwiches, or enjoy plain. 

To make ice cream cones, take a warm, freshly made pizzelle and wrap each soft cookie around your cone form.   You can find cone forms where you buy baking supplies.

I do hope that you try my pizzelle recipe sometime because it really is very good!

My Pizzelles

12 eggs (separated)
2 cups butter that has been melted and is cool
2 cups sugar
5 teaspoons of baking powder, leveled
4 to 5 cups of flour
3 tablespoons of amaretto or brandy
1 teaspoon of anise extract 

Beat the egg whites until you see stiff peaks.

Take the other ingredients and beat those in another bowl which then is folded into those egg whites.  Place this into your refrigerator and the next day you can make pizzelles!

ENJOY!


Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Rain Gutters to Replace or Not to Replace That Was the Question


roof line with gutters.jpeg
Sometimes, the gutter problem is not always what you think.


This summer we had a problem that I noticed with our gutters.  Rain was literally pouring over the top of them.  You would think there was a problem with leaves clogging the gutters. But before you replace your gutters check them out! 

What we found was the old gutters were not as bad as we thought once we replaced them.  The real problem was in the ground and not on our roof. What we found when we pulled one of the downspouts to investigate this mystery was it was loaded  with dirt that the water couldn’t flow through.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Recipe: Blast Winter’s Cold With My Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix!


hot chocolate mix.jpeg
Warm up with a mug of my delicious hot cocoa!


Are you like me and can’t get enough chocolate?  Who doesn’t love hot cocoa on a cold winter day or night? With winter here there is nothing better for my chocolate fix than a steaming mug of hot cocoa made with my homemade hot cocoa mix.  

You can try it as is or you can scale it up to make an even larger batch.  This makes a great homemade gift too! 

My Homemade Cocoa Mix

5 cups powdered milk 
3 cups of powdered sugar 
1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder 
1 cup of a powdered coffee creamer 
4 teaspoons of cornstarch 
1/4 teaspoon of salt 

You can mix these dry ingredients in your food process or just mix this in a big bowl. Once you have it mixed, find a nice, sealable container to store it in. 

I put 1/3 cup of this mix into a coffee mug and add boiling water to fill the cup. Stir it and you've made and easy replacement for all those costly packets. 

Be creative with extra toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows. 

ENJOY!


Monday, January 2, 2017

Winter is Here But Spring is Right Around the Corner--Garden Planning Starts Now!

flowers growing.jpeg
Chase away your winter blahs with thoughts of spring.



Winter is here and you’re probably looking back at some missed resolutions from 2016, but now is when we need to plan ahead.  Spring is right around the corner.  My favorite time of the year is when we emerge from the dark cold winter season and things are starting to pop up from the soil.  Birds are singing and the colors of flowers replace the fields of white snow in our yards.

Yet, to really have a nice garden you have to think ahead and order your seeds and plants now.  Of course, you could always just go to the garden center in the spring and shop.  They will have a nice selection of flowers and vegetable plants in plastic containers for you to buy.