Pinch Me

Review Update: I’ve since purchased a few other lids from Charles Vianin and sadly some have not passed the “pinch test”. (meaning it contains harmful fillers) 😦

February 2013 review: A good thing for your home and family! Easier to use than clingy plastic and cheaper over time, this lid is a “green” way to store, reheat, and present your food. It has great suction and seals tight to the top of my glass and stainless bowls. I have the 10″ lid and it works perfectly on several different size bowls. The hibiscus flower look is nature inspired and contemporary. In addition to reheating, storing and serving, I like to use of the lid while entertaining outdoors as an attractive way to cover food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review from February 2013 https://notesfromdawn.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/the-hibiscus-lid/

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Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal

 

NATURALLY AWARE

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal brings intellectual awareness to health conscious consumers, helping you to make the correct deodorant choice. Many customers and doctors alike searching for in-depth knowledge for an all-natural, healthy alternative to conventional deodorants need to look no further. All the information below should help you decide which deodorant is right for you, and hopefully turn you into a Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal lover for life!

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal products are 100% pure and natural, non-staining, and provide up to 24 hour, hypoallergenic protection against body and foot odor. Our products are also paraben free, propylene glycol free, phthalate free, and contain no harmful aluminums (aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium). They function as natural deodorants, which kill odor-causing bacteria while permitting the pores to excrete toxins naturally. This is vital to maintain healthy, axillary lymph nodes located in the underarm area.

I give two thumbs up, or should I say “two arms up”, for both the Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Roll-On and the Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Spray Mist. They are natural products that really do work to eliminate odor all day. They are free of dangerous ingredients and are cruelty-free products. Priced to match conventional deodorants, they are easily purchased online or in many local stores. Walmart shopper? Yes, Naturally Fresh products are sold there.

I like both of these deodorants equally. The spray is a good choice for traveling when several family members can use the same product.

Is Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal an antiperspirant?

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals are a deodorant, NOT an antiperspirant.  Antiperspirants inhibit the activity of the sweat glands and close the skin’s pores to produce less moisture, and also do not permit toxins to be released.  Our Deodorant Crystal products contain natural mineral salts to prevent odor causing bacteria and function as an astringent to reduce perspiration.  Click here to learn more about the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants.

I recommend Naturaly Fresh Deodorant Crystal products because they are natural AND because they work. They have become my personal favorites.

For more detailed product information, check out the Naturally Fresh website.

I received Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal products to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Ginger Carrot Bread

This flavorful bread is our favorite during Easter;

 it’s a wonderful addition to the Easter brunch menu.

Carrot juice gives it flavor without the extra work.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon REAL vanilla extract 

1 cup carrot juice (Bolthouse 100% carrot juice is my favorite)

1 + 1/2 cups flour

3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons baking powder

dash salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

This bread is quick to make so go ahead and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a loaf pan with oil. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and carrot juice.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking powder, and salt. {If you have some flax seed meal, go ahead and add a tablespoon to the flour mixture. Either way the bread will be delicious, but flax seed is great for you, so why not}

Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, whisking just to combine. Fold in the walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake about 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean Cool on a wire rack. Freezes great. 

Try topping this with cream cheese.

 Or enjoy with the mellow and sweet finish

of a freshly pressed cup of Kona coffee.

Happy Easter

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Healthy Granola Cookies

I’m a big granola fan so I decided to change my Healthy Oatmeal Cookie recipe slightly into Healthy Granola Cookies! 

This recipe is quick and easy. Whole grains and fiber make for a healthy cookie. And now that school has started again, we love to eat these for breakfast before school or as an after school snack.

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) USE HALF THIS AMOUNT

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking) GRANOLA (I make my own but any kind will work – Grind it into crumbs in a food processor)

1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flours and baking powder. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Add flour mixture, and stir to combine; mix in oats GRANOLA and raisins.

Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. I use a tablespoon measuring spoon and place about 1 1/2 inches apart. They don’t spread very much. Bake for 15 minutes.

Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They freeze good if you can get them to the freezer before they are gone!

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Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

This recipe is quick and easy. Whole grains and fiber make for a healthy cookie. And now that school has started again, we love to eat these for breakfast before school or as an after school snack.

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)

1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flours and baking powder. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Add flour mixture, and stir to combine; mix in oats and raisins.

 

 

Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. I use a tablespoon measuring spoon and place about 1 1/2 inches apart. They don’t spread very much. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They freeze good.

 

They go fast!

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Copper Penny Carrots

An easy healthy recipe with garden fresh carrots.

With ingredients typical of American cuisine, this recipe is an easily prepared southern side dish.  It was given to me by a South Carolina restaurant owner several years ago & it has proven to be not only kid friendly but also elegant enough to serve at a more formal table.

1 can (11oz.) tomato soup {I use Campbell’s Healthy Request}

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 white vinegar

1/4 cup water

2 Tbs mustard

dash salt

dash black pepper

1/4 Tbs dry mustard

1 med/large onion, finely chopped {I usually use a yellow onion}

Combine all ingredients.  Do Not Cook.  Marinate 2 hours or overnight.  Add this sauce to one pound of sliced, cooked carrots.

Heat to warm.

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