Sunday, February 27, 2011

One Night Cosmetics Review and Giveaway!--Ends March 17, 2011

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

One-Night-Cosmetics-assortment.jpeg
You can lots of color options  in each palette.


Beauty can sometimes be a chore if you need to lug everything with you from those tubes, jars to compacts that take so much space and weight in your bag.  I hate rummaging through my beauty  stuff and grabbing one jar and tube after the next just trying to stay fresh through the day.  The task is even more complicated when traveling or for a night on the town when you carry the tiniest clutch.  However, I found the perfect solution for taking the hassle out of your beauty routine with One Night Cosmetics

One Night Cosmetics will make you rethink what you carry with you in their amazing line of coordinated cosmetics.  I had the opportunity to review the entire line of their credit card size compacts and was amazed to have everything I needed to look my  best anywhere and any place in such a well-designed weightless collection of gorgeous colors and products.

Each compact comes with two shades of concealer, which provided excellent coverage for concealing even the darkest under eye circles--and two shades of this essential for what  you use most is even better.   You also get beautiful shimmering, not glittery eyeshadow, a cake eyeliner, a white shine control powder, (perfect for any foundation you might wear despite the color), a bronzer, lipstick, and  lip gloss.  In addition, each compact comes with  mini mascara, brow tint, and set of brushes besides two bags! 

The shades in each compact are stunning and work perfectly together.  I loved how vibrant, but neutral the colors were so if I  travel and pack outfits needing specific shades, I would never clash.

My complexion is fair, the lightest beige of any line.  When founder, Rachel Watson, told me any of the compacts would work, I was skeptical.  Then I reviewed all five and was shocked at how I could wear them all without a problem except for the concealers in the tan for under the eyes.  I could use those but for covering up a red spot or pimple in that shade with my coloring.  What I'm saying is you don't have to worry too much about making the wrong selection.  One of my favorites was the medium compact with the shimmering grayish-mauve eye shadow, which is crease-proof!

One Night Cosmetics are quality products as well as safe ones made in America, not China, so you rest assured about the ingredients, which was Rachel Watson's main concern before bringing them to market.  Her dream was to help customers look more beautiful without sacrificing their health or wallets with these handy, all-in-one compacts.

I just wish full size individual products could also be purchased for when you run out of your favorite.  The mascara, however, I love the mini size and the non-clumping formula.  You can reorder a new one for just $3.95 without worrying about spending too much on something that needs thrown out in a short time anyway to protect your eyes.  The same goes for the brow tints.  Speaking of the brow tints, I used the lighter brown tint on my dark brown brows and looked fine with neater brows.

The lipstick and lip gloss won't fade into your lips after a short time like many others currently produced and are so comfortable to wear.  These were superior in feel, wear and had a nice color. 

Trust me, you won't be disappointed in One Night Cosmetics!  I know I love everything about them from perfect color combinations, the convenience, to the peace of mind I get when I applying their safer New York made (not Chinese!) products to my face.  Can you say you feel the same way about the beauty products you carry in your bag?

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Look at the brushes and tools that also come inside.



Thanks to One Night Cosmetics FIVE lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers will each win a compact of their own in the shade of their choice , a $24.95 value.  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada.


Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me so in a comment.

2. Go to One Night Cosmetic's website and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from their site in another comment.


Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--1 extra entry

Tweet One Night Cosmetics Compact #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://tiny.cc/i36bm (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Like One Night Cosmetics on Facebook--1 extra entry to leave in a comment

Follow One Night Cosmetics on Twitter--1 extra entry to leave in a comment

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--1 extra entry (must confirm)

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--1 extra entry (Orange button in my sidebar)

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--2 extra entries (leave 2 separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 1 more extra entry)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.    Do follow the rules because I check entries.


This giveaway ends March 17, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Make Your Own Treated Dust Cloths and Save!

The next time you run out of those expensive packages of pre-treated dusting cloths, you should try making a batch of your own.  For a just little effort and a lot less money, you'll be surprised at how well your homemade cloths will work catching that bothersome dust.


Formula for Treated Dust Cloths

1 tablespoon mild soap powder
1 quart warm water
1 tablespoon ammonia
2 tablespoons boiled linseed oil
flannel rags

Combine all the ingredients to form a solution.  Soak flannel rags inside the solution thoroughly and then wring well.  Hang to dry.  Then store your treated cloths in a plastic covered container.

You can use any rags available but they must be able to absorb the solution.  Ditch any of those polyester combination materials because they won't work the way they should.  However, flannel is a nice, soft and absorbent choice that the solution will penetrate. 

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Essie's Spring 2011 Collection: French Affair (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.**
Essie's Spring 2011 Collection:  French Affair.jpeg
Essie's Spring 2011 Collection:  French Affair 



Spring is the perfect time to usher out the harsh, drab winter and to bloom again with happy retro pastel shades of Essie's Spring Collection 2011: French Affair.  The line of upbeat brights and striking color combinations reflects 1960's French glamour to help bring out the Brigitte Bardot in any woman!

Unlike the sheers of the past, the French Affair collection is a new spin on neutral with opaque coverage in six fun spring shades with all the glamour but without formaldehyde, DBP or toluene!

I was sent three bottles of the collection to review:  French Affair (an innocent pink), Sand Tropez (sun-kissed tan) and Coat Azure (a shimmering Parisian blue).  The only problem I found  was choosing which shade I wanted to wear next. 

The others in the line include Topless & Barefoot (a coquettish peach), Kisses & Bises  (iridescent) and Nice is Nice (a happy spring wisteria).  To see the others for yourself, visit www.essie.com.

All I can say is très chic, Essie!


Friday, February 25, 2011

My Special Occasion Bakery Frosting

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My Special Occasion Bakery Frosting is fluffy, creamy and utterly delectable!



This frosting is fluffy, almost like a whipped cream type. 

1 cup milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup sugar
1 stick of margarine (not spread) or 1/2 cup
1/2 cup virgin coconut oil or shortening
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Measure the cornstarch and stir into your milk until blended.  Then cook on a medium heat until thickened.  Remove from heat and let it cool.

Cream the sugar with the margarine and virgin coconut oil until the sugar crystals are mostly dissolved.  This takes about 15 minutes of creaming. 

Add the warm thickened milk mixture, (not hot) to the sugar and the creamed ingredients a little at a time.  Continue to beat as you go.  Add vanilla and beat in.  Frost on the cooled cake.

ENJOY!


Thursday, February 24, 2011

EliteSkin Anti-Aging Product Review & Giveaway!--Ends March 13, 2011

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


Elite Telomere Cell Cream.jpeg
Elite Telomere Cell Cream

Over time your skin needs help and EliteSkin is the one you need with their clinically proven formulas of skin care and wrinkle treatment products.  I was sent the Elite Telomere Cell Cream "Airless Pump Version" to test for my review and found impressive results after a two-week trial.

EliteSkin using pharmaceutical grade active ingredients like Renovage, Pure Hyaluronic Acid, and Teprenone  to correct signs of aging by promoting the skin's natural protection and repair factors involved in detoxification and anti-stress.   What makes these formulas highly effective are through the telemore maintenance and DNA repair these products work on from within to readjust while rebuilding cell structure against the aging process.

I loved the fact I got rid of a tiny discolored sun spot on my cheek when using their Elite Telomere Cell Cream.  No longer did I have to depend on dabbing on concealer to keep that imperfection hidden.  In addition, I thought my skin looked clearer overall, which pleased me to no end.

EliteSkin has real science behind their complete line of anti-aging products.  They even have a special eye product to diminish dark circles beneath eyes called Elite Eye Serum that would be interesting to test as most women know with this same problem. 

I only tested their Elite Telomere Cell Cream "Airless Pump Version" and noticed a big difference in my complexion.   Yet, can you imagine the results achieved if using their entire regime together?  

 *This is my own, honest opinion.  No money was exchanged for me to express this opinion.  I only received a free product to review.*

Thanks to Skin Pro, makers of EliteSkin, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada will win their own  Elite Telomere Cell Cream  "Airless Pump Version" , a $79 value!


Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me so in a comment.

2. Go to EliteSkin's website and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from their site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--1 extra entry

Tweet EliteSkin Anti-Aging Product #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://tiny.cc/i36bm (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Like Skin Pro on Facebook--1 extra entry and tell me in a comment

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--1 extra entry (must confirm)

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--1 extra entry (Orange button in my sidebar)

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--2 extra entries (leave 2 separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 1 more extra entry)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.    Do follow the rules because I check entries.

This giveaway ends March 13, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Monday, February 21, 2011

Tillen Farms Review and Gift Box Giveaway!--Ends March 12, 2011

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

Tillen Farms Gift Box.jpeg
Tillen Farms Gift Box


Searching for a thoughtful way to show how much you care or to celebrate a special occasion, holiday, housewarming, or whatever, then I have a wonderful suggestion.  Think about a healthy, gift box of delectable premium Tillen Farms pickled, preservative-free vegetables  to make cherished memories last!

Tillen Farms sent me a gift box with six of their products to review.  Honestly, I loved how crispy  and flavorful these pickled vegetables were that were grown in the volcanic soil of the Yakima Valley of Washington State.  The Pickled Crispy Asparagus was incredible, second only to fresh picked but with a hint of zest from a well-thought blend of spices.  I got one Hot & Spicy and one plain Asparagus. Their Pickled Crispy Snap Peas had the pea hater in my family demanding seconds.  I added some of their Pickled Crispy Carrots and their Pickled Crispy Beans (Hot & Spicy) into my macaroni salad and received compliments when I served it alongside roasted chicken as well as separately. 

For dessert, I used some of Tillen Farms Merry Maraschino Cherries on my homemade cheesecake, without worrying about any health threat from red dye #40! Tillen Farms only uses color from vegetable extract which gave me piece of mind. 

The company also make Layer Sweet Bells,  Sunnysides (Tomatoes in oil), and Crisp White Aspargus.

You'll be hooked on Tillen Farms after the first taste for quality and a superior pickled vegetable or cherries!  Seriously, I could eat their veggies every day and still love them.  The company is offering 25% off one order per customer when you put in TILN4S at checkout.  This code is good until 3/31/2011!  

*This is my own, honest opinion.  No money was exchanged for me to express it.  I just received free product to test for this review.*

Thanks for Tillen Farms, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader wins a gift box with six of their pickled vegetables! This giveaway is open to United States and Canadian residents only.


Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me so in a comment.

2. Go to Tillen Farms' website and tell me which product you would love to taste first or anything else you learned from their site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--1 extra entry

Tweet Tillen Farms Gift Box #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://tiny.cc/i36bm (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--1 extra entry (must confirm)

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--1 extra entry (Orange button in my sidebar)

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--2 extra entries (leave 2 separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 1 more extra entry)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.    Do follow the rules because I check entries.

This giveaway ends March 12, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

34 Degrees Crispbread Review and Giveaway!--Ends March 7, 2011

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


34 Degrees Crispbreads.jpeg
34 Degrees Crispbreads
Sometimes, you search for something to snack on with the least calories like a cracker or crispbread.  Too often you feel let down because what usually tastes good is often loaded with fat and calories and what you're able to eat tastes more like flavorless cardboard than anything resembling food!  But I recently discovered the light and  flavorful difference of 34 Degrees when the munchies take over.

I was sent two boxes of 34 Degrees Crispbread in Whole Grain and Cracked Pepper.  These airy packed wafers of deliciousness are perfect for keeping on track with your diet.  Splurge and eat nine of these tasty, no fat crispbreads for a total of only 35 calories!  You can feel guilt free and still top it with some cheese!

The company also makes Natural, Sesame, Rosemary, and Lemon Zest varieties.

Thanks to 34 Degrees one Nuts 4 Stuff reader will win the two boxes of Crispbreads of their own.   This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only.


Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me so in a comment.

2. Go to the website of 34 Degrees and tell me which flavor you would try first and how you would top it in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--1 extra entry

Tweet 34 Degrees Crispbread #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://tiny.cc/i36bm (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Like 34 Degrees Crispbread on Facebook--1 extra entry and tell me so in a comment.

Follow 34 Degrees Crispbread on Twitter--1 extra entry and tell me in a comment.

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--1 extra entry (must confirm)

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--1 extra entry (Orange button in my sidebar)

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--2 extra entries (leave 2 separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 1 more extra entry)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.    Do follow the rules because I check entries.

This giveaway ends March 7, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Add Shine and Body to Your Hair With These Homemade Rinses!

These are a few easy recipes that will work wonders on your hair.  For brunettes with oily hair, you add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water.  Use this as a final rinse after shampooing.  This will help cut some of the oiliness while giving your hair more of a glossy shine.

If you are a blonde with oily hair, you substitute white vinegar to a cup of water.  Use immediately after shampooing as your final rinse.

Tea can give your hair more body.  Brew one tablespoon of rosemary or camomile tea in one cup of water.  Simmer this mixture for one hour.  Strain and then add three tablespoons of bay rum.  Apply the mixture and work into your hair before rinsing out as usual.

Beer adds protein to your hair.  Work some stale beer into your scalp.  Then rinse with cold water.

Gelatin is another that adds protein to your hair.  Mix half a packet of unflavored gelatin to a cup of water.  Be sure to work this mixture thoroughly into your hair before rinsing out.

If you color your hair, I do not know if these rinses will take out your color.  However, I do know these simple rinses work wonders on untouched hair for more beautiful hair!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

By Nieves Natural Handmade Skin Care Products Review and Giveaway!--Ends March 4, 2011

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

By Nieves Natural Handmade Skin Care Products line.jpeg
By Nieves Natural Handmade Skin Care helps keep skin at its healthy best.


Do you want amazing results when you look in the mirror?  Then, I want to tell you about my experience with a few skin care products I recently tested from a San Francisco company called By Nieves.  

What makes By Nieves different are the simple, but effective all natural handmade skin care formulations created by Nieves herself, a genius, if you ask me, with 17 years of work in natural products, including herbal healing and aromatherapy.

Why am I suddenly a big fan?  The answer is because I saw how improved my complexion became almost immediately.  Within two days using the nutrient rich oils, organic ingredients, and essentials oils in her handmade products, I honestly noticed my pores appeared smaller, my skin felt softer than ever while my usual shallow complexion took on a healthier glow, better than any cosmetic sweep of blush.

These seemingly miracle skin product that I'm talking about first is Face Fix, a powdered herb and clay formula to use as a mask or to whisk away dead skin.  I sprinkled some in the palm of my hand and rubbed gently into my damp face until rinsing off.  My skin looked and felt renewed.

I followed up with the bottle of "C" Perfect Skin, which is a blend of precious oils and vitamin C in serum form.  You can't believe how happy my skin appeared as it feasted on this special formula that took Nieves two years to make until it was just right.  I mean everything I'm saying about the magic that comes out of this bottle, which reduces the appearance of aging, sun damage, dark spots and scarring while protecting against sun damage.  I can't say it does all those things in just two days of testing only it does rescue your skin and instantly bring it to new life.

By Nieves also makes three other products I didn't try, but I would seriously love to test. The Balm, a safe all purpose cream to remedy dryness.  Bath Salt is another in her line to rejuvenate and relax in a detoxifying tub of essential oils, sea salt, Epsom salt, and seaweed. Finally, there is Cloud of Protection, a mysterious formula with essential oils to fight airborne bacteria and viruses while claiming to clear negative energy around you.

I'm not exaggerating either about how quickly By Nieves products show results.  Just try some yourself and then reach for your own mirror.  Trust me, you'll love what you see!


Thanks to By Nieves, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader will win a full-size bottle of "C" Perfect Skin and Face Fix ($97 value!).  This giveaway is open to United States residents only.


Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me so in a comment.

2. Go to the By Nieves website and tell me which product you would also would love to try or something you learned in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--1 extra entry

Tweet By Nieves Natural Handmade Skin Care Products #Giveaway@Nuts4Stuff http://tiny.cc/i36bm (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Like By Nieves on Facebook--1 extra entry in another comment

Follow By Nieves on Twitter--1 extra entry in another comment

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--1 extra entry (must confirm)

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--1 extra entry (Orange button in my sidebar)

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--2 extra entries (leave 2 separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 1 more extra entry)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.    Do follow the rules because I check entries.

This giveaway ends March 4, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Nothing Beats My Homemade Pasta Recipe

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Homemade pasta is tastier, healthier and more filling than what you can buy.


I guess I'm spoiled when it comes to homemade pasta over a  boxed package.  You can't beat the taste, texture, how filling it is, and knowing your ingredients are preservative free!  Besides, you'll discover how delicious and easy making your own dough is from scratch because if you want to save lots of money on your grocery bill invest in a pasta machine.

I like the old-fashioned manual pasta machine as you can see from my picture.  Some friends of mine have the electric pasta machines and hate it because it is too slow.  Once you get the hang of my simple recipe, you can make your pasta dough in the food processor and crank out the dough in your pasta machine in about thirty minutes! 

Involve the kids with flouring your dough, cranking, or just moving aside some of the finished noodles can be a wonderful and fun learning experience.

At our house, sometimes my hubby and the kids make the dough and time themselves to see if Dad's team is faster to get dinner on the table on pasta day or Mom's team.  This may sound silly, but cooking together as a family is a lot of fun.  It also makes children feel they accomplished something special with another new skill.

The less work involved, the better I like it.  For this reason, I always make my dough in my food processor.  This really is a great tool in addition to your pasta machine.

Manual pasta machines are fairly cheap.  I think I paid about $50.  I did wear out a few screw parts that attach to the table.  But found replacements, which were untouched in a box with a brand new pasta machine, at the flea market for $5.00!  Some people get them as gifts and never even open the box.  Unfortunately, I bought my machine in the store and only needed the part.  Still, the part was cheaper at $5.00 than going to the hardware store for a replacement, which I checked.

My recipe uses plain flour--not more expensive semolina flour.  Some people insist upon using just semolina, which I'm sure is excellent.  However, I am showing you my cheap version that tastes wonderful to my family.

Usually when I make pasta, I whip up enough dough for soup noodles as well as pasta for dinner.  This saves me time and thoughts of what to prepare for lunch.  

If you don't want to save any for soup noodles, then put some aside to reheat another time in your microwave after you prepare the finished pasta.  You could invent another quick lunch or even dinner around your precooked pasta noodles.  

Either way you work it, you'll love how special homemade pasta is.  Trust me, you'll be nuts about it once you taste the difference.


Homemade Pasta Dough

5 cups flour
2 tablespoons olive oil 
1-1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg

Put everything in your food processor with the dough blade and process until it forms a ball.  Remove and place on a lightly floured surface.  Cut into pieces and flatten.  If the dough sticks, you dab the piece in some flour.  Then you fit that piece through your pasta machine using the thick setting (number 1).  Do this for all the pieces you cut.

After you run the dough through the number 1 setting, you adjust your pasta machine to the thickness of your choice.  My preference is (number 4), which reminds me of a linguini noodle. Keep flouring if you need to.  

Run all the flattened pieces through the thinner setting, then you're ready to remove your crank and fasten on the noodle side.  Crank all the pieces and set aside until you're ready to start boiling up the pasta.  All you need is a wonderful sauce, and presto dinner is ready!

ENJOY!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Flea Market Finds: Need a Great Gadget at a Cool Price?


In an earlier post, I told you about how much fun and money you can save visiting your local flea market, swap meet  or garage sale and promised to share my finds with you from time to time. 
breadslicer.jpeg
You can find many useful things for a fraction of the price.

For me, a treasure does not necessarily have to be a valuable piece of jewelry or some exotic antique.  Though those things are beautiful, indeed,  I search for items I need or want to try  first before spending too much in a store for something I may hate.

Today I thought I would show you the wonderful little gadget I picked up this past summer at a flea market.  Those into baking will probably recognize this plastic gizmo as a bread slicer. 

What I really love about this simple piece of plastic is how uniform your homemade bread slices can be when you insert a loaf and use your electric knife to cut.   You can control how thick or thin to get those slices, which is hard to do when slicing by hand. 

Slicing thin is especially helpful for watching how much of that delicious homemade bread you eat.  After all, homemade bread is so much tastier than that commercial bagged stuff that tastes like sponge.  I guess you can call me spoiled in that respect.

Another marvelous thing about using a bread slicer comes to making big, thick slices for homemade French Toast. 

For $1.00, I think I found a real bargain.  If you ever see one, I highly recommend grabbing it for yourself because it's a fantastic kitchen helper. 


Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review--Good Reason To Switch

Did you try the new Purex Complete Crystals Softener yet?   Recently, I was selected as a Purex Insider and sent a sample to review.  Here is why this product is ahead of its competition.

Unlike traditional liquid softeners, Purex Complete Crystals is added to your washing machine with your clothes before starting a load.  You'll save time instead of that extra step it took to add liquid softener to the final rinse. 

Gain security knowing Purex Complete Crystals Softener is 92% natural and able to infuse fabric and fibers with freshness for longer periods of time unlike the competition, which is oil-based.  More important, oil-based softeners cause reduced absorbency of items like towels, yellow clothes in time, and even make children's tested sleepwear flammable from the slick coating!




*This is my honest opinion on the product.  No money was exchanged.  I only received a free sample from Purex from the Purex Insider program.* 

Monday, February 14, 2011

How to Prolong the Beauty Of Roses This Valentine's Day

Those beautiful, long-stemmed roses your special guy just gave you for Valentine's Day will last a lot longer if you make sure to clip the ends at a slant before putting in water.   

Remember to add an aspirin into that water as well to make those roses last longer. 

Change your water often.  Also, you should keep those stems clipped.

Another helpful way to preserve fresh flowers is to mix one quart of clean warm water, one tablespoon of bleach and one-fourth cup of lemon-lime soda.

However, if those long-stems have finally grown too short, you might try using a straw to insert the short stem in for maximum enjoyment!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Want Some Cheap DIY Fixes With Cornstarch?

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Cornstarch can come to your rescue for quite a few issues.



You don't have to look very far but in your own kitchen to find some excellent products to help solve many household and beauty problems.  Cornstarch is one item you may think differently of after you read this post.

For starters, cornstarch makes a wonderful non-abrasive cleaner for tackling grease off of a wall.  Add some on a damp cloth and rub the spot to remove the mark until gone.

If you have floor boards that squeak, you sprinkle some cornstarch between them to stop that annoying sound.

You reach for your rubber gloves and hate the hassle you get from trying to pull them off because they stick.  Instead, you should sprinkle inside those gloves with cornstarch to correct that problem.

One of my favorite uses for cornstarch is for untangling knots in delicate chains on jewelry.  Rub some cornstarch on the knot and magically that stuck chain will come free!  This trick also works on knotted shoelaces and string.

Do you have feet that sweat a lot?  You can save on buying medicated foot powder if you just grab that box of cornstarch.  Shake some cornstarch into your socks each day to absorb excess moisture.  This helpful tip will keep those feet smelling fresher and prevent blisters!

Cornstarch is also a safe and natural dusting powder for your baby.  Using cornstarch will prevent that diaper rash problem without harming delicate baby skin from those unnecessary chemicals of commercial brands!

So be sure to keep more than one box of cornstarch on hand for multiple uses!  Cornstarch can get you out of a lot of sticky situations cheaply--that's why I'm nuts about it!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Try a Healthier Baked Treat--My Favorite Oatmeal Scones Recipe!

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Heart healthy oatmeal scones

Do you crave sweets most days but hate all those extra calories?  Then you just might like something in between a bread and a cookie like my oatmeal scones.  This recipe has everything I'm nuts over.  It's easy to whip up, a healthier alternative to other more fattening cookies or cakes, keeps well, and most of all--satisfies the sweet tooth when that craving for a goodie takes over!


My Favorite Oatmeal Scones!


2 cups old-fashioned oats
2-1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg  or 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg



Heat your oven to 400-degrees.  Mix everything with an electric mixer and then you can drop batter by the tablespoon or with a small ice cream scoop onto your greased baking sheet.  If you want more uniform shapes like I've shown, I pat my hands with a little flour so not to stick and roll into a small ball in the palm of my hand.   You can get 12 big scones.  Bake approximately 15 minutes or until lightly browned.


Friday, February 11, 2011

Keep Romance Alive--Start on Valentine's Day!

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There are countless ways to show your love to keep romance burning.



Sometimes, we get too involved with work, chores, kids, and a million other things that crossover and distract us.  However, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show your partner some true appreciation. 

Leave little love notes around the house where your husband will be sure to find them.  Try slipping one under his pillow or in the pocket of his coat jacket.  Tell him you miss him and can't wait to see him later.

Be sure to get up first before the family.  Get dressed and groomed because taking care of being a woman is just as important as a being a mommy!  Husbands notice when you're doing your best to always look attractive for them. 

Despite the kids arguing over the television or something else, it always pays to never let a  husband leave the house without you walking him to the door.  Always send him off with a kiss--not a criticism.  This ritual is important and just another small way to show him you care.

As silly as you may think, husbands will remember to call you from the office just to hear your voice, if possible.  Appreciating your partner will be returned. 

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to start.  You don't have to go overboard on fancy expensive gifts.  However, a small box of chocolates or his favorite meal can mean the difference in your relationship.  

Remember, keeping romance burning takes work.  To be sure, your efforts won't go unnoticed.  The passion brewing between you and your partner can only get stronger!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Three Simple Techniques to Handle Stress!

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This beauty is trying to manage her stress.


All people have stress to one degree or another.  But it's the way you deal with it that complicates your life.  Yet, there are some people that know how to manage stress better than others because they rely on three helpful techniques.

For starters, write everything down that is troubling you and concentrate on the one thing that bothers you the most.  Concentrate on changing that problem first.  Working on one problem at a time instead of losing your focus will enable you to channel your negative energy more productively.  After all, taking one baby step toward correcting your problem is better than sinking down into those awful problems pulling you down.

Another way to help yourself is to do something you know will take your mind off that consuming problem even for a little while.  Go out for a walk, visit friends, play with your kids, pet, or read a book so you can relax and give your mind a needed break. 

Last of all, make a list of tasks in order of importance.  If you have a plan and follow through, you'll feel less rushed and overwhelmed.  The more you finish, the more you'll feel those stress levels go down. 

But remember, you don't have to be perfect.  Allow yourself to let go and relax.  After all, life is a roller coaster of highs and lows.  Just settle in your seat and enjoy the ride!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Stride Everyday Panty 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.**

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Stride Everyday panty choices
Stride Everyday now gives women that extra bit of protection in their revolutionary Stride Femme panties with their OQUOS designed wick lining.  Rest assured, this line is far from being matronly!  With five pleasing styles from Seamless, French Cut Brief, Mid Rise Brief, Sport Bikini, to sexy Lacy Thong, you can feel confident as well as gorgeous in any pair you choose.

I picked the Mid Rise Brief to test because it was mostly cotton and a little spandex, which I think are most comfortable.  This panty fit perfectly and no panty lines showed beneath my slacks.  I don't have a problem, but any woman would like this unbulky panty and the clean  way you feel throughout the day.

Founder and President, Wendy Spencer understood the problem after the birth of a her child when she experienced "oops" moments.  Being a marathon runner, she was desperate to find a better solution and soon discovered what was necessary to make this innovative panty. Now women can feel dry and deodorized all day without worrying if they laugh, sneeze, cough, cry or run to cause them any leakage problems.

The company is offering Nuts 4 Stuff readers a discount of 30% on orders over $35 on their website until February 28,2011.  Just use promo code STRIDE818 at checkout.


Monday, February 7, 2011

Nuzzle Perfume 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.**


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Nuzzle Perfume
If you are searching for a new fragrance to set you apart from the crowd, then you need to experience Nuzzle.  I was sent a bottle to review and immediately I was impressed.  This scent is subtly seductive with lush fruity plum, black currant, sweet pineapple, and highlighted with touches of juicy orange and lime.  

At the same time, this fragrance is wildly exhilarating and a happy rush to the senses.  The particular scent originally designed to express the strength, passion, dedication of equine enthusiasts captured something special in a bottle with Nuzzle.  Honestly, I love wearing this perfume because it makes me feel free, like I'm the elite thoroughbred racing toward a goal or someone where anything is possible because I'm special--a winner!

The company also sent me a tube of their Nuzzle Sheer Juicy Lip Gloss in Apple-Luscious.  This stuff tastes delicious upon application while thoroughly moisturizing your lips in a sheer wash of healthy pink.

You can buy Nuzzle in a 1.7 fl. oz. eau de parfum or even a cute Nuzzlette, a 2.0ml for $5.00, or a 5ml roll on such as I was also sent for only $7.00!  Gift sets are also available on their website.

What else I thought was wonderful about the company  was how every purchase of their products helps support Habitat for Horses. 

Take it from me, you won't be disappointed if you're searching for a new perfume.  Nuzzle is ultra feminine, elegant, and full of passion in a bottle!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Did You Know What Else You Can Use Petroleum Jelly for?

Petroleum jelly is one of the cheapest products you can use to handle a lot of tasks.  In a previous post, I told you what a wonderful leather conditioner it is for handbags and shoes. 

However, it can also be used as a hairball solution on your cat.  Take a dab and apply it to your kitty's paw and let the cat lick it off.  This is less expensive than the commercial hairball preparation you buy and works just as effectively.  My own long-haired cat used to get this petroleum jelly treatment once a month without any ill effects. 

Another way to use petroleum jelly for your cat or dog is to put some on their dry, cracked paw pads to soothe their discomfort.  Be careful when walking your dog outside in the winter.  The poor animals can get salt wedged in their paws and sores can form also if you don't remember to wipe their paw pads. 

Petroleum jelly is also great to wipe away water marks.  Just apply a dab and let it sit undisturbed on the mark for 24 hours before wiping away and applying furniture polish.

If you have an outdoor lightbulb  and don't want to ever get it stuck, you need to apply some petroleum jelly around the threads of the bulb before screwing it into the socket.  This is helpful if you ever found yourself unable to wedge an outdoor bulb out because dirt and dust settled around it like glue.  The petroleum jelly will keep that lightbulb easy to remove even if the future.

For neater fingers when painting nails, I found that you can wipe off polish mistakes from the skin around the nails easier when a little petroleum jelly is applied.

When you use hair color, I also found that dabbing a tiny bit of petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears make it a breeze to wipe off hair color that mistakenly landed on your face and ears.

If you have a bird feeder and did not want to include squirrels, you do have a choice.  You can either share the feed with your birds and squirrels or grease the pole with petroleum jelly.  Squirrels can't climb up something they can't hold onto!

Dabbing your eyelashes lightly with some petroleum jelly will condition them while you sleep. 

Make sure you buy the large economy size of petroleum jelly because you will be using it all the time.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Recipe: Try My Tropical Spice Cake!

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

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This is a moist cake that has lots of flavor.


Yesterday I was in the mood for spice cake.  You know the type you can eat plain with all those plump raisins and wonderful spices or with a little white confectioners sugar icing on top.  I was about to bake my usual favorite recipe when I remembered I still had a bag of Crunchy N Yummy pineapple left.  (Crunchy N Yummy makes freeze dried fruit in five flavors that one winner can still win in my current giveaways).  Anyway, I grabbed that bag and experimented.

Now this is an easy cake with no creaming of butter or margarine required.  I try to use canola oil in my baking as much as possible to avoid those trans fats.

The recipe I always used was very good, but I thought adding their Crunchy N Yummy pineapple made it extra moist.   I thought it was special so I wanted to share it with you.
               
 My Tropical Spice Cake!


1 cup raisins
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Crunchy N Yummy freeze dried fruit is delicious.
4 cups of water
1 cup of canola oil
1 bag (1 oz. size) Crunchy N Yummy Freeze-Dried Pineapple
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoon of baking soda
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

Boil the raisins in the water steadily for 10 minutes.  Add oil and let this cool.

Sift flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and spices in your mixing bowl. 

Add the cooled ingredients, vanilla, and eggs.  Beat with your electric mixer until well mixed.

Grease two loaf pans for spice bars or a sheet cake pan about 15" x 10" x 2" (any sheet cake pan to accommodate four cups of flour will do.)  

Since I'm still baking in my large toaster oven until my kitchen get remodeled, (when I get enough money)  I decided to go with the two loaf pans.  They fit better in that oven at one time.  

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 50-55 minutes for loaves until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Sheet cake baking time is less about 40 minutes.  

You can frost with your favorite white confectioners sugar icing or skip it.  Either way, this bar is scrumptious, tender, and really extra moist with that Crunchy N Yummy Freeze-Dried Pineapple thrown in!  I hope my pictures will convince you to try my cake.  You'll just gobble it up!


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You can this recipe and put one in the freezer.

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The icing adds even more yummy appeal.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Auric Blends Perfumes 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.**


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Auric Blends perfume products 

Did you realize a natural perfume is almost like a bit of aromatherapy?  Both use essential oils in their creations; however, natural perfumery uses a complex combination of those precious oils along with other natural ingredients to evoke each unique fragrance like product I recently reviewed from Auric Blends

I received Siren, one of their 100% natural  roll on perfumes to test.  In my opinion, this is a slightly spicy scent.  Tara, Pele and Layla are the three others in their Auric Blends Naturals line in the .22 fl. oz. bottle.   I can't say from personal experience what  those other scents are like, but the scent I was provided was beautiful besides being long lasting.  They are reasonably priced as well at $11.95 to $15.95! 

Another item I got to try was their Temple Essence Royal Amber Perfume Solid.  Rich, spicy, warm and sweetly intoxicating, it made me feel sexy when wearing it.  This is only  one of their 14 perfume solids which sell for only $8.00 each.

Next, I experimented with three of their perfume oils.  Even though Egyptian Goddess is their most popular perfume, I was an even bigger fan of gently romantic, Water GoddessLove  was beautiful as well.  What surprised me was their bargain for this line of 39 perfumes, priced at $7.00 each for 1/3 oz.!

Auric Blends also sent me a package of their Seduction incense that comes in a pack of 20.  This product was very fragrant and so aptly named for when you want to create that special mood. They have 12 fragrances also available in the 20 sticks per package.  In addition, they offer 49 other fragrances in their packaged incense.  You can even buy bulk incense.

Perhaps, the name Auric Blends is new to you.  I know the company was to me.  But now that I have discovered them, I definitely can't wait to try more of their other perfumes.  I think you will too once you experience one of their perfumes for yourself.


Thanks to Auric Blends, four lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers will win one perfume of their choice from the website except for the 1.7 oz. Love or 1.87 oz. Egyptian Goddess perfumes!  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only.