Review: Alba Botanica CC Cream

I was browsing the overwhelming aisles at Target before a recent vacation and found this little gem tucked away near some of the other natural products!  Alba Botanica CC Cream!

Generally, I prefer not to buy items like concealer or foundation at the big box stores but this one I had to try.  Not only does it have some sunscreen in it, but it's on Peta's Beauty Without Bunnies list, and the kicker: it was only $12!    This is not a full coverage foundation and I actually blend it with some of my moisturizer before applying with a makeup sponge.   I found that with the dry winter weather, if you put it on straight out of the tube - using your fingers to blend - it will cake a bit, the mixing with some cream or face lotion is a must.   If you need some coverage, use a concealer as well so just keep that in mind.  But I have to say, for the price, the quality was surprisingly good.  I have used it for the past few weeks and I think I'm sold.  It doesn't budge even after I apply blush or some powder.  I even put a little under my eyes and magically (though it didn't cover the past few weeks of rushing around and getting no sleep) I did not have an allergic reaction to it.  Unfortunately, I only saw it in two colors: fair/light and medium .  Regardless, I think this is definitely worth a try. 

Please note, this is not a sponsored post.  I'm just sharing some hopefully helpful info, from one picky type A beauty product user to another!

Tofu Breakfast Scramble

Here is an easy vegan breakfast dish for you!

Ingredients:
1 package extra firm tofu, drained
1 tsp each of garlic powder, turmeric, red pepper powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen chopped onions
1 cup frozen chopped green peppers
1/3 package of vegan bacon, chopped.

Step 1:  Preheat oven to 375*F.  Drain the tofu, I usually press carefully between two dinner plates to remove the excess water.  Place in a medium mixing bowl and then with a fork, lightly use the fork to scrape the block of tofu until it is the consistently of scrambled eggs.

Step 2: Mix in all the dry spices into the tofu.

Step 3:  In a medium cooking pot, cook down frozen onions and peppers, don't use oil, just cook them down.  Drain off excess water and mix in with tofu and spices.

Step 4:  Cut up vegan bacon into small squares and saute in a small bit of oil for a few minutes until crispy.  Drain off excess oil and mix into tofu/vegetable mixture. 

Step 5:  Transfer the mixture to a glass baking pan.  Bake for 1 hour, stirring half way through to make sure the moisture gets cooked out.

Step 6:   Ready to go - great pairing with a side of southern style hash browns!  This can make about 2-3 servings if dishes out on plates.  Can make 4-6 breakfast burritos depending on the size of the tortillas.

Enjoy!

Bottle Brush Trees

Who says that everything at Christmas has to be red and green?  I personally like a color scheme that's a bit more neutral (think cream, greys, beige, silver, and pale blues).

Every year I find myself swooning over colored bottle brush trees on Etsy and every year I have to list the reason why I should not buy them, but should try to bleach and color some of my own.  This year I finally did it!

I got a set of assorted bottle brush trees from Michaels during one of their pre-Christmas sales.  I hauled out an old plastic container I no longer needed and schlepped out the bleach.  I used a 20qt container with a 1/4 cup of bleach and filled it half way with searing hot water.    Just drop the trees in, put the container is a safe, place (where dogs and kids can't get to them) and walk away for a few hours!

Below are the pictures and how long they were in before I got to the finished product.

Time Zero:

Two Minutes In:

Ten Minutes In:

Thirty Minutes In:

                                                                      One Hour In:

 

All Done:

Warning: Some of the flocking came off during the bleaching process, but if this doesn't bother you, then no need to worry!

I was going to pick out the ones that didn't get bleached quite as well and dye them a light blue and light grey with some Rit but I think I might just leave them these natural colors for the time being.  I'll be sure to post an update if they've been dyed or if I decide to jazz 'em up with some glitter or other embellishments.  This was ridiculously simple, so if you are a fan of colored bottle brush trees, I highly suggest trying this one!

Wrapping Paper Art

Just wanted to share this quick project that I put together over the fall. While on a visit to the hipster capital of Virginia (aka Richmond) my friend brought me to this store called Mongrel, which I instantly fell in love with.  If you are ever in Richmond, you should check it out.

In the back right section of the store is a collection of wrapping paper by Cavallini and other brands.  One of the items I picked up was this J'ardin paper.

So why cut it up and wrap with it, when you can frame and hang it!   Which is exactly what I did.

 

Here is the paper in the same style white frame as the map my brother gifted me.  It was a relatively inexpensive project and it was more than easy to put together!

Avene Rich Compensating Cream Review

I was finally able to incorporate Avene's Rich Compensating Cream into my skin care regimen this month and I have to say that it was just about a 5 star cream all around except for one issue: the price.   The cream is rich, absorbs quickly, keep skin hydrated through most of the day, and it is wonderful for sensitive skin.  The $30+ price for this cream makes it a bit hard to justify for about a month's supply (about 1.3 oz) for the average person.  I think you could pull off keeping this cream in your arsenal during the winter months only and go for a lighter moisturizer with sunscreen during the warmer months. 

I used this moisturizer twice a day after cleansing and toning.  At night I put it over any serums or treatments and it has always left my skin very well hydrated without being greasy.

 

All in all I am happy I purchased it but might replace it with something more reasonably priced.  I have had my eye on Bare Bones skincare for a few days now and the moisturizer looks like it would be great for sensitive skin and also for hydration during the winter months. 

Hope this review helps!

Vegan Chocolate Chunk Pancake Mix

This pancake mix will make about 8 large pancakes.

Ingredients:
3 cups flour
7 tsp baking powder
4 tsp baking soda
5 tbs sugar
2 tsp salt
2 cups soy milk
4 tbs apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup vegan chocolate chips or chunks

Step 1:  Mix dry ingredients well in a large bow.
Step 2:  Mix well ingredients in a separate bowl very well and add to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Step 3:  Heat a nonstick pan on low (2-4) and add about a bit of oil, coating the pan.
Step 4:  Pour 1/3 - 1/2 cup of batter into pan.

Step 5:  Place chocolate chips or chunks around the batter.  Allow the batter to cook on the bottom for about 30-60 seconds

Step 6:  With a spoon gently press chocolate down and cover with surround batter.  This will keep the melted chocolate within the pancake batter and not all over your pan when you go to flip it.  Cook pancakes on this side until all the bubbles have stopped rising through.

Step 7:  Flip and continue to cook.

All done!  Hope you enjoy this recipe.

Vegan Chili

Hi Folks,

To continue with a set of soup recipes, here is my version of vegan chili.

Ingredients:
One bag frozen diced onions
One bag frozen diced green peppers
One bag frozen yellow sweet corn
Two cans petite dice tomatoes
One 6 oz can of tomato paste
One package of Fantastic Foods Vegan Taco Filling
Water
3 tbs Chili Mix
1 tbsp canola oil

Step 1:   Saute onions and peppers over medium heat.

Step 2:   Add 2 cups of water, bring to a boil.  Lower heat to a simmer.

Step 3:   Add taco filling mix.  Simmer until 1/2 of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4.   Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and 3 tbsp of chili mix.

Step 5:   Add 1 more cup of water and frozen corn.  Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Step 6:   Dish out and start eating!

This recipe is great for potlucks or just bulk cooking to have every night for lunch/dinner.   Serve in bowls as a soup or can be paired with tortilla chips for a hearty dip!  Enjoy!

Homemade Chili Mix

This recipe to accompany my Vegan chili recipe.

When it gets cold outside and I need to decide what bulk recipe to whip up for that weeks lunch or dinner.  I often chose a variation on a chili dish.  What I noticed is that the chili mixes are only a few teaspoons and that I can probably mix up some in bulk on my own at home for much cheaper.  

Below is my recipe for chili mix, hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:
12 tbsp of chili powder
4 tbsp onion powder
4 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp oregano
4 tbsp red pepper powder
4 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp pepper

I just layered the ingredients in one at a time into a ball jar, sealed it, and shook it up.   Now I have a bulk supply of the mix in a nice air-tight container.  Feel free to scale back based on your taste, this recipe is for a hot chili mix.

This could be a very nice gift for a foodie/chef for the holidays or on other special occasional.  Just tie a ribbon around the jar and make a custom label and you have a great personalized homemade gift!

Antique Shiny Brite Ornaments

Here is a quick post about expanding my collection of Shiny Brite ornaments for our tree this year and some tips for bargaining at local antique shops.

                                      

I set out looking for more blue and silver ornaments.  I prefer the Shiny Brites that have been worn a little.  I found some but they were mixed in with a bunch of other ornaments in two separate containers.   

Though I don't often haggle at antique stores unless there is an item I really want to purchase and there is a flaw or issues with the price, I just had to ask the nice women at the desk if they would be willing to strike a deal. 

Tip:  Don't be afraid to ask if they can negotiate something, this is something I have learned over the years and if you do ask, learn when to use this judiciously.  If you roll into the same store every few months and try to haggle down prices, they will not do you favors.  I think I have only asked once in each of about 5 separate stores over the course of almost 6 years.   If you frequent a store and make reasonable purchases often enough, they will be willing to work with you.  

The ladies at the desk were initially skeptical that the seller would go for a deal but they offered to call him anyways.

Tip: Be reasonable.  Everyone wants to walk out with a good deal, but the buyer, seller, and the store that gets commission should all feel the deal is fair.

Initially I offered to pay 10 bucks for the ornaments I wanted (silver and blue) from each bag, there were about 10 total.  I then offered to leave the remainder of the bags to be re-priced so that the seller would be able to make a reasonable profit on the left over.  Luckily the seller was fine with this arrangement but there was a miscommunication while she was on the phone and she had suggested $4 for the ornaments I wanted from each of the bags, making the total $8!  Here is a picture of just one of them, this was one of the larger ornaments and it's almost too large, even for our tree!

Tip: Thank them for trying or if they are able to negotiate the price change.  Don't forget your manners, people remember if you don't have them.  Especially if this is a store you frequent, you'll be happy you kept up with social graces for your next trips.

I ended up with all the ornaments I asked for and everyone was happy.  Now I have some great ornaments for the tree this year to add to the collection!

Quick and Easy Party Menu

We had out annual Festivus party recently and I just wanted to share our easy appetizer menu with you!  I did most of the prep the day before and the only cooking I had to do the day of the even was to cook one of the dishes, everything else was already done!

Vegan Hush puppies (recipe here)

- I doubled up on this recipe just to be sure we had enough and also perhaps for some left overs.   I prepped the batter the night before and let it sit overnight in the fridge.  It took about 30-40 minutes to fry them up the day of the party and we ended up with about 40-50 pieces total.

 

Bruschetta (recipe here):

- I picked up some already prepared baguette rounds from Fresh Market (rosemary sea salt and also roasted garlic).   The actual tomato topping recipe I made the night before and let sit in the fridge overnight.  It was still great over the course of the next few days to eat with the bread and I even used it with some pasta later on.

Meat and Cheese (not everyone is vegan):

 - We simply picked up some blocks of mozzarella and Colby cheese, also some pepperoni and sliced it up ourselves.  Though the party platters at the store look pretty convenient, check the price next time you are temped to pick one up.  It could be cheaper just to buy the blocks of cheese and meat and cut it up yourself, it really doesn't take that lone!

Vegan Peanut Butter Cupcake Cones (recipe here):

- These worked pretty well.  Though I will say, they end up being a bit awkward to eat since all the icing stays at the top, but otherwise they were tasty!

DIY Ruffle Christmas Tree Skirt

I have seen several pictures of ruffled Christmas tree skirts and here are some of the great examples I was keen on below:

This awesome one from Puttin' On the G.R.I.T.S. She even has a link to her Etsy store where she has some for sale.

                                    

So I decided to try to make one of my own but I am attempting to make mine machine washable, so there is no hot glue and all the ruffles are seamed!

Materials:
5 yards washable quilting cotton fabric, I chose a slate grey
a 5x5 canvas tarp from Home Depot

Making the canvas skirt form:

1.  Fold the canvas into an even square then fold again.  Make a curved line using a pencil on a string to use for your cutting mark.  Also mark a curved line where the opening for the tree trunk will go.

2.  Cut the canvas with a good pair of scissors.  Also cut a straight line back side, that will later get tied together with ribbons which will be sewn on.

3.  Unfold the canvas and now comes a time consuming step.  Peeling the plastic backing off so that you can throw it in the wash.  It took my husband and I about 20 minutes to remove all of it.

Making the Ruffles:

1.  Cut 3 inch strips from folded fabric.  I folded the fabric over to a workable length and then started marking off 3 in sections, pinning the entire bulk and cutting across.  These don't have to be perfect because they will be hemmed later but just to keep wasting the fabric to a minimum, it worked out nicely.

2.  Make a 1/4 inch hem on one side of each strip and iron, (don't use starch because you need to be able to move it around to make the ruffles).

3.  Pin the strips in overlapping ruffles one layer at a time, starting from the outer part of the skirt and sew into place.  Make sure to fold over the opening edge in the back to hide the canvas.

4.  Repeat step 3 until the entire skirt is covered.

5.  Optional: Find some washable ribbon and sew or button to the under side of the skirt in the back.  Make sure these line up nicely, even though no one may see it.

Done!  Only took a few hours over several days and for about $40 I have a great, washable tree skirt!

You can try to variation where you use hot glue to put the ruffles in place, you can skip removing the plastic from the back, but remember, if you do these things, you should not put it in the washing machine!  With three dogs and a major party planned, I prefer to be able to wash it, but if you are short on time there are some tricks to make the process go faster.

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcake Cones

Hi Folks,

I just wanted to share this really easy party desert recipe with you.  Everything is vegan but surely you can substitute in dairy products if you want.

Chocolate Cupcake Batter (also available here):

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

1/3 cup canola oil

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 350*F.  Combine wet ingredients into a bowl and whisk well.  Combine dry ingredients, sift well, and slowly whisk into wet ingredients.    Fill ice cream cones (with flat bottoms) up to the last line before the top with batter.  Arrange in a baking pan so that they all stand up and will not shift (packed snugly but not so tight you can't move the cones around).  Place in oven and back for 35-40 minutes.  Remove and cool.

Peanut Butter Icing (recipe also found here):

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup vegan margarine or vegetable shortening
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 tbsp soy milk

Blend peanut butter and margarine/shortening with beaters.  Slowly add in vanilla.  Add in powdered sugar 1/4-1/2 cup at a time, blending well and work out any clumps.  Add soy milk as necessary to achieve desired consistency.    Once the icing is well blended, you can take a big gallon ziploc bag, cut a small hole in one corner.  Scoop icing into the bag and work down towards the cut corner.  Twist bag as you apply the icing and you have a DIY disposable pastry bag!

I garnished mine with sprinkles and put them on a clear cake stand for our party this past weekend.  The nice thing about this recipe is that aside from the icing, the cake is not overly sweet so it turns out to be a great combination!