Breakfast Frittata

This breakfast frittata was awesome. We actually made this for tonight’s dinner. We had 2 very special guests with us(4 year old twin girls that I was babysitting) and everybody loved it.

Our Search for Paradise

I love to cook!  I have since I was young.  I remember learning to cook eggs when we I was about 6 years old.  This is a love my daughter already has at 5!  She has been helping to pour and mix ingredients since she was 2 years old. We have even allowed her to cook scrambled eggs with (extreme) supervision.  Our parenting style has never been to limit our daughter based on age, but allow her to do as much as she is able, the heck conventional wisdom!

Tonight, dinnertime snuck up on us.  Carrie had planned to make Ham and Bean Soup, but she had forgotten to soak the beans until it was too late.  No problem!  I stepped up, peaked into the freezer and refrigerator and found some things to work with: half a package of sausage links, frozen bacon, and lots of eggs.  I knew we…

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Pura d’or Hair & Body Care Review

I’m always looking for just the right shampoo and conditioner to use. It isn’t that I can’t find any that I like, I just like to change it up every once in a while. I cam across Pura d’or and wanted to give it a try. First the shampoo. They call it “Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo” A bit of a mouthful but it gets the point across. I don’t have a major problem with hair loss. I have quite a bit of it really. What I DO have an issue with is shedding. Like big time. I blame hypothyroid and PCOS(polycystic ovarian syndrome for those who aren’t familiar.) Any time I wash my hair I end up with handfuls of it. I know, gross. Good thing I have a lot to spare. I may not be going bald anytime soon but it’s still a giant pain and if I don’t catch it all then my drain is screwed. Shedding is mentioned on the bottle so I figured I would give it a try. The first time I tried the shampoo, it looked and smelled like any other shampoo I’ve used. I could detect the argan oil a bit but it was pleasant. I still had hair coming off but it seemed like less than usual. It’s hard to be completely sure though, it’s not like I count the strands. After the first use though I noticed a MAJOR difference. A few hairs are to be expected of course but it was SO much less than what I’m used to. I think I’ll keep it. 🙂 I definitely recommend this shampoo to people who have “shedding” issues.

The conditioner is”Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Conditioner.” It has nothing to do with hair loss, pretty basic stuff I guess. Like the shampoo, it looks like any other conditioner but it has a really pleasant smell, lavender and vanilla, that I loved! After using it my hair seemed shinier and was pretty manageable. I could even smell a tiny bit of the lavender and vanilla scent throughout the day. An added bonus is that it doesn’t contain any parabens or harsh chemicals. I recommend this as well.

The company also sent me a small bottle of Argan oil. I am somewhat familiar with Argan oil now(see my review of another brand from 2/22/15). I didn’t bother using this in my hair since the shampoo and conditioner already contain it but I used it on my face and hands as a moisturizer and LOVED it. My daughter recently developed some red, painful, dry skin on her hands, probably due to the cold, windy weather and/or the antibacterial soap they use at school. I gave her a couple of drops to rub in and she said it felt a lot better. I’ll keep at it for a couple of days and hopefully it will disappear. I guess we’ll see. If you don’t have Argan oil I definitely recommend getting some. It has a lot of different uses and has been wonderful for us already.

You can find all of these products(and more) at the following link: http://www.purador.com/blogger/lazy-homemaker
I received these items for free in exchange for my honest review, however, all opinions are completely my own.

Danish Dough Whisk Review

Until a couple of weeks ago I had never heard of a Danish dough whisk. I do enjoy making homemade bread, and while I LOVE my stand mixer with it’s dough hook attachment, I’m always up for checking out new gadgets. And there are some things that I normally would prefer a wooden spoon over the mixer anyway.
I tried the dough whisk on 2 different recipes so I could get a good feel for how it works. I used it on a loaf of bread first. The wooden handle is sturdy and comfortable to hold onto. The metal part is also quite sturdy and the wires didn’t bend or wiggle while I was using it. The dough whisk blended my ingredients very well. Once the dough was blended I still needed to knead by hand, of course but the dough whisk was a big help in my opinion and worked better than the wooden spoon that I may have used otherwise.

We also tried the dough whisk on a batch of cookies. I was able to mix the cookie dough using the Danish dough whisk the entire time and never had to resort to an electric mixer. Another thing I love about the Danish dough whisk is that it is super easy to clean. The wires aren’t tight together so I didn’t have the problem of dough getting stuck in between them. I would suggest rinsing it right away before the dough hardens. But that’s something you should be doing anyway.

I received the large size but I may be going back and ordering the smaller size as well. I think this is a great product and it will be getting plenty of use in my kitchen. I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review and. as always, all opinions are my own. If you would like to purchase one for yourself or as a gift, they are only $8.95 on Amazon! Awesome price in my opinion. You can find it at the following(affiliate) link.

Danish Dough Whisk Large 13.5 Dutch Style Stainless Steel with Wooden Handle

My favorite things on Pinterest this week – 2/25/15

1) Wine Cabinet from an old dresser

I love(the idea of) DIY projects that repurpose old items into new. One reason that I love the idea of the projects is that I’m too lazy to get around to doing them. But a better excuse is that I’m not in my permanent home. If you’ve read my welcome post(you can find it on the “about” page) then you know that the hubs and I are looking for land and plan on selling our house eventually(hopefully sooner rather than later.) So many of these ideas I’m saving for when we are in a more permanent location. Bu anyway, I LOVED this idea. Unfortunately the link takes you to a photo with a short description and there isn’t a tutorial but from looking at it, it’s probably not too hard to figure out. This combines my love of vintage items, repurposing, and wine. Perfect!
Find the pin here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/132856257733856751/

2) Cinnamon bun cake

Holy Moly this looks yummy! You can’t spend a second on Pinterest without finding a recipe that you KNOW you shouldn’t make(for health reasons) but at the same time you HAVE to make(for obvious reasons.) I’m fairly certain that I will be making this sometime this week. I have a feeling there won’t be many complaints from the kiddos(or the hubs)
Find the pin here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/132856257733852656/

3) The Cat in the Hat magic dough

I’m always on the lookout for little things to keep the kids occupied. This may not look like much but I’ve seen these kids keep busy for quite some time with something as simple as play-doh or moon/kinetic sand. This is actually made the same way as homemade moon sand…but with glitter added. Don’t let the word “sand” scare you. This is actually pretty easy to clean up. I mat try it out this week(although I’m considering skipping the glitter for obvious reasons…that stuff sticks to EVERYTHING)
Here’s the pin: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/132856257733846544/

4) Caterpillar on leaf rubbing

How cute is this!? It’s not the best time of year for this little project of course, since leaves are long gone but I’m banking this one for later.
If you have(or take care of) little ones. Pin this for later: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/132856257733813269/

5) Model my diet simulator

I thought this was kind of cool. It doesn’t do anything super complicated but I think it could be a fun way to keep track of weight loss. Just plug your details into the simulator and then add in your goal weight and it gives you an avatar of what your body probably looks like now and what it will look like when you reach your goal. If you create an(free) account then it gives you a tracker and you can go back and look at your progress. It has simulators designed for different body shapes and options for men as well.
Find the pin here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/132856257733856851/

What goodies have you found on Pinterest(or elsewhere) this week? Feel free to link to them in the comments.

Lovely Lashes Eyelash Curler Review

I recently had the opportunity to review this Lovely Lashes eyelash curler. I’ll be honest, I don’t often curl my lashes and I haven’t owned an eyelash curler since before m daughter was born(she’s 5 yrs old now.) I don’t really wear much makeup at all really. I do, however know how to use one since the used to be part of my routine so I figured I’d give it a try. I tried taking pictures, but as you’ll see, the camera on my phone is not great so they aren’t the best quality. But hopefully you’ll get the idea somewhat.

When using an eyelash curler, the first step(at least what I do) is to apply a light coat of mascara. The first picture is right after mascara, BEFORE I use the curler. As you can see(maybe) My lashes aren’t super long so mascara is one of the few things in my makeup bag that I use about every day.

Mascara is done so it’s time to put the curler to use. Simply open it up and clamp it down on your lashes near the root. Hold it down for 15-30 seconds. This can be tricky for some depending on your eye shape and the shape of your curler. Be careful not to pinch your eyelid. Ouch! Chances are, it won’t happen, but just something to be aware of. The first time I used one of these, I think I was maybe 11 or 12 and I “borrowed” my mom’s without asking for guidance first and I clamped down too close and too hard because I was completely clueless. oops. I’ve heard of some people using a blow dryer on it’s lowest setting for a few seconds at this point but I never have. Just throwing that out there.

Let up on the clamp after 15-30 seconds and your eyelashes should have some curl to them. If you aren’t happy with it you can apply a little more mascara and repeat the process if you’d like(I didn’t…too lazy. Lol) Also, make sure to keep the curler pad clean. The mascara will build up and get yucky if you don’t. Here is what mine looked like when I was done. It wasn’t a huge change and was more noticeable in person than in the picture.

Overall I’m happy with the product as it was easy to use, I think it worked, and it was comfortable for me. It seems to be designed well, I’ve had some curlers in the past where the pad was slipping all over the place or it didn’t fit my eye, but I think this one was a good fit.
I received the Lovely Lashes eyelash curly at a large discount for my honest review. All opinions are my own. If you would like to try one for yourself you can get it from Amazon at the following(affiliate) link:

Lovely Lashes Eyelash Curler By Izy Trends – Creates The Perfect Curls For All Eyelashes Every Time – The Best Eyelash Curler – Comes With 1 Extra Silicone Refill Pad.

SalsaCrazy Habanero Bloody Mary Mix Review

I was recently presented with an opportunity to review this bloody mary mix by SalsaCrazy. Yes, THAT SalsaCrazy. The same company that brought you those awesome dance instruction dvds. While typically bloody mary is not my favorite adult drink, I enjoy one every now and then so I figured I would give it a try. Bloody Mary’s are really easy to make. Just add some vodka to the mix, throw in a celery stick for garnish and you’re all set.
This particular mix has a wonderful flavor but it is not for everyone. It is HOT. Like seriously hot. If you like the heat then you’ll love it. The bottle says the heat level is a 9 out of 10 and they aren’t kidding. The heat was a bit too much for me but my husband was able to finish it for me. He thought it was quite hot as well but he is tougher than I am. I am looking forward to trying it in some recipes for chili or maybe use it as a marinade.
If you think you can handle the heat and want to try it for yourself you can get it from Amazon at the following(affiliate) link.

SalsaCrazy Habanero Bloody Mary Mix – Dominate the Dance Floor by SalsaCrazy, 25 Fl. Oz.

Set of 2 16oz BPA-Free Double-Wall Mugs Review

I received these 2 stainless steel mugs last week. The are from the same company as the water bottles that I loved so much(francois et mimi) so I was optimistic. As it turns out, I was right to be. First things first, did it keep my drink hot? Yes! I love a hot beverage, especially this time of year. Whether it’s tea or coffee, I’m game. I typically am not able to chug it down very quickly and end up sipping throughout the day so m drinks tend to get cold well before I’m ready to finish them. I poured some hot tea into this mug to see what it can do. I actually left it sit for a while to test it out and came back later while the kids were napping. I swear to you, 2 and 1/2 hours after I poured my tea it was still hot…not warm….HOT! And it stayed hot for quite some time afterwards. I was able to sip on my tea throughout the entire day and it never got cold. It definitely passes the heat test.

Due to the double walled, stainless steel design of the mug, while it kept the drink pretty hot, the outside of the cup stayed cool. If you are someone who likes to wrap your hands around the outside of your mug to keep them warm while you drink, then this probably wouldn’t be your best option. Personally, I go back and forth. If I’m sitting at home having a cup of coffee in the morning that I intend to finish within 30 minutes or so before m daughter gets up and the other kiddo arrive, I like a fat warm mug. And I have a few for that purpose. But for the most part, I want something that stays cool on the outside so the kids don’t burn themselves if they grab it and that keeps my drink hot in case I don’t get to it right away.

Another great feature of this mug is the lid. It’s easily screwed on and off with an o-ring around the rim that makes a great seal and it has a leak proof, flip-top stopper. And it really is leak proof. I tested this out by shaking it a few times and flipping it upside down(with a house full of children, you want something that won’t spill). Not a single drop spilled out. There was no leakage coming from the lid(or anywhere else for that matter) at all.

I also like the fact that the are stainless steel which means BPA free. This is a must for me, especially for hot drinks. A few other things to note, it fits perfectly in my cars cup holder, the handle is great and comfortable to hold onto, and it’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. It can be found on Amazon at the following(affiliate) link:

Set of 2 16oz BPA-Free Double-Wall Stainless Steel (18/8) Vacuum Insulated Travel To-go Mugs with Comfort Handle

10 things to do if you have 10 minutes to spare

 

 

1) Clean out a closet or drawer – In 10 minutes you may not be able to have your entire closet cleaned out and reorganized but it’s plenty of time to have a quick look and chances are, unless you’ve cleaned it out recently, you will find things you haven’t used or worn in a while that you can donate, throw out or sell and lighten your load a bit(and maybe make a few bucks in the process.

2) Write a review on a book you recently read. – People love to read but sometimes half the battle is deciding what to pick up. Personally I love going on to a website like Goodreads and get recommendations from people who have similar taste in books. Get online and write a quick review of the last book you read and while you’re at it, get recommendations from others.

3) Do some calisthenics. These are bodyweight exercises that can easily be done in just a few minutes and often without any equipment. Do some push-ups, lunges, squats, etc.. whenever you have a few minutes to spare. Even 10 minutes per day of mild cardiovascular exercise is enough to have health benefits. Doing this a few times a day is even better.

4) Self-Improvement – Read a chapter from a self-improvement book or an article from a self-improvement website. There are SI books on just about any topic and chances are, there is something that you can work on. And if you don’t have any part of your life that needs work then find a book on lying to yourself, because that’s what you’re doing.

5) Write a letter – Most people don’t send handwritten letters anymore but everyone loves receiving them. Writing a letter to an old friend(or a new one), a relative, your child or partner, or  a thank you letter to a business or helpful neighbor is sure to bright someone’s day and writing it will probably cheer you up as well.

6) Go outside – Get some fresh air. Take a walk, sit in the grass, pick some wildflowers. According to the article found here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/436651-the-effects-of-sunlight-fresh-air-on-the-body/ Inhaling fresh air is good for your lungs and exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D levels which reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis and some other diseases.

7) Make some extra cash. – Websites like http://www.mturk.com and http://www.microworkers.com have small tasks you can complete for cash, many of them only take 5-10 minutes(sometimes less). You certainly won’t get rich or even replace your income but a little extra spending money doesn’t hurt.

8) Laugh – watch funny videos, listen to a stand up routine, talk to a friend with a sense of humor. Researchers have discovered that laughing lowers stress hormones which, in turn, decreases anxiety, increases immunity. It also releases endorphins which can help relieve pain. Learn more here: https://www.ge-healthahead.com/article/small-changes-laugh-extra-10-15-minutes-day?language=en&country=US

9) Learn something new – Peruse the nonfiction section of the library or look online(reliable sources of course.) This day and age we have the world at our fingertips and, while watching cat videos and playing candy crush saga has it’s place, there is a lot of useful information out there just waiting to be discovered.

10) Clean out your voicemail or email inbox – These are 2 relatively simple tasks that many of us just don’t get around to doing until they get out of hand. It may not be fun, but trust me, you’ll feel better when it’s done. 

What would you do with 10 minutes to spare? Let me know in the comments below.

Skinology Beauty Solutions – 100% Organic Argan Oil review

Until this past week I had never tried Argan oil. But after looking it up and seeing the multitude of possible uses, I decided to give it a try. When I opened the bottle, the first thing I noticed was the smell. It wasn’t a bad smell really, it just wasn’t what I had expected. It has a kind of smoky fragrance and it’s stronger than I would have though. My husband thinks I’m crazy. He doesn’t think it’s very strong and he really likes the way it smells. But like I said, it’s not bad. It was just unexpected.

My skin tends to be on the dry side, especially in the winter months, so the first way I chose to use it was as a facial moisturizer. I just put a small amount in the palm of my hands and massaged it onto my face and neck. I haven’t been using it long enough to know if there are long term results are not but I can say that it made my skin feel wonderful. It moisturized without having a greasy effect. I think this may become part of my nightly routine.

As well as having dry skin, my hair tends to dry out a bit in the winter. This leads to a duller appearance and I also get a lot of “flyaways.” I decided to try it on my hair after a shower. After the first use my hair felt greasy. I then remembered that a pretty small amount on my face went a long way and I thought that maybe I had just used too much. So I tried it again the next day with a smaller amount and sure enough it worked out much better. My hair was shiny, my flyaways were tamed, and it didn’t look or feel greasy at all. I was much happier with the second result.

I haven’t used the Argan oil for anything else yet but I am excited to try different things. I think next I will use it on my hands. This time of year my fingernails get a bit brittle and my cuticles are in TERRIBLE shape so I’m hoping this will help. I can’t wait to see if it works.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. As always, my opinions are my own. That being said, I’m pretty confident that I will be replenishing my supply when this bottle is gone. If you would like to purchase some for yourself it is available on Amazon at the following(affiliate) link:

Argan Oil – 100% Pure Natural USDA Organic

Gardening in February – time to start planning and sowing indoors

At least here in Ohio, most people aren’t thinking too much about gardening yet but it’s not too early to get a start. All regions are different but since I am in zone 6a I will base this post on that area. First things first. If you haven’t planned your garden yet then you will want to do so now. Decide what vegetables and/or herbs you will want to grow and then make a calendar/schedule so you know when everything needs to be planted. You wouldn’t want to be caught by surprise and miss your chance to grow some of your favorite veggies or herbs. Johnny Seeds has an example of a planting calendar here: http://www.johnnyseeds.com/assets/information/successionplantingspreadsheet.xls There is info filled in but it can be edited to match up with your own garden and timeline and there are instructions at the bottom of the spreadsheet.

Here in my zone there are several things that can be started indoors already. Some of the plants that I will be starting soon are tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, onions and kale. I may start a few others, but being the “lazy homemaker” that I am, I haven’t planned my own garden yet. Don’t let the picture fool you. It’s from last year. 🙂 I’m really good at not taking my own advice. I blame the years that I spent working in the healthcare industry. We always used to joke that healthcare workers make the worst patients. I think that phrase rings true in other areas as well.

Starting seeds indoors is also a great way to get children involved in planting. And I know from experience that having little ones involved in growing their vegetables is a great way to get them excited about eating them.

Once you have your garden planned it’s time to get seeds. Please be sure to find suppliers that don’t coat their seeds with neonicotinoid(an insecticide that does way more harm than good and are very bad for our already dwindling honey bee population). And of course, heirloom seeds are your best bet. I would avoid seeds from Bayer Corporation for sure and some of the other big named brands as well. You can find untreated vegetable seeds from a company called Fed-Co and you can find a great selection of herb seeds from Mountain Rose Herbs. There are other companies as well of course. I will try to find a better list and post here later on.

Be sure your seeds are in a warm enough spot and get plenty of sunlight. Don’t forget to water them regularly. Near the end of April start watching the frost forecast so you are ready to transplant into your outdoor garden as soon as possible after the last frost.

What fruits, vegetables, and/or herbs are you planning on growing this year?