Ice Cream Without a Machine

I have been craving ice cream, but I didn't want one of the "frozen deserts" they are trying to pass off as ice cream these days, instead I found this amazing sorbet recipe from Not Without Salt.

There are some amazing recipes including Raspberry, Honey & Black Tea Sorbet and a Peach Basil Sorbet.

No-Poo

I am going on an adventure, a no shampoo adventure. I have issues with my really fine hair. I don't like the way it gets after getting wet. I have to use a ton of conditioner to keep it under control. I heard about this no-poo method of taking care of your hair, and other people I have heard have had awesome results. However, some other friends of mine with curly hair said it only did well for about a year. Since my hair is pretty straight with just a little wave I am going to try it out. I have read a couple things, the first is apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 cups of water and use that to "shampoo" your hair, and rinse, this can be drying and you should only do it if your hair gets greasy. The other method is baking soda, again make a paste and wash. The other thing is a "shampoothie" you peel one cucumber and one lemon, then you blend them. You rinse them out completly (which I read can be hard to do and if you don't do it you might look like you have dandruff. So here I go, I am expecting to have a couple weeks of nasty hair followed by some amazing hair. (I HOPE!) so cross your fingers for me! I will post pictures so we can see how it goes.

Oh and on another note, check out my new affiliate link for Mama's Emporium on the top right. It's a cool shop based out of CO, by a very cool mama.

A Passing.

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
Albert Pike

Yesterday we found out about the passing of my brother’s brother-in-law. He was serving in the US Army in Afghanistan. He was killed by enemy fire while on patrol. He was a a son, a brother, a father, a friend, a soldier, and a hero. He sacrificed his life for the people he holds dear in his heart.

He would have been 25 on August 3rd, his family was asking friends to videotape and send birthday wishes for him. I spoke with his sister last night, after being inspired by a blog called “The Birthday Project” and we think it would be a great idea to ask his friends and family to commit 25 random acts of kindness in his memory.   We think this is appropriate because this young mad had such a kind and generous heart, we think he would approve.

I am asking for your ideas on how to present this to his other friends and for suggestions of random acts of kindness that I can give to his friends to help honor this brave young man.

 

(Please leave your positive comments below, this is not a forum for anti-war sentiment.)

Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

 

I just wanted to give a quick shout out about the new Quaker Oatmeal Cookies, I received one in my Mom Voxbox from Influenster, and it was AMAZING! Now I am usually one for home baked goods, however sometimes you just don’t feel like cooking even though you want some good cookies. This is your solution. They are soft, and chewy and delicious, I got one with raisins, and I can not wait to try the other flavors, the apple cinnamon is next on my list!  Check out the images, courtesy of Quaker and Influenster: so yummy!

Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies

Enjoy chewy, soft-baked cookies in a family-favorite flavor! With wholesome Quaker Oats and delicious raisins, you’ll never remember they came from our kitchen instead of yours.

-Made with Whole Grain Quaker Oats
-Individually packaged
-Provides a good source of fiber
-Contains 6 grams of total fat per serving

Where to Buy

You can find Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $2.69 for a box of 6 cookies

4th of July Treats

 

 

Image from My Finer Consigner

I found this amazing recipe on My Finer Consigner, I don’t usually like recipes that use a box mix, but if your day is anything like mine with people coming over to grill, it is nice to have something simple.

Chocolate 4th Cupcakes

Makes 24 cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 (18.25 oz.) box devil’s food cake mix with pudding in the mix
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup (1 stick/4 oz./113g) margarine, melted
3 eggs
1/2 cup marshmallow creme (from 7 ounce jar)
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
Make the cupcakes the day ahead. Prepare and bake as directed on package using water, margarine and eggs. Cool at least one hour or until completely cooled. Cover and refrigerate.
Place marshmallow creme in small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 10 – 20 seconds, until softened. Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add slightly cooled marshmallow creme; continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Frost cooled cupcakes with whipped cream mixture up to two hours before serving. Arrange 2 strawberry halves on top of each frosted cupcake. Place 3 - 5 blueberries around the strawberry halves. Keep refrigerated until served.

 

 

She has some other awesome recipes on the same post such as Red White and Blue Ice Cream Cupcakes, Flag Cupcakes, and Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes.

Influenster Vox Box

 

I am a member of Influenster, and I received a Mom VoxBox, over the next few days I will be reviewing some of the products that I received in this box courtsey of the companies and Influenster! So stay tuned for reviews of products from:

Quaker

Ivory Soap

Stash Tea

Broadway Nails

and DenTek!

 

So keep your eyes open, there is some quick fun reviews coming your way!