Spice Tea Recipe Shared and Reviewed

My Award Winning Spice Tea Recipe

We could all use a moment of relaxation with a cup of spice tea, especially during the busiest time of the year. 

The holidays are often hectic and tiring, but in the end they are always filled with wonderful memories. Each year my family gathers together for the festivities. Since my siblings and their families live in different states of the US, there is a lot of travel involved, a lot of planning and a lot of cooking. My mother leads the pack and tries very hard to coordinate everyone and everything. Sometimes just finding a bed for everyone can be challenging. I am the only one of my parents' children who still lives in our hometown so I am frequently honored with guests. 

With so many people around and so much going on for days, my sister and I seek out moments to slip away from the crowd and sip tea, giggle and share the latest gossip. A pillow fight is definitely not out of the question. Occasionally our mother, my daughter or a sister-in-law will join us, but this little meeting always begins with me, my sister and a cup of tea. 

It is with this cherished time together in mind, that I wish to share our Spice Tea Recipe with you. I hope you find a few moments to slip away with a loved one and share a cup of tea. 

 

Award Winning Spice Tea Recipe

Prep Time	Ready In	Yields
10 min	10 min	Approx. 50 ~ Depends on tea strength per cup

Ingredients 

• 2 - 27 oz. Jars of Orange Drink (like Tang) 
• 12 oz. Lemonade dry mix (like Countrytime) 
• 1 cup Instant Tea 
• 2 cups Sugar 
• 1 teaspoon Cloves 
•  2 teaspoon Cinnamon 

 

Instructions 

Simply mix everything together. Add 2 teaspoons of tea mix to 1 cup of hot water for one lovely cup of hot tea. 

Just remember, if you are using a mug, it will require approx. 3 teaspoons of tea to make a tantalizing cup of tea. 

Store in an air-tight container

 

An Easy Gift 

Simply fill a canning jar, an empty jelly jar or any small container with Spice Tea. If you are using a canning jar, cut a square of material with pinking shears and cover the top of the jar. 

You may also want to include a recipe card with the recipe for the recipient.  I know I always appreciate a new recipe. 

Voila! A delicious and easy gift! 

 

 Country Time LemonadeCheck Price Tang Orange PowderedCheck Price Lipton Black TeaCheck Price McCormick Ground CinnamonCheck Price McCormick Ground ClovesCheck Price

Pretty Canning Jars 

Select a pretty jar for your Spice Tea gift. I actually really like this Bormioli Rocco Fido Latch Canning Jar, not only because it is attractive, but because it has a tight seal to seal in freshness so the spice tea will last longer.

 Bormioli Rocco Fido 17.5 Ounce Glass Storage Jars: Airtight Hinged Lid With Leak Proof Gasket, Wide Mouth Food ContainerCheck Price

 

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow 

After several days of company, we are all usually exhausted and in need of a long winters nap. I always like to send treats home with my guests and packing some of the remaining tea is just the right thing. When they get back home and have that moment to unwind, then they can fix a cup of Spice Tea and allow the fragrance of the tea to return them to the memory of our time together. 

The jar pictured on the right, is the container that held the original gift of Spice Tea given to me by my sister 35+ years ago. The tea is long since gone, but the refillable container and the memory remains.

Each year I refill this little jar and hide it as my personal reserve!

 

Contest Award  

I entered this recipe in the Squidoo Website Thanksgiving Cookoff (for Charity). It was one of the contest winners, therefore the charity I support, National Wildlife Federation's Alaska Regional Center, received $1000. 

I hope you enjoy -- and if you do, don't be shy, spread the word!

 

Acknowledgement Letter from $1000 recipient, National Wildlife Federation Alaska 

Sylvestermouse, many, many thanks from the small staff of the National Wildlife Federation Alaska office for earning us a $1,000 Squidoo donation. This is amazing! You have helped support our work in youth leadership cultivation, sustainable tourism, climate change policy, getting families outdoors, and protecting wildlife and habitat in the great State of Alaska! 
Also, BIG THANKS to Squidoo for making it all possible 
... 
Signed, Heather McGee, on behalf of our staff of 5 plus 1 AmeriCo

 

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
ReviewThisRecipes.com

Spice Tea Recipe Shared and Reviewed Written by:

ALL PHOTOS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SYLVESTERMOUSE 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2009 on a different site that no longer exists. 

© 2009 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Stickers on a Roll - Review

Zazzle has now expanded their offering of stickers. You can now order stickers on a roll.

Along with that option is the addition of four more options for the material that the stickers are made of. I will highlight the main features of the new materials that are offered. The new materials are only offered when the stickers are purchased on a roll. The original sheet stickers only come in the two options of glossy white or matte white paper. However, any of the designs currently offered on sheet stickers, can be ordered on a roll to be able to choose from the new options.

The stickers on a roll also come in the original offerings of the glossy white and matte white paper. The new offerings for stickers on a roll include: clear synthetic paper, white gloss synthetic paper, white satin synthetic paper, and silver gloss synthetic paper.

The Clear Synthetic Paper is transparent and tear resistant. It is glossy polyethylene and is water resistant. It is also heat resistant. It also has UV-light resistance.

The White Gloss Synthetic Paper is designed for high resolution with vivid colors. It is made from polypropylene (BOPP) and is also tear resistant.

The White Satin Synthetic Paper is made from polypropylene and is also tear resistant. It has a white satin finish. It is resistant to moisture and solvent exposure, and is recommended for when durability and long term adhesion is required.

The Silver Gloss Synthetic Paper is made from polypropylene and is coated for dye based inkjet inks. This sticker is also tear resistant and has a silver metallic finish. This sticker is approved for incidental food contact, however it says that a functional barrier is required. This isn't just any barrier, the barrier needs to provide a specific function, i.e. keeps air and water out.

Like the sheet stickers, the sizes offered are 1-1/2 or 3 inches for the stickers on a roll. The sheet stickers come in a choice of various shapes, including star, heart, oval, rectangle, and triangle. Both stickers on a roll and sheet stickers come in a choice of circle and square shapes.

Some of the benefits of using stickers on a roll, besides the various material offerings, are the ease of compact storage, and streamlined application of applying the stickers - especially when using a dispenser. The stickers are wound on a three inch core to be compatible with dispensers. A dispenser is not included.

I have ordered stickers multiple times from Zazzle, and have always been satisfied with my purchase. I personally haven't purchased any of the new options, but I do like that they give good recommendations on the new materials.

Here is what the stickers on a roll look like.

Eat More Fruit and Veggies Custom Stickers
by CherylsArt

View the various sticker designs in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Cook With Color Nesting Bowls Review

Cook With Color Nesting Bowls have been one of my favorite purchases this year. The bowls were used moments after they were unboxed and are used daily. The convenience of the matching lids has made kitchen prep and storage so much easier and quicker. 

Sizes

Bowl capacity 

0.32 QT, 0.74 QT, 1.37 QT, 3.69 QT and 5.8 QT.

Colors 

Over 30 color choices !

Lightweight

I love classic glass mixing bowls, but they are heavy! Great to mix but a little heavy to store food. These nesting bowls are light weight and work so well to store fruit, veggies, leftovers in the refrigerator with the matching lid.

Storage

The bowls and lids nest within the largest bowl; love this and necessary for small or downsized kitchens.

Dishwasher Safe

Top rack dishwasher safe

Microwave safe 

Freezer safe

Options

This brand has every type and color of lightweight bowls to make prepping, cooking and storing so easy ! These bowls make a great compliment to your kitchen tool set. Browse the collection here.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes

In my experience, seed container storage boxes are an essential tool for gardeners. Previously, my seeds for flowers and vegetables and salads were stored in draws in the kitchen or open storage boxes and it  was not really adequate. They often seemed to gain moisture or go bad quickly and if I opened a packet and put it back inevitably the seeds would spill out all over ! I also worried about mice and insects being attracted by them.

I often buy seeds whenever I visit a garden centre especially if they have any on sale. So I often keep seeds from one year to the next. A garden magazine I subscribe to monthly usually include free seeds as well. In addition I gather seeds from my own flowers. So it is often the case that I have a lot of seeds needing storage at any one time. 

I enjoy growing from seed and watching the tiny seeds grow into a young plant then mature and flower is a wonder of nature and always enchanting to me. In addition it often works out significantly cheaper than buying larger plug plants later on in the year. If you grow from seed you can grow many times more flowers and crops for the same or less price. 

So I now have two seed storage boxes, I keep one for flower seeds and one for vegetable and salad seeds. 

Benefits Of Using Seed Container Storage Boxes:

Organisation

Seed container storage boxes often come with cardboard or plastic compartments or dividers that allow us to organise seeds. Organising seeds is a personal thing. Some people might organise the seeds alphabetically, some by flower type or by month to plant. It does not matter as long as it suits you. Sorting seeds in these ways can make it easier to check dates by which seeds must be sown.

It can also keeps seeds of one type for example salad crops, cress, poppies or sweet peas together so that you don't go out and buy more stock of seeds when you already have plenty.

I also have these blank seed container packets so that I can store any of the seeds I collect from my own plants.

 So there are many benefits from a little time spent organising.   

Keeps Seeds Dry

Seed container storage boxes keep seeds dry. This is very important to keep seeds viable and able to germinate. Too much moisture can lead to mould growth and ultimately the seeds just rot before you get a chance to sow them. 

It avoids the disappointment of finding your lovely seeds with all the promise of flowers and crops only to have to discard them. These seed storage boxes help preserve seed quality and ensure they remain good for sowing for longer.

Protection From Mice.

Seeds are a magnet for mice for whom it is a food source. So it is important not to leave seed packets loose in a draw, cupboard or outdoor storage where mice can find them. We do not want a mice infestation in our homes so a sturdy seed container keeps the seeds secure and unavailable as a food source. These containers are usually metal with sturdy fastening clips and so not easily accessed by rodents. I have had no issues with mice getting into my seeds since using these containers. 

Easy To Carry

The seed containers I have and the ones I am talking about here are smaller and easily carried. This is important to me so that I can carry the whole box into the garden, use the seeds from the packets I need and put them back. 

I can keep the box in the garden with me all the time I am gardening so no need to go back and forth to the house. Then I simply carry it  back into the house when I have finished.

I hope to get an allotment one day and they will be invaluable in that case so that I can simply take them back and forth to the allotment easily. 

A sturdy, portable box means no seeds spills all over the garden or home and I have all the packets of seeds available to me as I work.

Storage

I do have a lot of seeds and rarely use all the seeds in every packet every year. Seed container storage boxes are designed for longer term storage, thus allowing seeds to remain viable for longer periods of time. I really like this as it means I can keep seeds for longer, often year to year and as long as I sow them by the use by date on the packet they are still good viable seeds.

There is also plenty of room for my seed labels. Labelling seed trays is in my experience vital. No matter what I think I do forget which seeds I have sown in which seed tray! So labelling is important , yet labels can often go astray. So keeping them in with the seeds in a seed storage box is perfect !  

Having one or more seed container storage boxes is sensible if you gather or buy seeds. Seed container storage boxes offer some good benefits that help us gardeners maintain the quality and viability of flower, vegetable and salad seeds. 

It can also be cost-effective. By keeping seeds protected and dry, away from rodents and organised we keep the seeds fresher for longer. We also can easily see what seeds we already have so no need to buy more of seeds we already own. We also can be more organised so sow the seeds we want to have, whether flowers or vegetables, at the correct time.  

Gardening Gift Idea

These Seed Storage boxes can make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about every gardener and really anyone who you know loves sowing their own seeds. So you may like to bear in mind for Birthdays and Christmas gifts especially, though as a keen gardener, I would be very happy with one as a Valentines gift too! 

In my experience, these container seed boxes are a valuable addition to help make seed sowing a pleasurable and organised gardening activity.

 Seed Storage Box – Metal Seed Packet Organizer with Garden String and Bamboo Plant LabelsCheck Price Xbopetda Seed Saving Box, Metal Seed Bin, Seed Storage Organizer Box, Seed Packet Container with Lid and 4 DividersCheck Price Burgon & Ball Seed Packet Storage Box Container Tin Stone Cream with Inside Dividers for Organization with Lid, Side Handles and LatchesCheck Price

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com 

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes by Raintree Annie 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing Food Warming Tray

 

Food Warming Tray

For Christmas this year, I received a new food warming tray.  This warmer is so very practical.  It is easy to use, easy to clean, and takes up very little storage space.  As you can see the tray fits nearly flat on the counter so it takes up very little extra space.  

Easy to Use

The warming dish features rapid warming at temperatures anywhere from 122 degrees F to 212 degrees F.  The temperatures are in 6 different stages.  There is also a timing device that allows you to set an hourly timer anywhere from 1-6 hours.

To use the tray, you place it on the counter, put the plug into the side of the tray and into an outlet.  You then hit the power key on the tray and adjust the temperature and the timer to your desired settings.   

The tray is big enough to put multiple dishes on it at once, so you can keep all of your hot dishes hot.

Easy to Store

One of the great features of this tray is how easy it is to store.  Because it is silicone you can easily roll it up and attach the band that comes with it to hold it in place.  You then just slip it into the bag that comes with the tray and pull the bag shut.  It can stand or lay in very little space in a corner of your cabinet or pantry.

Easy to Clean

The tray is very easy to clean.  You just take a soft wet cloth and wipe the surface of the product and store it once it is dry.  If there is oil on the product then you would wipe it with a mild detergent and a soft cloth until there is no residue let.  You should never rinse the product or immerse it in water.

Order from Amazon

The warming tray can be ordered on Amazon at the following link. Food Warming Tray    On Amazon you will find many similar products so you can pick one with the features that work best for you.

In this photo I am keeping a dish of cranberry chutney warm to go with the meal.  At Christmas we had three different dishes on the tray at once.  Keeping the food warm and safe for our buffet.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving

Who doesn't like to be pampered with a special gift they wouldn't normally buy for themselves, especially during the holidays or for another special occasion?

Whether you have nearly finished your holiday shopping or are just getting started, you can order these these beauty gifts and have them delivered quickly. I've included gifts at a variety of price ranges in this review, from stocking stuffers to splurges.

Happy gift-giving!

Note: I am an Amazon Associates and a ShopMy affiliate partner. If you purchase anything through the product links in this review, I may earn a small commission.

Beauty Gifts Under $25

These inexpensive gifts pack a big punch for their low price tags. They're perfect stocking stuffers for the beauty lovers on your list or anyone who could use a bit of pampering.

NISHEL Large Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag for Women

The Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag is far and away the best bag of its kind I have ever owned, and I have tried a lot of different brands and models over the years. It holds a LOT of products, from shampoo, soap, conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, razor, etc., to sunscreen, skincare and makeup — enough for quite a long trip, if desired — while keeping everything neatly organized and easily accessible throughout your stay. 

Despite how much it holds, it folds and zips up into a compact size with convenient carrying handles. 

I wrote an in-depth product review of the Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag last year that includes photos of how I pack mine so you can see just how much it holds and how you might want to organize yours. Also, although it is marketed as a women's travel toiletry bag, it would also be great for men who like to travel with more toiletries than can comfortably fit in a traditional Dopp Kit style bag.

NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag

The NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag is for women who travel with a lot of makeup and prefer a train case style bag.

This large-capacity makeup bag measures 10.5 x 7.5 x 7 inches and has both top and bottom makeup storage compartments with a capacious center section with elastic straps that can accommodate even large fluffy makeup brushes easily. 

The large main section can hold bottles, tubes, compacts, palettes, etc., and includes a removable divider that you can position as desired (or omit). The top section, inside the lid, is a shallow zippered compartment that's perfect for a larger makeup palette. 

Like the travel toiletry bag, the outer shell is a soft, smooth, quilted microfiber material that is both attractive and easy to clean.

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Makeup, 12 Pigmented Matte & Shimmer Shades

This Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is absolutely stunning and is an incredible bargain. It contains 12 extremely wearable, neutral eyeshadow shades in both matte and shimmer finishes that would be flattering on any eye color or skin tone.

The matte shadows could be used alone for an extremely subtle, conservative look, or can be paired with the metallic shimmer shades for a fancier evening or special occasion makeup look.

Maybelline is known for high-quality, highly pigmented makeup at very affordable prices. This would be great for anyone from a teen to a senior who enjoys "putting on a face."

Note: Although this eyeshadow palette comes with two double-ended sponge applicators, I would highly recommend giving your gift recipient a set of good makeup brushes if they don't already own some.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette

This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette is another terrific choice with 16 high-quality eyeshadow shades to suit any eye color or complexion. The highly pigmented shadows include a mix of safari-inspired neutral browns in a range of finishes, from matte and satin to shimmery and metallic shades. 

The colors in this palette were curated by makeup professionals in Los Angeles. It is recommended to apply these shadows over an eyeshadow primer for the best color payoff.

NYX eyeshadows are now vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with 30% recycled materials.

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Box of 6 Premium Shower Bombs with Essential Oils

These Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Shower Bombs with Essential Oils are the perfect, affordable way to pamper someone who doesn't love makeup or skincare but loves a warm, relaxing shower. They will make the lucky recipient feel like they have escaped to a relaxing spa for a while, in the comfort of their own home.

This set of six shower steamers comes beautifully gift boxed for easy gift giving. The six scents in the green box, which come from fragrant essential oils, are eucalyptus, green tea, jasmine, rose, lemongrass, and lavender in the green box. If you choose the blue box, your giftee will receive eucalyptus, peppermint, green tea, lemongrass, salvia, and tea tree. The pink box contains rose, gardenia, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and jasmine to make your recipient feel relaxed, restored, and well rested.

These shower steamers are a cinch to use. Let your gift recipient know to unwrap one, place it in the corner of their shower away from the water stream, and allow the steam activate the fragrance from the essential oils.

Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit, 6 Travel Size Products

This Burt's Bees Tips & Toes Kit makes a wonderful, unisex stocking stuffer. It's a nicely boxed set of five travel-size products and a sixth, full-size product that would also be great for a purse, gym bag or briefcase:

• A tube of Honey & Grapeseed Nourishing Hand Cream
• A tin of Almond & Milk Hand Cream
• A tin of Hand Salve
• A tin of Burt's Bee's Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
• A tube of Coconut Oil & Soap Bark Softening Food Cream
• A tube of Pomegranate Moisturizing Lip Balm

This would make a great gift for anyone of any age, especially during the cold winter months.

Beauty Gifts Under $50

These affordable gifts are sure to please.

Jenny Patinkin makes my absolute favorite makeup brush cleaners. 

As I have explained in previous reviews about washing makeup on brushes, keeping makeup brushes clean and sanitary is essential for many reasons, including optimal performance and avoiding cross-contamination of bacteria between your brushes, your makeup, and your skin.

I use the Jenny Patinkin Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner with a microfiber cloth to clean my makeup brushes in just seconds after each use. Then, either once a week (if I'm wearing makeup most days) or every other week, I wash them properly with the Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap.

With these two products, I am able to care for even my most expensive makeup brushes effectively yet gently. The set of both products would make a fabulous gift for any makeup wearer!

Body & Earth Ocean Gift Basket - 7-Piece Bath and Body Gift Set

This Body & Earth 7-Piece Ocean Gift Basket Set consists of a reusable bathtub-shaped "basket" filled with 6 luxurious ocean-scented bath and body products:

• Bath Salts
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Bar Soap
• Scented Glass Votive Candle

Your gift recipients will think of you fondly as they luxuriate in a bubble bath or fragrant shower, and their skin will be silky soft thanks to the body lotion.

The contents are beautifully packaged in an aqua blue and white pattern reminiscent of ocean waves. This gift looks much more expensive than its affordable price tag would suggest!

9-Piece Vanilla Coconut Home Spa Gift Basket Set

An even more luxurious set is the 9-Piece Vanilla Coconut Home Spa Gift Basket Set from LOVERY.

This set features vanilla and coconut-scented bath and body products enriched with moisturizing vitamin E oil and shea butter packed inside a ribbon-tied 9.5-inch tall, 4.5-inch square gift basket.

Because the scent isn't particularly masculine or feminine, this would make a great gift for men as well as women.

This set includes:

• Bath Oil
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Scrub
• Bath Salts
• 2 Bath Bombs
• Bath Towel
• Reusable Decorative Basket

Real Techniques 9 -Piece Au Naturale Makeup Brush Set

For the woman (or girl) who doesn't have a good set of makeup brushes, the Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set would be a great starter set or a nice but inexpensive upgrade (if she's just using whatever cheap brushes or applicators come with her makeup). It would also make a great second set to keep in a gym bag.

This set of cruelty-free, vegan makeup brushes for face, cheeks and eyes includes:

• Ultimate Powder Brush
• Light Layers Complexion Brush
• Perfecting Prime Brush
• Blurring Concealer Brush
• Precision Fan Brush
• Full Coverage Brush
• Shading Brush
• Defining Crease Brush
• Flat Liner Brush

The brushes have sturdy aluminum ferrules and custom-cut UltraPlush synthetic bristles that apply and blend makeup beautifully.

DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads

The DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask with Jojoba Beads is one of my favorite face masks. It's a great way to get a spa-like facial-treatment affordably, in the comfort of your own home.

This mask uses a combination of enzymatic and physical exfoliants to brighten dull skin and leave it feeling soft and silky. It reduces the appearance of large pores, deeply hydrates the skin, cleanses impurities, and gently exfoliates the dead surface layer of the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Key skin-loving ingredients include pumpkin, jojoba oil beads, kaolin clay, vitamin E, peptides, ceramides, enzymes, and colloidal silver.

You can read more about this outstanding rejuvenating face mask in my detailed product review that explains why it's The Best Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for Brighter, Softer, Smoother Skin.

Beauty Gifts Over $50

I have a large collection of high-quality makeup brushes, but I still had to buy this adorable Jenny Patinkin Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set.

This tiny pink zippered pouch holds 6 mini makeup brushes that feature full-size vegan, synthetic bristle brush heads on palm-size weighted handles that give them the same balance as full-length brushes without the size. 

The brushes in this set are:

• Complexion
• Powder/Blush
• Concealer
• Eyeshadow
• Crease
• Smudge

Jenny Patinkin claims that her brushes have 2.5x the number of bristles as other brushes. I'm not sure which brushes she's comparing them to, but her brushes definitely have ultra-fine bristles and a luxurious feel and deliver an extremely smooth makeup application.

This mini but mighty set is perfect for an avid makeup lover who appreciates good quality makeup brushes. Even if your gift recipient already has a good set of brushes, she will love this mini makeup brush set for her purse, car, desk, gym bag, or carry-on bag.

By now you know that I feel strongly about the importance of good quality makeup brushes for a beautiful, seamless, professional-looking makeup application.

BK BEAUTY x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brush Set - Vol. 1 (7-Pc Set)

 Although it took me many years to bite the bullet and invest in a really good set, I finally did. In fact, I have become a bit of a high-end makeup brush collector by now. I wish I had made the investment sooner, as the positive difference in my makeup application when using good brushes is really noticeable. Of course, it's also important to learn good application techniques, but with the right tools, it's so much easier.

My very favorite makeup brushes of all time are this set of BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brushes Vol. 1. Nikki is an incredibly talented makeup artist with a long list of celebrity clients and her work is amazing. The collab she did with one of my favorite brush companies, BK Beauty, to create this 7-piece set of professional makeup brushes is simply superb.

The set includes:

• The N14 Petite Precision Multitasker — ideal for small areas
• The tapered N15 Precision Medium Powder brush — perfect for blending, bronzer, and contouring
• The N16 Pro Concealer brush — its triangular tip allows for precise concealer application
• The N17 Multi-Pro Face brush — an ingenious, dual-sided brush with lighter bristles on one side for creams and liquids and darker bristles on the other side for powders
• The N11 Ultimate Angle brush — lets you create a winged liner look effortlessly with a single stroke
• The N12 Ultimate Smudger — designed for blending pencil liner, smudging, and defining eyes and lips
• The N13 Precision Pro Blender — ideal for deep-set, mature, and small eyes (which I really appreciate).

All seven brushes are multitaskers that make them worth their weight in gold for anyone who loves a beautiful, professional-looking makeup application. In fact, pro makeup artists love this set!

Although it's definitely a splurge, any serious beauty lover would adore getting this fabulous set and its complementary companion, the BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Brush Set Vol. 2, which has eight of the most unusual and ingenious multi-tasking makeup brushes on the market.

I hope this review of the best beauty gifts for last-minute gift giving helps you find the perfect gifts for people on your list!

The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving by Margaret Schindel

Read More Beauty Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Product Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Gift Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Holiday Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Bella Essentials Electric Griddle - Review

 Sometimes when cooking for a crowd you need some additional cooking space. We find this especially true when our kids and grandchildren are visiting. 

 Fran bought this Bella Essentials electric griddle to help solve this problem. This griddle is a versatile, user-friendly kitchen appliance designed to make cooking a breeze.

Bella Electric Griddle Design and Quality:

This griddle is a sleek, modern design with a non-stick cooking surface that ensures easy food release and easy, cleanup. 

The 10 x 16 cooking surface is large enough to prepare multiple items simultaneously, making it ideal for a large family breakfast. The griddle features a sturdy base with non-slip feet for stability.

Key Features:

Non-Stick Coating: Even foods like pancakes and eggs slide off easily.

Adjustable Temperature Control: With a temperature range of up to 400 degrees, the adjustable control dial allows precise cooking for a variety of dishes.

Drip Tray: The removable drip tray collects excess grease and makes for easy cleanup.

Cool-Touch Handles: The heat-resistant handles ensure safe handling during and after cooking.

Even Heating: The griddle heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly preventing hot spots to ensure consistent results.

Pros:

The Non-Stick Cooking Surface

Even Heating

Adjustable Temperature

Removable Drip Tray

Cons:

The cord length is a bit short which may limit placement options in some kitchens

Due to the size, finding a storage space in smaller kitchens can be a challenge.

We have a space on our counter with an outlet easily accessible, and we have a shelf in our basement for storage. 

So, for us, the pros outweigh the cons. The Bella griddle is a helpful kitchen appliance when cooking for a crowd in our house.

Find more Product Reviews on ReviewThis Here:

ReviewThisProductReviews.com

BELLA 10

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Quick, Easy & Delicious Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins — Low Carb Recipe

I posted a photo of these quick & easy Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins on social media recently and many people commented asking me for the recipe. So, by popular demand, I'm sharing and reviewing my quick and easy recipe for these mouthwatering, keto-friendly, low carb Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins. 

My husband loved these so much he couldn't wait for me to make them again!

I wanted a quick and easy recipe for weeknights, so I used Good Dee's Corn Free Bread Mix, which is excellent and has clean, wholesome, healthy ingredients.

However, you could easily make this recipe with your favorite low carb or conventional cornbread or corn muffin recipe instead of the prepared Good Dee's Corn Free Bread Mix, if you prefer. You can also substitute another favorite shredded cheese for the cheddar. See Recipe Variations, below, for more information and variations.

Enjoy!

Recommended Tools and Equipment

I like to use reusable silicone baking cups AKA muffin tin liners lightly sprayed with avocado or olive oil for these cheddar corn dog muffins. Baked goods are released from these cups very easily, and they help keep leftover muffins or cupcakes fresher during storage. These silicone liners are also very easy to clean, especially if you spray them lightly with oil before adding the batter.

The silicone liners I use for this recipe (I have two types) are the GIR: Get It Right Premium Silicone Cupcake Liners Reusable Non-stick Baking Cups, which have a slightly larger capacity than my heavy-duty standard silicone baking cups and also have helpful tabs for lifting muffins or cupcakes in or out of the pan without accidentally touching or marring the tops. The set I have is in the Strawberry Swirl colorway (shades of red, pink, and pale gray), but they also come in a pretty Frosty Mint colorway (shades of dark and pale blue and green).

The handy tabs on the large GIR silicone baking cups make it easy to lift the filled liners in and out of the muffin pan.

I prefer to use these silicone baking cups as liners in a nonstick muffin pan, which helps distribute the heat evenly and helps keep the muffins shaped nicely, while the nonstick pan finish helps prevent any stray bits of batter or cheese from sticking. Chicago Metallic is an excellent brand; I have a couple of specialty (jumbo and mini) muffin pans from them and they're great. Since my standard nonstick cupcake pans are getting a bit long in the tooth, when it's time to replace them I'll be buying the Chicago Metallic Commercial II Non-Stick 12-Cup Muffin Pan.

I use a three-tablespoon scoop to measure out the batter, using one rounded scoop of batter for each muffin cup. I have a set of Norpro stainless steel measuring scoops that I love and use all the time, and the 50MM (3 Tablespoons) Norpro Stainless Steel Scoop is perfect for this recipe.

I use Good Dee's Corn Free Bread Mix along with eggs, butter, apple cider vinegar, cornbread flavoring, cheddar cheese, hot dogs, and avocado oil spray in this recipe, but you can also substitute other ingredients (see Recipe Variations). 

Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Servings: 12 (one muffin per serving)

Ingredients

For the Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins:

• Avocado or olive oil spray (for greasing muffin pan liners)
• 3 large eggs
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled 
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar 
• 1 Tablespoon Amoretti Sweet Corn Extract or 20 drops of OOOFlavors Corn Bread Flavor Concentrate Unsweetened
• 1 package Good Dee’s Corn Free Bread Mix
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 3 hot dogs, fully cooked (I recommend Applegate Farms brand The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs)

For the optional dipping sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons sugar-free ketchup (Primal Kitchen regular or spicy unsweetened ketchup)
• 2 Tablespoons sugar-free raspberry jam (ChocZero No Added Sugar Raspberry Jam)
• 1 Tablespoon teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease 12 silicone muffin cup liners and place in a muffin tin.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vinegar, and cornbread flavoring or sweet corn extract. Stir in the Good Dee’s Corn Free Bread Mix until well combined.
3. Reserve 4 Tablespoons (1/2 cup) of the grated cheese and mix the remaining cheese into the batter.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the greased muffin tin liners.
5. Slice each hot dog into four sections. Place one section on end in the center of each batter-filled muffin cup, then sprinkle each muffin with 1 teaspoon of the reserved shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake until lightly golden, approximately 18 minutes. Do not overbake or the muffins will be dry.
7. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the silicone muffin cup liners and serve, with or without optional dipping sauce.

Optional dipping sauce:

Mix the sugar-free ketchup (Primal Kitchen), sugar-free raspberry jam (ChocZero) and Dijon mustard. Serve 1.25 teaspoons of dipping sauce with each cheddar corn dog muffin.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: one Cheddar Corn Dog Muffin (without optional dipping sauce)

Calories: 189

Fat: 16.3 g

    Sat. Fat: 5 g

    Cholesterol: 70.3 mg

Total Carbs: 6.3 g

    Net Carbs: 1.3 g

    Fiber: 5 g

    Sugars: 0 g

        Added Sugars: 0 g

    Sugar Alcohols: 0 g

Protein: 8.6 g

Recipe Variations

• If you want some hot dog in every bite, consider dicing the hot dogs and mixing them into the batter instead of inserting 1/4 hot dog into the center of each muffin.
• If you're not a fan of cheddar, consider substituting another cheese such as shredded Swiss, provolone, or gouda.
• If you want to make this low carb cheddar corn dog muffins recipe entirely from scratch instead of using a mix, try the Keto Corn Dog Bites recipe from All Day I Dream About Food but mix in the shredded cheddar before scooping the batter and add the shredded cheese topping before baking.
• Alternatively, you could substitute a conventional corn muffin mix or recipe for the corn dog batter if you aren't watching your carbs.

Cheddar corn dog muffins, fresh from the oven!

Quick, Easy & Delicious Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins — Low Carb Recipe by Margaret Schindel

Posts About My Keto Diet Journey

My First Year on The Keto Diet

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two

Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe

Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review

Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips

My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories

Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins

Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe

The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review

The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss

My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe

Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories

Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)

Quick, Easy & Delicious Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins — Low Carb Recipe

Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)

My Personal Keto Testimonial

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

Read More Recipe Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Food Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Reviews About Health and Wellness by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: