Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

I know it is after the holidays but who doesn't love the smell of fresh gingerbread cookies?  I found this sugar scrub recipe around the holidays but didn't have time to try it.  The other day I found this cute little jar and thought it would be perfect for the scrub. I mixed up a batch and had a little left over and tried it that day.  I love the smell.  It's just like my gingerbread cookies.  I love how it made my legs feel after I shaved them.  It was great.  I probably won't use it on my face since I have oily skin and the coconut oil leaves a moisturizing layer  on your skin but it's great on your arms and legs.

The cute little air tight container I found.

Looks like I am making cookies.

Start with 1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cloves.  It's already smelling good.

Mix well.  Smash any lumps you might have.

Then the recipe said 1/3 to 1/2 cup coconut oil.  Now mine is solid coconut oil so I had to think a minute about whether or not to melt it.

Well I did melt it in the microwave for a few seconds. I put close to 1/2 cup in.

Pour in.

Then start mixing.  Still smelling good.

Got my jar ready.

And filled the jar.  I keep it by the tub.

I had this little bit left over and used it right away in the tub.  It was so nice.  I'm thinking this might make some good Christmas gifts next year.  So forget  you ever saw this okay?

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Recipe

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 to 1/2 cup melted coconut oil

No Bake Eclair Cake

With the temperatures outside feeling like spring why not a no bake dessert tonight.  It is hard to believe that it is the middle of January.  I actually have some buttercups blooming right now.  But back to the recipe.  This is a very easy dessert that is sure to be a crowd pleasers.  Make it ahead of time because it taste better the longer it sits.

Look at all that chocolate.  Doesn't that look good?

 Different recipes will call for different pudding mixes.  I used the French Vanilla pudding instead of just regular vanilla.  It just adds a little something to it.

 Add a layer of graham crackers to the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.  I split some so that they fit all across the bottom.

 Now mix 3 cups milk.

 With the two small boxes of pudding.  Use either French Vanilla or plain vanilla. Mix well.

 Then gently fold in a container of Cool Whip.  You don't want to over mix.

 All mixed.

 Now pour half the mixture on top of the graham crackers.

 Now add another layer of graham crackers.

 Pour the remaining pudding mixture on top.

 Then top with another layer of graham crackers.  If you are going to make this just go ahead and buy a new box of graham crackers because you will use most of them.  Cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour or so to let the pudding set up.

 Take out of the fridge and get ready to add that good chocolate layer on top.

 Take the chocolate icing and remove the silver lining on top. Place in the microwave for about 15 seconds to just soften it a little.

 Now mix well.

 Then spread on top.  Recover and put back in the fridge.  You will want this to sit for a while to soften the graham crackers.  It is really better if you let it set overnight.

 Now you are ready to serve.

Look at all that creamy goodness.

No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

2  3.5oz pkg French Vanilla pudding mix
8 oz container of Cool Whip
3 cups milk
graham crackers
1 tub chocolate frosting.

Homemade Pimento and Cheese

During the holidays I wanted to make some pimento and cheese for a cheese tray I was making.  I found this recipe and I have already made it a couple of times.  I will never buy pimento and cheese again.  This is the best p&c I have ever had.  And it was easy to make too!  A winning combination.  It is great on crackers.  It is great in a sandwich.  So next time you are at the store buy some pimentos and keep them in the pantry so you can mix up a batch one day.

This is so nice and creamy. I find that sometimes the tubs you buy in the store have a bit of a gritty texture to it. 

This is all you need to make the perfect pimento and cheese.

Start with 8 oz softened cream cheese.

1/2 cup mayo.  I used light for both the cream cheese and the mayo.

1/2 teaspoon dried mustard

1/2 teaspoon onion powder.  You can also use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder too.

1/4 teaspoon paprika.  I had a sweet paprika that I used.

Drain a 4 oz jar of pimentos.

Mix all that well.

Then add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.  It would be fun to try different combinations of cheese.

Mix well.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

This was my cheese tray for Christmas Eve Eve dinner.

Homemade Pimento and Cheese Recipe
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
4 oz pimentos drained
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard

Lemon Vinegar Bathroom Cleaner

I tried another homemade household cleaner.  This one works but it is my least favorite of the ones I have tried.  That is not to say I wouldn't make it again. I had to play around with this one because of the size of my spray bottle.

Vinegar is another one of those things you need to keep in your laundry room.  It has so many uses.  I will say this.  Be careful using vinegar around your granite countertops.  If too much or too often gets on your countertop it will eventually strip the smooth finish off the granite and you will have to have it resealed.

At first I started with 2 cups of water like the recipe calls for.

Then I had to go back to 1 cup water

1 cup vinegar

Cut up a lemon

Mix the water and vinegar in the bottle and add the cut lemon in the bottle.  Now let this sit for 2-3 weeks.  The lemon will over time cut through the vinegar smell. 

This is after about 2 1/2 weeks.  I thought it still smells too strong of vinegar.  It works as far as cleaning the bathroom and cutting through soap scum and hair spray.

Lemon Vinegar Bathroom Cleaner Recipe

1 lemon

2 cups water

2 cups vinegar

Place in a spray bottle and let sit for about 3 weeks.