Green Tea Hot Apple Cider

I have recently become a fan of the several local coffee shops' tea/juice mixtures.  Something about the sweet taste of juice and the earthy flavor of green tea makes for a marriage made in teacup heaven.  What I'm not a fan of is paying those prices - or having to leave the cozy confines of my home on a blustery autumn day (okay, that's just wishful thinking as we don't get too many blustery autumn days in Southern California).

Call it serendipity or fate - but when I accidently poured a packet of Alpine Spiced Apple Cider instant drink mix into a cup I had previously brewed some hot green tea in and then forgotten about, the combination was magical!

The apple cider mix provides just the right amount of sweet and spicy to the green tea - which in turn  tones down the sticky sweet of the cider.  Make a full mug, prop open the back door to let in the night air and enjoy!

Disclaimer:  I don't know what this would taste like with "real" apple cider out of the jug rather than the apple cider mix.  If you try it and like it, let me know!

The Butterfly Effect - Book Review

This is not the type of book I normally choose to read for enjoyment.  I was sent The Butterfly Effect for my review and found the concept thought provoking and interesting.  It would make a nice little gift book or book to set out on your coffee table.  Here is my review as posted on Amazon:

The Butterfly Effect – a book of cause, effect, and consequences

“How Significant is my life…Do I make a difference…Do I really matter….?  These are the burning questions Andy Andrews tries to answer in his beautifully styled small gift-book “The Butterfly Effect”.  We’ve all heard the theory of the butterfly effect: A butterfly flaps its wings, which after a series of related events can affect a Hurricane on the other side of the world.  Whether or not this could actually happen in the real world, the theory does make for thought provoking introspection when applied to our own lives.  Andrews uses two stories to demonstrate his point; that of Joshua Chamberlain, a college professor turned Civil War Union Colonel whose actions determined the outcome of the Civil war, and George Washington Carver an American inventor who’s influence inspired the eventual creation of disease resistant crops.  While the conclusions Andrews draws to the ultimate outcomes of these men and the events in which they participated might be considered a subjective reach, it does make one think.  Perhaps we can make a difference in ways we cannot possibly imagine. 

Giveaway:

I will send my copy of The Butterfly Effect to one lucky winner.  You don't need to leave a  comment on this blog (unless it makes you happy) - you just have to "like" The Diva Housewife on Facebook.  You can access The Diva Housewife through the link on the sidebar or click here to go to the facebook page directly.  (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Diva-Housewife/108529612540773)  I'll be using a random number generator to choose the winner in one week, October 13th.

I was provided this book free of charge by Booksneeze for my unbiased consideration and review.

Blizzie Slushy Drink Maker - Review and Giveaway CLOSED

Have you ever been sitting at home thinking "I'd like something fruity, cold, and delicious NOW", but you didn't have the gumption to get off the couch, get into to your car and drive to your local frozen juice joint? So you decide to throw some ice and juice in the blender only to be disappointed by chunky ice getting stuck in your straw?   Enter... the Blizzie Slushy Drink Maker!  You can turn juice, or soft drinks into a icy-smooth frozen concoction you can enjoy in just minutes!

Click on Picture to watch video and see the Blizzie in action!

All you do is put the "magic ice" cubes into your shaker cup, add your favorite drink, tighten the lid, and shake shake shake.  Before you know it your drink will have transformed to a frozen slushy drink.  According to the company's website, the Blizzie works with Juices, Sodas, Energy Drinks, and Chocolate Milk.  While diet drinks won't freeze as smoothy as a full sugar drink, if you are needing a diet drink it will still be an indulgent treat for you for the times you need it...and I think the jury is still out on adult beverages.  But hey, you can try! After it is frozen, you can either take out the "ice cubes" and enjoy or stick your special straw that comes with your kit and suck around them.

It was really fun for my kids (teens!) and me to try the Blizzie.   I think of the three of us, I was the better shaker! We decided though that each person in the household should have their own because we got tired of waiting for the ice to refreeze between drinks.  It also doesn't make very much at a time because the ice-cubes take up space. On the other hand, that became a real plus for me when thinking about portion control. I hate buying a slushy fruit drink and then getting sick of it when I'm only half-way done because it is just too much!  With the Blizzie, it's just enough to give yourself a treat without over-indulging.  I would say this product is definitely a thumbs up for ease of use, fun, and yummy treats it can make.

You can buy your own Blizzie Slushy Drink maker on their website at myblizzie.com for $14.95.

Or a multi-pack for $24.95

Right now they are offering a coupon code: Diva1 which will give you $5 off the purchase of a 2 Blizzie multipack (which, like I said is really the way to go).  There’s a limit of 2 multipacks per coupon and it’s only valid till October 4th.

THE EXCITING NEWS!!!  Blizzie is giving away a Blizzie Slushy Drink Maker to one lucky reader of this blog including shipping *USA  ONLY PLEASE*.  I will leave the contest open until the evening of Sunday October 3rd at which point I will pick a winner using a random number generator.

Now for the important stuff!!

 Please visit the website myblizzie.com to learn more about the Blizzie.

To enter Giveaway:   Please leave a comment on this blog telling me what flavor of juice or other drink you would like to make into a slushy.  As an alternative, you may also email your comment to thedivahousewife@yahoo.com.
You MUST give me a way to contact you.

You can gain up to THREE ADDITIONAL entries.

1-  by "liking" Blizzie on their Facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blizzie/112574888780725?ref=sgm
2- by "liking" The Diva Housewife on my Facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Diva-Housewife/108529612540773
3. by reblogging, posting on Facebook or Twitter or emailing friends with the giveaway details and link to this post.

You will need to email me or comment on this post telling me you have liked the Facebook pages or posted/reblogged/emailed.  If you already like The Diva Housewife on Facebook that counts too - you just have to let me know!

Thanks for looking and good luck.

Disclaimer:  Blizzie has generously agreed to provide a Blizzie Slushy Drink Maker to one lucky winner free of charge including shipping USA ONLY PLEASE.  I have not been compensated in any way for this review. You will only be contacted in the event you are the winner.  Your information will NEVER be sold or given away to anyone including the sponsoring company unless you are the winner and then only for information in order to ship your prize.

Dear Diva Housewife - Creating an Ant Free Zone

Dear Diva Housewife (not really - it just makes me sound all official):

I was reading about your problems with ants getting in your son's graduation cake.  We've had major problems at our house too and I was just wondering if you found a solution to your ant problem?


Dear Friend,
Sadly, I think the ants feel they have been on this earth a whole lot longer than we have and there is just no way we are going to convince them to leave.  They probably think (if they do think with their little ant brains) that we are invading their territory!  No I haven't found a solution.  We've tried everything from spraying, leaving baking powder, cinnamon and vegetable oil at their entry places and they just keep finding new ones.  In fact it has been particularly bad this year.  I noticed today they were even in my dishwasher.  YUK!  Let me share with you one thing we did to create an "ant free zone" when we really needed one.

If was my daughter's birthday and we made cupcakes the night before.  There was really nowhere to keep them that was safe from the ants so that they wouldn't be all infested the next day. The oven was still warm from the baking, the fridge was jam packed with soda, dips and such and the microwave was storing the chocolate for the fondue fountain.  We decided to create an ant free zone.

First I wrapped the legs of my table in foil to protect them.  Then I placed ant spray saturated paper towels under each leg.  There was no other way for the ants to get on top of the table unless they parachuted in and so we were hoping we were safe.  Indeed the next morning while my kitchen still had the pesky little visitors, they never made it to the cupcakes!

  

Yah it worked! Ant free cupcakes for her birthday!  

If you have a question for The Diva Housewife, feel free to drop me a line at thedivahousewife@yahoo.com

I'll do my best to answer!

Orglamix Organic Mineral Makeup Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

And the winner is....Using a random number generator:  Lara who said -  I would love to try the twilight collection for eye shadow... looks awesome!  

Once upon a time I tried mineral makeup.  It made my eyes itchy and red and literally fell into and lined the wrinklets on my skin and made them look like (gasp!) real wrinkles!  So I dumped it never to try again....Until....


I received an offer to try Orglamix Mineral Makeup - a mineral makeup that claims to be the "next-generation of mineral makeup" with zero synthetic ingredients, meaning no: "nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or parabens."  Why not, I thought.  Readers of this blog know that I'm always willing to give anything new a try - and "next generation" sounds new enough for me.  Besides - when it comes down to it, I'm a glitter girl and the idea of trying something new and sparkly sounded good to me! 

I was generously provided a set of three colors of Pure Organic Mineral eye-shawdows from Orglamix Cosmetics.    My eyes instantly looked brighter and sparkly!  AND what I noticed most of all is that THEY DIDN'T ITCH!  They felt wonderful!  I also noticed how well it stayed through-out the day and didn't wear off right away like eyeshadows tend to do.  


I'm definitely curious now and want to try the Mineral Foundation with the fond hopes that it won't "settle" into my (sh!) wrinkles like the "old" stuff did.  The good news is that Orglamix Cosmetics are guaranteed so there is no risk in trying it.


Now here is the great news:
You too have a chance to win and try any three colors from the following formulas:
Pure Organic Mineral Eye, Blush, Glow, Foundation or Color Corrector!

In two weeks (Sept. 12th)  I will be choosing a winner randomly from post responses and email responses. Here is what you need to do:

1.  Check out one or more of the following links:

orglamix.etsy.com

facebook.com/orglamix

twitter.com/hautebeauty

2.  Respond under the "comments" on this post OR send an email to fromthevine@yahoo.com.  

3.  This response MUST include one of the following:

- your favorite color of blush or eyeshadow

- an Orglamix product you might want to try

4.  Please post once as there is only one entry per person BUT - if you post a link to this give-away on your facebook, blog, twitter account, or send an email to your friends, email me at fromthevine@yahoo.com and I will give you a second entry.

If you are the winner I will be contacting you for your choice of three colors that will be shipped to your home totally free including postage - so make sure I have your contact info*.  Items for the giveaway and for the review were generously provided by Orglamix.etsy.com.  All opinions expressed are mine and freely given.


* You will be contacted ONLY if you win so that I can get your color/makeup choices and shipping info.  Your contact information will NEVER be sold or given away and will not be given to the sponsoring company - except in the event you are the lucky winner.  Also, remember if you are posting using your google friend connect or other account, your contact info is probably in your profile.  Good luck everyone!

Dulce De Leche - Review

Dulce De Leche Spread!!! Serving Suggestions (from the back of the jar:
- Spread on toast
- Mix into a fruit salad
- Add a large spoonful to your favorite pie, muffing, or biscuit
- Use as a filling in a cake and/or frosting
- Spread a layer on top of your favorite cheesecake
- Use as an alternative to maple syrup on pancakes and waffles
- Slice open a croissant and spread in generously inside
- Scoop it straight out of the jar!!!

Yeah - I went with the last option!  Why bother with the others?
 Actually, I'm working on a recipe for Banoffee Pie, a wonderful dessert I learned about in York, England.  It uses a generous layer of Dulce De Leche, bananas, pudding and whipped topping.  Banoffee Pie just might be as good a usage for this amazingly smooth and rich milk-carmel as scooping it straight from the jar. I'll post it when I've perfected it!
You can find Dulce De Leche at your local supermarket - sometimes in the "Latino" food section or - looks like Amazon carries a few varieties as well. 

The Best Chocolate Cake EVER!

My husband hates chocolate cake.  However, at least once a year on special occasions I make one for him.  Not because I'm a cold heartless wife, but because even though he hates chocolate cake in general, there is one particular cake - that happens to be chocolate - that he loves more than any other cake ever invented.

Why does he love this cake - that happens to be chocolate - when he claims to hate chocolate cake? Perhaps it is because as a child it was a family favorite at special gatherings.  His great Aunt Carrie always brought the cake and so it was called "Carrie Cake".  Perhaps it is because chocolate cake is actually yummy and he had a bad experience with chocolate cake once so told himself he hated it; however, because Carrie Cake was considered yummy, he liked it despite it being chocolate.  (Whew! Run-on sentence anyone?)  In any event, here is The Best Chocolate Cake EVER - which I no longer call Carrie Cake - but simply yummy!

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE EVER
Mix well in a large bowl and set aside:
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups white all purpose flour (don't use cake flour)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (must use fresh!)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix together in a small bowl and set aside:
2 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk (room temp. is best)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Boil together on the stove-top:
2 sticks butter
4 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup water


Pour boiled cocoa-water into the flour/sugar mixture.  Mix well.   Incorporate egg/buttermilk mixture.
Turn into a well greased 9"x13" pan and bake at 350º for 40-45 minutes.

ICING:
Boil together
6 Tablespoons buttermilk
1 stick butter
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Add
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 16 oz. box powdered sugar
Mix well and pour over cake while still warm.

*Wait till cool to eat.
*This cake actually improves with a little age so if you can make it the night before it will be even yummier.
*If you don't have buttermilk on hand you can try the trick of adding lemon or vinegar to regular milk to sour it BUT ONLY FOR THE CAKE.  Don't try this for the icing.  Just use regular milk instead.
*There has been some debate amongst makers of this cake whether you should use butter, margarine, or shortening in the cake (always use butter for the icing).  It's up to you.  The shortening will give it a slightly different texture and flavor and will preserve the cake a little longer than butter.  I happen to like the outcome with butter.  I've make it a *few* times (see the number on the cake and take your best guess) and for me the texture and taste are just better.  And we've never had to worry about "preservation" as it never sticks around long enough for that to be an issue!