I think I can safely say we all grew up with Disney in some form or another. There is a stash of classic Disney in my parent's basement that I sadly can't watch cause they're all on VHS.
Anyhoo while searching for ideas for activities and crafts for the Munchkin on Pinterest I came across a pin that claimed to contain almost all of the Disney movies online - FOR FREE.
Serious?
Now I'm a huge skeptic with this stuff but folks - IT WORKS! I've already watched 2 movies and quickly checked more and they seriously work. No joke. No parts cut out. NO ADS! The movies are broken up into segments anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes from what I've seen.
They have everything from the first Disney movie Snow White first released in 1937 to Tangled released in 2010. It also has all the 'second' movies like Cinderella 2 and Little Mermaid 2 (one's I've never heard of to be honest).
Here's the link
ENJOY!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Homemade 'Cliff' Bars - Win!
I'm all about finding snacks that are quick and healthy for my family. Convenience is one thing, but I always prefer homemade if I can manage it. I discovered Cliff Bars a few years ago when the Munchkin was still a baby and breastfeeding like crazy. The protein bars tasted pretty good, plus it was a quick way for me to eat something while dealing with a newborn. However, like most healthy things they aren't cheap. Now that I'm back working shift work that usually means lots of quick nutrient filled snacks that I can munch down during my break. Enter the recipe for Homemade Cliff Bars!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup puffed rice cereal (I used Brown Rice Crispies)
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats
3 tbsp ground flaxseed
1/4 cup finely chopped dried fruit (I used a combo of raisins and cranberries)
1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (I used walnuts and almonds)
1/3 cup honey (can be changed for maple syrup or agave)
2 tbsp dark brown sugar (optional but it helps the bars stick together)
1/3 cup nut butter (Love my almond butter!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
DIRECTIONS
1) Combine cereal, oats, flaxseed, dried fruit, and nuts into a large bowl
2) In a small saucepan over medium-high heat bring the honey and brown sugar to a boil, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
3) Stir nut butter and vanilla into honey/sugar mixture until blended and smooth (you may need to keep it over low heat)
4) Pour nut butter/honey mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until all dry ingredients are coated (it will be stiff). The nut butter mixture will be hot so check the temp first before you decide to use your hands or get the kiddos involved.
5) Press mixture firmly into an 8 inch square pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, using a large piece of wax paper to keep the mixture from sticking to your hands.
6) Cool in pan then cut into bars!
I didn't have wax paper left over for wrapping, so I just used plastic wrap and it worked fine. These stored in the fridge nicely for about a week.
These were really excellent and turned out nicely. Obviously not as thick or heavy as Cliff bars, but probably more nutritious. Next time I'd probably double the recipe to make them a bit thicker.
A nice big win for the munchkin. And a great mid-morning snack!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup puffed rice cereal (I used Brown Rice Crispies)
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats
3 tbsp ground flaxseed
1/4 cup finely chopped dried fruit (I used a combo of raisins and cranberries)
1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (I used walnuts and almonds)
1/3 cup honey (can be changed for maple syrup or agave)
2 tbsp dark brown sugar (optional but it helps the bars stick together)
1/3 cup nut butter (Love my almond butter!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
DIRECTIONS
1) Combine cereal, oats, flaxseed, dried fruit, and nuts into a large bowl
2) In a small saucepan over medium-high heat bring the honey and brown sugar to a boil, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
3) Stir nut butter and vanilla into honey/sugar mixture until blended and smooth (you may need to keep it over low heat)
4) Pour nut butter/honey mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until all dry ingredients are coated (it will be stiff). The nut butter mixture will be hot so check the temp first before you decide to use your hands or get the kiddos involved. 5) Press mixture firmly into an 8 inch square pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, using a large piece of wax paper to keep the mixture from sticking to your hands.
6) Cool in pan then cut into bars!
I didn't have wax paper left over for wrapping, so I just used plastic wrap and it worked fine. These stored in the fridge nicely for about a week.
These were really excellent and turned out nicely. Obviously not as thick or heavy as Cliff bars, but probably more nutritious. Next time I'd probably double the recipe to make them a bit thicker.
A nice big win for the munchkin. And a great mid-morning snack!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
DIY Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair
Hey Look - A non-food post! :D
I've never been one to wash my hair daily. And since Munchkin was born, I will sometimes go 2-3 days without washing my hair (as long as there are no major engagements other than errands). So to extend my shampoos I started looking into Dry Shampoos. If you haven't heard of them it's a powder or spray you put on your hair to take out the grease, or something to that effect. I started with a spray I bought from Shoppers Drugmart which was HORRIBLE. It smelled like chemicals and made my hair look worse. Plus it went on white and left a white dusty tinge to my hair. Looking for alternatives I had someone suggest cornstarch. This worked very well but again white powder on brown hair didn't go so well.
And once again Pinterest to save the day.
After a quick search I found the solution - cornstarch and COCO POWDER! Seriously? After a few tries and changes in techniques, this is my go to method to extend a shampoo. Plus who doesn't mind smelling like chocolate?
The mix is about 50/50 cornstarch to coco powder. You can mix more or less of one or the other depending on how dark your hair is.
My technique is this - I use an old stiff makeup brush for application. I find this works much better than using my hands. I start with a deep part about an inch above my ear and apply a light coat of powder. Then move the part up and repeat until you've done both sides. Give your head a good rub with your fingers to work everything in.
I find this works best before bed, with a quick touch up in the morning.
Couple of notes - Apply a little at a time, you can always add more if needed. I also avoid applying this directly on the part line, it can sometimes tinge your skin. This is also a messy process so keep your shirt covered.
Final review? I find it does make my hair less shiny but a bit dull, but I tend to tie up my hair on these days anyway so that's not a big deal to me. It really does take out the nasty 'need a shower' look and lasts most of the day as well. And no white powder!
And girls with bangs! Yes I do have bangs and yes I have used this, but I prefer to just wash my bangs and style as normal on my 'crap I'm late, no time to wash my hair' days.
Overall, a definite win. It took some tweaking to get the technique right but I really love this DIY Dry Shampoo.
I've never been one to wash my hair daily. And since Munchkin was born, I will sometimes go 2-3 days without washing my hair (as long as there are no major engagements other than errands). So to extend my shampoos I started looking into Dry Shampoos. If you haven't heard of them it's a powder or spray you put on your hair to take out the grease, or something to that effect. I started with a spray I bought from Shoppers Drugmart which was HORRIBLE. It smelled like chemicals and made my hair look worse. Plus it went on white and left a white dusty tinge to my hair. Looking for alternatives I had someone suggest cornstarch. This worked very well but again white powder on brown hair didn't go so well.
And once again Pinterest to save the day.
After a quick search I found the solution - cornstarch and COCO POWDER! Seriously? After a few tries and changes in techniques, this is my go to method to extend a shampoo. Plus who doesn't mind smelling like chocolate?
The mix is about 50/50 cornstarch to coco powder. You can mix more or less of one or the other depending on how dark your hair is.
I find this works best before bed, with a quick touch up in the morning.
Couple of notes - Apply a little at a time, you can always add more if needed. I also avoid applying this directly on the part line, it can sometimes tinge your skin. This is also a messy process so keep your shirt covered.
Final review? I find it does make my hair less shiny but a bit dull, but I tend to tie up my hair on these days anyway so that's not a big deal to me. It really does take out the nasty 'need a shower' look and lasts most of the day as well. And no white powder!
 |
| Before - 24hrs post shower (eww) |
 |
| After - Much improved! |
And girls with bangs! Yes I do have bangs and yes I have used this, but I prefer to just wash my bangs and style as normal on my 'crap I'm late, no time to wash my hair' days.
Overall, a definite win. It took some tweaking to get the technique right but I really love this DIY Dry Shampoo.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)