Raines Realm

We all want to show our loved ones how much we care, especially during the holidays. Perhaps, you're better off skipping the long lines and parking lot brawls, and baking gifts that will last year after year. This recipe can be used for a variety of projects like making ornaments or little knick knacks. You can let your children or pets add their little hand or paw prints. You can even create your own designs using your fingers, toothpicks, straws, or anything you can think of. Let your imagination guide you as you gather your supplies. You will need flour, salt, water, and acrylic paints. The original recipe for this project can be found  here . Ornament Mold Recipe 4 cups Flour 1 Cup Salt 1 1/2 cups Water Directions  Step-by-step instructions 1. Combine all ingredients in bowl and knead for 15 minutes. 2. Roll out dough and use cookie cutters or a butter knife to cut out shapes. 3. Add handprints, footprints, fingerprints, pawprints, (you get the idea...

With all of those hectic schedules this holiday season, it's so easy to forget about self-care. It's crucial to take the time for yourself, even if it's only 10-15 minutes a day. Here are 5 easy beauty treatments with ingredients that you probably keep in your kitchen. Sugar  Sugar scrubs are a wonderful way to exfoliate while moisturizing for beautiful, glowing skin. Sugar Scrub Recipe 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil 1/4 Cup Sugar 1/2 tsp. Lavender Essential Oil (optional) Combine all ingredients and use as needed. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is a lightweight, efficient moisturizer that can be used as a waterproof makeup remover as well. You can even apply a thin layer to your legs instead of shaving cream! To use: apply a thin layer, and softly wipe away. Cucumber Cucumber not only tastes wonderful, but it has a few key skin care benefits as well. It rejuvenates skin, improves complexion, and tightens pores. Directions Mix cucumber juice or puree with 2 dro...

Welcome to the third part in my functional food series. If you missed the first two, you can find Tumeric here  and Apple Cider Vinegar here . The use of honey by humans has a history that spans back at least 10,000 years. Originally, it was gathered from wild hives that were sought out through definite peril. The earliest recorded "apiaries" can be credited to the ancient Egyptians. During that time hives were made out of old tree trunks and logs to imitate wild hives. Since that time, honey has been studied through extensive methods by a variety of scientists and health professionals to substantiate the claims of benefits associated with it. The list of benefits include preventing heart disease and cancers, blood sugar regulation, reducing ulcers, reducing and eliminating throat irritations, probiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and it aids in healing burns and wounds. That is a very comprehensive list of abilities! So, if you want to incorporate the benefits ...

Thanksgiving was wonderful, but you're left with half of a gigantic bird that's now taking up valuable real estate in your fridge. There are hundreds of recipes you could use, but this is probably one of the easiest and it's absolutely delicious! I love making chicken pot pies, so I got the idea of using leftover turkey, it's so simple yet an ultimate comfort food. The ingredients that you'll need for this recipe are all inexpensive and the prep takes about 5 to 10 minutes tops. Feel free to customize the seasoning depending on your preferences and how the turkey was originally seasoned. I normally buy the pie crusts that come rolled up in a two pack in the refrigerated section. If there's one you prefer, you can certainly use that instead. Here is my ultimate turkey leftover recipe! Turkey Pot Pie 2 Pie Crusts 2 Cups of Turkey (cubed) 1 bag of Frozen Vegetable Mix (Peas, Corn, Green Beans, Carrots) 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup Salt Pepper 1...

Thanksgiving was wonderful, but you're left with half of a gigantic bird that's now taking up valuable real estate in your fridge. There are hundreds of recipes you could use, but this is probably one of the easiest and it's absolutely delicious! I love making chicken pot pies, so I got the idea of using leftover turkey, it's so simple yet an ultimate comfort food. The ingredients that you'll need for this recipe are all inexpensive and the prep takes about 5 to 10 minutes tops. Feel free to customize the seasoning depending on your preferences and how the turkey was originally seasoned. I normally buy the pie crusts that come rolled up in a two pack in the refrigerated section. If there's one you prefer, you can certainly use that instead. Here is my ultimate turkey leftover recipe! Turkey Pot Pie 2 Pie Crusts 2 Cups of Turkey (cubed) 1 bag of Frozen Vegetable Mix (Peas, Corn, Green Beans, Carrots) 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup Salt Pepper 1...

During the holidays, it seems we are bombarded with snacking options. From the baked goods circulating neighborhoods to the "specialty" offerings in every grocery store. Here's what you can do to ensure that your clothes don't "shrink" during the season of eating, I mean giving... 1. Try to limit eating to your main meal times. Let yourself have the cookie or cake, just for dessert. When you save the special items for after your meal, you're less likely to overindulge. By looking at snack foods as part of your meal instead of a filler for in-between, you're allowing yourself a guilt-free indulgence. You may find that this makes it easier to abstain throughout the day. 2. If you want to be trendy while having your cake and eating it too, eat a small slice for breakfast. You can read more about the benefits of that  here . 3. If your holiday traditions involve baking all of those delicious goodies, try to share them with friends and family,...

With everything that has to be done to prepare for the holidays, struggling to think of what to cook shouldn't be one of them. Here's a list of 10 dinner ideas to take the guesswork out of your evenings. Easy Broccoli Quiche Garli Roasted Chicken Breasts Quinoa and Black Bean Crockpot Chili Pork Chops and Sauerkraut Potato Soup Shrimp and Grits Hamburger Steaks Chicken Enchilada Casserole Crockpot Barbeque Meatballs Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash Hopefully these ideas help your holidays run a little smoother! Do you have a go-to recipe for when you're stuck in a rut? Don't forget to subscribe to receive all of the relevant news when it comes to food.

There have been claims that Apple Cider Vinegar can do everything from burn fat to repair split ends. I don't know about the hair care part, but I notice that I do feel better when I ingest it on a regular basis. This vinegar is created by fermentation. Its imperative that you get an apple cider vinegar with "the mother" of you're using it for health reasons and the companies that have it clearly labeled are the best bets. Or better yet, make your own with this easy Apple Cider Vinegar recipe . The "mother" is full of beneficial bacteria even though it looks like something out of a mad scientist's experiment, you have been warned... Realistic expectations for benefits of using this vinegar include faster digestion of carbs, lowering blood sugar levels, and lowering cholesterol. Here  is an interesting article that goes into more detail. To take ACV, try mixing it into a dressing or using it in marinades. It can be taken diluted in a shot glas...

Sweet breads are amazing, although you should never get them confused with sweetbreads, totally different ball game. One of the great things about breads like this is that they freeze well. You can make a batch or two ahead of time for when you need it and its a great way to take some of the stress out of planning teas and brunches. I always keep some in my freezer for just such occasions. This is a mild orange bread so it pairs well with a lot of things. You can serve it with butter and fruit spreads if you like, but it doesn't need them. This means that it can stand alone as part of a variety of finger foods, (such as for afternoon tea), or it can play a supporting role as a dinner bread, or perhaps even dessert. Orange Bread Recipe 1 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour 1 tsp Baking Soda 1/2 tsp Baking Powder A Pinch of Salt 3/4 cup Sugar 1/3 cup Oil, such as Olive Oil 1 cup Orange Juice Directions ( Step-by-step video ) 1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease pan(s). 2. ...

This mid-morning break is an often overlooked retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily routine. Perhaps, it's time to reclaim elevenses and with them a bit of our sanity. The earliest recorded use of the term elevenses dates back to the early 18th century. It is not a full meal, but rather a morning snack break at, you guessed it, 11 o'clock. Elevenses are not to be confused with afternoon teas, as the latter is a light meal traditionally held between 2 and 4 o'clock. You can find more information on teas here:  http://alacuisinellc.blogspot.com/2016/11/afternoon-tea-and-high-tea-whats.html?m=1   Elevenses are a 20-30 minute break, for the sole purpose of recharging your batteries. Tea or coffee is customarily paired with simple cookies and enjoyed as a brief hiatus from the demands of the workday morning. Its a time to relax and reset, to enjoy a moment guilt-free. Elevenses are replaced by brunch on the weekends when there is more time to socialize and en...

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or even a babysitter, we all try to do the best we can for the children in our care. Let's think about meal times for a minute. I have seen many instances of a child being told to "clean their plates" before they can leave the table. Seems harmless, right? I mean, everyone wants to make sure their child is getting enough to eat. Well, there's several issues with this situation. First, it's programming the child to mindlessly eat the food in front of them as if it's a task. This takes the joy out of eating. It robs children of the experience of taste . If children are taught that meals are just a chore to get through, they do not learn to appreciate the different flavors and textures, not to mention aromas of the foods in front of them. They can't develop a healthy admiration for the process of cooking and the culinary adventures that cooking produces. The other grave issue with this ...

Though the terms have become interchangeable, Afternoon Tea and High Tea are very different things. So, for those of us who do not hail from the UK, here's some clarification. Afternoon tea, also known as Low Tea, is the occasion that most of us are familiar with. Generally held between two and four in the afternoon, this tea is the dainty, snacking affair that boasts elegance in every aspect. Historically, Afternoon Tea utilized delicate china tea cups and saucers. One would find spreads of sweet cakes, tea sandwiches, and scones. Clotted cream and fruit spreads were customary as well. Also known as Low Tea because it was typically enjoyed at low tables in parlors. High Tea is pretty much the opposite of Afternoon Tea. Aptly named because it was originally enjoyed at high dinner tables, it cannot be described as particularly elegant or dainty . Enjoyed sometime between five and seven in the evening, a stronger tea was enjoyed out of heavy mugs. The fare was t...

Its not enough for food to taste good and fill you up. If it's not increasing your health or protecting you from illness, you're doing it wrong. The functional food trend has been on the rise for a few years now. The ingredients change, but the ideals remain the same. One of the hottest functioning food ingredients, (for the moment), is Tumeric. There was a time that this mildly aromatic spice was primarily associated with curries and it wasn't a common kitchen staple. But, oh how times have changed! The earliest known use of Tumeric is thought to be around 2500 BC. Pots uncovered near New Delhi were analyzed and showed tumeric residue. Before it's medicinal properties were discovered, it was originally used as an orange dye. A fact that a few of my dish towels can attest to, I'm afraid. Health benefits boasted by Tumeric include reducing inflammation, dramatically increasing antioxidant levels, improving brain function, lowering risk of heart disease, figh...

Elderberries don't look like anything spectacular the first time you see them, but they have been used for centuries as an amazingly effective cure-all. Now you too can partake in this ancient remedy and keep you and your family healthy throughout this time of year. These deep hued, little berries are packed with vitamins A and C and raise antioxidant levels, boosting the immune system considerably. Studies conducted on the effectiveness of these amazing berries boast claims that they can lower cholesterol, improve vision, improve heart health, fight against colds and flus, tonsillitis, and bacterial and viral infections. With all of these incredible benefits, it's certainly makes sense to keep a jar or two in your fridge at all times. The recommended dose is 1/2 Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults and 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp for children five days out of the week, increasing to every 3-4 hours in the event of illness. The recipe is very simple and should last about 6 months refrige...

Love him or hate him, Donald Trump is America's new President-Elect. Here's what his favorite foods and eating habits could mean for America during the next four years. Mr. Trump has a reputation for his love of fast food. He likes foods that are ready at all times, and prefers everything well-done . He doesn't really favor elaborate meals planned out well in advance, he decides when he's hungry what he wants and he wants it now! These facts elude to this billionaire baron's personality. He sees hunger as a problem to be solved instead of an event. He is concerned with bigger things, the entire picture, the end goal. Mr. Trump prefers hand-held foods, also known as biting foods . This shows us some insight into his aggressive nature. When he wants, something, he goes for it. Not a bad quality for the U.S. President. Fast food is very relatable, it spans across the divides of race, religion, and creed.  A majority of people cannot afford elegant dinners in...

I have to admit, when I think of people eating bugs, I think about ancient cultures and survivalists. The suburban family of five does not spring to mind. According to the Scientific American , it's estimated that individuals unknowingly ingest between one and two lbs of insects annually. Most of this is due to the less than sterile process of canning vegetables and fruit preserves. Insects are not thoroughly removed before everything is sealed up and shipped out. But, accidents happen, right? Well, you may also want to be aware of the fact that confectioners glaze and red food dye are intentionally made with insects. The Lac bug is used to make glaze, which is used for everything from candy to furniture. The cochineal beetle is our source for red food dye. It's used for everything, from red candy to red lipstick. Even Starbucks admitted to using it in their beverages at one point. You can read about that here:  http://blogs.starbucks.com/blogs/customer/archive/...

Ahhh, the time of year when planning family trips, preparing for Thanksgiving di,ner, and shopping for presents make your already busy life almost unbearable. Well, the good news is that with these simple tricks, you can make meals a snap and eliminate some of the stress. 1. Plan your meals With so many things competing for your time these days, the grocery store should not be one of them. Plan your meals a week in advance so that you go to the store armed with a complete list. Try opting for simple breakfasts, such as fruit and yogurt or smoothies. Here's a quick and easy smoothie recipe: https://youtu.be/neil5RiwnRQ  Leftover dinners can make great lunches and cut your prep time in half. Think casseroles, chilis, and other one pot dishes. 2. Utilize Meal Prep Using a portion of your morning or afternoon on a day off to prepare meals ahead of time is an excellent time-saver. Make several meals in advance and freeze or refrigerate for the rest of the week. You can h...

Nothing can quite bring people together like cake. And what better way to celebrate our unity as a country during this trying time than with a traditional cake reserved for just this occasion. Historically, election day was a celebratory affair, filled with food and drinks. People would travel to the polls, visiting family and friends along the trip. There were dances and special balls to commemorate the occasion. During this special time, women would bake election cakes and give them to men at the polls to encourage voter turnout. Voting was harolded as an American right and that was something worth celebrating. (And it still is, in my opinion.) This sourdough cake is a cousin to the fruit cake and a batch could feed an entire community. Typical recipes could call for 10 lbs of butter, 13 lbs of sugar, and 3 dozen eggs among other ingredients! Election day was a reminder of the principles that America was founded on. With all of the stress associated with this election...