Cookie Cutters & Popcorn Garland

December 16, 2010 - Christmas baking is on on my mind. Baking in general is a new venture for me, this being said I am without tools; who knew there were so many tools needed for baking cookies and tarts? A rolling pin, mixing bowls, icing piping bags and tips. And of course a gingerbread man is just an awkward blob without a cookie cutter.
You'd think living in Toronto I would be able to find a kitchen store that sells a cookie cutter or two, especially at Christmastime. But you'd be wrong. Canadian Tire - no. Sears - nope. The Bay - nadda. Home Sense - waste of time. In desperation I headed to the over-priced William & Sonoma thinking I couldn't go wrong, and although they did carry a selection of cool Star Wars cookie cutters, the only gingerbread man they had was $20.00, and looked more like a creepy real person than a cute little gingerbread character. I walked toward home disappointed and without the essential tool to complete my task. Along the way I popped into the St. Lawrence Market to pick up some ingredients for dinner. As I stepped into the centre of the hall, wouldn't you believe it - the heavens opened up, choirs of angels sang and a holy light shone on what was the most beautiful collection of cookie cutters I had ever seen.
Placewares, on the upper level in the St. Lawrence Market is THE PLACE to go for all things kitchen and especially cookie cutters. I needed a tiny little star cutter for the tops of my mincemeat pies - and they had it, I couldn't believe it! Not to mention the traditional gingerbread men (and women) in all sizes and types. Any type of cutter you can think of, they will be sure to have it. They have it all, and the prices are very reasonable. While there I also picked up a meat thermometer, a new measuring cup, my icing bags and tips, and some sprinkles.

Popcorn Garland
I ventured into the realm of popcorn garland last night. I've never made it for a tree before, but our little old tree needed a garland, and we had popcorn, a thread and a needle in the house - so it cost me nothing. To give the garland a pop of colour and pizazz I added a cranberry after every fifth kernel. I think it looks great on our tree, but it takes a REALLY long time to do it yourself. If you have kids, this is a great project for them to do while watching their favourite Christmas movie. Just make sure to make a bowl of popcorn for snacking, otherwise the project will take a lot longer ;)

Some Health/Beauty Tips I've learned recently

So, here are a few little tips I've learned recently (from my own need) I'd like to share, because they ACTUALLY WORKED!

1) Eczema

I have been cursed since a we lass with Eczema break-outs. Non-contagious, hereditary and severely annoying - Eczema is a very itchy, red rash, which is the result of a toxin working it's way out in one's body. For example I used to break out if I ate a lot of acidic foods such as oranges. But in my adult life I break out due to stress and eating a lot of gluten or processed foods. I have had break outs everywhere from on my legs, to on my arms and around my mouth and nose... but recently I had a doozy of spot directly under my right eye. The most sensitive spot imaginable, that's where it decides to surface. I tried all of the usual remedies, the medicated cream, keeping it moisturized with Bio-oil... nothing was working, in fact it was getting worse.. more itchy, more flaky, and it hurt to touch. Worst of all, it looked like my skin was prematurely ageing due to the irritation!
To my relief this most horrifying outbreak has now been cured! How you ask? a combination of two things:
The first - "Prep + Prime" by MAC cosmetics. This is a face primer for makeup, and it runs about $30 CDN for a 30ml tube. I learned of this miracle cure when I went to Mac to look for a hypoallergenic cover-up solution to hide my hideous red spot. I needed something that would not irritate my eczema even further. I was told that the "Prep +Prime" had been successful in ridding one of the sales associates of her eczema.. at that point I'd try anything...
The sales associate applied it to my face, and it stung like a b!#ch (my eyes watered). But then it became warm, and soothed the itching almost immediately. I use this product after I wash my face, before I apply moisturizer.
The second - Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I picked up a jar in a health food store... a suggestion I read in the comments section of a website I now cannot recall - but the point is that this oil is organic, natural, non-irritating and especially good for the face and under the eye because it is so gentle. It comes in a solid form, but sort of melts when touched. I used this as my moisturizer - it did not make me break out, it kept my face smooth and soft, and it smells amazing. I picked up a 16oz jar, it cost me $20. This will last me well into the summer I'm sure.

2) Dr. Oz's home solution for whiter teeth.

Gotta love Dr. Oz! He says to pour a few tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl, squeeze half a lemon to make a paste - use a cotton ball to apply this paste to your teeth. leave it for a few minutes, then brush your teeth. It's that simple kids! So far I can tell you that this is working for me. I drink a fair amount of coffee and red wine, and my teeth appear to be looking much better since I've started this routine. Not only is this money saving (those whitening strips cost upwards of $50/pack) but it feels much less harsh on my teeth and gums - no sensitivity afterwards, and you don't have to worry about this remedy depleting your enamel. Thank you Dr. Oz!