/> Pearls Before Swine: April 2015

Sunday, April 26, 2015

It's National Pretzel Day!! Enjoy with this easy recipe! :)


Hot Buttered Pretzels

Yummy soft baked pretzels just like the ones at the mall. They are much better than the ones that you buy at the mall, and are so easy! They are cheaper to make at home too.

Ingredients 


All purpose flour 1-2 1⁄2 Ounce (for dough) 

Sea salt 1 Teaspoon (for dough) 
Sugar 1 Teaspoon (for dough) 
Instant yeast 2 1⁄4 Teaspoon (for dough) 
Warm water 1 1⁄2 Cup (24 tbs) (1 cup for dough  1/2 cup for topping) 
Baking soda 1 Tablespoon (for topping) 
Vegetable oil 1 Tablespoon (for greasing) 
Unsalted butter 3 Tablespoon



GETTING READY


1. Preheat oven to 500 degree.

2. Grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil. You can also use parchment paper to line it.
3. For topping, in a bowl, whisk warm water and baking soda. Microwave for 1 minute, and keep it aside.
4. For dough, in stand mixer bowl, add flour, salt, sugar, and instant quick rise yeast.
5. Pour warm water in it, and stir with spatula to incorporate.
6. Then, using a dough hook attachment, knead the mixture on medium low for 5 minutes, or until the dough is soft and smooth, but not stick.
7. In a plastic bag, put the dough, and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes.
8. Remove the dough from plastic bag, and place it on oiled working counter.
9. Using a knife divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
10. Roll these pieces into long rope.
11. Shape each rope into pretzel, dip each pretzel in baking soda wash, and place it on baking sheet.
13. Sprinkle salt over it, and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
14. Place it in oven and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until pretzels are fluffy and golden brown.FINALIZING
15. Remove the sheet from oven, and brush butter over hot pretzel.
SERVING 4. 
Serve pretzel with hot tomato soup.

Recipe Summary

Difficulty Level: 
Medium
Cuisine: European
Preparation Time: 50 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 65 Minutes
Servings: 4

Saturday, April 25, 2015

If you love old vintage tees, keep reading.....

So I recently got my vintage tees from Predisposed Vintage. These are hands down my favorite tees I've ever owned. The material is so soft and light weight and the designs are amazing!! 

Stop by their store and check out the bargain bin, everything there is $5, and shipping is super cheap! 

These are the shirts I just got from them below. 

Great for a night shirt! 

My all time favorite one!
What I'm wearing today!


**Product Review** ERA Ageless

I'm super excited to talk about Era Ageless. One because I think it's a great product and two I think it even works!! I know, I know...for all you unbelievers out there but this one might just actually work. 



I have before and after pics, so you can judge for yourself. Completely untouched! 

So lets get started.....


This picture below is what I was sent. It's a sample pack of different products. 






  1. Facial Peeling Gel
  2. Facial Peeling Gel
  3. Elastin & Beta Carotene Mask
  4. Moisture Cream
  5. Facial Serum
  6. Eye Serum
  7. Eye Cream

UPLIFT EYE SERUM 
Ok, so what I love about the products. First thing you notice is..well for me anyways is smell. I smell everything. It's not overpowering or too fragrant. Which really bothers me about other products. I don't want something too smelly on my face, it goes near yours eyes for goodness sake! So I was really happy with that. 

Another thing I noticed was how soft the creams and gels are. Especially the eye serum. Which is by far my favorite of all the products so far. It's like rubbing silk on your eyes. Absolutely fab! 

Every one of the products absorbs really well. You're not having to rub and rub your face to get it all massaged in. Another great thing! 



Now, I've only been using this for a week and I'd have to say in all fairness, you probably want a bit more time trying a product before determining it works or doesn't work. On this case though, I'd have to disagree. 


My face seems more glowy and I even got a compliment from a family member that said my face looked great and glowing. So I'm not even the only one who noticed...pretty cool!!


Here are my before and after photos!





Another great way to stay ageless is exercising! Only $19 dollars to get started! 



Visit them here to order yours! 

Want a free makeup brush? Click here! 



 REFRESHING ROSE WATER
REFRESHING ROSE WATER

Attention Pool Owners with kiddos!! You'll love this idea!

All the pool owners out there, do I have something for you!!!

I know from experience with my own kids that the pool cleaner vacuum can be scary and intimidating. My girls always asked, "Can you take Agador out?" Agador is what we called our pool cleaner, it's from the movie The Birdcage. Agador was their pool cleaner, LOL! 

Ok, so now you know alittle about my weirdo family, we really are quit normal...I swear!! :) Although we do reference movie quotes often. 

Back to the cleaner, my friend Kiley has been working super hard on a new pool cleaner cover. Not only is it super cute, it's easy to install (NO TOOLS!!), and fit's 80% of the cleaners out there already. Probably even yours!! 

                               Photo courtesy of Kover Kritters

She does need all the help she can get to get this started. If you could, please share this post with your friends and family. Pledge anything you can, especially if you own a pool yourself. There are really great prizes and know that you are supporting a good cause.

Watch the video, go and sign up, Pledge and share, share, share!!

Only 28 days left before the campaign ends....the time is a ticking away!  Visit them online at http://www.koverkritters.com/

Kover Kritters
                                               


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Don't Waste Biscuit Dough!



Dear Folks,
Today we're going to talk about biscuits with a real southern accent! 

Normally when we make our dough we use a biscuit cutter, then re-roll the leftover dough and cut some more. 

If you really want fabulous biscuit my tip is *touch them as little as possible with your hands. The heat of your hands breaks the dough down. Same as does a rolling pin. 

No fears though, I've found a way to prevent it. Flatten it with a rolling pin or even better a fruit jar filled with ice water (capped, of course!)

Then with a butcher knife cut the blobs of dough into squares, triangles or rectangle pieces. Place each piece in your pan. 

For real brown biscuits, on all sides, place them on your cookie sheet a few inches apart. 

For soft edges, place the biscuits close together. 

Here is the way you are saving time. No re-rolling dough, no cleaning the biscuit cutter! Wallah! 


Cook until slightly brown or more golden brown if you like. They can be served right away, cooled or even frozen to be used later. 

Wanna get real crazy with the biscuits? Cut up some cold cuts, slice the biscuit in half, add your fixings and enjoy! Yummy no muss, no fuss and easy snack. 

Recipe:
2 cups flour
1/2 tea salt
1/2 tea cream of tartar
4 tea baking powder
2 tea sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cup milk

Sift dry ingredients into a bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and stir until dough follows fork around bowl. 

Knead slightly. Pat out on lightly floured surface and cut. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

To reheat leftover biscuits, wrap in foil and heat in 300 degree oven for 10 minutes. Open foil halfway through heating if you want them crisp. 


Friday, April 10, 2015

Dog Training made easy!

This site is so wonderful. They gave me so many great and useful tips that I could use to train my two younger adult dogs. My mom and I rescued them last year, along with their mom and two other siblings. Since then, we've found homes for the two sibs, kept the other two boys and my Mom and Dad have mama. She's such a heart and is quit happy in her new home. 

The boys, who's names are Malachi and Bear, are also very happy but I had to admit that I didn't do too great of a job in the training department. I felt so bad about how we found them, I just couldn't be hard on them. My fault...I know! 

So now, let's just say these two boys are naughty! Counter surfers, garbage destroyers and never ending chewers but I'm head over heels for them. Just a little training wouldn't hurt! 

I found these guys and have been applying so of  their tips and methods. So far, things seem to be going good. Boys are learning and are defiantly more obedient.  I would recommend them to anyone with a dog and or new puppy. :)

Free Dog Training. Click Here.

Monday, April 6, 2015

"How to make $1000 a month by working at LinkFromBlog!


"How to make $1000 a month by working at Linkfromblog" and "Tips For Successful Blog Advertising"

Follow the link for more information. I just signed up and I love them already! 

Paid reviews
Advertise with my Blog

JewelScent Candles, Aroma Beads, Soaps and More! Ring Worth $10-$7500 in each ONE!

For my birthday this year my mama bought me some Jewel Scent candles, aroma beads and a body scrub. She is the best Mom ever, right?! Most giving person I know. :) Love you Mom! <3 font="">

Let me first start off by saying what a neat idea, and they are so fragrant and long lasting. 


Best part is, in every one there is a mystery ring inside. Worth between $10 and up to $7500.00. I think I'd have a stroke if I found a real expensive one. 

Very strong, fragrant grape smell.
 Fills the whole house for hours! 

So below I've posted some of there specials for today and a link so you can get some too! 

 Great and super easy gift ideas. You pick the ring size and they try real hard to make sure that's what you receive. All mine have been size five so far, which is my ring finger size. So I'm HAPPY, HAPPY!!


I don't own any expensive jewelry and for me that works. I'm not a big jewelry person and if I did own something pricey, I'd probably store it away for safe keeping. Which I'd never find again because I put it in "a safe spot". Get's me every time! :) 

This is one of my favorite smells. 

Today's 4/6/15 Specials







So amazing, I put it in my car! 

JewelScent Shop Now! 


Saturday, April 4, 2015

Bringing back memories with yummy drinks. #italiansodarecipe

Italian Soda Recipe


With summer quickly coming upon us, I feel it's only fitting to post this next recipe. Besides being a all time favorite drink of mine when I was a child. It brings back wonderful memories of my mom and I, going to the coffee shop and  being able to get a cold, creamy and yummy Italian Sodas.

Super, super easy to make and only three ingredients! If you like coffee, you can add this to coffee as well for a added yum. 

The Torani syrup comes in a variety of flavors and you can find it in your local grocery store or online here

Okay, so lets get started....



 All you need is
 your favorite kind of flavoring syrup from Torani. 
Sparkling water or Seltzer
Ice, if you like.
Whip Cream for topping



Then Enjoy!!



Friday, April 3, 2015

Happy Good Friday! Make These Hot Cross Buns for Tonight's Dinner.

Happy Good Friday! 


I always looking for new and fun ways to celebrate this wonderful Easter week. With today being Good Friday I thought that these Hot Cross Buns would do the trick. 

Super Easy to make and incredibly delicious! 

Total Time
2h 35 mins, with rise time. 

Bake Time
20-25 mins
380 degrees F.

Serves
12

Ingredients

1 cup warm water
3 teaspoons Red Star quick rise yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
⅓ cup dried milk powder
1 large egg
2½ cups bread flour, divided (+ extra for dusting your work surface)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup raisins

For The Cross:
¼ cup flour
6 teaspoons water

For The Glaze:
⅓ cup water
2 tablespoons sugar

or

For Cream Cheese Frosting
 1/2 c cream cheese 
2 Tsp butter
1 cup powder sugar
2-3 Tsp water or more. You want a thicker consistency, like frosting.

INSTRUCTIONS

 Grease a 13 x 10 baking tray with butter and set aside.

In a medium bowl combine the warm water and yeast. Mix until dissolved. Add the sugar, dried milk and egg and whisk until combined.

Add 1½ cups of the flour and mix well with a wooden spoon until it looks more like a smooth batter. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes it should look bubbly but still very wet. Add the oil and salt and fold through.

Add the remaining cup of flour and mix into a ball. Transfer to a stand mixer with a dough hook and add the spices. If the dough is still a little wet, add another tablespoon or two of flour.

Mix the dough on low speed for 5 minutes. Add the raisins and mix for another 2 minutes.

Transfer the dough to your table and form the dough into a ball. Place the dough into a bowl which has been lightly greased with olive oil. Cover and let rest for about another 30 minutes.

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, and roll into small balls. An easy way to do this is to cup the dough under your palm and gently roll it in a circle while gently pressing down on it.

Place all 12 dough balls onto the prepared baking tray in a 4 x 3 formation.Cover with a clean towel and let rise for another hour or until they have started to come together on the tray.

While they are rising make the mixture for the cross. Mix the water and flour together to form a paste. Once the buns are ready for the oven, using a piping bag or zip lock back with the corner snipped of, squeeze the cross mixture across the buns in both directions to form the cross.

Preheat the oven to 380 degrees F.

Place in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes and golden brown.

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a pot. Simmer until reduced to about three-four tablespoons of liquid still left.

Glaze the buns when they come out of the oven and let cool. Cover and seal if you're keeping them for the next day.



So, a bit time consuming but way worth it! I hope you enjoy these as much as we do. 

From our family to yours, God Bless and Happy Easter!