Perks of Being a BzzAgent: I've Found a Great New Razor Brand

The Schick Hydro Silk razor I received for free for being a BzzAgent is my new go-to razor.  I used to use cheap disposables because they were, well, cheap!  This changed my mind, and it's still relatively affordable. Here are the reasons why I prefer this razor.

• It comes with a great shower-hanging device.  This is one of my favorite perks as I'm tired of my razor falling off the sides of the shower!
• The moisturizing serum allows me to skip the shaving gel some days when I just don't have the time.
• I have yet to cut my legs with this, and it may be due to the skin guards.
• You can't beat having a multi- blade razor.  Shaving is simple, fast, and efficient, as it should be.

These razors can be found on Amazon.com right now for $2.99!  Here, you can also find some great reviews on the product.  

My Favorite Home Fragrances

I have included in this post my favorite home scents from many different price ranges.  

1. Voluspa candles are pure luxury.  They cost approximately $27 each, so I use them only when I feel indulgent, but they make a wonderful, classic, simple gift.  They come in sophisticated scents which fill the home and their elegant container and packaging make this a little luxury!

2. Yankee Candles are everywhere, and rightly so, the have great sells, are made in the United States, and they have so many wonderful scents.  A large jar, which burns for around 110 hours will cost $27, unless you sign up for coupons through email or catch a sale.  During these times, you can typically cut your price per candle down significantly.

3.  Glade Expression are my new favorite, affordable home fragrance.  I was lucky enough to try these out via BzzAgent, and I am impressed.  They make elegant oil diffusers and stylish, refillable, room sprays.  The scents are not overpowering or fake, like some other brands and I cannot be happier with the product.  They are also very affordable.  An oil diffuser starter kit costs about $8 with tax, and the refills can be purchased for around $4-$5, and coupons are everywhere!

Home-Made Zebra Layer Cake

                                          Photo from MyCakeSchool.com


Last week I came across a recipe for beautiful cake that is a great alternative to the classic 'swirl' cake, you know, the one where you pull the knife through the chocolate and vanilla cake.  This one caught my eye because it looks so professional and I knew I had to try it!

Well, it uses boxed cake mix, and I didn't have chocolate or vanilla, so it was attempted with red velvet--big mistake.  The red overtook everything.

I'm planning on trying it again and will post an update.

In the mean time, you can find the step-by-step instructions here (albeit they're a little confusing, I'll post my updated one once it's done!

Cherry Almond Crisp (adapted from the Pioneer Woman)

A few weeks ago I was inspired to make this cherry almond crisp after viewing it on The Pioneer Woman (a FoodNetwork show).  I came across a lot of individuals who were unable to find tart cherries in their stores. From what research I did it seems that if you don't like in California, you'll have to pay exorbitant fees to have tart cherries shipped to you.

So, I have been playing around with this recipe to incorporate the sweet cherries I find in the frozen section of the grocery store.  Here is my ADAPTED recipe:

• FOR THE CRUMB MIXTURE:
• 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 dash Nutmeg,
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 3/4 stick Cold (salted) Butter, Cut Into Pieces
• 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
• FOR THE FILLING
• 1 bags frozen sweet  cherries
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup White Sugar
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoons Almond Extract
• BASIC WHIPPED CREAM
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl, cut the cold butter into small pieces then further break these pieces up with your hand.  Combine this with the sliced almonds.

Place the FROZEN (don't let them thaw) cherries in a bowl, and add sugar, cornstarch and almond extract and stir.

Place the cherries into an unprepared ramekin (I used an oblong one which is about 4 inches wide by 9 inches long).  Top with the flour mixture you prepared earlier and add the butter/almond mixture.

Bake at 350 F for 45 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden brown. If the topping appears underdone broil for just a minute or so.

For the whipped cream...

Add heavy cream and powdered sugar with a whisk and beat until light and fluffy (you can add some meringue powder to maintain consistency if you plan to store it for a few days).