Crabby Housewife

Moss Hill in Louisville, Kentucky, Handmade Bath Products Store

March 25, 2016 August 3, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Moss Hill in Louisville, Kentucky. What a wonderful gem of a store this is. The products are made of fine, natural ingredients.

Our reason for the visit to the Butcher Market location at 1201 Story Avenue store was to attend a DIY class on making a sea salt scrub. I love artsy/craft type fun and this class did not disappoint.

When we arrived, everything was laid out ready to go. We started with a container of plain, white sea salt. We then had the opportunity to add some oils for moisture.

Next, we were encouraged to mix different scents from some scent families, given a bit of advice about what might go well together and mixed up a unique scent of our own. I love florals and citrus, so I created a scent with those notes.

Once we had a scent we loved, we mixed the essential oils into the sea salt. The final step was to add some beads. Honestly, the owner told us what they were for,but I was focused on the color of them and adding a pretty tone to my sea salt. Yes, I am shallow sometimes, but do you see what a pretty lilac color my sea salt scrub is?

I think she said the beads helped with moisturizing, but don’t hold me to that. The result? I absolutely love this scrub. Not only does it have a scent that I adore and is all my own, but it is very moisturizing. My skin tends to be really dry and this has made even my flaky areas smooth and soft.

The store itself is worth the visit. Tons of home products that are very unique. There is also a metal works company that provides things like light switch plates, frames and jewelry. You’ll find unique throw pillows, recipe books, and even a clothing boutique.

If you aren’t into making your own products, they have a full line of deliciously scented lotions, bath products and even lip balm in scents such as grapefruit. Some of the local inspired scents include mint julep and Kentucky bourbon.

On the premises is also a small cafe and a chocolate shop. You could definitely make a day of visiting this store while enjoying the sight of beautiful old buildings in the area.

My only complaint is that I want more workshops. I want to make my own lotion in a matching scent. This is a store I’ll definitely go back to and that I recommend to my readers. I don’t get any type of kickback. I don’t know the owners other than the short time I spoke to one during our workshop. I simply loved the product and wanted to share another local treasure with you.

If you are interested in visiting the store, you can get more information at MossHill.net.

How to Create a Polka Dot Nail Design

March 25, 2016 July 31, 2015 By Hailey Soard Leave a Comment

Have you ever wanted to know how to get the perfect dotted nails? Have you tried everything and still not been able to get them in the shape you want? Well I’m here to help! What you will need is:

Red nail polish
White nail polish (Colors may be replaced with different colors.)
Toothpicks
A nail file

To start out, you’ll need to take your base coat and apply twice to ensure that the nails are fully colored.

Then, you’ll take your toothpick and dip it into the opposite color of the nail. Test your dots out on a piece of paper.

AFTER your nail base is dry, start applying your dots. Do a line of dots and then repeat. If you want a random look, scatter your dots. Apply the same way down the nail. Repeat. And TADA! you have the perfect dots.

It may take a few tries to get it perfect, but it is a much easier way to get your nails in that perfect form. For extra detail take black or gold or a color that is different and write your favorite team’s logo, put a flower or even put your initials.

To finish add a sealing clear coat for extra shine and hold.

Gluten Free Dessert Roundup

March 25, 2016 July 30, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

If you’re trying to follow a gluten free diet, one of the things you’re probably missing is your desserts. Not to worry, though. There are many delicious gluten-free dessert recipes online. Here is a roundup of some of my favorites.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

living locurto — No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Poppers

These no-bake desserts are perfect to take to a party or for an afternoon snack. They are also very simple to put together. Sub gluten-free graham cookies or leave the cookies out altogether. Amy Locurto has some additional suggestions for toppings for this fun and simple dessert.

Gluten Free Donut Holes

Nicole Hunn over at Gluten Free on a Shoestring has come up with a brilliant gluten free recipe that mimicks Dunkin Donuts’ glazed donut holes. Although a bit involved, you’ll love how this recipe turns out so similar to what you can buy in the store – only gluten free.

No Bake Triple Peanut Butter Bars

Arman, over at The Big Man’s World has some really amazing recipes that just make you drool. This particular dessert recipe is both gluten free and vegan. It is just oozing with peanut butter gooeyness. Think peanut butter fudge on steroids. And, they are very easy to whip up for a party or just to gobble down.

Funfetti Celebration Cake

Need a cake for a special celebration? Kayley over at the Kitchen McCabe has a collection of amazingly delicious recipes. You will spend a little more time on these, but it’s a special occasion, so why not? This cake is just as delicious as any other cake out there. I promise you’ll adore the way it tastes and the way it looks.

Gluten Free Iced Soft Sugar Cookies

flippin delicious — Gluten Free Soft Sugar Cookies with Icing

You know those soft sugar cookies that are iced and come in the clamshell container at grocery stores via their bakery department? You’re drooling, aren’t you? Brianna, over at Flippin’ Delicious, has worked hard to recreate this treat in a gluten free version. Okay, now I am hungry. Must go make cookies. Hope you enjoyed this recipe roundup.

$50 Grocery List for Dollar Tree

August 13, 2017 July 29, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

Okay, so I promised you I was going to take a look at some items you can get a Dollar Tree and a menu you can make with them. I was able to come up with a halfway decent menu based on items from the Dollar Tree. I set a budget of $50 for this list. You’ll find a list of items to buy and meal plans.

Note that this isn’t gourmet food and it is lacking fresh produce. This time of year, you may have some produce from your garden. If not, take at least $5 or $10 additional and head to your local farmer’s market for some deals. You can simply add in cut up fruit and veggies as a side. Make sure to buy a head of lettuce for salads in the meal plans.

This menu feeds at least two people, but if you are a family of three or you have young children you can likely stretch it to feed more.

Grossner Foods premium 2% milk (1 quart)
Cereal (selections vary)
Block of cheese (types of cheese may vary – this is a small block, too)
Box of saltines
Hormel pepperoni
Hunts pasta sauce
Pizza sauce if available, if not second can of pasta sauce
Golden Home thin pizza crust – 12″
Quick oats
Peanut butter
Jelly
Bread (If not available, stop by Aldi for a loaf of bread)
Tuna
Mayo
Pickles
Potato chips
Eggs (again, this is something where availability can vary – you may also want to watch the size of packages and compare costs)
Double up on eggs (you want at least a dozen)
Canned soup
Canned soup
Chicken broth
Ribeye steak from freezer section
Second ribeye steak
Can of fruit
Second can of fruit
Box of mac and cheese
Nuts (you’ll find a few different sizes and types)
Garlic bread from freezer section. If your store doesn’t carry, you can find packaged bread mixes in the baking section that will work as a substitute.
Pasta of choice (spaghetti, etc.)
Beans
Rice
Tortillas
Shredded cheese (will be using in quiche)
Pancake mix
Syrup
Butter or margarine (if you already have some on hand or they don’t have at your store, you can sub a treat for this item. Think candy night.
Small container of ice cream*
Candy*
Popcorn*
Trail mix*
Fruit juice*
Soda*
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice
Item of choice

In total, there are 8 items you can choose to fill in your shopping list. I highly recommend that you choose canned or frozen fruits, vegetables and frozen meats if available to up the nutrient factor of this plan.

Meals

Day # 1

Breakfast: Cereal & Milk
Lunch: Cheese & crackers with fresh fruit on side
Dinner: Pizzas

Day # 2

Breakfast: Oatmeal
Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced up veggies
Dinner: Tuna fish sandwiches and chips

Day # 3

Breakfast: Eggs and toast (use no more than four eggs)
Lunch: Soup and salad (you’ll find a variety of soups)
Dinner: Ribeye steak slices, canned fruit

Day # 4

Breakfast: French toast (use up remaining bread and a couple of eggs)
Lunch: Mac ‘n’ cheese and fresh fruit
Dinner: Use up any remaining produce to create a large salad. Slice up leftover steak and add to salad.

Day # 5

Breakfast: Oatmeal with canned fruit
Lunch: Leftovers (every once in a while, you should just pull everything out of your fridge that is left over and create a little buffet of treats. You can always round it out with nuts and additional canned items)
Dinner: Pasta with garlic bread

Day # 6

Breakfast: Cereal and milk
Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly with remaining chips
Dinner: Use remaining eggs and make a quiche with ingredients on hand. If you have a few pepperonis left, make a pepperoni and cheese quiche. Have steak? Maybe you have some fresh veggies left.

Day # 7

Breakfast: Sausage and pancakes
Lunch: Canned meat, olives and any remaining veggies or fruit (don’t let it go bad, but use it up)
Dinner: Rice and bean burritos. If by some small chance you have some meat left over, go ahead and add it to your burrito for a protein boost.

Snacks

There are so many different types of snacks you can get at the Dollar Tree. I’ve chosen a few for you in the list, but they are marked with asterisks. You can sub these for whatever you most enjoy.

I’ve also left some options open so you can fill it in with foods you and your children enjoy.

Drawbacks of Dollar Tree Shopping

As I put this list together, it became really clear that it is pretty difficult to shop healthy here. Either you are buying canned fruits and vegetables with a lot of sodium, or you are eating a high carb, high gluten diet. If you’re trying to go low carb or gluten-free, steer away from this list.

If you want to get your shopping done quickly and save a little money for a week or two, you can do well at this store and it’s a fast in and out shopping trip. If you are lucky enough to have a freezer and refrigerated section at your dollar store, you’ll have more options for frozen fruits, vegetables and meats.

Would you like a free 14-Day Menu plan to help you save money and time? Sign up for my newsletter either at the top of this page or

Photo Credit: JeepersMedia via Compfight cc

Lazy Woman’s Guide to Making Cheddar Bay Biscuits

February 16, 2018 July 28, 2015 By Crabby Housewife Leave a Comment

The warm, moist flakiness of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits is one of those things that makes people love eating at the restaurant chain. There are few things better than when you’re really hungry and the waitress sets a steaming basket of those biscuits in the center of the table.

I have been experimenting with their boxed recipe here at home, my own cheddar cheesy biscuit recipe and I have come up with the perfect solution for people who are a bit lazy and want the ease of a boxed mix, but also don’t want to pay a fortune for biscuits.

Lazy Woman’s Guide to Making Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Servings: 10 medium size biscuits

Author: Crabby Housewife

Ingredients

2 cups Bisquick
8 tablespoons of butter it should be cold
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded pepper jack or Monterey jack
2/3 cup milk or so
1 clove garlic
1/4 teaspoon old bay seasoning

Instructions

Add Bisquick to large bowl.
Cut 5 tablespoons of the butter into small cubes.
Use a pastry mixer or use your hands and mix cold butter into the mix until it resembles corn meal. It's okay to leave some little buttery pockets. These will melt as the biscuit cooks and create delicious little air pockets of flavor. Mmm!
Add milk and gently stir until you have a dough and all flour is mixed in.
Now, fold in the cheese. Don't overmix. Just throw it in and fold it over. Obviously you want the cheese throughout.
Use a tablespoon to place globs of dough onto a parchment paper lined cooking sheet (easy cleanup and the bottoms crisp up).
I prefer to cook at about 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Cook until biscuits are a golden brown.
Now, take the remaining butter (about 3 tablespoons) and nuke in a microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Heat an additional 10 seconds at a time until butter is melted.
Use a garlic press or dice the clove of fresh garlic and add to the butter. You an also use about a 1/4 teaspoon of powder instead (make sure it is garlic powder and not garlic salt).
Add the old bay seasoning.
Mix thoroughly and brush on top of biscuits while they are still warm. Be liberal with the butter.
Serve immediately for best taste, but you can also store in the fridge.

Recipe Notes

Reheat these biscuits by wrapping in a paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.

These biscuits go great with fish, pasta and even steak. Try them out. Your family will love them and you’ll be impressed with how easy they are to make. It will taste like you spent hours rolling out dough.