Here We Are...with Luci

Shoo Fly Shoo! Keeping Flies at Bay the Natural Way

Shades of Chartreuse - Freshly Green Tips

Along with the summer breeze, iced tea, and outdoor picnics, comes an unwelcome guest, the dreaded housefly. If you run an anti-chemical, pesticide-free home, you might want to try this easy, natural solution of hanging water filled bags to deflect the approaching fly. Yes, it's very simple. It only requires a zip-lock bag filled with water... okay, maybe a ribbon to pretty it up!

I've used this very technical "bag of water" method, and I'm with the believers that it works. The important thing is to put the bags around the areas you want to prevent the flies from venturing toward. Think "perimeter defense" - hang them on all four corners of a deck; on the trees that surround a patio; on the railing of a balcony; or on the backs of chairs. TIP: Some people suggest adding pennies or twisted aluminum foil to heighten the effect, but that is up to you. I've used plain old H20 with success.

So what's the secret? According to an article on HowStuffWorks, "...the most popular reasoning that pops up among entomologists and patent-filing entrepreneurs is simple light refraction... A housefly bases its sense of direction on the direction sunlight comes from. Some entomologists believe that when these complex, sensitive eyes experience refracted light, the insect becomes confused and flies away."

The research suggests that this won't work with other types of insects. Precautions still have to be taken for those party crashers, like ants, mosquitoes, and wasps.

While there is controversy over whether or not it works for the flies, what's the harm in trying your own experiment? It's a natural way to keep the flies at bay. If you do, let us know. Happy BBQing!

Chocolate Cupcakes: Cracking Open The Secret To Great Tasting, EGGLESS Cupcakes

A Recipe Review by Here We Are

Is it even possible to bake a great tasting chocolate cupcake without adding eggs? Yes, and I can vouch for this recipe... You won't be disappointed.

To do this review, I tested it twice and both batches baked up beautifully in terms of shape, size, moist texture, and of course, a chocolaty, sweet taste. Each time, I followed the recipe closely, but did tweak it a bit. NOTE: I've included my version next to the original recipe's cake part. It calls for soy, BUT I substituted rice milk instead of soy milk without a problem; the frosting, sprinkles, and coconut in the picture are my own additions.

This eggless cupcake recipe, along with 74 other dairy-free recipes, is adapted from the book, "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World," by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. After the success of this recipe, I look forward to trying them all!

Ingredients

The "Basic Chocolate Cupcake"

1 cup soy milk (I used rice milk)

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar (I used white vinegar)

3/4 cup granulated Sugar

1/3 cup Canola oil

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. Almond extract, Chocolate extract, or more Vanilla extract (I added the extra Vanilla)

1 cup All-Purpose Flour

1/3 cup Cocoa Powder, Dutch-Processed or regular (I used Dutch Processed)

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Chocolate Frosting

1 cup Confectioner's Sugar

1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted

3 Tbsp. rice milk (I believe you can use any milk here)

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners or set up a cookie sheet with 12 foil liners.

2. In a large bowl, mix the milk with the vinegar. Add the sugar, oil, and extract(s). Whisk together.

3. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, stopping at least two times to mix it together. Be sure all the large lumps are gone, but don't over beat it.

5. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 20 minutes, testing the center with a toothpick to check if they are done. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

6. For the Frosting: Whisk the confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth and creamy, then top the cupcakes. It will not be very thick like gelatinous store-bought, canned frosting. TIP: Add sprinkles, coconut, nuts, etc., as soon as you spread the icing before it sets up so the topping sticks.

Enjoy! These look good even before they get frosted! Notice that even though they are egg-less, each cupcake baked up full-size.

BONUS: Looking for more dairy-free recipes? Check out the HWA Granola Recipe: Eggless, Easy, Healthy, and Homemade.

A Day At The Beach

I wanted to share this with the Here We Are readers... Hope it makes you smile!

Last summer, I encountered a little creature who was determined to get things done on a hot, sunny day. Even though she appeared very annoyed by me and my pesky camera, she stuck to her agenda of moving a lot of sand over the course of a few hours... proving that to-do lists aren't exclusive to busy women!

(Sorry, some of the transitions are a bit wonky.)

Burt's Bees After Sun Soother Is An Anytime Smoother

A Product Review by Here We Are

Skin is in... No matter your age, you want your skin to appear supple and smooth. The summer sun, chlorine, sunscreen products, and heat, make keeping your skin hydrated a daily challenge. Burt's Bees After Sun Soother may be the answer. This Aloe and Linden Flower moisturizer has a lot going for it, so much so, that it'll become your "Anytime Smoother."

10 Reasons the After Sun Soother made the HWA "must review" list:

1. The slight cooling sensation from the Aloe is refreshing after a hot day, or anytime.

2. It dries clear, NOT white like so many other moisturizers on the market that leave a visible residue.

3. The claim of "Instantly Hydrates..." is true. The skin drinks it in. 

4. You can dress almost immediately after applying an even layer.

5. The scent is very light with a hint of citrus.

6. It's perfect for every part of your body, even your face.

7. Unless you are very sensitive, you can use it after shaving without experiencing a stinging sensation.

8. It's 99.5% natural - a big perq after a long day of wearing sunscreens, most of which contain chemicals.

9. It's Paraben, Sulfate, Petrochemical, & Phthalate FREE!

10. The 8 oz. bottle goes a long way for $13.00 (It's on sale for $8.00 at Burt's Bees right now.)

Note: This product is a moisturizer only; it does not contain sunscreen ingredients, hence the name After Sun Soother.

BONUS: This is the perfect product to feed your skin as recommended by the "A = Apply" step in EXHALE Your Way To Beautiful Skin: 6 Steps To More Supple, Sexy Skin.

{Product Review Disclaimer: This is NOT a paid review. No consideration of any kind was offered to or received by LUCIMAC Productions [the parent company of Here We Are] in connection with this product or review.}

June 2011: The Birds & The Bees

Announcements, Updates, & Reminders

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bees 'r Buzzin': Last month, we switched it up by deciding to focus on more reviews for May, June, & July. When I checked my list of 15 items on deck for review, 4 of them are Burt's Bees products. Not all of the pending reviews are beauty products, but since the bees 'r buzzin' this spring, you'll see a honeycomb of Burt's Bees on Here We Are to get you ready for summer.

No Birds on The Line: This month, there are no new radio shows scheduled for either Here We Are on The Radio or Chick Flick Chat. The chicks are researching several movies - AKA "watching" (I love this job!) - to find a list of good ones for future chats; and my legal-eagle guest is unable to come in for a landing, so we are rescheduling the Trademark show. NOTE: Email us if you have a good movie suggestion for CFC... as always, we love to hear from you!

UPDATES

Gifts 'r Flying About: We are waiting on a response from the May gift recipient who will receive a Blue Q flower motif shopper bag. June's gift is a similar tote bag, but with a different design - surprise - it's a fanciful bird motif! NOTE: Email subscribers, please remember to check an email from HWA marked "Gift Recipient" and respond within the requested time frame. Both lucky subscribers will be announced in July's Announcements article.

Makin' Honey: If gardening is your thing, then you know the joy of seeing Honey Bees busy at work in your garden. The results of our Flower Power Poll are in and the winning selection with 30% of the votes is "Herbs in containers... They are easy and I can grow them indoors or out." Perennials and the "color scheme" selection each garnered 20% of the votes. Thank you to all who participated; the poll is now closed.

REMINDERS

A Bee In Your Bonnet: It is time to wear a hat to protect your face, eyes, and scalp from the damaging rays of the summer sun... Use our tips from The Joys of a Summer Hat & How To Avoid Hat Hair so you'll never leave home without a hat again.

Flower of The Month: June's flower is the amazing Rose. The rose conveys many emotions usually determined by its color. Typically, we associate it with love. For more on selecting a color with a message, check out The Color of Roses - Sending The Right Meaning.

The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose. ~ Heda Bejar