Here We Are...with Luci

Homemade Marshmallows: Fluffy, Eggless, and Fun To Make

Making homemade marshmallows is easy and fun to do for the whole family. There is something very pleasing about watching the ingredients turn into creamy white, delicious marshmallow dreaminess. This fluffy recipe mixture makes it hard to wait until they are ready to cut, so have a few spoons available for a quick tasting preview!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 tsp. salt

2 1/2 Tbsp. or 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (NOTE: There are vegan gelatins on the market, but I used Knox brand for this recipe.)

1 cup cold water, divided in half

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup Confectioner's sugar sifted together with 1/2 cup Cornstarch

Instructions

Add the gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water into a large mixing bowl of an electric stand mixer (NOTE: because of the long beating time, a hand mixer isn't practical). Let it soak for about 30 minutes.

Dust a 9 - 10 inch ceramic or glass baking dish with the Confectioner's sugar and cornstarch; set aside. Reserve the extra mixture for later. HINT: Be generous with the mixture and don't worry about using too much in the pan, most of it will be brushed off when you remove the dried marshmallow. NOTE: I use a 10 inch tart pan pictured in the Here We Are EASY Apple Tart Recipe. The ceramic allows the marshmallow to release more easily than a metal pan. BONUS: The edges get cut off anyway, so it doesn't matter that it is a round pan.

In a medium saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup cold water over low heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Brush down any sugar on the sides of the pot, and stop stirring. Clip on a candy thermometer and raise the heat to high until the temperature reaches about 245 degrees; immediately remove from heat. Carefully pour the syrup mixture into a heat proof measuring cup. SAFETY TIP: Put the measuring cup into the sink and pour the hot ingredients into the cup to avoid splashing (this also keeps your cooktop clean!). UTENSIL TIP: If you don't have a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to a hard, rapid boil for about a minute but be careful not to burn it.

Turn the mixer on low and begin to slowly pour the hot syrup mixture into the gelatin. Once it is all added, turn the mixer to high speed and beat for about 10 minutes, then add in the vanilla extract and continue beating for another 3 to 5 minutes until white, fluffy, and thick. HINT: Toward the end of the beating cycle, slowly work backward on the mixer speeds until you are at the slowest speed, then slowly and SLIGHTLY raise the attachments until the marshmallow mixture is released into the bowl.

Using a flexible rubber spatula, ease the marshmallow mixture into the dusted pan and smooth. Generously dust the top of the marshmallow with the confectioner's sugar and cornstarch; smoothing out the sugar/starch on top with your hands. Place uncovered in a cool, dry area, overnight to dry.

The NEXT day: use a butter knife along the edge to loosen the marshmallow. To contain the sugar, place the slab of marshmallow on a large platter or cutting board. With sugar/starch dusted hands, smooth the sugar/starch mixture over both sides removing the excess. Cut off any rough edges with a pastry knife or a kitchen scissor. Cut into strips, then cubes (or any shape you like), and dredge each cube in the sugar/starch. TIP: Use a brushing on and off motion on each side of the marshmallow cube to get a nice, smooth finish from the sugar/starch mixture. This part takes a while, but it is a fun step for kids to do. Store in an airtight container if there are any left!

My recent batch yeilded about 24 large cubes (see picture) that averaged 1.5 inches each. Using a scissor makes this job go much faster. Besides being a preservative free treat, this recipe is also egg-less. Most store bought marshmallows are not preservative free AND contain egg whites. I don't know why, but marshmallows from this recipe seem to last longer in a cup of hot cocoa than store bought types. If you aren't a hot chocolate drinker, use this recipe to make mini-marshmallows to add to yam dishes, rocky road ice cream, fudge recipes, popcorn balls and more! Don't be put off by the long instructions, I've included lots of extra tips to help you enjoy making this messy, but fun and easy treat!!

We Wish You All A...

Today is the official start of the holiday season, beginning with Hanukkah, followed by Christmas, which kicks off Kwanzaa. Whatever holiday you celebrate, in addition to health and happiness, I wish for you a gift similar to the one I received this morning.

During an early morning phone call, a regular reader of Here We Are shared with me that the Live Your Life Out Loud Series gave her the inspiration to do just that over the past year - live her life out loud. Learning this fact is an unexpected, but wonderful gift for me.

No matter what it is you do throughout the year, week to week, day to day...

There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone's life. ~ Sister Mary Rose McGeady

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With much gratitude, and humility, I wish you all a Happy Holiday and a fabulous New Year! ~ Luci

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Urban Decay Razor Sharp Finishing Powder Puts A Fine Finish On Your Face

A Product Review by Here We Are

Three words sum up the effect this product can give you... Fabulous Flawless Finish! At first, I found the claims Urban Decay made about their Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder a bit on the cutting edge of hype. After testing the product over foundation, sunscreen, on bare skin, and as a late day touch-up, I have to agree that this "micro fine powder fools the eyes with 'optical blurring,' and miraculously seems to airbrush away skin's imperfections. It's a smooth, flawless, soft-focus finish that's flattering under even the harshest of lights."

The sponge top applicator is a fun, travel ready, throw-back to the powder puffs our grandmothers used. Razor Sharp is only sold in one translucent "universal shade." This product is all about achieving a fine finish, not about adding color to the face.

The trick is in the application process. While you have less control over the product than with a traditional pressed powder, a little practice will help you achieve the desired finish.

1. To use with the sponge: simply twist the container to release powder into the sponge, then gently puff the product onto your face and neck.

2. Use a dedicated fan brush and lightly brush the "puffed areas of product" downward in long sweeping strokes. If you don't brush it down, you could end up with circles of powder on your face. BONUS: Using downward strokes also helps keep small facial hair down. NOTE: If your skin is very oily, then you might not like the sponge application because you can't clean it (see #3).

3. Alternative use: Remove the lid and pour a little (and I really mean a little) bit of powder into a clean bowl, then use a brush to apply as you would with any loose powder. HINT: Less is more with this method. TIP: Be careful when pouring the product, it is very light and airy and you could waste a lot of it in the transfer.

Even though it is $30.00 for less than half an ounce, Razor Sharp is worth every penny. If you only use the sponge method, the product will last you a while (I average two months of daily use switching between the sponge method and the loose powder application).

It is hard to say if this is the best face powder on the market, but I'd wager it falls into the top ten. Have you tried this product? Tell us about it. Do you have a favorite finishing powder? Share with us because who doesn't want to look good every day?!

{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.}

Pretty Gift Ideas For The Holidays & Beyond

Gift Ideas for a Hostess, Co-worker, Neighbor, Teacher, and More - Save Time & Money Throughout The Year

No matter the season, but especially at the end of the year, there is often a need for small, but pretty gifts. With so much to choose from and so little time to run around, I like to order a "collective gift idea" that can be split up and made into a number of gifts.

Doing this saves time because one order can take care of several gifting needs. It also saves money because you only pay shipping fees once. Think of it as a "one and done" shopping chore that can be handy for you throughout the whole year.

While I haven't ordered every item (hint - some of my readers may be seeing a few of these ideas in the future), I have ordered from all of the companies. My experience has been one of excellent customer service and value for the price points.

The Gift Ideas are listed from the non-personal to more personal options. I've included the cost per item with How-To's on maximizing each idea. They aren't fancy items, but with pretty wrapping and a handwritten note, they become special. It is the preparation and thought that count!

Shiny & Bright Candle Accoutrement

Idea: Garnet Hill has pretty White Ceramic Votive Holders, each of the 6 holders is stamped with a different sentimental word like "Believe," and "Glow." The cost is $68- (note: all pricing is w/o tax & shipping).

How-To: You could break this grouping up into 6 pieces at $11.33 each; but I suggest selecting 2 votive holders for each gift. This would cost $22.66 per gift. GIFTING TIP: Always give a complete gift, so include a candle in each holder before you wrap them up. Try Blue Moon Candles Tea Lights, at $11.00/dozen, each all natural candle only adds 91¢ and will infuse your package with a delicious scent.

Idea: Similar to the Garnet Hill Votive Holders, but very different in style and cost, are the Austro Artwork Votive Holders from Wisteria. A set of 6 retail for $28.00, BUT they are on sale today for $16.80 (a surprise I found as I was typing this article). That makes each holder $4.66, or $2.80 respectively.

How-To: These seem like they have to be in pairs, so make 3 sets of 2 each. Again, add tea-lights. TIP: Use tea-lights over the larger, traditional votive candles for ease of use and safety. Tea lights don't melt down and get stuck in the holder; plus, the flame stays lower in the container.

Eco-Friendly Tote

Idea: Red Envelope is selling Envirosax Market Bags. Each set is made up of 5 different graphic designs. The set of 5 is $39.95, making each bag only $7.99. There are 4 groupings (one is for kids) to select from and all are very colorful.

How-To: You get 5 gifts from this idea. Each bag comes with its own smaller carrying sack. If you tuck in a small denomination gift card or a reusable water bottle, you can stay under $20 per gift.

Silk Coin Purses

Idea: RSHCatalog has a grouping of 6 assorted color silk coin purses for $19.00. That is only $3.16 each for a handy, happy purse item. {NOTE: These purses sold out hours after this article was published. I am leaving the info & links in place in case they are restocked. ~Luci}

How-To: Add a gift card or lottery tickets in each, zip up and wrap. Add a shiny new penny for good luck, too!

Cool Scarves

Idea: Wisteria offers a selection of beautiful scarves which are actually big enough to wear as a wrap over a dress. Lightweight rayon makes them perfect for travel and all four seasons. There are 4 color groupings (Alpine, Caribbean, Cape Cod, Moroccan) that each contain 5 scarves in light to dark shades. Each group retails for $34.00, but the first three groupings are also on sale today for $27.20. This makes each scarf $6.80, or $5.44, respectively.

How-To: These are lovely on their own. Try to match the scarf color with the recipient's eyes, coat, or favorite color (if you know) for an added personal touch.

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Don't worry that you aren't spending enough by group buying, think of it as a creative way to save money and time while still giving pretty gifts. It's not about the cost, surprising someone during the current economic downturn is very thoughtful. Pretty wrapping paper and a bow also add to the visual enjoyment of receiving a gift for any occasion.

Hurry if you need these items for the holidays, or keep the list and buy afterwards for even more discounts, and store them in a dedicated box. When the need for a gift arises (and it will) during the year, just wrap it up! Do you have a way to save money and still give great gifts? Share your ideas with us!

BONUS: If you need more Hostess Gift ideas, check out last year's suggestions, which are still current and available this year! 

{Product Review/Shopping Disclaimer: This is NOT a paid review or endorsement. No consideration of any kind was offered to or received by LUCIMAC Productions, the parent company of Here We Are, in connection with these products or suggestions.}

December 2011: Stocking Stuffers

Announcements, Updates, & Reminders

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trimming The Tree: The Google+ button has been hung in the sidebar at Here We Are. If you are using this new social networking resource, please add us to your circle. While it is a shiny new platform, it looks promising. I've set a holiday goal to top off the end of the year by reading Google+ For Dummies so HWA can rock & roll into the New Year by connecting with you in more places!

Deck The Halls: December is a busy month for everyone and at HWA we want to make your life better, brighter, and easier... Check out Cold and Flu for tips to help you avoid feeling green like the Grinch this season; a beauty review to make you look flawless; shopping ideas to save you money and time; a recipe treat that's fun for the whole family, and more!

UPDATES

The Elves Go Green: The US Postal Service is as busy as Santa's workshop at this time of the year. They are now providing eco-friendly packaging materials that are Cradle to Cradle Certified, stamps with how-to tips for living greener, while working to reduce their carbon footprint. If you are mailing gifts this season, consider using the PO elves to deliver them for your holiday.

Gingerbread Cookies: The November Gift of the Month recipient has not yet responded. The Gingerbread recipe book winner will be announced in January. Please remember to subscribe by email & verify your subscription to have a chance in our gift giveaways. As in past years, in lieu of a December giveaway, HWA makes a donation to a worthy cause. This year, it will again be Canine Companions For Independence.

REMINDERS

Let It Snow: If you are already feeling the effects of cold weather, hand washing, and forced hot-air heat, leave the snow outside and counteract parched, flaky skin by using the HWA olive oil recipe for dry hands. It's easy, inexpensive, and effective! Check out Step #2 in Wave Goodbye To Dry Hands for details.

Making A List: The best time to update your winter wardrobe is right after the holidays. Make a list, check it twice, and stay on budget by buying only what you need, not because an item is on a deep discount. If you aren't sure about what's hot, and how to wear it, listen to the second half of Fall & Winter 2011: Beauty Tips and Fashion Trends for tips on how to maximize your style this season.

Flower of The Month: Obviously, this is the last time we will bring you the HWA Flower of the Month Reminder. It's been fun learning each meaning of the 12 flowers and I hope you've enjoyed this series. December's flower, the Paperwhite Narcissus, is a cousin to the Daffodil variety. Its general meaning is that its recipient is sweet.

I will bring you the lily that laughs,

I will twine with soft narcissus, the myrtle,

sweet crocus, white violet,

the purple hyacinth, and last,

the rose, loved-of-love. - "Heliodora"

~ Hilda Doolittle (1886-1961), US Poet