October Birchbox: Small, but Mighty

Want some goop? That was essentially the question Birchbox asked their subscribers in an email for October's edition of the medium brown box.  The goop in question is the website goop.com, with whom Birchbox teamed to bring this month's product inspiration...if you so chose to accept!  I left it up to the Product Fairies instead of volunteering to receive the website-inspired edition. And BEFORE the 10th this month, I did indeed get my box o' goop. My box included 5 products, which is a few less than a prior boxes, but the quality is definitely better than the quantity!

OCTOBER'S BIRCHBOX

beautyblender® - the original beautyblender®

This is probably the most exciting thing (for me anyways) I have received so far in any my boxes.  I almost bought two packages of beautyblender®s at Marshall's over the summer, and for some dumb reason, put them back on the shelf.  I think the Product Fairies were watching...because here it is in my box! I consulted my friend, and FABULOUS make-up artist, Victoria, on the exact care for the applicator sponge as there weren't any instructions included with it in the box.  She recommends cleaning the sponge after every application with Isopropyl Alcohol...99% if you can find it, 91% will work as well too.  Put it in a small spray bottle, spray LIGHTLY with the alcohol and roll the sponge on a clean towel.  SO EXCITED to use this tool!!

Chantecaille - Brilliant Gloss

A really beautiful nude shade of lip gloss. Best thing ever...non-sticky and delivers a slight plump when applied. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!!!

DDF® - Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer

Tried this serum for the first time this morning.  I love how it felt going on, very smooth and absorbed well into my skin.  My skin felt noticeably softer and smoother.  Very excited to see the benefits of further use of this product. A full-size version is $85.

Marie Veronique Organics - Anti-Aging Oil +

Looks like a little of this will go a long way as well. Made with sea buckthorn, red raspberry seed and cranberry seed oil, it almost sounds good enough to eat.  But I am sure it will work wonders on my skin.  Glad the Product Fairies realize I'm pushing 40! A full-size retails for $80.

*I'm always very pumped to try face products that push the $100 threshold for full size. GOOD STUFF!*

And finally, our "Lifestyle Extra":

Luna - LemonZest Barr

I am already a HUGE fan of Clif Bars...I survive my crazy days of instructing at Little Gym and coaching volleyball during dinner time hours on Clif Bars. I have seen Luna Bars near them in the nutritional aisle and have contemplated buying some, as they are geared toward women's health and nutrition.  We'll see how this one tastes. I have it stored in my purse for an emergency snack.  Which I guarantee will happen between today and Wednesday, at best! 

Any other Birchbox subscribers out there, I would love to read about what you received and what you thought of your products. Discover what Birchbox is here, or sign up for an account here.

Clambake 101: North Coast Style

Quintessential fall in CLEVELAND = CLAMBAKE time!  We just had our 3rd Annual KrausHouse Clambake last night; a (finally) DRY but CHILLY affair!  And as always, our family and friends were the best company to entertain!  I recently found out that unless you reside in Northeast Ohio or the Northeastern Atlantic coast, or you are an avid Elvis fan, clambakes are pretty much an unknown commodity .Which, to me, is a DAMN SHAME! Because 'Bakes really are one of THE BEST party formats around...better than any summer BBQ, or potluck, or brunch or buffet.  If you're unfamiliar with a clambake, here's the basics for a do-it-yourself - you take clams, chicken, potatoes, corn and maybe some crab legs or lobster (regional location plays a part in the bake ingredients), layer them in a giant steamer or pot and bake it for a couple hours.  Meanwhile, everyone here enjoys the best things FALL on North Coast has to offer - drinks, munchies, football, gorgeous scenery and crisp, cool air.  It is one of the most laid back and enjoyable type of party you could have.  We're fortunate enough to have an AMAZING family-owned catering business that has been in the community forever, Maple Heights Catering, and they do Redi-Pack clambakes for an incredible price.  They pack up the bakes in a large steamer & provide you the burner; we hook it up to a regular propane tank from the grill and steam away!  They are the BEST PLACE in Ctown to get a clambake!  We get some additional goodies from our favorite family-owned butcher, K & K Meats, to round out the spread - and VIOLA! an amazing feast is ready to go!   If I've piqued your interest on trying your own clambake, wherever you may be, here's the format for our annual party :)

MENU

Clambake from caterer includes:

-1 dz. middle neck clams

- 1/2 chicken

- 1 sweet potato

- 1 ear of corn

- coleslaw

- dinner roll

*The caterer also provides add-ons: extra dz. clams, crab legs, lobster tails, steaks, mussels for additional price.

We add in: (click on the food to see the recipes I used)

- Ribs

- Italian sausage w/ onions and peppers (you could also do kielbasa and sauerkraut)

- Cabbage and Noodles

- Hungarian hot peppers stuffed with sausage

Cut off the tops of the peppers, and remove seeds and ribs. You can either keep the peppers whole or cut them in half.  Stuff with ground Italian sausage (mild is best) and layer in a crock pot.  Cover with jar of marinara sauce and cook on low in crock pot for about 2 hours or so. 

- assorted appetizers

* Roasted Eggplant and Red Pepper Dip (from Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook - my entertaining BIBLE)

*Jalapeno Popper Dip (I used the ingredient instructions for this recipe, but made it entirely in a medium-sized crock pot. I threw in the cream cheese, heated it up a little bit and then added the remaining ingredients and mixed it well. I coated the panko bread crumbs with olive oil and spread them out on top and let the crock pot do the work.  Make sure you turn it to low to maintain heat.)

We have everyone BYOD (whatever beer, wine, alcohol or reg drink they choose) and a dessert. Although, we do provide a small selection of common liquor (Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, flavored vodka, etc) and pop for guests. And this year, I made a KrausHouse Clambake signature cocktail, Captain Morgan's Hot Spiced Cider. And it was a big hit! Because #1, it's GOOD and #2, it was COLD outside!
Here's the recipe:

Captain Morgan's Hot Spiced Cider

- large jug of apple cider

-bottle of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum

-5 cinnamon sticks

-one apple, sliced across in thin slices

- 3/4 tbs. nutmeg

- crock pot

-shot glasses 

*Serves about 10-15, depending upon cup size and how much your guests fill their cups!

Pour apple cider into crock pot. You may not be able to fit the entire jug of apple cider into the crock pot (but that's ok, I am SURE you will need to refill the crock pot!).  Add apple slices, cinnamon sticks and nutmeg and stir.  Set crock pot to HIGH and warm for an hour.  Turn crock pot to low to maintain warmth once you are ready to serve. Put the crock pot out with a ladle for guest to serve themselves, with the bottle of Captain Morgan's and shot glasses right beside the crock pot. I had guests add their own amount of Captain Morgan's to their drinks. Guest who aren't drinking will still be able to enjoy the warmth of the cider without the "fuel"!! 

I will definitely be making this again next year and probably doubling the recipe! It was soooo gooood!

We round out the fun with a Cornhole Tournament which ALWAYS gives more than a few laughs, some competitive ribbing and bragging rights for a whole year....and some cash to the winners! Cornhole is a uniquely Ohio game which I am fairly certain has it's origins in the Cincinnati-area. The Hubs had played it for years when he lived and worked at Miami University.  When we moved to back down to Cinci for a few years, we were so excited to bring it back to Ctown and introduce it to our family and friends.  By the time we moved back home, thanks to the HUGE amount of Cleveland-area college age kids who go to Miami and OSU,  it had successfully made it's way up to Cleveland and can be seen at cook-outs, parties, tailgates, etc. everywhere! It's a fun combo of horseshoes and skee-ball with beanbags! 

I'm already planning next year's 'Bake...what to add, what I need, what I don't need!  And I've already started "conversations" with Mother Nature about the weather next year.  "Thanks for the DRY night, but MAYBE just a little bit warmer...."  I don't dare get too demanding!

Bring on Fall Fashion and Beauty: September's Birchbox

HAPPY FALL!! I dare you to find me a person who doesn't love this season. And I mean a person who actually experiences seasonal changes;  sorry West Coasters, Southwestern-ers, Floridians, etc., but you really don't know FALL like WE know FALL! Favorite season, CHECK! It's chock full of my most favorite things: football and volleyball (favorite sports), Halloween (favorite holiday), orange (favorite color), pumpkin (favorite food for baking), crock pot comfort food and lastly, FASHION! I could live in sweaters, boots and  jeans 24/7! So when I read that Birchbox was sending us goodies to highlight Fall's favorite fashion and beauty trends I was really giddy!! September's box was a delightful hodge-podge of great products and they didn't disappoint.

FALL TRENDS BIRCHBOX

Sorry about the grainy photo.  I sent this one to my GF via
Instagram to compare boxes.  I've already torn in to most
of the products so a replacement pic is not happening ;-/

BVLGARI - Mon Jasmin Noir perfume

A perfect scent for transition to fall.  It's a substantial floral scent with fruit and jasmine to make it "heavier" for fall and winter.  Not something to which I would normally gravitate, but I like it a lot.

COLOR CLUB - Birchbox Custom Color Nail Polish
I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this iridescent pinky/purple/silver metallic shade! I have it on my toes, will be putting it on my fingers in an hour or so and will not take it off until I'm ready to wear some darker colors in October.  AH-MAZ-ING, and a Birchbox exclusive!

twistband - Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie

Considering I spend 2-4 days a week with my hair in a pony, I'm always on the lookout for great hair ties which hold strong and won't damage my hair.  These are super stretchy with fun prints and colors.  I may be ordering more of these with some Birchbox reward points!

Visanti - Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

After the stressful month I've had so far, it's beginning to show up on my face.  Thank you Bb for sending me a new product to try and bring my face back to life.  It has professional grade microderm crystals, which to me = A GREAT EXFOLIATION! 

WEI to Go - Sleep Over Kit

Another cleanser and moisturizing face tint combo.  Haven't gotten around to using it, but I have read other bloggers who got this in their kit and have LOVED it.  I usually don't have any trouble with face products, so I am looking forward to seeing it this makes a difference in the way my face feels.  I'll get back to you on it.

LIFESTYLE EXTRAS

The Brush Guard -  Brush Guard Variety Kit

Just like they sound ;) Plastic netting guards for your make-up brushes. Hoping they keep my brushes in shape longer.  I just did a major cleaning of my brushes.  They are supposed to help if you travel a lot too.

Birchbox Digital Download

Two exclusive downloads from Tristan Prettyman.  I like 'em!

Birchbox Fall Fashion Mini-Magazine

Highlights some of Fall's biggest trends in fashion, make-up and lifestyle. Fun little resource with great ideas!

Plus, a coupon to Madewell!

If you're curious about how Birchbox works, check out my first post here, or you can sign up to receive your own right here!

Klassic Kraus Komfort Food

It's been a rough couple of weeks in the KrausHouse.  Not quite ready to blog about it right now, but I will when I'm ready.  Suffice to say, my culinary motivation during this time was slim to non-existent.  So, to the classics I turned.  Meatloaf, Beanie-Weenies, etc.  Tonight, the Hubs offered to cook and said he had a hankerin' (not EXACTLY those words) for a KrausHouse staple, CHICKEN CHIPS.  This is actually a family favorite from my youth. It could be one of the all-time favorite things my mom made for dinner, besides Chicken Paprikash. It's a simple version of battered chicken breasts, cut into bite size chips.  Not the healthiest of choices for dinner, but infinitely better than processed chicken nuggets.  And sometimes you just need good, old-fashioned, gloriously fried chicken! And in full-disclosure, I almost enjoy them MORE the next day and eaten cold!  Just trust me on that one ;)

CHICKEN CHIPS

• 2 Chicken Breasts
• 1 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• 1 c. milk
• 1/4 c. cooking oil
• plus cooking oil for frying

Fill an electric skillet or large frying pan with enough oil for chicken chips to be covered half way with oil while frying.  Heat oil.  While the oil is heating, cut up chicken breasts into bite size chunks.  Set aside in a bowl.  Next, mix all the dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.  Add the milk and cooking oil to the egg and stir until combined.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir well.  Once the   batter is mixed, drop chicken chunks into the batter.  Coat chunks well with batter and drop in to hot oil.  Fry until sides are medium brown and then flip. When the other side is browned, remove chicken chips from oil to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove excess oil.  Serve hot or at room temperature with any dipping sauce you like! I prefer BBQ or buffalo sauce :) 

Hope you enjoy this long-time family favorite, comfort food gem! Thanks to Mimi for another great Layne, Lowe and now Kraus Family favorite.

Wake Me Up When September Begins...

With profuse apologies to Green Day, it is the God's honest truth.  It's September 1st.  I'm watching THE Ohio State University in their opening game against Miami University.  Normally, I would be all psyched up for the opening weekend of NCAA football for the ENTIRE week beforehand, but I found myself waking up this morning a little surprised on how September has completely sneaked up on me. I am completely aware of how it happened, though. I spent the better part of the second half of August, which included my 39th birthday, worrying and obsessing about the impending nuclear bomb explosion that would become our daily family schedule.  I'm usually not like that, though. I embrace "change" as an integral part of life and have never had a problem with it.  But this time, it got me, both physically and mentally. Sweet Pea (Kindergarten) and Monkey Man (PreK 3) have started school....milestone beginnings for both.  That got me. BAD.  I am starting a brand new schedule at work.  For weeks, I obsessed about just getting it all STARTED so I could settle in to the new routine.  Again, when did I become my mom...the person in the world most opposed and apprehensive to change who I ever met?!? I'm not quite to Mimi status, but it scares me that I'm meandering down that path.

So, here's my August catch-up post.  First off, here's the kiddos in all their FIRST DAY splendor.  Both of them love school! I am anxious for Monkey to get the chance to be around other kids his age, enjoy the routine, expectations and social challenges of school, and play with some BOYS for a change.  We are RICH in the female department when it comes to family and friends.  He needs some testosterone :)  Boys are just such different creatures at this age.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

My August Birchbox review is LATE, LATE, LATE!  I received my box LATEr than normal, August 14th.     We were at Cedar Point all day that day, so I missed the delivery.  This month's theme was appropriately "Beauty School".  My friend Michelle, of The Gianni Tree, received hers on time and shared her contents with me via Instagram, so I knew what could be in my box. I was excited.  However, my medium Brown Box held temporary disappointment.  While the contents card listed products I was excited to try, two were missing from my box.  I immediately contacted Birchbox Ops, as they call it, and was promptly taken care of by Anastasia who assured me they would get the missing products out to me ASAP.  So, seeing as I was missing some key components, I really couldn't give a great review of my Birchbox.  They did arrive LATEr the following week, but by then, I was in full stress mode and really didn't think much about it until today! So, here is my legitimately LATE Birchbox review :)

A very informative and helpful "Beauty School" booklet was included. It had useful info on the staple tools of a make-up artist and how to use them; how to READ a product label and what all those active/inactive ingredients in products mean; 5 tips to a better shave (to go along with the razor); make-up quick fixes and a 3:00 minute skin care routine.  All extremely USEFUL!

CALDERA HAND SOAP

This was one of the missing products from my box. I have heard wonderful things about Caldera soaps, but haven't used any yet.  It is a small sample size I have tucked into my make-up bag for emergency soap situations for either me or the kids.

JUICY COUTURE "Viva la Juicy La Fleur" perfume

Hot dog! Another floral based sample perfume. It's lovely and light.  Tried a few squirts on the way out the door to the mall last weekend! This was the second missing product from my box.

OSMOTICS Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair

I have been using this as my night time face cream since I received it.  It's a smooth, blue, almost ointment consistency cream.  I like it.  A little goes a long way, it blends in quickly and doesn't feel heavy.  My skin looks hydrated and doesn't feel dry when I wake up. 

SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Moisture Velvet Nourishing Shampoo and Treatment

I haven't used these yet, but I LOVE trying out new hair products.  I color my hair and am always looking for products that lengthen the life of my color and keep my hair healthy.  I am going to give this stuff a shot as soon as I use up my current shampoo and conditioner.  I'll update after my test run.

SCHICK HYRDRO SILK 5-BLADE RAZOR

This product was included in ALL Birchboxes for customers this month.  This razor in incredible. I have never had a closer shave that has lasted longer.  I wish I would've had this razor all summer long! Although, I am to the point where I am so ready for fall so I don't have to shave my legs as much anymore ;-P, this razor makes it a little easier by having to shave every two days instead of every other day. The handle is so comfortable and really allows you to control the head well.  That's important, because with 5 blades, this thing is a lethal weapon if you're not careful!!! The refill pack are around $14.00 for 5 replacement blades, which is much better than the $11.00 (or so) I was paying for 3 replacement heads with my old razor.  A definite recommendation for this one!

If you're interested in finding out more about Birchbox, check out my first post about them or register here to get in on the fun!

So please excuse my blatant disregard for timely blogging ;)  I promise that during my favorite time of year, FALL, there will be plenty to talk about in The KrausHouse.  Hopefully, my first sports related postings too as the Browns get their season underway.  You wouldn't know it by the contents of this blog, but I am A MAJOR SPORTS honk, especially all things Cleveland sports.  Football brings out the best (or worst) in me! Just wait and see :)

 .  

Cedar Point and 1001 Ways to Die

Is it because I'm close to turning 40? Because I really and truly am cool with it. Or is it because I'm a parent?

It really is quite a beautiful thing at night!

One of those most enjoyable days of the summer for the KrausHouse included thoughts of the most improbable ways for us to lose our lives. Ridiculous, right?  Now I'm not talking complete morbidity throughout the day...because it seriously was the "BEST. DAY. EVER!" (-Rapunzel) at Cedar Point.  But there were certain times where the most ridiculous thoughts of  our certain demise rolled through my head.  In a place which boasts the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world for several years running;  which meant nothing but pure, constant and unbridled thrills and fun in the past, now still brings those feelings, only to tempered by the sharp, cutting fear of the implausible - 1001 ways to die by amusement park malfunction. What if one little bolt decides NOW is the time to snap as the Millenium Force rushes down it's 300+ foot first hill drop or when it careens around it's almost inverted banked curves? Or, what if  the ONE lattice-like metal bars of the gigantic ferris wheel, which just so happens to secure the cart carrying myself, Hubby, Sweet Pea and Monkey Man,  decides to snap in half as we're sitting perilously on top as the workers load more passengers?!?!

In the days of my youth I never thought such things as I waited in line for 2+ hours, in some cases, to ride the newest, biggest, fastest envelope-pushing brain child of the Cedar Fair, Inc. engineers. Two hours of standing in the blazing sun would SEEM like ample opportunity to think such thoughts, no?

Geez, am I beginning to think like my mom....

With our favorite pal, SNOOPY!

So why now is the question? I tend to think it's less about my age...and more about the beloved people in my life right now whom I couldn't live without. That kind of love, responsibility and devotion sneaks up on you at the most surprising times.  Like when you're hurtling towards Lake Erie at 70 mph held in only by a lap bar....

Re-purpose Project #2: Vintage Shoe Clips AKA How my grandma helps make even my ponytails dressy ;)

A few posts back, I professed my love of many a vintage "thing". And I also shared that my grandma was the beginning of that love. Most of my treasures are for the pure enjoyment of collecting and displaying, but there are a few things I look for to use in new ways.  My idea for using vintage shoe clips in a re-purposed project came after a very sad time in my life 14 years ago.  My grandparents on my mom's side were literally daily fixtures in my world.  My mom and I are both only children and were very close with them.  They died within seven weeks of each other back in 1998.  That left the task of sorting through their house to my mom and myself.  And, of course, while it was extremely emotionally draining, it was also a great opportunity for my mom and I to rediscover them as people.  I found my grandma was a borderline hoarder, which gave my mom and I near crying fits of laughter on the things we found;  which included TONS of household items still in their original, unopened wrappers with faded price tags from Gold Circle, Clarkins and Kmart at ridiculous prices! Every time we discovered a "new" item, we played a little game of name that price! I also discovered from where I got my shoe shopping gene and overall love of fashion.  I kept a LARGE amount of her better quality, everyday jewelry.  I might not wear it all, but it's such a reminder of how put together she always was, that it makes me smile every time I open my jewelry chest and see her necklaces dangling from the hooks.  While combing through the boxes and boxes of jewelry, we came across some of her older costume jewelry and a large collection of shoe clips.  The clips were gorgeous, colorful, sparkly and well-kept.  Now, while shoe clips weren't necessarily the fashion rage back then (in 1998), nor are they now, I KNEW I had to find a modern day use for them.

The idea didn't hit me until later that summer as I was unpacking from moving into my first apartment.  I started to get ready for a night out with friends to celebrate my new apartment.  It was HOT and there was no way I could wear my hair down, so a pony it was. But I didn't want to wear a boring, rubber band only version...enter the shoe clips!  I found the perfectly sparkly rhinestone heart shoe clip, snapped it on my pony and BOOM! instant pony pick-up!


As with most things vintage, let alone things vintage in PAIRS, it is incredibly difficult to find items in perfect condition.  But with shoe clips, as long as one of them is in great condition, you can use the other as a "replacement" source for rhinestones, beads and other adornments.  If you do happen to find two in great condition, you can layer them together on the same pony, use them in a double pony or use them in pigtails.  And now that headbands are back on trend, they can also easily dress up plain, inexpensive headbands -  instead of paying a higher price for decorated ones at stores.  You can easily change up a headband to match your outfit!

Slide opened shoe clip through all loops of your
ponytail rubber band.

Snap the shoe clip shut.  Instant bling!

When you're on the hunt for shoe clips at estate sales, flea markets or antique shows, they are usually lumped in with the jewelry and very inexpensive.  You may even be able to barter with the seller to buy the whole lot to take them off the table.  As with anything vintage, find something that speaks to you and BUY IT!!!!

Here's an example of the find something that speaks to
you and buy it! This is a vintage bolero tie I bought
in an antique store in Cleveland.

I trimmed it down to shorten it. I saved the scraps in case I need
to replace any of the rhinestones in the pattern. You can see from this
side picture how the loops of the tie have stiff "snaps" inside of them
which allow the tie to be clipped in a collar of a shirt.

To use as a hair accessory, I open up the loop clips and
slide the exposed metal prongs into my hair right above the
rubber bands in my ponytail.

Once I'm sure the bow is straight, I secure it by snapping
down the loops.