Uses For Used Coffee Grounds - Hide Furniture Scratches

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Detox Juice Recipe

Juicing is a great way to rid your body of unwanted toxins.....and after four days in Las Vegas, I think it's safe to say I am in need of a good cleanse!  Below is my go-to Detox Juice Recipe along with the detoxing benefits of all the ingredients.

**Please consult with your doctor before starting any type of detox or cleanse**

Ingredients:

2 Apples (Red apples juice better than green apples.)
2 inch Chunk of Pineapple (Skin removed)
1/2 Cucumber
1 Stick of Celery
1 small handful of Spinach
1 small handful of Parsley

Directions:
Wash, clean, and cut all your fruits and veggies.  Put them all through the juicer.  Pour over ice and enjoy!

Here's the breakdown of all the ingredients and their detoxing benefits:

Apple juice is rich in flavanoids and polyphenols, which are both strong antioxidants and can help detoxify the body of harmful substances.

Pineapple juice contains the enzyme bromelain.This enzyme also promotes good digestion by helping the body break down proteins.

Cucumbers are about 96 percent water and when they are turned into juice you are basically left with vitamins in a pure liquid state. Because cucumber juice has high water content, it is perfect for cleansing.

Celery juice has a high content of vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese.  It is abundant in phytonutrients with powerful anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

Spinach comes out at the top of the ranking list for nutrient richness in term of vitamins and minerals.  It is concentrated in health-promoting phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids to provide body with powerful antioxidant protection.

Parsley serves as a diuretic and is beneficial to the kidneys. Its additional efficacy as a laxative doubly assists the body’s elimination of toxins. People who take diuretic medication should be cautious when adding parsley juice to the diet, as it may enhance the drug's effect.

Have any fruits and/or veggies you would like to add to the list?  Let us know in the comment section below!

Uses For Used Tea Leaves - Clean Carpet

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Sparkling Mint Lemonade

This is one of the most refreshing summer time drinks I have had in a long time!  It's the perfect combination of Mint and Lemon.  Spike it with a little vodka or rum and you've got yourself an amazing little cocktail, too....perfect for your next summer party!

Sparkling Mint Lemonade

1 cup fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
8 fl. oz. simple syrup (directions below)
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
6 cups cold water
Ice, as needed
2 cups sparkling water
Lemon slices and raspberries for garnish

Simple Syrup Directions:
Mix 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan.  Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly, then let it cool before using.  Note: This makes slightly more than the 8oz required for this recipe.

Directions:
In a pitcher, combine the mint leaves and the 8oz of simple syrup. Using a wooden spoon, gently muddle the mint leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and cold water. Add ice and the sparkling water just before serving.  Garnish with lemon wheels, a few raspberries, and mint leaves. Makes 12 drinks.

For the adult version:
Add 18oz of a citrus vodka and a few ounces of Grenadine (optional) to the lemonade.  It will complement the taste of the fresh lemon juice fabulously.  If you’re a mojito fan, add rum to the lemonade instead, for a unique twist on the original.

Uses For Used Coffee Grounds - Soften Skin

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Caramel Coffee Popsicles

Cool, refreshing AND packing a little kick?  Oh, yeah!  You'll be quite the hit at your next Summer BBQ if you offer up these sweet treats to the crowd!  You can even substitute a Sugar Free Torani Syrup so that it's all caffeine buzz, without the sugar buzz, if you like.  Enjoy and stay cool this Summer!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup strong coffee or espresso, chilled
1/2 cup milk
3 1/2 tbsp Torani Caramel Syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups ice

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until mixture is smooth, frothy, and slightly thick.

Fill popsicle molds or small Dixie cups with the blended mixture. Quickly place popsicle sticks in the center of each mold or cup.

Place cups in freezer and freeze until completely frozen, about 4 hours.

** These popsicles can be made with just about any Torani Syrup flavor.....um, chocolate here I come!  What would be your favorite syrup flavor to add? **

Uses For Used Tea Leaves - Reduce Humidity

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All Grinds Left Behind!

I love my Keurig Vue, but now that I have a reusable Vue Cup I love it even more!  Or so I thought.  Am I thrilled about being able to finally get back to my fave whole bean coffee?  Yes!  But what I am NOT thrilled about is the amount of coffee grounds that is coming WITH my hot steamy cup.  *sigh*  I am way too picky about my coffee to be dealing with that!  But, those who know me well, know that I'm not just going to sit around and let this grind at me. (Hahaha...yeah, ok, that was lame.)  I came up with a super easy way to leave those coffee grounds behind....check it!

What you'll need is your reusable cup and filter (duh!), a regular sized paper coffee filter, and a pair of scissors.

The first thing you do is cut the filter in half....nice and easy, right down the middle!

 Next, fill your reusable filter with coffee, and then wrap the paper filter around it.  (It doesn't have to fit perfectly)  Drop the whole thing in the plastic cup, close the top, and brew as usual!


Done and done!  Now enjoy a hot cup of coffee all the way to the last sip without those pesky little grounds getting in the way!

UPDATE:  You can also put the paper filter inside the reusable filter.  Just be sure the water needle is not blocked by the paper filter when you close it.


**Have any other tips?  We would love to hear about them in the comment section below!**

Uses For Used Coffee Grounds: Please the Flowers

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Mother's Day Giveaway 2013 CLOSED

Well, it's that time of year again! 

Time for our annual Creative Travel Mugs Mother's Day Giveaway!  The giveaway is for one custom designed Creative Travel Mug and will include one hot beverage lid AND one sport lid.  You don't have to be a mom to enter this giveaway...you don't even have to be a woman for that matter!  We are equal opportunists here and whether you enter for yourself or enter to gift to the amazing mom in your life, is totally up to you.  Let's just have some fun and spread the word!

Creative Travel Mug Features:

 16 oz durable and insulated stainless steel hot AND cold tumbler 

Non slip, scratch resistant base

Automobile cup holder friendly

Environmentally sound and free of Bisphenol-A

Customized photo inserts are interchangeable, so purchase an additional photo insert to update your mug at any time!
 

The giveaway will run until April 25, 2013 11:59pm EST, so the winner has enough time to custom design and receive the mug for Mother's Day (Juuuuust in case you actually ARE going to give it to the amazing woman who gave birth to you.....no pressure to give it up, though, I promise! lol)  Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  There are several ways to gain entries.  Two are mandatory entries and some of the bonus entries can be collected DAILY, so definitely take advantage of those! (Please note: ALL entries will be verified, so please don't cheat....all it does is make it take longer to verify a winner and I really hate disqualifying people.  It makes me sad, yo!) If you have any questions, concerns, or difficulties entering, please don't hesitate to contact us via the comment section below or via Facebook.

GOOD LUCK and thanks for supporting Creative Travel Mugs!!!

**If you would like to make a purchase please visit our website and take advantage of our Mother's Day Sale!**

Giveaway terms and conditions:

Open to US residents only. The winner will be selected at random, will be notified by email and will have 48 hrs to reply back. Additionally, all necessary info and photos must be received by the winner within 7 days of notification  or prize will be forfeited. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

This is by far the BEST Whole Wheat Banana Bread recipe ever! And I can validate this statement by my tweaking and re-tweaking....tasting and re-tasting of recipes over the past 10 years.  Finally, a banana bread recipe so yummy and moist that you would have no idea it was made with 100% whole wheat flour.  I'm not kidding, folks....I never kid about banana bread. ** :-] ← Serious face **  And, the second best part about this recipe is that it was so easy to whip up.  I got it done and in the oven during the little's nap time and even had plenty of time to spare, sitting with my feet up, a hot coffee and a good book in hand!  (How does that happen, right?)  Try it out and tell me what you think!  Better yet, invite me over so I can enjoy it with you. ;-)

Ingredients:

2 cups white whole wheat flour
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3-4  large, ripe bananas, mashed well
¼ cup whole plain yogurt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract


Directions:


1) Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease muffin tins or line with paper cups.

2) In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla until well blended. Gently fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula just until combined. Batter with be thick and chunky.

3) Spoon the batter into muffin tins. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 20 -22 minutes.

4) Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.  Makes approximately 16 muffins.

**FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES CLICK HERE** 

Uses For Used Coffee Frounds: Fertilize Plants

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Salted Caramel Coffee Creamer

Do we have any Salted Caramel fans out there?  If so, then you (AND your wallet) are going to LOVE this recipe.  It is the perfect blend of caramel and salt.  Trust me, your taste buds will be doing back flips for this one!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups half-and-half

Instructions

1. Add the water and the sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a slow boil and stir until it thickens to a syrup consistency (This is called a simple syrup).  Remove from heat.  Measure 1 cup of your simple syrup and put into a storage container. (A mason jar works well!) To the 1 cup of syrup whisk in the vanilla and salt. Allow the mixture to cool and then add 2 cups of half and half. Mix well.
    
2. Keep creamer sealed in it's container in the refrigerator. Shake before each use.

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Uses For Used Coffee Grounds: Deodorize a Freezer

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Waffle Sandwich

If you need something quick, easy, nutritious, and yummy to add to your repertoire of breakfast items, then this one is for you! What started as a way to get nutrition into my kiddo at a speedy rate before school, has easily become a family favorite in our house.  Loved by all of us (even us big kids!).  And?  For all us coffee addicts...It goes fabulous with a hot cup...can't beat that, right?!

Here's all you'll need:

Two frozen waffles (Whole wheat will make it an even healthier option!)

All Natural Peanut Butter 

Semi Sweet Baking Chocolate Chips (Remember, the lighter the chocolate, the more sugar you add!)

Toast the waffles in the toaster.  Spread peanut butter on one waffle and then add a few chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter.  Lookin' good so far, right?! ↓↓↓↓↓↓

Top with the other waffle and give the warmth a minute or two to melt the chocolate.  That. Is. It.  And, it is so warm....and gooey....and just FABULOUS that I had to share!  Enjoy!!

**FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES CLICK HERE** 

Uses For Used Coffee Grounds: Cats out of the Garden

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Uses For Used Coffee Grounds: Fireplace cleaning

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake

Who can resist the beautiful combination of peanut butter and chocolate? I know I can't! That's why it was crucial, for the sake of my hips butt and thighs, that I come up with a healthy...healthier...way to consume this irresistible duo. Below you will find a mouthwatering, yet EASY recipe to satisfy your need (yes, I just said need!) for this classic combo.

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/4 C. All Purpose Flour
• 1 C. White Whole Wheat Flour
• 2 C. Light Brown Sugar (or equivalent substitute-I used 1C. of Splenda Brown Sugar)
• 1 C. All Natural Creamy Peanut Butter (I like Jif because it is also low in sodium)
• 1/2 C. Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
• 1 C. Milk
• 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 3 Eggs
• 1 C. Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9in x 13in baking pan with cooking spray.

Using an electric mixer, combine both types of flour, brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter.  Mix well.  Remove 1 cup of the mixture and set aside.

Mix in the baking powder, baking soda, milk and vanilla.  Add eggs, one at a time and mixing well in between.

Pour the batter into the baking pan.  Sprinkle the top with the reserved flour mixture and the chocolate chips.  Bake 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

There it is in all it's glory! ;-)  Now tell me, what type of beverage do you think would be PERFECT with this tasty little treat?

**FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES CLICK HERE**

St. Patrick's Day Punch

A St. Patrick’s Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without a fizzy green punch the whole family can enjoy!  This tasty little concoction from Family Fun got two thumbs up from the toughest critic around....my five year old son!

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk
1 scoop of vanilla ice cream (I used Frozen Yogurt)
4 drops mint extract
2 ice cubes
2 drops of green food coloring in a blender
Frosted 16-ounce glass
Splash of seltzer water
Dollop of whipped cream

Grab your blender and toss in the milk, ice cream or frozen yogurt, mint extract, ice cubes, and food coloring.
Mix until smooth. Pour into glass. Add a splash of seltzer water and top with a dollop of whipped cream.  Voila!  Picture perfect punch....Enjoy!  

**FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES CLICK HERE** 

The Classic Irish Coffee

Well, here it is....my first V-log. With all the random thoughts racing through my brain like - "Why didn't I stand up straighter?", "OMG, I totally should have sucked in my gut?", or "What is that little jig I am doing...stand still for cryin' out loud!!"- I'm sure you are wondering why on earth I posted this for the whole triple "W" to see.  Well, I'll tell you why....because this video contains such deliciousness that it would be a sin NOT to share-  regardless of my fidgety feet or belly pooch!  So, go ahead, take a peek....This, you don't want to miss.

A little background:

Irish Coffees originally began as a Christmas Eve tradition in my family.  After the dinner was all cleaned up and the desserts began to be passed around....out came the fixin's for Irish Coffees.  But as I grew older (and wiser, I might add!) I realized that these tasty little concoctions are good ALL YEAR LONG!  So, from my family to yours....ENJOY!

The final product!

Ingredients:
1 Cup of Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee
1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar
1 1/2 ounces Irish Mist Liqueur
1/2 Cup Melted Caramel
Whip Cream

Directions:

Rim glass mug with melted caramel. Pour hot coffee into glass until it is about 3/4 full. Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Blend in Irish Mist. Top with a dollop of the whipped heavy cream. Serve hot.

Tell us what you think of this tasty little treat in the comment section below!

**FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES CLICK HERE**