the Imperfectly Happy home

Tiffany Davis

Easy to Make Rosemary Cedarwood Shampoo Bars

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Rosemary cedarwood shampoo bars are easy to make and a quick DIY recipe that you can make for friends and family! This is a melt and pour shampoo bar so if you’ve been afraid to work with lye then this is the recipe for you! There is lye in the soap base, but you won’t have to work with it directly.

The best part about melt and pour shampoo bars is that that you can make in a flash! These rosemary cedarwood shampoo bars  are quick to make and need no curing. I have found that men particularly love the natural, woodsy, scent of these rosemary cedarwood shampoo bars.

Easy to Make Rosemary Cedarwood Shampoo Bars

Easy to Make Rosemary Cedarwood Shampoo Bars

People love getting these shampoo bar recipes as gifts too! You can package them with just a little ribbon or put a soap bar box with a cute sticker.


Why Shampoo Bars Instead of Liquid?

Great question! Shampoo bars are first and foremost, portable. This makes them great for travelers (no worry on limited liquid size), campers and those who want less waste in package (these require none). These melt and pour shampoo bars last a long time and there is less waste than with a traditional liquid shampoo. Even if this shampoo bar doesn’t become your daily hair cleansing go-to they are great to have on hand!

Why Rosemary and Cedarwood Essential Oils?

Rosemary essential oil is said to aid in stimulating hair growing, promote circulation and ease dry and itchy scalps or dandruff. Cedarwood essential oil is said to help those with thinning hair and alopecia by stimulating the hair follicles and circulation. 

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Rosemary and Cedarwood Shampoo Bars for Hair Growth

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs Organic Goat’s Milk Glycerin Melt & Pour Soap Base
  • 1 tsp Mango Butter
  • 2 tsp Castor Oil
  • 15 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
  • 15 Drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Rosemary optional
  • 1 Small Spray Bottle with Rubbing Alcohol
  • 1 A double boiler or something to act like one
  • 1 Rectangular Soap Mold

Instructions

  1. Cut your soap base and melt on low heat (you don’t want it to burn or boil)
  2. Once melted add in the Mango Butter and allow that to melt
  3. Remove from heat and mix in the Castor Oil

  4. Add in the rosemary essential oil and cedarwood essential oil

  5. Gently stir in the chopped rosemary until fully incorporated

  6. Making sure rectangular mold is on a firm, level, surface – pour the mixture into your mold nearly level

  7. Using the small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, spray with the surface to prevent air bubbles

  8. Let cool for several hours
  9. Gently remove from the mold
  10. Store in an air-tight container, they should be good for up to a year


Looking for More Melt and Pour Soaps?

Check out my recipes for Creamy Melt and Pour Oatmeal Soap or Melt and Pour Coffee Lovers Soap

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Don’t Miss My Latest Homemade Recipes!

How to make a Hot Toddy For Colds & Flu

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

How to Make a Prime Rib in Your Electric Roaster

No Fail No Cook Rocky Road Fudge

Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

How To Make A Hot Toddy Recipe

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How to make a Hot Toddy recipe. This is the best Hot Toddy Recipe and Grandma’s secret home remedy for colds. When it comes to nasty winter colds and coughs I haven’t found anything that works as well or as fast as this Hot Toddy Recipe! The Hot Toddy, or warm whiskey, is a classic recipe that has been around for generations.  The medicinal drink is said to have originated in Scotland as early as the 1700s. Before store-bought and over-the-counter medicines were readily available, people sipped on a warm Hot Toddy to fight colds and respiratory ailments. And before you fret about the whiskey remember that drug store cough and cold syrups have alcohol in them plus a bunch of other things I can’t pronounce. I can also tell you that doctors were proscribing whiskey for coughs and colds long before pharmacy medications.

But I am not a doctor, so this recipe should be used at your own discretion. 

How to Make a Hot Toddy Recipe for Winter Colds

How To Make A Hot Toddy Recipe

Why The Hot Toddy Recipe Works

Why does this Hot Toddy recipe work so well to fight coughs and colds? Well here’s what I found:

  • Whiskey works as a powerful decongestant; the alcohol dilates your blood vessels and helps the body to fight congestion. It also is relaxing which will help you rest. The whiskey will aid your body in fighting off infection and the growth of microorganisms! Don’t go overboard on the whiskey, a little goes a long way.
  • Honey is an antioxidant and has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Honey can soothe and relax a sore and scratchy throat and quiet a cough. A good quality, locally sourced, honey is best!
  • Lemon are an amazing source of vitamin C and added to a hot drink can aid in reducing and loosening phlegm.
  • Hot tea soothes the throat, loosens phlegm in the chest and nose making it easier to blow and cough it all out.
  • Adding a bit of ginger can soothe a queasy tummy or cinnamon to add a bit more flavor.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe

This will make one serving and it is best to make this as needed.  I do not recommend using a microwave to heat anything, especially honey, because you’ll be killing off the good stuff!I use a standard stove-top tea kettle.

How to Make a Hot Toddy Recipe for Winter Colds
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Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe - Grandma's Home Remedy

Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of hot tea you can really use any good organic tea but it is best to use a decaffeinated tea so you can rest
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons of whiskey we use Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey but any quality brand will do
  • 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice straight from the lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of honey raw is best but any is fine as long as honey is the only ingredient
  • 1 pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon optional

Instructions

  1. Brew your tea and let it steep for 7  - 10 minutes
  2. Add 1 - 2 tablespoons of whiskey and stir
  3. Add in the 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and stir
  4. Lastly add in your 2 tablespoons of honey (you can add more if it isn't sweet enough) and give it a good stir until the honey disappears into the liquid
  5. Optional add in a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon
  6. Serve immediately - it should still be hot.

  7. Serve with a wedge a lemon

  8. You can enjoy a Hot Toddy Home Remedy 2 - 3 times a day and you'll be amazed at how quickly it works.

Legally speaking this Hot Toddy Recipe is for adults only. It has been prescribed for under 21 for years but that is at your discretion and I assume no responsibly for its use in adults or otherwise. 

If you’re not comfortable with a Hot Toddy check out my grandmother’s natural cough syrup recipe – it can work wonders too!

The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

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Today we are making the BEST Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup! This is the tomato soup that everyone loves and requests, especially as the weather gets cooler. This is NOT that can of tomato soup you may have opened when you were a kid – but the kids will like it. Creamy, full of flavor and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. This is an awesome Instant Pot recipe to try for pressure cooking newbies too!

You don’t have an Instant Pot? What? Now is a great time to make the investment. I made this creamy tomato soup in my 6 qt Instant Pot. I actually have 2 of them because I often find I want to make a main and a side dish in them for the same meal!  The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

My Favorite Instant Pot Recipes

The first thing I ever made in my Instant Pot was the perfect roast – check out my recipe for that here. Other Instant Pot recipes you might want to try:

This quick and easy Instant Pot creamy tomato soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich or try it with some homemade rolls or old fashioned drop biscuits. You can’t really go wrong here!

Why Make Your Own Soup?

Making your own Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup ensures that you get the best ingredients possible – no funky additives. If you look at the label of a standard canned soup in the store it is loaded with sodium and fillers; not to mention the flavor is sub-par in my opinion. I hope this easy Instant Pot recipe shows you how easy homemade soups can be!

This recipe is also completely gluten free and can be prepared for vegetarians by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can keep the ingredients pretty standard or using Fire Roasted Tomatoes for more flavor. Out of basil? Use oregano or an Italian spice blend mix – this recipe is very forgiving.

You really won’t spend much more time in the kitchen either – the Instant Pot is going to do most of the work for you, no watching or stirring a stock pot with this recipe. Homemade Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup with less than 10 minutes cook time? Yes, please!

You’ll need an Immersion Blender or a high powered blender like a Vitamix to get a smooth and creamy consistency with this soup.

The Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup
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The Very Best Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 small diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or olive oil
  • 2 14 oz cans of Diced Tomatoes I recommend using the Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes for the best flavor
  • 1 28 oz can of Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 6 oz can of tomato paste
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • Shredded Cheese optional

Instructions

  1. Put your Instant Pot on sauté, add the avocado oil and diced onions and cook until onions have turned translucent, then turn the Instant Pot off.
  2. To the Instant Pot add you diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, chicken broth and seasonings.
  3. Give everything a quick stir to fully combine.
  4. Put Instant Pot lid on and set the valve to sealed.
  5. Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
  6. Once cooking is complete do a quick release.
  7. Using an immersion blender or Vitamix, blend until the soup mixture is smooth or to your preferred consistency.
  8. Now add in your heavy cream and blend to fully incorporate it.
  9. Salt and Pepper to Taste
  10. Top with some shredded cheese to really knock it out of the park!

Need MORE Soup Recipes? Check out these family favorites!

Homemade Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

Grandma’s Southern Ham & Beans Recipe

Best Baked Potato Soup from the Crock Pot

Paleo Taco Soup Recipe

Stock Up In December For Big Savings

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Stock up in December for big savings on groceries and more! Tis the season to overspend, but it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) be that way. We can stock up in December on pantry items AND gift items. Remember before you plan out your stock up in December, you want to have space for your extra items! This is a great time of the year to put some staples in your pantry that you can use over the next few months too.

So whether you are you stocking up for emergency, gifts or just to have extra for a rainy day, this December stock up list should help you out.

Remember, if you have discounted items you won’t use but can afford to buy (or get free), you can donate them to your local charities! 

stock up in december

Stock Up In December For Big Savings

Stocking Up Tips To Remember!

  1. Remember sales have cycles and stores will post lost-leaders (losing money on an item) to get you into the store in hopes that you’ll buy more.
  2. Make sure you need it!
  3. Check your available space – where are you going to store your December stock up items?
  4. Make a list of everything you are looking for and don’t be tempted by impulse buys!
  5. Make sure the food items you buy have the latest expiration date OR make sure earlier dates get put to the front of your pantry.
  6. Buy items that have multiple purposes for you, your pets or your home.
  7. Plan to shop at several stores for the best deals.
  8. Always check online for deals with free shipping.
  9. Have a set budget for December stock up items so you aren’t over-spending. Even a good deal should be passed up if you can’t pay your bills!
  10. Consider purchasing an inexpensive Food Saver to increase your storage time and put things is smaller increments; great for big bulk buying and work for pantry, refrigerator and freezer.
  11. Check store coupons – many stores will accept competitor prices and coupons!
  12. Don’t go into debt! If you have to use a credit card to get these items then you really aren’t saving yourself any money in the long run.

Stock Up in December List

Thanksgiving Clearance Items

  • Fall table settings
  • Fall home decor
  • Paper goods with a Fall or Thanksgiving theme
  • Thanksgiving food / pantry items. Just make sure that you check those expiration dates on non-perishable items (most will be pretty far out).
  • Turkey – they’ll be rock bottom on 12/1.  According to the USDA turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within 1 year for best quality.

Check out Stock Up in November for more items that are still inexpensive in early December!

Christmas Seasonal Item – These will get lower after Christmas but you can still get some great deals all month long!

  • Eggnog
  • Frozen pies and treats
  • Baking Items like spices flour, sugar, mixes, condensed and evaporated milks, crusts, baking power and soda, non-stick sprays, nuts, chocolate chips.
  • Appetizer / Snack Foods like chips, crackers, dips, dip mixes, sour cream
  • Canned and Boxed Items like instant potatoes, Jell-O, canned fruits and vegetables, sauces and beans

Christmas Dinner  and Holiday Party Items

Stock up In December on these food items that you can freeze or refrigerate!

  • Hams
  • Turkeys (see above)
  • Butter (it freezes like a champ)
  • Frozen and ready to eat rolls
  • Pre-made canned cinnamon rolls and biscuits
  • Sparkling Cider

Christmas and Winter Decorations

Hold off until the day after Christmas when these items will be on clearance. But move fast because EVERYONE will be looking at these deals:

  • Artificial trees
  • Wrapping Paper
  • Christmas Themed Gift Bags
  • Strings of lights
  • Wreaths
  • Table decor
  • Themed towels
  • Linens or bedding (look for great deals on flannel)
  • Throw pillows, etc with a winter or Christmas theme

Gifts to Stock Up in December

Fragrances  – I can usually find body splash or fragrance scents for rock bottom prices before Christmas. I will often get some for holiday gifts, Secret Santa gifts and save a few for upcoming birthdays.

Toys – you’ll get your deepest discounts after Christmas but online deals are abundant before the holidays too. Get small, inexpensive items for your kid’s birthdays, future parties you’ll be invited to, etc. This way you’ll have gifts to choose from and won’t be bombarded every time your child is invited to a party.

Tools

There are great deals on home improvement and tools during the month of December. Be sure to check multiple stores for the best deals!

Kitchen Items

  • Bakeware
  • Small appliances
  • Cookware
  • Cutlery

Clothing

Before Christmas look for those single loss-leaders like socks, mittens, gloves, slippers or pajamas. After Christmas almost all your winter clothing will be hugely discounted!

Etsy and Other Hand-Crafted Items

Many small business, online and otherwise will offer sales and discounts before Christmas. I like to shop small and local businesses and give unique gifts that can’t be found in large stores.

Gift Cards

Many of the big brand stores will offer specials when you purchase gift cards so make sure to keep an eye out for those!

A Final Thought on Stocking Up in December

I hope this list of what to stock up in December helps you get your pantry and freezer full for a fraction of the cost. I know these sales help us to make Christmas lovely without killing our savings or going into debt. The food discounts also help us to make a large donation to our local food bank – something you might want to consider too.

Happy Holidays everyone!

How To Cook A Prime Rib In An Electric Roaster

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How to cook a prime rib in an electric roaster – easy and perfect every time. With the holidays upon us you may be planning out your Christmas dinner menu, like me. I traditionally make a ham with my family’s secret sauce, and this year is no exception. However I have discovered how to make the perfect prime rib in an electric roaster and have decided this decadent delight must be part of our meal this year too. Prime rib is my husband’s favorite meat so learning to make it well has been a goal for me; not to mention ruining a cut of meat the price is terrifying!

You can make a worry-free, perfect, prime rib in an electric roaster and everyone is going to love it!

How to Make Prime Rib in an Electric Roaster

How To Cook A Prime Rib In An Electric Roaster

Now first things, first, I’m assuming you already own an electric roaster but if you don’t I can recommend the Oster 18 qt model (great for roast turkey too). You can probably do this recipe in the oven with similar results, but I have only done it in a roaster. You will also need a meat thermometer. It is important not to open your roaster during cooking so I recommend an electric meat thermometer like this one that can be read outside of the roaster. Make sure your thermometer has fresh batteries!

Why I Prefer to Cook Prime Rib in an Electric Roaster

Fear. Yeah, totally fear. No, really, that is why I originally did it this way. I felt like the roaster had more consistent temps that my old oven and with it self-basting I knew I couldn’t dry it out! I love using my electric roaster, especially for big holiday meals because it frees up space in my oven for other baking and side dishes. It was worth the investment and pantry space it takes up!

A Few Notes Before We Make This Delicious Prime Rib in Your Electric Roaster

Before we get to the recipe it most be noted that you should NEVER, ever, open the roaster during cooking. That’s why the meat thermometer is so essential; you’ll know it is done without lifting to look. A roaster self bastes the food but everything gets disturbed when the lid is lifted. Let everyone in the house no – NO LIFTING THE ROASTER LID!!! The same goes for your oven, if you choose to do it in there; do not peek until the meat thermometer says it’s done. The roast should take about 13 – 15 minutes per pound to cook, depending on how you like your meat.

When you cook prime rib you can use these meat temperatures for guidance on how well done you want it. Most people associate prime rib with medium rare but not everyone likes it that way.

Prime Rib Meat Doneness Guide:

You can set your meat thermometer to beep when your meat hits the desired temperature.

130ºF – Rare
135ºF – Medium Rare
140ºF – Medium
150ºF – Well Done

Prime Rib In An Electric Roaster – The Recipe 

How to Make Prime Rib in an Electric Roaster
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Delicious and Easy Prime Rib in an Electric Roaster

Ingredients

  • 6 - 8 lbs Prime Rib Roast
  • Sea Salt or Kosher Salt to taste
  • 2 tsp or more of Black Pepper
  • 1 to 2 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 1 to 2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 5 - 6 cloves Minced Garlic I used jar garlic because I didn't have my own available

Instructions

  1. Take the roasting rake out of the roaster and set aside.
  2. Plug your electric roaster in, lid on and pre-heat to 325 degrees F.
  3. A lot of cooks will tell you to leave the roast on the counter for up to 2 hours to allow it to come to room temperature. I don't do that but it is up to you.
  4. Open your roast and place it on the roasting rack so you can just lift it into the roaster once it is prepared.
  5. We aren't going to be super precise with the seasonings - trust me, it is going to be ok! However you are going to get your hands all over uncooked meat so please take safety precautions to keep from doing any cross-contamination.
  6. Liberally salt the roast on all sides.
  7. Now evenly spread out the black pepper, rosemary and thyme over all sides of the roast.
  8. Really press those seasonings into the meat, including the salt.
  9. Next I like to spread the minced garlic on the top only but you can try to spread it around if you want.
  10. Carefully life the rack with the prime rib into the pre-heated electric roaster. You do not need to add any liquid to the pan.
  11. Put the meat thermometer dead center in the meat; and make sure it is on and set to your desired doneness.
  12. 130ºF - Rare
  13. 135ºF - Medium Rare
  14. 140ºF - Medium
  15. 150ºF - Well Done
  16. Replace the lid. Leave the roaster at 325 degrees F and DO NOT OPEN THE LID!
  17. Once done remove the prime rib from the electric roaster and allow it to rest for 15 - 20 mins.

We like our prime rib with a creamy horseradish sauce that you can make in a jiff!

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DIY Fast & Easy Peasy Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 cup full fat sour cream
  • 1/3 cup prepared horseradish
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions

  1. If you find it too strong you can add a bit more sour cream until it is to your liking.

  2. In a small bowl whisk all your ingredients together and allow it to chill 20 - 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  3. Serve

I hope you find cooking a prime rib in an electric roaster as easy as I do. Enjoy the rave reviews on this meal! Great served with mashed potatoes, and a simple green vegetable.

Be sure to check out these other popular recipes!

Vintage Pie Recipes

Southern Ham & Beans Recipe with Cornbread

Rocky Road Fudge