Summer Sweet Treats

Got the urge to bake something this summer?  These delicious, time-tested recipes are perfect for poolside treats, travel snacks, or a sweet surprise for your Grandmother!  Does the thought of baking in the kitchen seem daunting and time-consuming?  No worries, these recipes are quick and easy.  So grab an apron and a friend, and let’s get baking!

Watermelon Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Looking for an easy, refreshing treat to beat the summer heat? Texas weather can be crazy hot, and this sounds super yummy right now. Strawberries, watermelon, sugar -- what's not to love?

Pumpkin Desert Recipe

It's about that time of year when you just want to eat pumpkin pie; unless of course, it tastes like pumpkin pie. Though plain-jane pumpkin pie is occasionally tasty, it is no match for pumpkin-heaven-extravaganza! This is my FAVORITE pumpkin dessert recipe. I am sure it will be yours also. It is almost a million times better then pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Desert
1 29 oz can pumpkin

1 12 oz can sweetened condensed milk

4 tsp pie spice

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs
1 package yellow cake mix

1-1/2 cubes butter

WHAT TO DO:

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
2. Beat eggs, then add remaining ingredients(except the cake mix and butter) and mix well.
3. Pour into 9x13 pan.

4. Sprinkle with 1 package of yellow cake mix. Melt butter and drizzle over cake mix. Top with pecans if desired. 5. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

6. Enjoy!

Italian Natural Beauty Secrets

Italians know their stuff (after all, they invented pizza). I’m going to share with you 2 Italian beauty recipes that are all-natural and can be found right in your kitchen, plus a quick recipe idea to make with the leftovers. Let’s get started!

Roma Facial
Italian food would be nothing without juicy red tomatoes. Slice some tomatoes. Paint your face (except for your lips and eyes) with plain yogurt. Then cover your face with the sliced tomato. Finally, cover your eyes with cucumber slices. Relax for 10-15 minutes and throw the face food away. Rinse off the yogurt. Refreshed yet?
WHAT IT DOES:

- Plain yogurt moisturizes your skin
- Tomatoes soothe redness, irritation, and leave your skin feeling wonderful
- Cucumbers soothe puffy, swollen eyes and give your skin a cooling sensation

Mediterranean Moisturizer
Olive oil is another key ingredient in Italian food. I’ve shared this tip with you before, but it’s so good, I’ll share it again. Soak your hands and nails in a bowl of olive or vegetable oil for about 10 minutes. Remove hands and toss out used oil. Let the oil seep into your skin for about 5 minutes, then wash off any remaining oil. Your hands will be a bit greasy for a while, but the end result is soft, healthy hands and nails. Voila!
WHAT IT DOES:- Olive/vegetable oil is an intense natural moisturizer that soaks deep into your skin

Recipe Idea
Did you know that Mediterranean food is super healthy? Use the leftover ingredients  to whip up some Italian food for your family. You can make a refreshing, light salad with half-pieces of cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, crumbled Feta cheese, and Italian salad dressing. Now how do you say "absolutely DELICIOUS" in Italian?