FUN/DIY Archives • Page 2 of 50 • New Nostalgia

Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili With Dark Chocolate

This Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili with Dark Chocolate has been a family favorite for a while now. I’ve wanted to make an Instant Pot version and did so last night. It turned out great and was such an easy process.

Last night was Halloween AND our first snow of the season. It was so pretty with great big snowflakes drifting down. I sent a group text to my three teens letting them know dinner would be ready at 5 and that Grandma would be joining us so that she could see their costumes.

My oldest and her boyfriend dressed up to serve little kids candy at a church party. My girl teaches Kindergarten Sunday School every Sunday and was hoping to see some of “her kids” there. It was crazy seeing my girl in scrubs–it may be a glimse into the future as she wants to go into the medical field.

My youngest 2 girls dressed up and went trick-or-treating and to visit their cousin. It may be the last time they trick-or-treat, and it was crazy to watch them drive away on their own. Halloween feels so different now that they are all grown up!

Todd and I bundled up and walked our neighborhood streets, reminiscing about how it seemed like just yesterday that we took our 3 little girls were trick-or-treating down the same streets. My Todd would keep them out until the last porch light went out and they would come home with gobs of candy and spend the next hour sorting and trading.

Cincinnati Chili & Cinnamon Rolls

I knew my girls would be out and about on Halloween, so I was purposeful in bringing the family together early in the evening to eat some nourishing chili. When my Teagan heard we were having chili, she asked…”are you making cinnamon rolls?”

Did you know that is a ‘thing’ in Nebraska? It is. My local grocery store was out of cinnamon rolls and the grocer said…” sorry…I’m all out…lots of people eating chili on this snowy Halloween!”

The combination of chili and cinnamon rolls reminds me of the popular combo of chicken and waffles. Salty, spicy & sweet. I do think chili is a great excuse to make cinnamon rolls, but it seemed a bit much on Halloween when sweet candy will be in abundance, but my girl asked for it, and it IS tradition, so I stopped at another store and bought some, and that made her very happy.

Cincinnati Chili with Dark Chocolate

Cincinnati chili is typically served over spaghetti noodles and topped with cheese, onions, and crackers. We skip the pasta but enjoy a bit of cheese and crackers on top.

The reason I LOVE Cincinnati chili is that the flavor is so rich and complex, thanks in part to dark chocolate. It also has cinnamon, cloves, allspice, a bay leaf, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce in the recipe. These layers of flavor make the chili dark and delicious!

Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili with Dark Chocolate Recipe

I love having an Instant Pot version of this recipe. It pressure cooks for 10 minutes, then uses a natural release.

You can make this in a pot on the stove, but it will need to simmer for 3 hours. If you make it in the crockpot, it can cook for 8 hours on low and 4 hours on high.

{for your pinning pleasure!}

Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

Recipe Type: Meals

Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 tbsp oil (I use avocado oil)
2 small onions or 1 large chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
1 lb ground beef
3 cans beans I use kidney black, and pinto
1 15-oz can tomato sauce
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 1 oz square dark chocolate
1/4 cup chili powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1 bay leaf
1 quart water more or less depending on the consistency you would like

Instructions

Saute onions in oil on saute function on the Instant Pot until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef and cook until browned. Drain if needed.
Drain and rinse beans in a colander.
Add beans and the rest of the ingredients into the pressure cooker (can eyeball the water and use more or less depending on desired consistency) and stir well.
Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then use natural release. Open the instant pot and stir. If you need to thicken the chili, set to saute and let bubble until desired consistency.

Have you tried Cincinnati Chili? What do you think of chocolate and cinnamon in your chili? How about Chili and Cinnamon Rolls?

Beauty/ FUN/DIY/ HEALTH/ How-Tos/ Natural Products/ RECIPES

2 Ingredient Lemon Sugar Facial Scrub

I make this simple homemade 2 ingredient lemon sugar facial scrub about once a week. It is so easy to throw together, and it leaves my skin very soft, smooth, & exfoliated.

Start by juicing a half of a lemon. I like to use the lemons in my refrigerator that are on the verge of being too ripe to eat. This is a great way to use those lemons up!

AN EASY WAY TO JUICE YOUR LEMON

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple fork! I have several fancy lemon squeezing gadgets, but when I am just doing a lemon half, I grab a fork. It is amazing how much juice a simple fork can extract! Just stick it in the lemon half and give it a twist while squeezing the lemon with the other hand. Rotate the lemon and repeat.

It is amazing how much juice a simple fork can extract! Just stick it in the lemon half and give it a twist while squeezing the lemon with the other hand. Rotate the lemon and repeat.

This lemon facial scrub has organic sugar and organic lemon juice in it. That is it! I squeeze 1/2 a lemon right into the jar, add about 1/8-1/4 cup of organic sugar and stir.

I like to use organic pure cane sugar. Regular white sugar has been bleached and I don’t want that in my body or on my face!

This makes enough for several applications, but in time the sugar dissolves, so I usually let my girls know that I have homemade lemon facial sugar scrub. I’ve been making this since they were young and loved doing “facials” with it.

I remember when they were little they would end up putting lots around their lips so they could lick it off. Tastes just like lemonade!

It is delicious and ends up being a great lip scrub, too! You could also take leftovers in the bath with you for a great body scrub.

HOW TO USE LEMON SUGAR FACIAL SCRUB

I put some of the mixture into my palm, and rub in circular motions all over my face. It feels so good! I love a good scrub! I then let it sit on my skin a few minutes until it gets sticky and feels a bit hard. Then I get a washcloth nice and hot and just lay it on my face for a few seconds. The steam opens the pores and softens the sugar mixture. I then wipe off and rinse well. I will often follow with a dab of coconut oil for moisture.

ATTENTION: My Essential Oil Recipe Blend Recipe Cards is part of the Herbs and Essential Oils Bundle! It is a super short sale so hurry! So much is included… 38 eBooks, eCourses, printables, and a membership site designed to help you use easy and effective natural remedies.

97% off! Click here to purchase and watch a short video all about it!

I let it sit on my skin a few minutes until it gets sticky and feels a bit hard. Then I get a wet microfiber facial washcloth — nice and hot — and just lay it on my face for a few seconds. The steam opens the pores and softens the sugar mixture. I then wipe off and rinse well. I follow with moisturizer.

Lemons do have a lightening quality about them and I notice it has faded sun damage that I have on my forehead. It is also great for breakouts. It seems to really help with blackheads and just clearing the junk out of my pores. I love it!

2 INGREDIENT LEMON SUGAR FACIAL SCRUB

1/2 organic lemon
1/8-1/4 cup organic sugar

Juice 1/2 lemon using a fork into a mason jar. Add the organic sugar and stir. Apply to face in circular motions and gently allow the sugar to scrub your skin. Let sit for a few minutes. Use a hot washcloth (I love a microfiber facial cloth–it is great for gently wiping away smudged mascara under the eyes) and lay on the face to steam for a minute, then use it to wipe of scrub. Rinse well & moisturize. Use the lemon sugar facial scrub once a week.

{For Your Pinning Pleasure}

You might also like:
Homemade Organic Eye Makeup Remover
Homemade Face Moisturizer
100% Natural Oil Cleansing Method
My Favorite Pre-Shave & Post Shave For The Softest Legs

RECIPES/ Seasonal

10 Slow Living Summer Recipes From New Nostalgia

I recently looked at what posts on New Nostalgia were getting the most pins on Pinterest and noticed that many fell under the category of what could be called Slow Living Summer Recipes. It made me smile to see what was resonating with readers and what was being repinned. They are all my summer favorites!

I feel like I must thank you all for the inspiration to title and write this post. You show me what is most appealing to you by how you save and share posts, and it makes me giddy to see what we have in common.

Thank you for reading, pinning, sharing and liking. Without you, I could not do what I do!

10 Slow Living Summer Recipes

Slow living often inspires healthy living. It takes a slowing to be purposeful in how time is used and what is put in and on the body to create healthy living. Slow summer living makes me nostalgic and I want to get in the kitchen and make everything homemade with simple, healthy ingredients. I don’t have the time to do this all day every day, so I’ve learned to collect recipes that have simple ingredients and are easy to make.

Fresh & Healthy Lime Soda

This Fresh & Healthy Lime Soda could not be more simple and is so refreshing. I love to sip slow while sitting on my porch swing. Even if it is just a few short minutes in the middle of a busy day, it always pays off take a few deep breaths and slow!

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Peaches

Peaches scream summer. I just stopped at a local produce stand yesterday and bought the most delicious, juicy sweet peaches. I ate 3 already and am heading back to buy more today. They are so sweet that I may have to cut the brown sugar even more in this recipe.

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Peaches are simple but make quite an elegant dessert. Pick up and eat with your fingers when alone, or serve on a dessert plate with a mint leaf for added color when serving to guests.

Simple Tomato Salad

Tomatoes and basil are a duet of food that I just cannot get enough of in the summer. I love making this Simple Tomato Salad as a quick lunch or as a no-cook side at dinner. Add a small slice of toasted sourdough because, why not?

Best Ever Zucchini Bread

I didn’t grow any zucchini in my square foot garden this year and now I’m regretting it! I will just have to take full advantage of the zucchini at our local farmer’s markets. My youngest daughter already has asked me when I’m making this Best Ever Zucchini Bread, she knows it is a tradition during the summer months. She also asked if it was “healthy.” Well, it DOES have a vegetable as the base, but I told her we put it in the dessert category due to the sugar in the recipe.

This recipe whips up so quickly in a blender. Make it and bake it. Grab a magazine and sit slow while it cooks and cools.

Oven Corn on the Cob

I picked up some corn at the produce stand yesterday along with my peaches and will be roasting them in the oven tonight. I LOVE this method of making Oven Corn on the Cob, you shuck the corn until AFTER it roasts. This makes for very easy removal of the silks as they steam and clump together for easy removal.

No Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Oats

No Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Oats can be thrown together the night before which makes your summer morning nice and slow. We love chia oats, especially in the summer when a hot breakfast just sounds too heavy. These are delicious, filling, full of fiber, protein, and omegas.

2 Ingredient Homemade Lemon Face Scrub

How about a recipe for your face? This 2 Ingredient Homemade Lemon Face Scrub works! It has sugar and lemon in it and leaves the skin so very soft and smooth. The lemon has the power to lighten age spots and the sugar is a nice exfoliant. Don’t forget your lips! Mmmm…tastes like summertime lemonade!

Cheesy Tortellini Crockpot Soup

I love to get my slow cooker out in the summer. The oven stays off, the kitchen stays cool, and I can find some moments to relax while dinner simmers away unattended. This Cheese Tortellini Crockpot Soup is very popular with my readers and on Pinterest. It has been shared over and over again!

30 Minute Sloppy Joes

During the summer months, I often will keep dinner super simple by making one main item, like these 30 Minute Sloppy Joes, on the stove. I then turn off the stove and oven and keep side dishes fresh and raw, like cucumbers and hummus, cut fruit and a green leafy salad. 30 minute meals are GREAT for giving more time to enjoy those long summer evenings.

Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Glaze

Fruit is so refreshing in the summer, and the perfect item to include in a summer picnic! Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Glaze is really beautiful and delicious. The glaze gives the fruit amazing shine and the little specks of lime zest give a pop of fresh flavor to the fruit and is super pretty! This salad is great to take to summer parties and potlucks.

So there are 10 of my Summer Slow Living Recipes. Let me know in the comments which ones look good to you!

What are some of your favorite summer recipes?

What are some of your ways to live slow in the summer?

Beauty/ FUN/DIY/ Simplifying

Simple Spring and Summer Style

The older I get, the more important it is to keep my life simple. This includes my style. I’m all about simple basic colors, keeping things classic, and of course, comfort is key! I’ve made a board on Maven showing some examples of all the things I’m loving this summer and spring. They are all super afforedable and can be found at Shopko. Read to the end to learn about Shopko’s Friends and Family event and for a special discount code to use while shopping!

{New Nostalgia’s Spring & Summer Style Wishlist Board on Maven}

Breathable & Breezy Spring and Summer Style

Breathable, breezy styles are a necessity for me right now. I take medications as a cancer survivor, and they can really mess with my body’s internal temperature gauge. It can cause discomfort at times, so it is important for me to chose clothing that does not make my symptoms worse. I need breathable, and I know I’m not alone in this!

We recently attended a dinner party at one of the most beautiful homes I have ever been too. It was a 5- course dinner that was served outside at sunset. I needed a dress that would keep me comfortable all evening, and found the perfect dress at Shopko! It was black, not too short, allowed me to breathe (through all 5 courses!) and had lace in all the right places. I am finding that lace is a great way to add a touch of feminine but still provide breathable coverage.

{hint: want the dress a bit longer? Do what I did…add a black slip underneath for added length under the lace}

Classic Pumps

I finally bought a pair of comfortable, black pumps. Shopko had both shiny and matte in this style, and I choose shiny! I also chose a heel that was not too high, which makes these pumps quite comfortable. Black pumps look great with dresses, skirts and even jeans.

Dainty Necklaces

I used to like a statement necklace, but as I’m getting older, I am less about trendy and more about classic style. I have been opting for simple, dainty necklaces. They are feminine, don’t weigh heavy on the neck, and you can wear more than one at a time. I love how several small chains look when stacked. I recently bought a 16″ sterling silver chain from Shopko and have been wearing it all day every day. I love seeing just a touch of sparkle at the neck when light catches the chain just right. I think it is understated sexy.

Ruffles

Just like lace, ruffles are so feminine. They can tend to be trendy, so I look for styles that are classic or vintage and solid in color, like this adorable, touch- of -vintage ruffly shirt.

Oversized Bags

I’m a bag lover. I love all sizes of bags but especially love a large bag to throw in all the things! For spring and summer, I like a more casual bag that can go from shopping to the pool. The touch of shimmery gold metallic on this bag below makes me smile.

Athleisure Wear

The same medication I talked about above, and turning 40, has caused some dreaded weight gain, so this also influences the clothing I choose. Athleisure wear to the rescue! Athletic wear has come a long way and is not just for the gym–although I plan on spending some time there! A nice soft basic black legging or capri legging, cotton shirts that are breezy and are long enough to cover a bit in the back, and athletic shoes have become my favorite style. I look for shirts that are classic colors and that fit well. I also look for simple details that take them from a plain cotton t-shirt to a shirt with some interest.

Hats

Something I refuse to get too old for is a great baseball cap. I will throw one on for an early morning walk in my neighborhood before the sun gets too high and hot. I will throw one on after swimming at the pool to help tame my naturally wavy locks. I also love them at the gym with a high ponytail.

Comfy Shoes

There is nothing more comfortable than a classic white sneaker. If you get the right pair, like the Adidas Woman’s Cloudfoam Advantage, they can go from your gym clothes to jeans, shorts or capris, and even with a t-shirt dress. Throw a jean jacket over the t-shirt dress for those chilly spring evenings. If you are feeling a bit braver and need some color in your life, I’m crushing on these minty green Puma Leisure Shoe this season.

Shopko Friends & Family Event

So there is my plan! It has been much fun gathering my favorite Sping and Summer Style items on my Maven boards. Everything is super affordable, especially during Shopko’s Friends and Family event!

Use promo code FNF119 at checkout for Friends & Family event (Extra 20% Off Home & Clothing and Extra 10% Off Furniture & Electronics, valid online from May 21 12:01 AM to May 24 11:59 PM).

What about you? What are your spring and summer must-have’s? Do you relate to needing simple, easy, comfy & breezy?

DIY/Crafts/ Frugal/ FUN/DIY/ HEALTH/ HOME/ Homemaking/ How-Tos/ Natural Products/ RECIPES

DIY Daily Sink Scrub

This DIY Daily Sink Scrub could easily be called twice a day sink scrub because I use it at least twice a day— if not every chance I get! I can’t tell you the satisfaction I feel making such a simple, inexpensive but effective DIY cleaning product. Yes, satisfaction, and JOY!

I know, it is a stretch to use the word joy with a cleaning product but this sink scrub makes me so happy. I’ve learned that scent is a very powerful way to experience emotions, especially when the scent is essential oil –pure and from nature!

DIY DAILY SINK SCRUB – JUST TWO INGREDIENTS

DIY Daily Sink Scrub has just two ingredients—baking soda and essential oil. The essential oil not only makes it a powerhouse when it comes to disinfecting and cleaning your sink but can also be a powerhouse when it comes to affecting your mood!

DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY/ HEALTH/ HOME/ Natural Products/ Organizing

The Best DIY Glass + Mirror Cleaning Spray

This DIY Glass + Mirror Cleaning Spray is my most used DIY Cleaner. I have been using this particular recipe for a couple of weeks now and don’t know how I ever lived without it!

We own 2 glass top tables, one in the kitchen and one in the dining room. I use this spray several times a day to clean those off after use. Because of this, we go through glass cleaner quickly so I wanted a spray that not only worked but was inexpensive to make.

I also wanted a cleaner with ingredients that would not trigger my daughter’s asthma. Regular glass cleaner from the store with all of its harsh ingredients has been a major trigger for her asthma, and since I am spraying the product in my home every day all throughout the day, I want to know what is in it and that it will not make her react.

Thanks to Clean Mama and her new book, Simply Clean, I found this DIY Glass + Mirror Cleaner Spray recipe and it has already made me a very happy lady. It uses just 4 ingredients!

DIY Glass + Mirror Cleaning Spray

2 cups water
2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
2 tablespoons vinegar
5 drops essential oil

The rubbing alcohol causes the cleaner to dry quickly, which eliminates streaks. Brilliant!

Rocky Mountain Oils To Scent Your Glass Cleaner

The essential oil is optional in this recipe, but I highly recommend it. It is there to add scent, which is wonderful! I use Rocky Mountain Oils and their Lemon Oil is a favorite of mine to use in this glass spray… it is wonderful. It smells amazingly refreshing!

I also love peppermint as a scent for this oil. Did you know that Peppermint Oil is often used for focus & alertness? It helps awaken the senses. No wonder I love using this spray with peppermint oil, especially when I need to wake up in the morning when wiping breakfast crumbs off my glass tables. Love it!

I bought these awesome glass spray bottles on Amazon, and I truly believe they make cleaning a little bit more fun! They had high reviews and did not disappoint. They have both spray and stream options and are very good quality. I love that they are beautiful and functional. They come 2 to a package and chalkboard labels are included!

I picked up the above cleaning caddy at Target. If you would rather order on Amazon, I am crushing over this galvanized carry-all container. I have mine sitting out on my counter. Until I clean out under my sink to make room for my cleaning caddy, it is just fine sitting in all its glory on my counter. It sure makes it easy to grab a cleaner and get to work!

I used washi tape and a sharpie to label each bottle. It is easy to remove but has enough staying power to stay on until I’m ready to switch the labels out. The Sharpie is smear proof, which is important.

I keep my squeegee, eraser sponge and a scraper/scrub brush in the caddy along with some other DIY cleaners that I will be sharing with you in upcoming posts!

Keeping A Clean Home Printable

Make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss future posts by signing up for my email list to have new posts delivered right to your inbox!

If you sign up, you can download and print this handy “Keeping a Clean Home” printable checklist which divides tasks into Everyday, Once a Week, Once a Month, Once a Season, and Once a Year. This checklist allows me to focus in, know exactly where I am at and what needs to be done.

What about you?

Do you make your own cleaners? Have experienced the amazing-ness of essential oils yet?

If so, what brand do you use?

Beauty/ FUN/DIY

How To Get Beachy Waves With A Curling Wand

I am a cosmetologist, and even though it has been years since I worked in a salon, I still love messing around with hair and trying new styles and techniques. I’ve often been asked how to get the beachy waves that I wear, and thought I’d share my techniques and favorite curling wand with you.

A curling wand is the key to easy beachy waves. I use the Infiniti Pro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand and love it. If you click on the link, it will take you to Amazon, where they show a couple of videos of how to use the wand. I also show 2 of my favorite videos below, one for beachy waves in long hair, one for short hair.

This curling wand gives spiral curls that start wider and taper to smaller (like an inverted triangle) which I prefer compared to the uniform curls of a non-tapered wand. It keeps the curl from starting too tight up high by your scalp, as long as you hold the wand with the tip pointing down. I like that I can hold the hair around the wand longer for a tighter curl, or can pull on the curl after releasing it from the wand to make it more of a wave. I also love that this particular wand allows you to adjust the heat.

I think wands are much easier to use than curling irons, especially once you learn the proper way to use them. Keep reading for lots of tips, tricks and 2 videos.

How To Get Beachy Waves With A Curling Wand

~Comb out your tangles.

~Section hair. Use a clip or hair tie, leave a 1-inch section at the bottom, and clip the rest on top of your head.

~Use a 1-inch curling wand and take 1-inch sections of hair.

~Curl sections around the face away from the face, but alternate the rest—away than toward, away than toward.

~Leave your ends out of the wand (about an inch or two) for a beachy look.

~If your hair does not hold curl well, spray with hairspray (Kenra 25 is my FAV) as you go to give the hair some ‘tackiness.’

~Let curls cool before messing with them in any way. Important! This sets the curl and makes it hold.

~Work around the whole head using 1-inch alternating sections, leaving the ends out.

~When finished with your whole head and after letting curls cool, use fingers to piece out and break up the curls.

~Use backcombing on last 2 layers if you need extra volume. (see video below for technique and volume root tease spray.)

~Smooth any flyaways and finish entire head with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Top 2 Tips for Beachy Waves:

{these are key for a modern, beachy look!}

Curl away from the face around the face.

Leave 1-2 inches of your ends straight.

Keep reading for videos of the technique. Take note the 2 products she uses in the first video. They are easy- to- find drugstore products. I especially like the root lift spray and teasing technique at the crown for those of you who need volume.

Sidenote: notice her eyebrows. I love that thicker eyebrows have come back into style. No more over-tweezed skinny eyebrows! Her brows are a bit more structured than I do, but I still like them! I’ve been filling mine in and will share the brow products I use in an upcoming post.

Have shorter hair? I don’t want to leave you out. Here is a video tutorial for you!

Notice, she uses a large curling iron, but the same technique for beachy waves. You can use a curling wand in place of a curling iron. She uses sectioning, curls away from face around the face, and a leaves bit of her ends out for that beachy waves look! Also, look at her eyebrows. Nice and filled in! Love.

——-

So there you have it! Beachy waves for all lengths of hair. I just adore the undone easy look of the waves and especially love that it looks even better on the 2nd day.

If you try it out, let me know how it goes!

Older Posts

Newer Posts