Baking with Nectresse

As part of the Influenster Sugar and Spice VoxBox challenge, I was invited to try baking some of my favorites using Nectresse sweetener. I figured this was a perfect time to recreate one of my all time almost guilt free recipes, The Double Chocolate Flourless Muffin.

What a perfect recipe to use a sugar substitute! 

With Nectresse, the trick is to use 1/4 the amount when substituting for sugar. This recipe calls for 1 cup sugar, so I only used 1/4 cup of Nectresse. With less solid ingredients in the  recipe now, I had to be careful when adding my wet so the consistency would be the same. I added the water last, and found I didn't quite use the entire amount.

While baking they smelled delicious! I pulled them out, let them cool and then we tried them. My kids couldn't taste a difference and I don't think I really noticed one either!

Here is a link to the orginal recipe. ENJOY!

Influenster Review: Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes

Have oily skin? Check! Need a quick refresher in the middle of a hot and humid Florida day? Sure do! Ever have a late night and need something that will strip all that party-fun off your face as quickly and gently as possible? You bet!

Enter Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes. I received these as part of my Influenster Sugar & Spice Vox Box to try out and review. I love all-natural products and have the perfect skin for these oil-controlling towelettes. The ingredients are simple and as stated on the  Dickinson web-site: "Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel natural skin care products are your solution to healthier skin. 100% natural, Witch Hazel gently removes oils and impurities leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated without harsh or confusing ingredients contained in other toners. " A great company that has been around since the 1800's and as tested and reviewed by me,  they make a great product.

Here are some photos of me using the product after a sweaty day at the beach:

Getting all the sweat and sun-block off...

All clean!

And of course, the after photo of the Towelette:

It doesn't even look like I am wearing makeup in the first photo but you can see the towelette took EVERYTHING off, even my mascara. After cleansing, I added a little moisturizer, since my skin felt dried out from the salty ocean air. Normally, I cleanse with the towelette and then climb into bed. Done! Nothing could be easier and gentler on my skin.

 My overall take on Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes? Fantastic for on-the-go people with oily-prone skin. Yes, people.  Who says these have to be 'ladies only'?  There is no perfumy scent, so these towelettes would be great for a dude who is all about taking care of his complexion. Having them prepackaged is great for on the go, but not great for the environment. This is one of the few reasons I hesitate to use them every night. I will admit I keep one in my purse and used one as a refresher before landing after a long day of air travel. Very handy, all-natural, super clean-feeling little packets!