Friday, December 28, 2012

Whipped Shea Butter


I am going to sound like a typical Italian cook. I didn't measure. Yep you read that right. . The ratio of butter to oil depends on taste and weather. During warmer months the shea will melt faster. It will be harder during the winter which would require more liquid oil. Some don't mind the greasy feeling, which does sink into your skin. You can add dry flo or cornstarch. Just a little, not too much. I used my whisk attachment for my hand blender used only for my lotions.

Soy Candles-CT River Candles



I have a wonderful opportunity to review and giveaway a Soy candle from CT River Candles. They are hand poured using 100% natural soy wax-Made in the USA. Soy is a renewable resource and burns much cleaner. The wax has a lower melting point therefore it's burns longer & cooler with less soot. Check out their available scents here. What would you choose?

Disclosure: This website often reviews products and receives compensation from
the retailers of the products it reviews.

Thyme tea & Herb grinder




Do you grow you own herbs? Here is a great deal on a Herb grinder on Amazon.  Did you know Thyme contains thymol, a powerful antioxidant? I have no medical background. I have researched online about essential oils and herbs. I have found drinking a tea of thyme, rosemary and lemon soothes my sore throat, opens my mucus membranes and eases my chest congestion & cough. The flavor of thyme is unique. Lemon is a great addition to the flavor. This is only my personal experience, not a medical fact.

What is your favorite herb?

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tips and Tricks Thursday




Beautiful centerpiece with two clear vases. The candle is in the center vase. Place crinkled plastic wrap in the outer vase. Fill with water and push the plastic wrap down. Now you have created a faux icy Centerpiece.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Australian Natural Soap Giveaway



Welcome to the Australian Natural Soap Event brought to you by Lisa from The Consumer Adviser and promoted by a topnotch group of bloggers.





Saturday, December 15, 2012

Solution for Tiny Gift Card Balances

Awesome tip from my friend Renea. Use up those gift cards with tiny balances by purchasing Amazon E-cards! I just used 8 cards to get $13.

 



Thursday, December 13, 2012

Christmas Storage



Every year we dread going into our designated closet for the Christmas Decorations. Mom kept many of her Mother's stuff. She has her own style and then My husband and I moved in with our style.

It starts out organized. Then day after day we find another thing we missed. It gets to the point you can't open the door without stuff falling.

We have so much stuff it would take a week to complete. This year I put 1/3 of the items out because I didn't want to go through the mess.






  1. Outside decorations
  2. Mom's (will need 1-2 more)
  3. Our decorations
  4. Christmas tree decorations

The best time to get organized is now. Since the room was half empty I was able to move things around and see everything. I made sure to pick out clear bins. $5.98 at HomeDepot.

2013 Update

Keeping things organized is always an ongoing project! We successfully kept it organized but we still have a lot of dejunking to do. Before storing the decorations I am sorting each bin and removing what we haven't used.

 

 You may also like:

http://mbella77.blogspot.com/2013/05/bookcase-remodel.htmlhttp://mbella77.blogspot.com/2013/12/refrigerator-organization.htmlhttp://mbella77.blogspot.com/2013/02/stockpile-organization.html

Gift for Bakers-Vanilla Extract ...


Do you have a baker on your Christmas list? Need a housewarming gift idea or wedding shower gift? Put together a basket or glove of goodies. First and foremost Vanilla Extract is a MUST. I made these last year for Christmas following Reclaiming Provincial's how to. I purchased my beans on Amazon-Premium Bourbon-Madagascar Vanilla Beans  $11.49.


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Tips and Tricks Tues 12/11

I discovered this super awesome and easy tutorial on making a gift box from 12x12 craft paper. Ready for my reveal? I have to say I am in LOVE with this concept.



I stamped 4x4 card stock in 3 colors and adhered them to the main paper.

Crayola Mess Free

Did you know Crayola makes mess free coloring products? I just love the Color Wonder. The markers only show up on the special paper. It's like magic my son says. These make wonderful stocking stuffers. I am ordering for my little cousins for Christmas Eve gifts.





Thursday, December 6, 2012

Hostess Gift


WINE CHARMS

 
I admit I have a minor *cough* addiction to Pinterest. Since becoming a SAHM 3 years ago I am slowly getting into crafts. Some days I wonder when did Martha S drop by. I never thought I would be that Mom making animal shaped cookies and cardboard houses. Yep it happened but not over night.
 

Alex Toys

Amazon Deal of the Day

60% off Alex Toys Select items

Here are my two favorite selections