It has been a while since I have posted a craft that I have made.  I was getting antsy and had too much coffee today, so I took a trip to Michael”s to see what kind of trouble I could get into.  I love the store Lush and all of the gorgeous, hand made soaps and yummy goodies that they have.  It can get a little expensive, so after sifting through my many pins on Pinterest, I found a recipe for lotion bars.  This was by far one of the easiest crafts I have made yet.  You just measure and pour the ingredients and in a few minutes, maybe 10-15, I had massage/lotion bars cooling on my counter tops!

I took a trip to Chuck’s, my local all natural market, and found the bees wax pearls, essential oils, lavender pods and rose petals.  I then made a stop at Michael’s and got the molds, glitter and all natural bees wax bar.  I had coconut oil and olive oil.

Over a double boiler over medium heat and 2 inches of water, I measured 1/2 cup of bees wax pearls, 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/2 cup of olive oil.  The bees wax pearls are a lot easier to measure out, as the block of bees wax is hard to cut and grate.  I think I will use the pearls from now on.

After everything is melted add about 25-30 drops of essential oil.  I used lavender and lemongrass.

Once every thing was melted, letting it cool slightly, I poured it into the molds, then sprinkled in the lavender pods, rose petals and just a little bit of the irridescent glitter.

Once they were cooled and hardened, I popped them out onto parchment paper and wrapped them up.

They are heavenly!  The lavender pods give it a nice texture, exfoliating almost, but may be a tad too scratchy to use directly on delicate areas.  I just hold the bar in my hand and let it melt a little and then apply it to dry hands, feet and any where else that needs hydration.  The combinations are endless and I can’t wait to try different fragrances!

Wow, what a great Christmas!  In the blink of an eye, another Christmas has come and gone and we will soon start another new year.   As I reflect back on the year, I can’t help but feel blessed!    I am surrounded by amazing family and friends and exciting job that I look forward to each day…but I think to be able to live a fun and creative life everyday is the best gift of all.

Getting ready to start our Christmas Eve family game night, with the Game of Life

Christmas Eve and the Game of Life....Marc won.

Getting the cookies ready for Santa!

Annabelle sprinkling our Magic Reindeer food in the back yard.

Sam taking his turn sprinkling the Magic Reindeer food and hoping that Piper doesn't eat it before Santa's arrival!

Another tradition of ours, reading stories by the light of the Christmas tree. This years selections were "The Polar Express" and "The Night Before Christmas" then it was off to bed, with sugar plums dancing in their heads.

The kids were up bright and early...5am! And ready to dive right in to the presents! Sam couldn't wait to get to his stocking!

Annabelle and her new American Girl, Kanani

Although he had his ups and downs on the Nice/Naughty list...Santa pulled through and Sam got his new aircraft carrier.

These were just too cute! I found this idea on Pinterest and could not wait to make Santa pancakes for the kids as a breakfast surprise

They couldn't wait to dig in to this yummy breakfast!

We ended the evening with a fabulous Christmas dinner of: Tofurkey Roast with carrots and onions, sauteed green beans with garlic, garlic mashed potatoes and cranberry orange salsa fresca!

While shopping at Michael’s I was inspired by glitter!  All of the festive Christmas decor and crafting items are out and ready and while browsing I found these amazing things  to make an out of the ordinary wreath.  I fell in love with the bright non-traditional colors of pink, lime green and aqua blue.  And while I was putting the wreath together I kept singing “White Christmas” in my head and the verse “…may your days be merry and bright” stood out and that is exactly what this wreath is:  Merry and Bright!

My fun and funky wreath!

"May your days be merry and bright!"