Hot Process Soap Making!

Hot Process Soap Making!

Making hot process soap is no easy task!  It does take some time and experience to get it right, and to get the artistic component down.  My first effort at making hot process soap was the Apple Crisp recipe.  I cooked the soap way to long, I had difficulty determining when it had reached the proper stage called saponification.  I had real problems when it came time to mold.  It was way too dry, and seized up when I began to mix in the additives.  I have since learned that I could have added water.  A whole bunch of the bars crumbled into pieces when slicing them.  Others may have thrown out the entire batch, it did cross my mind, but I just couldn't bring myself to waste all that good stuff!

Gracie, Our Newest Addition!

Gracie, the photo that started it all!

Since we lost our dear Max more than a year and a half ago, I knew I would eventually want another dog.  That's just me, I love animals, and enjoy having them around.  I thought long and hard about what kind of dog I wanted.  Max, a Loiusuana Catahoula Leopard Hound mix, would be a hard act to follow. There are so many to choose from, but I finally settled on a Sheltie.  My family had one when I was very young, and I have always loved them.  So, as my birthday neared, I started following the rescue shelters that were close by, looking for that perfect fit. Then, Tag 193 came across my Facebook page on July 25th, and I was smitten.  I first saw her on that Friday, and the

Homemade Joint & Muscle Massage Oil

Homemade Joint & Muscle Massage Oil

Do you have joints or muscles that hurt?  Joints that just ache, muscles that hurt from overuse or strain?  I do.  My hands, my thumb joint on my right hand, and my back are the worst.  My husband will massage my hand for me at night, which is where my thoughts turned to making a wonderful massage oil.  How much better it would feel with healing oils, herbs and spices to just soak right in there where it's needed the most, to help the healing and repairing along.  Let me say that there's something to be said about the said healing properties of herbs.  The commercial rubs just aren't that helpful.

So, I did my homework, and came up with this fabulous healing herb massage oil.  It's designed to target the problem, and get right in there to work on what's ailing you.  Make some for yourself, or click the button right at the bottom of this post.

New Homemade Rejuvenating Facial Scrub!

New Rejuvenating Face Scrub!

I'm calling this formula New Homemade Rejuvenating Facial Scrub for several reasons.  One, I have taken out the Apricot Seed Powder, and replaced it with two types of wonderful salts.  I have incorporated much of the ingredients that I have found to be excellent for rebuilding skin cells, like:

Homemade DIY 'Summer Feet' Foot Balm!

Summer Feet Foot Balm!

My niece asked me a few months ago if I had a product specifically for feet.  I did not at that time.  Which got me to thinking about how everyone loves my Cuticle Cream, and how I love the way it makes my cuticles, and lips, feel so soft and healthy.  Even though I regularly used a callus remover tool, my feet were not in great shape.  I refuse to wear sandals unless my feet look good.  Since I've had my hip replaced, the Doctor and the nurses suggested I stay away from getting pedicures at nail salons to avoid the chance of infection.  So, I decided to use my Cuticle Cream as a jumping off point, and see what I could do to make a great foot balm.

I am extremely pleased with the results.  I made it softer and easier to spread, and added some great essential oils to make those tired feet feel invigorated, renewed, and pampered.  The only thing I will do different next time is to blend just a bit better as I can feel that the oils and the harder butters and beeswax have separated a little. You can barely see the polka dots on the surface in the photos. Those areas are a little softer than the rest.  But, it all gets mixed up as you apply.

An Old Hobby, DIY Jewelry!

I've been thinking a lot lately about an old passion of mine, jewelry making.  I have been passionate about jewelry my entire life, precious stones, precious metals, sparkle, just about anything that you can put into a lovely piece of jewelry.  So, with  that said, I have decided to do some blogging about it.

Heather Cubes

This stunning two-piece set, Heather Cubes, is made with solid sterling silver and lovely ceramic beads.  It's a statement piece, it will complete any outfit, excellent piece for business attire or for an intimate dinner for two.

Dinner Cruise

This absolutely lovely two-piece set, Dinner Cruise, is just stunning with its large genuine Lapis beads, beautiful green genuine Peridot beads, all held together with solid sterling silver.


I'm not sure where this will lead, but I do have a lovely collection that I will be sharing on this blog from time to time.

Carpe Diem! Lil and Bill