New Layout and Background-

Well, I changed my blog look around some tonight. What do you think? :-)

Featured Etsy Seller- Winchester Lambourne ♥

Well, a week or so ago I was on Etsy, posting in forums and checking out shops, when I came across this shop!  I was immediately impressed with how professional her designs looked! I also noticed she is running a sale in which all of her services are only $10.00!! This impressed me even more, so I decided to have her make me a more professional looking banner. Here is what she came up with!

I am VERY pleased with it!! Next I hope to get her to make me a blog header, but I have to make some more sales first. :-) She was SO friendly and easy to work with!!

Be sure to check her out! She does custom labels, Etsy banners, blog banners, stickers, gift certificates, business cards- and everything is still $10.00! That is a limited time sale though, and it's for a SECRET amount of time. :-)

Of Lavender Soap, Icy Roads and Awesome Husbands

So Sunday was a good day. It was freezing rain outside, so we slept in late and had a nice relaxing morning. Then I decided that it would be a great time to make the Lavender soap I've been planning. I measured my oils, my water and my lye, brought them all to temperature, and mixed them together. My plan had been to use Grape juice to color the soap a slight purple color, but just to be safe I tested the juice in a small amount of my soap mixture first. I'm so glad I did! When I mixed the juice and sample lye soap mixture it turned a bright, beautiful................ BLUE!  Not quite what I was going for. :-) Instead, I decided to use a little bit of Blackberry puree. It won't color the soap much, because I didn't use much, but it adds interest. :-)

(Frozen wild blackberries from our back yard)

Then, I added the Lavender essential oil. Ahh, it smells wonderful!

Then, when it got to the right consistency, like this ^ I poured it in my wooden mold, and put it on my counter.

While I was waiting for it to set up, I got to smell the lovely lavender while I was doing dishes! :-) Then, last night I pulled it out of the mold and cut it into bars. Here's the finished product!

They will be sitting here on my counter for the next week at least. Lucky me! :-) In a few weeks, they'll be ready for use!

Now, I have to go back to Sunday afternoon. While I was making this soap, my sweet husband came in and told me that he had a surprise for me, and that we would have to go to town for it. So right after the soap went into the mold, we bundled up and went got in our truck. The freezing rain had given way to snow, and we already had close to 2 inches of it. We realized when we got out to the highway that the snow plows hadn't even made it out yet! It was a very interesting drive the 30 miles or so to town. Thank God for 4 wheel drive!

(Our yard)

We slid around a little bit, but there was almost nobody on the roads, so it was harmless and fun. Look at how icy the roads were!!

The surprise? He was taking me to a movie I really wanted to see, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader! I grew up reading those books, so I really enjoy the movies. He was so sweet to take me!!! And you know what's even sweeter? He told surprised me last night with a trip to go see my family in FLORIDA for Christmas! :-) My parents and 7 (yes SEVEN) of my brothers and sisters live in Central Florida. I'm soo excited to get there! I have the best husband ever! :-)

Robin Hood Couture- Etsy Seller of the week! ♥

Hello everyone! I am VERY excited to introduce you to this week's featured Etsy seller, Robin Hood Couture, a shop that is full of stunning Neo Victorian and Medieval jewelry. 

Painting the Roses Red Necklace by Robin Hood Couture on Etsy

Linda, the artist behind the shop, lives in British Columbia and says this about her style: 

"My style is an eclectic mix of old world, Victorian, vintage and modern looks. I chose the name Robin Hood Couture to evoke the Old World. But like Robin Hood, I steal elements from days past to give to the new era a looks ranging from rom-antique to 'steam pretty.'"

Her day job is writing a blog about e-commerce, which has lots of great information for her fellow online sellers. In fact, I am going to be referring to it often! Her passion for e-commerce and love of making handmade jewelry are the reasons why she started her Etsy shop. And let me tell you, I'm really glad she did! She is highly talented, wouldn't you agree?

Hidden Dragonfly/Owl Necklace in Gold Emerald by Robin Hood Couture 

Linda shoots all of her own product photos with her Canon Rebel and macro lens in natural light, which is difficult during wintertime in Vancouver in a ground floor Northeast facing apartment! She says she often has to shoot an item over several days, but that's just "part of the fun of it all!" :-)

Bullet with Butterfly Wings Steampunk Necklace by Robin Hood Couture

As far as prices go, Robin Hood Couture is very affordable, and you can get a stunningly beautiful gift for a loved one without breaking the bank this Christmas! Can you believe that there is nothing in this shop that costs more that $40.00?! Shipping is great too, and if you get more than one piece shipping is FREE! These gorgeous antique silver snowflake earrings are only $12.00! 

Oversize Silver Snowflake Earrings by Robin Hood Couture

I hope you've enjoyed this little look at another beautiful Etsy shop. Make sure you check out all the other beautiful pieces from this shop that I wasn't able to fit into this post, because there are a lot of them! Here's one more, because I couldn't resist! :-)

Midnight Garden Victorian Black Rose Ring by Robin Hood Couture

Have an awesome day!

Christmas Cookies! Peppermint Sandies with a White Chocolate Glaze ♥

So, it's the first day of DECEMBER! Can you believe that?! We are busy putting out our Christmas decorations, listing new things in our Etsy shop, listening to Christmas music- and baking!! I discovered these peppermint cookies a last year, and they have quickly become a family favorite. They are really easy to make too! I hope you get a chance to try them. :-)

1 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup crushed striped round peppermint candies (about 11 candies~ a little extra doesn't hurt either :-)
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons whipping cream
6 ounces white baking chocolate

Step 1.
Preheat oven to 325. In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar and 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in water, vanilla, and peppermint extract until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as possible with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Dough should not be sticky. ( I had to add some extra flour.)

Step 2.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire wrack; let cool.

Step 3.
Meanwhile, for white chocolate glaze, add whipping cream and white chocolate to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Step 4.
Spoon glaze on top of each cooled cookie. Sprinkle with additional crushed peppermint candies. Let stand until set. 

Enjoy!!!


If you have a family favorite Christmas recipe, please share it with us! We might even feature it here on the blog! :-) And don't forget to check out the Peppermint Cookie Soap - inspired by these cookies! :-) 

Gorgeous Handmade Wreaths ~ From My Mountain Friend ♥

Hello everyone! Today I want to introduce you to a friend of mine, Rochelle from Wild Mountain Wreathes! I call her my mountain friend since she is from Wild Mountain, and I am from Mountain Creek. :-)

Angels Welcoming Golden Holiday Cheer Wreath - click here to see more!

  Wild Mountain Wreaths General Store  on Etsy offers beautiful, unique, handmade wreaths,  for all occasions.  Instead of the usual evergreen Christmas wreath with two or three pinecones and a big red bow, you can dress up your entry way with a gorgeous one of a kind elegant handmade wreath that fits your personal style - or the style of a loved one because they make great gifts!! Who wouldn't love that? And you don't have to be rich to afford one either! These wreaths are reasonably priced, and there is something for every price point.  Me being the cheapskate that I am,  I love that. :-)

 Red Robin Holiday Cheer Wreath- under $20.00! Click here to see more! 


The awesomeness doesn't stop at Christmas wreaths either! Check out the GORGEOUS colors (and adorable babies ) in this Spring/Summer themed wreath!

Country Baby Bath Orange and Pink Rose N Pearls Bouquet Beauty Wreath - click here to see more!

Or look at the beautiful colors in this Autumn themed wreath!

Fresh Autumn Fall Harvest Arrival Wreath- Click here to see more!

Aren't all of these just beautiful! If you want to see lots more, check out the store here.  Oh and guess what?!  Rochelle does custom orders!! How awesome is that?! So please, check out my mountain friend's store, and find a gorgeous Christmas wreath like no one else has ever had! I know you'll be glad you did. :-) 

 Have an awesome day! 

Easy Dandruff Control treatment ... And A Giveaway?

Good morning ladies!! :-) Do you have trouble with a dry scalp and dandruff? If you do, you'll definitely want to read this!! If you don't you STILL want to read it because I have something exciting to tell you. ;-)

This treatment is SO easy! I don't usually have a dry scalp, but my husband does, and this treatment has really helped him!

You mix 1/2 cup of Olive Oil, and a couple tablespoons of regular white sugar. Stir it up and massage it into your scalp and hair (you don't have to use all of it, just enough to soak your scalp really well). Olive oil is very moisturizing and nourishing for your skin and hair, and the sugar will loosen up all that dead skin. Keep massaging it for at leas a minute, preferably two. Then, put on a shower cap, or just wrap a towel around your neck and shoulders, and let it soak for about five minutes. Then, take a shower like you normally would, and your hair will come out moisturized and shiny!

Now for the REALLY exciting part! :-) I am thinking of hosting a giveaway right here on this blog! If I can get TEN MORE FOLLOWERS before the end of the month, I will do it!! So tell your friends about my blog! I'm not sure yet what the prize will be... maybe my new Shea Body Butter!

Fallapalooza Blog Party ~ And New Products In The Store! ♥

Here is an update on the Fallapalooza Blog Party going on at Below the Plateau. It starts in just 7 days!!!! To enter, you simply fill out the interview questions on your blog, or you can introduce yourself in your own way. The point is to get to know each other better! :-)  Shannon has posted the interview questions for you to use it you want, so be sure to go on over and check them out. It looks like a lot of fun! There are now EIGHT giveaways!!! One of them, of course is a lovely All Natural Bath Set from my shop,  but all of the other SEVEN are amazing as well!!!

  If you haven't seen all the giveaway item yet, you can check them out here and here.  After you do your blog post, you will need to link up to the McLinky at the bottom of the blog party post, which will be going up on Below the Plateau on the 22nd.
 If you don't have a blog, you can still enter by sharing about the party on Facebook, or Twittering and leaving a link to that on the McLinky. If you do this, don't forget to change the privacy settings on your page so that Shannon can see what you wrote. :-)
 So, join the fun, link up between the 22nd and the 30th, and win one of the eight amazing giveaways!!!! Winners will be announced on October 1. For more details on how to enter, and to look at the interview questions head on over to Below the Plateau.

                                             

Also, be sure to check out my Etsy shop, because I just listed the Odor Eater Koffee Kitchen Bar, and I'm working on listing a few more Vintage finds!!! ♥

Giveaway!!!!!!

I'm very excited to tell you about a wonderful giveaway and blog party that Mountain Creek Soaps, Candles & Gifts is a part of!!  Please go check it out, and don't forget to look at all of the Etsy shoppes that are included!

How To Give Yourself A Facial! ♥

Every girl should know how to give herself a great facial! Don't you agree? We have to unclog those pores, restore lost moisture, soften our skin, and help it recover from all the paint and powder we put on it :-) You have to take care of your face, because it's the one you're going to be stuck with for the rest of your life! :-) I try to keep myself looking fresh and pretty for my husband, because I want him to be pleased and impressed whenever he looks at me. No husband wants a dirty unkempt wife! (That goes both ways, but I'm talking to you ladies here!)

Facial masks are some of the oldest known beauty treatments. The ancient Egyptians used mud and clay to remove dead skin cells and heal blemishes. During the 1600s many European women experimented with milk and egg masks. Many other ingredients have been used since, such as fresh foods, flowers, and herbs, to cleanse and nourish the skin. They can be really fun, and they are REALLY easy. You can use a facial mask every day, once a week, or just whenever you feel like it. :-)

A facial can also be really relaxing because it requires you to stay quiet and calm for 10 to 20 minutes. With as busy as most of us are, that can be a welcome break! So take a look at the following guidelines for a great facial, and then try out one of the following easy do-it-yourself facial mask recipes, and relax!

Step 1. Wash your face thoroughly using a mild soap or cleansing cream.

2. Clean your face, using and astringent to remove any dead skin, soap, or cleansing cream residue ( try Witchazel )

3. Nourish your face using a cleansing facial mask. Cover the skin with a light, even coat, avoiding the area around your eyes; now relax. Leave the mask on for 15 or 20 minutes. Try not to talk or move your face too much. Maybe you can lay down and listen to some good music! Or read a book! :-)

4. Rinse your face thoroughly, using luke warm water, and pat dry.

5. Steam your face to clean out your pores, using a large bowl or sink full of hot water. If you want to add herbs to the water, you can. Try Chamomile for normal skin, Peppermint for oily, and Rosemary for dry skin. Make a ten, using a large bath towel, and lean over the water for 10 to 15 minutes to open your pores. Adding essential oils to the water can be very enjoyable too. Try Lavender Essential Oil to relieve stress. Since you're head is under a towel, you could still listen to good music, or this could be a great time to talk to the Lord, think about all the reasons why you love your husband, or other happy wonderful things like that! This is a STRESS FREE ZONE. :-)

6. Rinse thoroughly, starting with warm water, and slowly changing to cold water to slowly clean and close the pores. This is VERY important. You don't want your pores to be open and exposed to impurities in the air, your hands or anything else. That would undo everything you have just been doing!

7. Moisturize your face with an all natural light moisturizer. Massage the cream or lotion into your face and allow it to soak in.

8. Enjoy a beautiful, clean, fresh face!! :-)

If you are in a hurry, try giving yourself a Minifacial ~ Clean your face. Put on a simple, one ingredient mask (plain yogurt or avocado always works) for 5 to 10 minutes. Jump (or just step like a normal person) into the shower and rinse off the mask while opening your pores. Rinse your face with cool, clear water and moisturize.

And now for the fun part, I have picked a couple facial mask recipes that you might like to try, or come up with your own. There's thousands of different ingredients you could use!

Apricot Mask

1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon dry milk powder (or substitute water for milk)
1 tablespoon honey

This mask will revitalize a colorless and dull complexion. Apricots are rich in Vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin. Combined with milk and honey, they return moisture to the skin.
 Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Salsa Mask

1/2 small tomato
1/2 cup chopped cucumber (with peel)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 egg white (optional)

This recipe is perfect for stressed out, oily skin! Tomato, parsley, and cucumber are combined to make a mildly acidic and astringent mask.

Do NOT use a commercial salsa, as it will have peppers and spices that will burn your skin!
 Combine all ingredients except the egg white in a blender and puree. Stir in the egg white if you want.


Summer Watermelon Mask

1/4 cup watermelon, removed from the rind.

Watermelon makes a great toning facial mask. It contains high amounts of vitamins A, B, and C, all of which keep skin healthy and glowing. You may want to use a damp piece of cheesecloth or gauze over the mask to keep it on your face as it is a little thin.
 Mash the fruit in a bowl using a spoon or fork until smooth.


Swiss Milkmaid Mask

1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup powdered milk or powdered buttermilk

In Switzerland, dairy products are well known for creating healthy skin and hair because they are rich in protein and vitamins. This mask is very simple, with noticeable results- it leaves your skin smooth and glowing. You can also use this mask on your hands and body for an allober conditioning.
 Mix together the buttermilk and powdered milk to make a smooth paste. Spread and even layer over your face and neck ( a small pastry brush or paintbrush will make this less messy!) Leave the mask on until dry, 15 to 20 minutes.

Fruit Gel Masks

1 packet unflavored Gelatin
1/2 cup fruit juice

Juices to try: for normal to dry skin- Apple, Pear, Peach, Raspberry
For Oily skin- Tomato, Grapefruit, Lemon, White Grape

Gelatin masks are smooth and cool. They can be peeled off the face or easily rinsed away, removing dead skin cells. After using one of these masks your face feels fresh and cool.
 Combine the gelatin and fruit juice in a clean, oven proof glass container. Heat gently over a double boiler to dissolve the gelatin completely. Place the gelatin in the refrigerator and cool until almost set (about 30 minutes). Spread a thin layer of the gelatin over your face and allow to dry. Peel off and rinse your face thoroughly with cool, clear water.

Have Fun! ♥