DIY Holiday Series: Orange+Clove Bath Bombs!

You can view the tutorial here: https://youtu.be/I8JGeNzA-aA

Who doesn’t love a bath bomb? If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out! They are so fun and relaxing, but they can get expensive if you buy them retail. Why not try making your own in bulk and have enough to gift around the holidays? BONUS: Orange and clove are great for our bodies. Orange essential oil boosts immunity and helps to alleviate anxiety. Clove gives a natural relief from inflammation and pain.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup epsom salts
  • 1 cup citric acid
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup oil, such as coconut or olive
  • 8-10 drops essential oil, or to your liking
  • 2 Tbs cloves, ground
  • food coloring (optional)
  • molds
  • To package them for gifts, you will need: some type of container, such as clear bags, ribbon, and labels or tags

Instructions:

  • Combine epsom salts and food coloring in bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, combine citric acid, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix well.
  • Add a little of the epsom salts mixture to this main bath bomb mixture. Mix well.
  • In the main mixture, add ground cloves, essential oils, and oil of choice.
  • Add a little of the epsom salts mixture in the bottom of each mold.
  • Press mixture into molds or ice cube tray, pressing very firmly and packing into the mold.
  • Wait for bath bombs to dry. It may take up to 48 hours. They will become very dry and hard, but be gentle with them.
  • Package however you like! Enjoy 🙂

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The Most Darling Handmade Holiday Gifts

Personally, I think it’s super important to have access to high quality, handmade items by small businesses at our fingertips. Going to craft and holiday fairs just isn’t as easy with a little one, so I like to scour the pages of Etsy to find sweet little happies that remind me of some special people in my life.

Here are some suggestions from my favorite shops for affordable + adorable holiday gift ideas and stocking stuffers! Keep on Reading!

TOTALLY Random Haul! | Possible Holiday Gift + Outfit Ideas

Hey y’all! Here’s a quick collection of some SUPER random things I have found on shopping adventures recently – wanted to share some possible holiday wardrobe + gift ideas! Does your family take pictures every year for the holidays? What kind of outfits do you guys wear?

Breastfeeding Tips from an (almost) Failed Breastfeeder

In the end, however you choose to feed your baby is right. It’s your decision. Don’t be bullied into thinking that breastfeeding is the only way or the wrong way, and same for formula feeding. Ya never know, this might be your first lesson in parenting: rolling with the punches, like it was for me.

Have you ever wanted something so much and thought about it endlessly, that when it finally is time for that thing to take place, and it doesn’t happen like you imagined or dreamed, you just feel like curling up and going back to sleep?

I’ve talked previously about the attempt to nurse my first and only, Josie, from day one. To recap, or if you haven’t read my previous blog (read it here) about why I care about helping moms – she just wouldn’t latch. Not kind of, not at all. My overwhelming love for her made her mad or something, I don’t know, and the doctors/nurses didn’t know either. We eventually got the hang of it with one another and I have breastfed her through 15 months old, so dreams do come true y’all. Keep on Reading!

Rev Up Your Everyday Routine: Beauty Recommendations from a Mama with No Time for the Bad!

If you’re a lady in a time crunch or you’re rockin’ it on a budget, I’ve rounded up a few ingredients to add to your quick beauty routine! Check out these skin, makeup, and hair products that I’ve made part of my everyday get-ready. Keep on Reading!

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chex Mix

A couple things to note about this recipe!

  • You can really make it your own by adding whatever dry ingredients and/or candy you want. Some suggestions: bagel chips, almonds or other nuts, raisins, Reese’s Pieces, butterscotch chips, cheez-its, etc.
  • The seasoning measurements below provide a pretty light flavor. If you like extreme flavor, be sure to ramp it up!

Watch me make this recipe in my vlog, here! 🙂

Ingredients:

10 cups of dry ingredients, I used:

  • 3 cups rice cereal squares
  • 3 cups corn cereal squares
  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 3 cups pretzels

½ cup apple cider

½ cup butter

½ cup coconut oil

⅓ cup worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp garlic powder

½ Tbsp onion powder

2 tsp salt

Directions:

Turn your slow cooker on high.

Add all your dry ingredients, butter, and coconut oil.

Stir to cover all the pieces.

Add seasonings and all other ingredients.

Stir again to ensure all pieces have been covered.

Cook in slow cooker for 3 hours, stirring at least once or twice during that time.

Spread the mixture out on parchment paper or baking sheet.

Heat oven to 350° F. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool.

Pour all of the chex mix in a gallon size ziploc and add your candy.

Shake and enjoy! 🙂

Columbus Day Online Sales Roundup

A holiday weekend usually means saaaaaaales – Here’s what I think is worth checking out, from handmade to megastores. Keep on Reading!

Resort Traveling Tips with a 1 Year Old

The most common reaction I was getting from people when I told them about our trip to Mexico: “wait, you’re taking Josie?” Lil Bit goes wherever we take her. Have babe, will travel. Keep on Reading!

DIY: Building The Perfect Photo Wall in a Couple Hours

It’s super easy to achieve a professional looking photo or gallery wall in your home. Don’t overthink it, keep it simple rather than going crazy with colors and sizes, and have fun with it. Make this an afternoon project or complete it as you feel like it. Keep on Reading!

Shopping T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Homegoods for the BEST DEALS!

Here are some quick tips that I LIVE BY to get the best deals at my three favorite stores, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Homegoods

If you know me, you know I diiiie when I find a good deal on something I’ve been wanting. Bargain hunting runs in my genes, what can I say? Here are some quick tips that I LIVE BY to get the best deals at my three favorite stores, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Homegoods. Keep on Reading!