Lilla Rose has such a beautiful selection of hair pins (called U Pins). This is a new set I just bought called Iris. I love that they are large enough that you can really see them well in an updo. Please check out my Lilla Rose page to find out more! www.lillarose.biz/livinglifescentsibly

Long Hair Over 40

Braided Lazy Wrap Bun with a Flexi

DIY Skin Care Products

It has been such a long time since I last blogged. I thought I would start it again, since I have missed it. I have been going through a major DIY kick lately. It seems that even the stuff I buy at the health food store that is labeled organic or all natural is actually still loaded with chemicals. I checked out the EWG Skin Deep website, and was shocked that several of my body lotions that were supposed to be healthy and natural were ranked just as bad as the store bought stuff. I decided to try making a lot of my skin care products. I just recently made some homemade cold cream, and today I made some body butter. I found the recipe online. It turned out really well! I'm happy with it so far. 

I used Young Living geranium and lavender, which are both really good for skin. Both are anti aging, and have many healing properties. 

Candy Cane Kisses

As Christmas is almost upon us, I am trying to create as many healthy goodies as I can. My newest creation is Candy Cane Kisses. These are just SO yummy! I was so happy that they turned out great the first try. Love when that happens :)! They are very addictive, so make sure you make a lot. They are crispy, not chewy, and are hard to describe what they compare to. They are like small, melt-in-your-mouth crispy cookies. That is all I can describe them as!

Here is the recipe:

4 egg whites, room temperature
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp. liquid stevia (I used NOW stevia glycerite)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 or 2 peppermint crushed candy canes (I only used 1. I used these, which I got at our local co-op. They are corn syrup free, dye free and organic)

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add the salt and cream of tartar, and while beating, slowly drizzle in the honey, stevia and vanilla. Beat until stiff and glossy (about 10 minutes). Spoon the meringue mix into a re-sealable plastic bag (you can also use a pastry bag). Cut a small hole in the corner of the re-sealable bag. Squeeze small kisses (I did about 1 1/2 inch sizes) onto parchment or Silpat lined baking sheets. Sprinkle the kisses with the crushed candy canes. Bake at 225 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. If they start getting too browned, turn the heat down farther. They will still be soft after cooking. Turn oven off, and allow the kisses to cool in the oven for at least an hour. After cooled and hardened, remove them from the baking sheets and store in an airtight container.

This recipe made a little over 100 kisses. I made them last night, and they are already halfway gone, so I need to make more before Christmas.

Flexi's for sale

I have 5 December Flexi of the Months available for sale, if anyone is interested. They are sold out on the website. If you would like it before Christmas, there may be enough time to do that if you get one quick enough. I am going to give a discount price also on each Flexi. The sizes I have, with the prices (minus shipping) are:

1 Extra Small - $15 (normally $16)
2 Small - $16 each (normally $17)
 1 Medium - $19 (normally $20)
1 Large - $20 (normally $21)

December FOTM

Lilla Rose released the December FOTM a bit early, so that people could get it before Christmas. It is beautiful!! Supplies are very limited, so get them while you can! I purchased extra ones, so if they run out, you can contact me if you are interested in purchasing one.