The Farrar Four

DIY Nipple Balm with Young Living Essential Oils

2017-03-31T08:09:00.003-05:00

As the big day approaches for me to deliver, I'm trying to gather up ALL THE THINGS that I'll need for this new baby.

In the past I've used Lanolin for nursing discomfort help, but I decided to make a batch of balm using my oils. It turned out perfect!

Now, if you aren't a nursing mom, don't fret, this is awesome for chapped skin too! Dry winter hands are no match for this combo!

This recipe calls for 3 ingredients plus your essential oils!

Beeswax- to help lock moisture into the skin, promote new cell growth, and protect the skin

Shea Butter- moisturizes, strengthens, protects, and regenerates skin. Great for minor cuts and cracks in the skin.

Coconut Oil- promotes healthy skin regeneration, fights off infection, and moisturizes skin

The oils chosen were Lavender and Gentle Baby.

As we know, Lavender is soothing to the skin and Gentle Baby is PACKED FULL of skin regenerating oils. If you have a skin issue, try Gentle Baby first! I only use 100% Therapeutic grade essential oils on myself and my family. I choose Young Living Essential Oils. They are the only oils that come with a strict Seed to Seal Promise and I won't compromise quality when it comes to my essential oils. Only the BEST for my family. If you'd like to purchase Young Living Essential Oils, you may do so here.

You'll need 1 tbsp beeswax (which was 1 bar in my case), and 2 tbsp each of shea butter and coconut oil. I added 10 drops of Gentle Baby and 10 Lavender.

Combine beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler. I used a glass measuring cup over a small pan of water. Once melted, add your essential oils and pour into tins! Easy!

This made 2 tins of Nipple Balm. Perfect! One for the diaper bag and one for beside my rocking chair! You can apply after every nursing session. Some prefer to wipe nipple with carrier oil before nursing again, but that choice is up to you!

Wouldn't this make a great gift for your non-oil-using friend!?

Links to products used:

Tins: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02...

Shea Butter: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00...

Coconut Oil: Organic, from Aldi

Beeswax: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00...

Young Living Essential Oils: HERE

For more information on our wonderful Oily Team please visit: Oil + Co

Sweetheart Bark with Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil

2017-02-12T15:41:00.000-06:00

This is the perfect sweet treat for those you want to show your LOVE to on this Valentines Day.

Sweetheart Bark:

Ingredients:
Candy Melts
(I used 3 bags- RED, PINK, WHITE)
Pretzels
Sprinkles
Peppermint Essential Oil
Wax Paper
Gift Bags

In 3 separate bowls, melt the candy melts according to package instructions. I did 2 batches, melting only half of the bag of melts at a time.

Once melted, add 1-2 drops of peppermint in each melted mixture.

Stir well and pour onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. I did a few blobs of each color of candy melt.

With a spoon, spread the melts out, but be careful to not over mix. Using a toothpick, add a little design to your melts if you'd like.

Add crushed Pretzels and sprinkles on top of melted candies. Lightly press the pretzels down into the melts.

Let harden, then break apart. Put a few pieces in some little treat bags and you're ready to go. A quick, easy little sweet treat!

I only recommend ingesting Young Living Essential Oils. They have a strict Seed to Seal process that insures the quality and purity of their oils. Young Living is the ONLY essential oils that I would use on myself and my family. Of course, do your own research and do what you feel best. This is still just as tasty without the Peppermint Oil, but the Peppermint Oil kicks it up a notch.

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living Essential Oils, click HERE.

If you'd like to become a Young Living Member, click HERE.

DIY: Ningxia Gummies with Young Living Essential Oils

2017-01-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure about you but I try to find every way I can to get in some good stuff into my kids diets.

Green Smoothies. Check.

MultiVitamins. Check.

Fruit + Veggies. Well...that's hit or miss, depending on day + child.

When I saw an idea for Ningxia Gummies I knew I had to try my hand at them.

I wanted to incorporate Elderberry in my gummies because that's one of the best things we can take especially during the Winter. Elderberry syrup is a powerful antioxidant known for its immune building properties. It is full of vitamins A, B, & C which help fight against flu, colds, viruses, and other common illnesses. When taken daily it helps prevent sickness but if sickness does occur it helps to shorten the duration, eliminate symptoms, and speed up recovery.

To read more on Elderberry Syrup: Click HERE

Elderberry sounds like another powerhouse I know...NINGXIA RED!

Combine the 2 plus some honey and gelatin and you've got yourself a winner!

Ingredients:

Elderberry (I buy mine here)

If you don't have Elderberry, pick a good juice. Tart Cherry is an excellent idea.

Ningxia Red

Raw or Local Honey

Gelatin

Silicone Molds and dropper

**You could also add in some Orange Vitality or Lemon Vitality as well to up the power of these little bears.

Do you even know what all the benefits of Gelatin are?

I HAD NO IDEA!

"Gelatin contains a high percentage of glycine, a non-essential amino acid and inhibitory neurotransmitter, which is known to decrease anxiety and to promote restorative sleep”

Directions:

Boil 1/4 cup of Elderberry

In a glass measuring cup or bowl, add 2 tbsp of gelatin and set aside.

Once the Elderberry is boiling, pour it over your Gelatin.

Now. Whisk it like you mean it.

And QUICK.

Add 2 TBSP Honey to the mixture and continue whisking.

Pour in 1/2 cup of Ningxia. Continue Whisking.

Once everything is all whisked together, start dropping into molds.

Move quickly because the gelatin will start to set up.

Don't overfill like I did right there...do you know how hard it is to drop AND take a picture?

Also...make sure your dropper has enough in it to fill each mold.

One dropper can fill about 3 holes.

Some of my first ones had bubbles on top.

And while this isn't detrimental, it isn't as pretty as non bubbled gummies.

Allow to set up in the fridge for about an hour then flip your molds over and they'll pop right out!

And there you have it!

Antioxidant packed gummies for your littles.

Serving Size:

10 Gummies has 1 tsp of Elderberry (which is a serving for a child) and almost half an ounce of Ningxia.

My kids drink 1-2 ounces of Ningxia daily so I'll just give them a smaller serving of the Ningxia in addition to the dummies.

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living Essential Oils, please visit our team website.

www.oilandco.org

If you are ready to start your oily lifestyle

CLICK HERE

We have a wonderful group of leaders and members ready to love you and help you to get started!

DIY: Handmade Soaps with Essential Oils

2016-12-01T20:31:00.000-06:00

Its a great time to do a few projects that you've been putting off. With the days getting shorter, we are inside a lot more now. That makes the natives, and their mother, get a little restless.

So, we're experimenting with what all we can make with our Young Living Essential Oils.

Our first project was handmade soap. And this is actually one I've wanted to do for a long time. Soap is actually how I was very first introduced to essential oils.

I was introduced to this wonderful family of homesteaders who made handmade soaps and breads and salves and all kinds of good REAL stuff. The oldest daughter shared with me about her Thieves soap and how it boosted immunity and how all the junk in soaps these days are what cause so many skin issues. So I switched to her soap and it was AMAZING. I would order 8-10 bars at a time because she was about an hour from us and that was the only soap we used. Eastons skin improved immediately.

When I discovered Young Living Essential Oils I noticed they sold Thieves Essential Oil! I emailed the daughter and she informed me it was Young Living oils that she used in her soaps. So my love of essential oils grew from there! I purchased my Premium Starter Kit and have never looked back!

So when a friend posted that she'd used her essential oils to make soaps I thought I'd try my hand at it as well. It's super easy and quick! And they are so cute! I think they would make great gifts too! In fact, I might be giving some this year.

So, here's what you'll need to get started:

2 lbs of Soap Base (this makes 12 bars- The first batch I made, I didn't use organic and noticed it had the sulfates and additives, so the second batch I made sure I purchased Organic soap base.)

Soap Molds

Mix In of choice- I used oats + Pink Himalayan Sea Salt. But you could use Chia Seeds or dried lavender. Anything to give it some texture. (I used 1/4 cup of mix ins)

Essential Oils- I prefer Young Living Essential Oils. Young Living has a Seed to Seal process that makes its quality and purity unmatched. Your skin is your largest organ. Make sure you know what you're putting on it.

Double Boiler or make shift double boiler

Directions:

Gather your supplies

Cut the soap base into small sections

I work in 1 pound base batches

Place in a metal or glass bowl over a pan of boiling water

Allow to melt and stir as it melts

Once all of the base has melted, remove from heat and add in your textured add in's

In this batch it was 1/4 cup of oats.

Then add in your essential oils.

I do about 25 drops of essential oils per 1 pound of soap base.

Stir together and prepare to pour into your molds.

For this I used a 1/3 cup metal measuring cup and scooped out the liquid/oat mixture into the molds.

Make sure to place your molds on a cookie sheet so you can move them easily if need be.

Spray molds with coconut oil to help them pop out easily.

I did 2 separate batches of 6. 1 pound of base makes 6 bars of soap.

Some examples of combinations:

Lavender + Cedarwood with Oats

Rosemary + Peppermint with Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

Eucalyptus + Peppermint with Oats

Thieves + Lemon with Chia Seeds

The options are ENDLESS!

Label your molds so you know which are which.

Let harden 3-4 hours then pop out of the trays.

Create a Label and wrap with wax paper or wax bag.

Michaels or Hobby Lobby has little flat snack bags for cookies that work wonderful for soap.

Now you have a beautiful bar of soap that cost you very little to make, but its full of goodness that benefit your mind + body!

If you have any questions about Young Living Essential Oils I would love to answer your questions.

You can email me at a.farrar@hotmail.com or find me on Instagram @annie_loo

If you would like to join our team you can go to

our team website OIL + CO

and find my picture in the Leaders Group.

We are here to help guide, support, encourage and love you through this oil journey.

Easton's 6th Birthday: A Bowling Party

2016-03-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

We had such a fun time celebrating Easton on Friday night!

He picked to have a Bowling Party this year!

As much as I missed all the party prep and fun at our house,

the party was so much fun and everyone had a great time!

Pizza & Cupcakes & Bowling make for a Happy Birthday Boy!

When I asked him Friday morning while we were eating donuts "what's your favorite part about a birthday?" his response was "doing something fun and being with all of our family!"

That's my boy!

Happy Birthday Easton! We love you Buddy!

This is Six: Easton Garrett Farrar

2016-03-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

Where oh where has the time gone?

The one that made us parents just 6 short years ago is S I X years old!

It has been such a joy to be a mother to this little fella.

I said it before, and I'll say it again, if I could have a house full just like him, I would.

He's a thinker. He's deep. He's very literal. He's smart. He's tender. He's responsible. He's silly.

He's an athlete. He's handsome. He's a lover. He's a fantastic big brother.

I cannot wait to see what this year holds for him.

Easton Garrett, you make all our dreams as parents come true.

We LOVE you so very much!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

DIY Carpet Freshener:: Young Living Essential Oils

2016-03-11T13:34:00.003-06:00

Who wants fresh smelling carpet?!?!?

Who has animals? OR children? Or Both?

Then YOU need this chemical free carpet freshener!

3 Ingredients! That's all!

Pour 1 cup of Baking Soda into a glass or metal bowl
Add 5 drops of Thieves (Orange or Citrus Fresh is good too)
Add 10 drops of Purification
Wisk Together
Place in a Jar and let sit 30 minutes
Punch holes into the jar lid to make your 'shaker'
Get to shakin'! {aka shake it on your carpet or rugs}
Let sit another 20-30 minutes then vacume

This did 2 large area rugs, 1 closet & 2 bedrooms and I have about half the jar left. Just place a lid on the jar with no holes and it'll keep until the next time you vacuum (unless you're like me and don't do it too often...Shhhh).

As always, I ONLY use Young Living Essential Oils.

The quality is unmatched and the selection of oils is unbeatable.

If you want to join The Southern Thieves team click HERE.

When you become a member and purchase the Premium Starter Kit you get the following:

Dewdrop Diffuser
Premium Essential Oils Collection;
- Lavender 5-ml
- Peppermint 5-ml
- Lemon 5-ml
- Copaiba 5-ml
- Frankincense 5-ml
- Thieves® 5-ml
- Purification® 5-ml
- R.C.™ 5-ml
- DiGize™ 5-ml
- PanAway® 5-ml
Stress Away™ 5-ml
AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
10 Sample Packets
10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
Product Guide and Product Price List
Essential Oil Magazine
Essential EdgeMember Resources

This is a value of $250ish and you get it ALL for $160!

When you sign up with our team, you get access to a private Facebook group where you can ask questions and have access to tons of resources. We love to educate you, not just sell something that's we believe is amazing. Our goal is that you would learn that essential oils don't have to be overwhelming and that you are equipped in your health and wellness journey each step of the way. Let us help you learn more about Young Living Essential Oils!

Mizuno Glove Steaming at Dicks Sporting Goods

2016-03-05T14:26:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that we are a Baseball Family. So when I was contacted by Mizuno to pick out a new baseball glove for Easton and have it steamed at Dicks Sporting Goods I was all in!

We picked out the Mizuno Prospect GPP1075Y1RY Youth Utility Glove. It's royal blue with cream trim and stitching. A very attractive glove. It has a "Parashock palm pad and Butter Soft lining to reduce shock to minimize 'sting'".

This week is Free Glove Steaming Week when you purchase any Mizuno Baseball or Softball glove at Dicks Sporting Goods.

We took our new glove to Dicks Sporting Goods and got it steamed. Steaming softens the leather quickly, making your glove GAME-READY in minutes! Literally, it took 10 minutes.

"The best way to break in a glove is the combination of heat and pressure. Most major leaguers put their gloves in the microwave, getting that heat element, or run over the glove with their car to get pressure. Both of these can take weeks versus minutes using the Mizuno Glove Steamer. The Glove Steamer is a safe and effective way to break in a new glove."

The Dick's Associate pounded the glove a few times with a leather mallet and rubbed some Mizuno Magical Soft Conditioner into the palm of the glove and placed it in the steamer for 1-3 minutes. After it was steamed he pounded it a few more times and let Easton try it out. He was able to 'chomp' the glove with ease. He applied another coat of Magical Soft Conditioner and placed it in the steamer for a second time. Then the glove was ready to go! They sent us home with a sample of some Strong Oil to keep our new glove Game- Ready.

Thank You Mizuno and Dicks Sporting Goods for getting Easton's baseball glove Game-Ready.

Make sure to 'LIKE' Mizuno on Social Media

@MizunoBaseball on Instagram and Twitter

@MizunoBaseballNorthAmerica on Facebook.

I received this Baseball Glove from Mizuno for free in exchange for my honest thoughts on Mizuno Glove Steaming at Dicks Sporting Goods.

Young Living, Mona Lavender Farm, Mona, Utah:: SILVER RETREAT 2015

2015-11-06T12:50:00.002-06:00

Where do I even begin?

Over a year ago I purchased my Premium Starter Kit from Young Living. I posted a picture on Instagram when it came in and people loved it! They had questions and I had to find the answers. In turn, that meant researching new questions and finding answers for them. The interest has grown from there and so has my knowledge on Young Living Essential Oils.

In Young Living we have different ranks, based on different levels of achievements we have reached. In January of this year, I hit the Silver rank. When you maintain that rank of Silver for a period of 3 months, you get to take a trip to one of the Young Living Farms!

That trip was 2 weeks ago! We arrived Thursday night and left Sunday morning. We had an amazing trip! On Saturday we got to visit the Lehi, Utah Corporate Office and the Mona Lavender Farm in Mona, Utah where they farm roughly 800 acres. These are some pictures from both places.

One thing I LOVE about Young Living is the Seed to Seal process.

Literally, from SEED to SEAL we KNOW where our oil comes from.

Seed. Cultivate. Distill. Test. Seal.

That's our oils!

Does your oil company do that? Mine does!

The Lavender had already been harvested but this was planted along the Farm for looks and smells EXACTLY like the oil in your Young Living Lavender bottle!

"Essential oils have also been used for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes, as well as for their spiritually and emotionally uplifting properties. Young Living has always been at the forefront of bringing this ancient tradition to modern users, introducing millions to a total mind/body wellness they may never have dreamed possible.
Primarily extracted through careful steam distillation but also through cold pressing, the purest essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they were extracted. Any time you hold a bottle of our powerful essential oils, you are holding nature's pure essence."

Beyond that fence and across the road, is rows and rows and rows of Lavender.

We had the honor (and good luck) to get on the distillery tour where Gary Young was sharing the process.

He told a story of wanting to figure out WHY no one was making a cone shaped lid on the distillery's.

As you see in the back of the picture, there are some small distilleries. With flat tops. Those are some of the first ones that Gary Young built. He told a story of wondering why the lids weren't coned shape and how he came to build his cone shaped.

He decided one day to GET IN THE DISTILLERY to see for himself what the steam did when it was inside the distillery. He got in the cooker and they turned it on. It would steam up, he'd hit on it with a hammer and they'd open it up. It was too steamy for him to see. This took place a few times when he finally was able to see that on the flat lids, the steam condensed on the top of the cooker and rolled back off into the plants. This lessened the amount of oil that came from the plants. So he decided if he were to build a dome lid, with the tube out the top instead of the side, the steam would go up and out that lid, and not fall back into the plant. Increasing the oil extraction by 18%.

Does your oil company do that? Mine does!

Lavender & Melissa plants

This is normally full of Lavender, but it had already been harvested.

WHAT AN HONOR TO MEET MR. GARY YOUNG!

Truly, a brilliant man!

He's been distilling oils for over 20 years and built the FIRST Distillery in the US.

Yall. This isn't some big lab. Or plant. Or warehouse. This is a farm and a barn. And hand drawn drafts of distilleries. Gary is a brilliant, brilliant mind. This is the process of distilling juniper from harvested juniper to oils leaving the distillery headed to the warehouse.

1. harvested juniper
2. Juniper in the 'cooker'
3. The oil separating from the steam/water
4: The oil from the separator transferred into stainless steal drums
5: Straining the oil to filter any impurities out of the oil before going to the warehouse for bottling.

They test the oil for the first time at this spot.
They test again once it arrives at the warehouse.
And once again after its bottled.

Our oil never touches ANYTHING but stainless steel or glass. PURITY FOLKS. That's what that is.

If ANY OIL does not meet the Seed to Seal standards it is not bottled. Gary will NOT compromise his standards. Ever. The less than perfect oil is then used on crops for pest control, made into bug spray, it's reused any way they see fit. Gary doesn't waste anything!!

This is truly amazing!

"The human touch will never be taken away from Young Living Oils" Gary Young

Do your oil company do that? Mine Does!

We finished off the day at the farm with the First Annual Young Living Rodeo.

It is SUCH an honor and privilege to be a part of this company!

This opportunity was absolutely amazing.

I never in a million years would have dreamed that I'd be using essential oils, that they'd change the way I care for my family and our health and wellness AND that I'd go on a trip to Utah to see firsthand the quality and standards of our oils.

There may be others on the market selling essential oils, but I can assure you...

"There is NO competition.

You have the BEST because we created THE BEST."

Gary Young

Can your Oil Company say that? MINE CAN!

If you want to know more about Young Living Essential Oils and their uses, I would LOVE to share more! You can also go here for a quick little look at just some of the uses of essential oils. I truly believe in the power of these oils. I have seen how they work on my family and countless others.

You are My Rest- Release Video from Karyn Williams

2015-10-14T19:09:00.001-05:00

I had the honor of taking pictures for Karyn Williams this Summer for her new album.

Karyn is a dear friend of mine and I was thrilled to have this opportunity.

Here are some of my favorites from our shoot....

Karyn sent me this song to Preview and release here on the blog and when I heard the words, tears filled my eyes. This song could have been written just for me.

Some of my favorite lines, I've cried out to Jesus myself.

"i'm tired, i've tried my best, i've given all i have"

"feels like there is nothing left to give"

"my faith is wearing thin"

"you never said that the rain it wouldn't fall"

"you never said that the nights wouldn't feel so long"

BUT- GLORY!

"you only promised to be there through it all"

"but God you promised the sun with each new dawn"

"you are my shelter in every storm"

"you are my REST"

Friends, I pray you can find rest tonight.

I know for me, as a mom, home with little ones every day, the days get long and they feel never ending at times. The to-do list is long. The chores piled up like the laundry pile that needs to be folded. The demands that comes from precious little ones. But friends, we are right where we are supposed to be. HE made us for THIS MOMENT. And He can give us REST. The ONLY Rest that lasts. I long for that Soul Rest. Not just rest as in sleep (which, who'm I kidding???...I like some sleep rest too!...) but Soul Rest is so much better! Rest as you listen to this song. Soak it in. Let the words work on your heart.

It's been on repeat in my kitchen all afternoon as I remind myself that HE IS MY REST. I hope you'll enjoy this song as much as I do. Thanks Karyn for letting me be one of the first to share this song!

This song is available for download now at KarynWilliams.com and Karyn's entire record "Letting Go of Perfect" will be available on iTunes as of October 20th!

Quinoa Salad + Tangerine Vinaigrette Dressing

2015-10-12T19:11:00.001-05:00

So, if my family didn't have to eat, I would eat this every single lunch & dinner. It is THAT good! I made Lance try a bite (GASP:: HE ATE SPINACH!!) and he said "this has really good flavor!"

I thought I'd pass along the recipe to you. Last month with my Essential Rewards order with Young Living, I got a free Tangerine Oil so I decided to try it out in this salad. It did not disappoint! Also, diffuse this oil. It smells so fresh and clean!

For the Salad:
1/2 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
1/2 cup (or more) spinach, chopped
Pomegranate Seeds- I used half the pom for this. Emerson ate the other half. WIN!
And a few mandarins

I have also added fresh peaches, blueberries, strawberries to this. Whatever is in season- USE IT! You can't go wrong.

Now, here's the kicker. THE DRESSING!
This dressing is, lick your plate, good!
2 TBSP Fractionated Coconut Oil (or oil of choice---but this is loaded with MCT so it's good for Emerson too)
1 TSP of Vinaigrette (or more---I like it with a little kick)
1 TSP of brown sugar
1 Drop of Tangerine Oil (not for use in children under 6)

Stir together and pour on top of the salad.

I hope you enjoy this yummy, fresh salad! Try it and let me know what you think!

The Wilson County Fair

2015-08-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

We made 2 trips again this year to our County Fair.

The Wilson County Fair never disappoints.

The first night it had rained, but it cleared out enough for us to get out and enjoy, even on a school night.

The food, the lights, the animals, the smells, the rides.

It's just wonderful.

It screams summertime!

Easton could ride every single ride.

It's so fun to see his bravery shine.

His favorite ride this year, was again, the Tilt-A-Whirl.

I don't know how they do it, I can't even watch without getting a little queazy.

But they ride every single year and Emerson & I watch.

Next year, she'll be big enough to ride the little Tot rides!

We LOVE the Fair! we'd go every night if we could!

Except I'd have to pack supper, because I can't do that grease more than one night a year!

Now, that large sweet tea is another story.

See you next year Fair! You were so fun!

RECIPE::: Fat Free Zucchini Carrot Muffins

2015-08-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've logged into the ole Blogger Platform...but here I am with a YUMMY recipe. It's a great snack for Back to School!

I posted this recipe a few years ago, but I've since changed it to make it fat free for Emerson, so I thought I'd post it here! Several of you had asked for it, and I aim to please... It was a BIG HIT!

Easton took these to school a few days last week and Emerson had them for snack as well! I love when I can find something they will both eat. NOT TO MENTION it's got veggies!

Zucchini Carrot Muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 cup finely shredded, unpeeled zucchini **I used a half of a large zucchini and 3 carrots. I threw it in my NINJA and it was perfect for this! Emerson also chomped on a raw carrot while I made these! #winning
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a muffin pan. I use mini muffin tins. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg. Set aside.

2. In another medium bowl combine egg, sugar, zucchini + carrot mixture and applesauce. Add zucchini mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Spoon batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Makes 24 mini muffins

ENJOY!!!

Kindergarten: Easton's First Day

2015-08-14T15:03:00.000-05:00

Well, we survived our first day of school! Actually, the first week now.

It's so surreal thinking that my first born is now in Kindergarten. That's a big deal. A really big deal.

I knew he was ready, but I wasn't sure that Lance and I were ready.

But we took the leap and he's done so wonderful!

After a full week in, he's made some friends, he's had his feelings hurt and he's learned new things.

I'm not sure he'll ever get past the little girl 'smacking' him on the first day of school in the cafeteria, however after seeing her response when I dropped him off on Monday, I'm certain that 'smack' was a love pat. She seems a little boy crazy over my Easty. #tooearlyforthis

They allowed us a week to walk them in and then we had to start dropping them off at the door with the rest of the kids. I think this was the hardest for me, because it's a long walk from the gym to his room, but he did it with confidence.

I cannot wait to see how much he grows in this school year and see all that he learns.

He amazes us daily with just how smart he is.

His love for others and his tender heart is such a blessing.

Easton Garrett, you make us proud buddy!

Rosemary Beach: OUR Vacation

2015-07-20T17:16:00.000-05:00

When your husband tells you he's booked a vacation for JUST THE TWO OF YOU...what do you do?

Well...if you're me, you get a stomach ache and you over analyze and you 'what if' and you have anxiety for 2 weeks.

BUT! THEN YOU GO AND YOU HAVE THE BEST TIME and VOW TO DO IT EVERY YEAR!

Lance booked us a trip to Rosemary Beach, our favorite vacation spot before we had kids.

He arranged to have Honey take care of our babies and off we went.

Packing + Planning + Grocery Shopping prior to the trip was ALL WORTH IT.

And the worry and anxiety was for nothing, as always!

I am SO thankful that he booked this trip for us. He knew I'd never book it, but knew that we needed this trip. This relax & unwind time. Just us.

The first day was a little weird. What do we do without kids? What do we talk about? Wait...we CAN talk without being interrupted. We can eat what we want to eat. We can do whatever the heck we want! SUCH A STRANGE FEELING.

After that first day, it got easier being away and just relaxing.

The kids were in great hands and having a wonderful time.

Bedtime was going smoothly and they were all smiles every time we face-timed.

That's Lance in the yellow going to get our chairs for the day.

I mean...going to the beach with 1 bag and 1 cooler...now, THAT is vacation!

Lance is definitely the more adventurous of the two of us.

But I love that he made me do something that I wouldn't have normally done.

We rented a Kayak for an hour and did our best to find some sand dollars but with no luck.

Well, we found them...but with no goggles and news of shark attacks, we (he) played it safe.

He knew I wasn't dare getting in the deep deep ocean!

Next time, we'll bring the goggles for the big kid.

We walked the beach in the early morning and found tons of shells.

Something I always want to do but with kids we never make it out there that early.

It was nice to just walk and collect.

Easton would have loved finding all these shells!

I'm pretty sure there's a spot just like this for me in Heaven.

This is as close to Heaven on Earth as it gets to me.

Our last full day was my favorite.

We didn't pack lunch.

When we decided we were ready to eat, we walked off the beach and found a little restaurant in town.

Swimsuit clad with sand on our feet we sat down and had a yummy little lunch, just the two of us.

With full bellies we headed back out to the beach to soak up that last little bit of sunshine left before we had to come home.

Now, I love a family vacation just as much as the next person, but to just be the two of us for a few days was so wonderful!

We certainly missed the kids, but to know they were happy and well taken care of allowed us to fully relax and enjoy ourselves.

It is so important to make time for your spouse. I would really love a monthly date night but we don't do that near as much as we should! Hardly ever, to be honest.

This trip was so wonderful and I'm so thankful for a husband who made the effort to plan this trip for us.

Until Next Time, Rosemary!

And in my dreams.

And thank you, Boo, for making this trip possible, with all your hard work for us!

A lesson from the Birds

2015-05-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

The nest is empty.

Yesterday I went out to check on my babies and they were gone. All 4. Without a trace.

In the back yard, there is another nest. The babies are bigger. One had decided he was ready to leave the nest and he hopped around the back yard all day yesterday. He perched up on the trampoline for several hours, afraid to fly, or waiting for someone to do it for him. Lance coaxed him off and he flew to the fence to sit. He must have slept on the fence all night, because he was in the same spot as I saw him last night before dark. All alone. This morning he was on the outside of the screened in porch and let me get right up next to him to take his picture. He flew off and flew to the back corner of the yard. He couldn’t get outside of the fence. His skills just weren’t there yet. A little while later, I came out to check on him and see where he was and I found him in the kids swimming pool. I had to scoop him out myself.

All of this has me thinking. And questioning so much. Yes, they are just birds, but there must be a lesson here. My mom told me to sit down and pray and think this over and listen to what God wants to teach me about this. So after some time, I’ve come to this. Bare with me.

As I was getting ready, I was looking in the mirror and behind me was yet another nest. Up high on the gutter. The same place as at least 3 other nests are. Tucked in between the brick and the aluminum downspout, under the roof. Safe from the elements. Safe from any predator on the ground. There were 3 birds, bigger than my ones on the porch, peeking their little heads out of the nest. Wanting so bad to get down out of there and spread their wings and fly. Yet. Waiting. It wasn’t time yet. In my research I’ve found that once hatched the babies are in the nest around 2 weeks before they fly off. So, I’d say they were close to that 2 week old mark. But they are up there, safe, knowing and trusting that they are going to be cared for and they will leave the nest when nature says its time.

If only that little one in the back yard would have done the same. If only that momma that built her nest about three and a half feet up on the side porch, would have built hers up higher. In a fern. In the downspout crevice. I’d still have 5 little birds to watch. Yes, there are plenty more tucked in around here, but the loss of those 5 has me heart broken.

I started to compare those 5 to my own life. Trying to make sense of it and see a lesson. Because theres a lesson if we’ll just Be Still and look.

How often does my life look like the bird in the back yard. My life all safe and secure in my little nest with my family. Food being provided. Shelter from the storms. Yet, I decide to branch out and try it on my own. Because, hey, I’ve got this. I can do it. So I hop out. The landing not so graceful, but I’m out of the nest, I’ve done it. Yet, I flit and flutter on my own, trying to do life on my own, without the help of My Father and I end up hungry, alone, without the shelter of His Wing. And eventually I fail. Thankfully, I’ve not drown because of my own shortcomings, but there have been times I sure feel like I’m drowning.

Or what about the momma that made her nest too low. And something got her babies. Why did she build it so low? Was it easier to do it right there? Less of a trip from the ground, up, to build her nest. Close to the flower bed where bugs and worms are plenty. Did she feel safe on my porch, where it looked cozy? Was she too confident in her own self that she could protect those babies? No matter how low her nest was. Lance commented several times ‘that’s why they build their nest up high, so no one gets them.’ But she set her focus on the easy. She didn’t focus on looking UP to see where else she could build her nest, find security.

Yet, again. I can see the correlation between myself and these birds. I see things eye level so many times. That nest on the porch was right below eye level. But it wasn’t safe. The things of this world are eye level. They look easy. I can do it myself. I can protect my children. I can keep watch over my nest. But I can’t. I have to look above to see the bigger picture. That my nest is only safe when I place it up high, in the hands of The Father. Only truly safe under His watchful eye. He gave me these birds in my own nest to care for, and to look over, but I cannot care for them on my own. I can only care for them when I’ve fully trusted in Him.

For a week now I’ve been taking Emerson’s blood sugar, on recommendation of her genetics team. It’s been in the 60’s every morning, despite late night feedings, and early morning wake ups. It just wasn’t making sense. But, it donned on me yesterday, what the cardiologist reminded me. “You know your child better than any doctor ever will. You are the parent.” And God gave us these children to care for. And He gave us the intuition to know how to care for them. My abilities as a mother don’t come from me. They come from Above. Where moth & rust will not destroy. Where there is no pain. No sorrow. No light momentary affliction. So last night, I threw it all to the wind. Or shall I say, to the Father. And this morning, her blood sugar was right where it should be, in the 70’s!

That salvation, and hope that we have “is kept in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, BEYOND THE REACH of change and decay.” 1 Peter 1:3-9 portrays this Hope so beautifully. As easy as it SEEMS to do it on our own, it’s not. It’s so much better to put our trust and hope in Him. He is our protector. Our reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of our souls.

Press on dear friends. Keep the faith. Keep looking up. Build your nest under the protection of His Wing. Stay in the nest. Because He is the only REAL protection that there is.

Easton Turns FIVE:: Ninja Turtle Birthday Party!

2015-03-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

We had such a fun time this weekend celebrating Easton's upcoming FIFTH Birthday!

I really can't believe he's going to be 5! TOMORROW!

We sat down together a few weekends to look at Pinterest to see what kind of party he would like.

We saw one Ninja Turtle Party and he was sold!

I did my best to make that happen in the cutest, non Ninja Turtle graphic way!

Touches of green with red, orange, blue & purple and away we went!

The food is always the most fun for me!

Ninja Turtles eat Pizza, so we started with that!

We also had Pasta Salad, Fruit (do you see the ninja turtle on the fruit?!!!), chips & salsa and dipped pretzels.

It's not a birthday at the Farrar house without dipped Pretzels.

And of course, cupcakes.

The cupcakes were just a white cake mix that I made green and then made the white icing a color for each of the Ninja's.

I got the cute Cupcake wrappers and toppers at The Wal-Mart's.

For Party Favors, I purchased Ninja Turtle cups at Target and also had a Ninja Turtle coloring set (not pictured) that I found at Joann.

I added washi tape to the straws for the kids so we could add their names.

The decor was simple.

I made a fabric scrap bunting, Ninja Turtle Paper Lanterns (from these---they sell them in green sets), and then I got 4 sheets of felt and some elastic for the masks.

My dad picked up the balloons for us on his way to top off our green theme!

I designed the invites myself, using Ipiccy. So easy and they turned out so cute!

Shirts by my SIL, Jamey! Fabric from Joann.

Cowabunga Dude!

Essential Oil Series:: Part 3:: DIY Oil Recipe

2015-03-15T18:00:00.000-05:00

So! This week I thought I'd show you how I use 2 of my oils.

This cream is wonderful to have on hand. Literally.

Dry skin.

Chapped Skin.

Diaper Rash.

Eczema.

The options are endless!

You will need:

1 cup of coconut oil

10 drops Lavender Essential Oil

20 drops Melrose Essential Oil

Blender + Small Glass Jar

Directions:

Put 1 cup of coconut oil in mixing bowl.

Drop essential oils on top of the coconut oil.

Blend slowly, increasing the speed gradually.

Continue mixing until the coconut oil becomes light & fluffy.

Once all combined, use a silicone spatula to get alllllll that goodness out of your bowl.

Transfer to glass jar & enjoy!

**also-did you know that once you WHIP coconut oil it doesn't harden again???

You'll want to whip all the coconut oil once you try this! Promise!

I made a batch of this up last week for a friend who's little fella had an allergic reaction to his antibiotic. His little skin was red and itchy. She said within a few hours the itching had stopped and it wasn't near as red! #oilsforthewin #again

I saved a little extra for us and have been using it on my little's as well. Both have super sensitive skin and this has really calmed those dry, itchy patches.

This combo works excellent for diaper rash too!

I talked about Lavender & Melrose individually here last week if you missed it!

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living Essential Oils you can email me:

a {dot} farrar {at} hotmail {dot} com

If you are ready to purchase your very own Premium Starter Kit, click on the link below:

KIT LINK

Make sure to select Wholesale member- this will give you that 24% discount on all future order

Enter my # in the sponsor and enroller ID section, if it isn’t already filled out: 1958042 {{This will put you on my team- we have a great Facebook group ready to help you LEARN!}}

Enter your personal info

Select your starter kit (Premium Starter Kit, $150)

You can add additional oils at this time

Complete your order!

WELCOME!!!! You are going to LOVE these oils!!!

TIP:: Please follow the link from a computer. It doesn't work right from iPad or iPhone.

I would LOVE to have you on my team!

REMINDER: this information is MY OPINION. I am NOT a health care professional. This is merely how my family uses our oils. As always, consult your own health care professional when making health care decisions for yourself and your family. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Essential Oil Series:: Part 2:: My Top 5

2015-03-08T20:51:00.001-05:00

This is so hard for me to narrow down, because I do use SO MANY of them every. single. day.

But these are the ones I reach for the most and why.

My first answer is always THIEVES! THIEVES! THIEVES! when someone asks me what my favorite is...but really, I love them all! And they can all do so many things! I love having these oils as my first line of defense for the care of myself & my family but I will certainly treat with meds if need be.

Thieves: As I mentioned before, we use thieves daily.

I put a dime size amount of coconut oil in my palm and a drop of thieves on top of that, rub together and apply to little feet. Cover with socks and shoes and we are ready to go. My kids know they get thieves before we leave the house. I sit them on the edge of the bathtub so we don't get oil everywhere.

I diffuse thieves in their rooms each night. We come in contact with so.many.germs on a daily basis so this is one way I can do my part to keep our house clean. Thieves can clean the air when diffused.

I use Thieves to clean with as well. I will put a drop of thieves + a drop of lemon in a bucket of hot water and mop my floor. SO much better than harsh chemicals!

I also occasionally add a drop of thieves on top of my toothpaste. Thieves is a "hot oil" so be ready for a bit of a burn, but it feels good to me! That first time is a shock though!

I love to make Thieves Tea also. If I feel a tickle in my throat, my first approach is to make a cup of hot tea. I use Orange Tea + local honey + 1 drop each of thieves + lemon.

Thieves is immune enhancing! Sign me up for that!

Lavender: I love Lavender. I didn't at first, but I've found so many uses for it.

Just recently, Easton bumped his chin on the monkey bars at school. When he got home we make a little paste of coconut oil + lavender. I applied that to his chin 3 times that night and then once the next morning. I was shocked at just how fast the strawberry disappeared.

We love Lavender for sleep. It helps me relax and sleep soundly. I have also used it diluted on Emerson's back and feet when I feel like she's geared up.

Lavender in the bath is so wonderful. Mix a few drops in some epsom salts and soak in the relaxation.

When I was Pregnant, I got TERRIBLE carpal tunnel in my wrist. It will still flare up occasionally when I'm crocheting or making rulers. I rub a little on my thumb and wrist and it feels so much better. I like PanAway with this combo too if its really sore.

Stress Away: Copiaba, Lime, Cedarwood, Ocetea, Lavender & Vanilla

NEED I SAY MORE! Lime + Vanilla is what I smell when I apply this oil.

I apply this at night time before bed on my neck and shoulders. I carry my stress in my shoulders and this does a wonderful job at easing that load.

I'm overly anxious at night. I don't know why, but I am. I have found that this really addresses that anxiety and helps me relax.

This blend really does smell wonderful. Sometimes I just apply it simply for the smell.

Cedarwood:

I use Cedarwood primarily for sleep. I find that it really helps me go to sleep and stay asleep.

Again, being a nervous nelly at night time, I need all the help I can get.

Cedarwood is great for your hair. I have mixed it with my shampoo and really love it.

I've also heard of folks mixing it with coconut oil to rub on cellulite. I'm making no claims here...but that's what i've heard!

Melrose:

I LOVE MELROSE. ALMOST AS MUCH AS I LOVE THIEVES!

I use Melrose as my moisturizer. I use about 5 drops of Grapeseed Oil+ 1 drop of melrose and apply to clean skin. I was an avid name brand moisturizer user. But I ran out of grape seed and went back to my bottle of moisturizer until I could get more grape seed oil and my skin was not happy. I had major blemishes start popping up. Within 1 night of using my melrose combo again, I was already clearing up! I will NOT run out of grape seed (or jojoba is good for skin too) again.

I have used Melrose + grape seed on easton eczema spots. He has a few that flare up in extreme hot or cold and this really helps him.

Melrose can get rid of odors in a room too! It's a good one to diffuse. It has Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) and Clove in it, along with some other wonderful oils. But I pick up the Mel A and Clove the most. Both are wonderful oils!

I've applied Melrose to cold sores with a little bit of carrier oil as well. Love using it on cold sores.

Melrose is a great oil to use on scrapes, cuts, burns & rashes. I love this oil.

I hope you've enjoyed this little overview of my favorite oils.

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living Essential Oils you can email me:

a {dot} farrar {at} hotmail {dot} com

If you are ready to purchase your very own Premium Starter Kit, click on the link below:

KIT LINK

Make sure to select Wholesale member- this will give you that 24% discount on all future orders

Enter my # in the sponsor and enroller ID section, if it isn’t already filled out: 1958042

Enter your personal info

Select your starter kit (Premium Starter Kit, $150)

You can add additional oils at this time

Complete your order!

WELCOME!!!! You are going to LOVE these oils!!!

TIP:: Please follow the link from a computer. It doesn't work right from iPad or iPhone.

I would LOVE to have you on my team!

Essential Oil Series:: Part 1:: Why Oils?

2015-03-01T18:00:00.000-06:00

Most of you know I love me some Young Living Essential Oils!

I haven't touched on this topic yet on the blog so I thought it would be good to tell you why I use Essential Oils for my family!

Why Oils?

They keep us healthy. At the first sign of sickness, we oil. Early & often is the key! If I feel a tickle in my throat, I apply. And reapply. And reapply.
They help me sleep. I'm a nervous nelly at night. I get anxiety. I take a warm bath before bed and finish with a few drops of oil behind my ears and then on top of my ears. They help me fall to sleep and sleep soundly.
They feel great on my skin. I've started using jojoba + essential oils on my face each night. My skin has cleared up & isn't dry like it was in the past. I also use it for diaper rash, eczema & minor cuts + scrapes.
They give me confidence. Maybe it's mental, maybe it's oils. But I know, when I apply our oils, for whatever need it may be for, I am confident I'm doing what's best for my family. Whether it be caring for my family in time of sickness, promote sleep, calm a fussy baby or even to increase immunity (and keep #allthegerms away), I believe I'm doing what is best and right for my family.

We started using oils before all the cool kids were doing it. I bought Thieves Soap from a local Homesteading family. I didn't know what I was using, except they told me it kept germs away and I was sold. We started using it when Easton was about 2. Then when Emerson was born with a metabolic disease that can effect her most at times of sickness, I stepped up and purchased Thieves + Purification Essential Oils. Then, my best friend became a distributer and I purchased a kit from her to help her business. I started sharing how we used oils and the rest is history!

I try oils first anytime we have any sort of health issue. I am not so far crunchy to say that we don't use medicine, because I'll be the first one to call the doctor if my kids are sick. But I've been pleasantly surprised with how well we can reroute a sniffle or tummy trouble with the help of essential oils.

It's hard for me to narrow down what my favorite oil is. I would first say THIEVES!!!...but then I think, no wait...I really love Purification because it makes my house smell so fresh & clean...but then I remember that lovely Vanilla smell when I apply Stress Away at night and drift off to neverland...and then I think, oooooo, Peppermint...it soothes my headaches and sore muscles....and Lavender opens me right up when I have a cold...There really is no way to narrow down to just one.

That's why I recommend starting with our Premium Starter Kit. You get 11 of our most popular oils + a Home Diffuser.

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living Essential Oils you can email me:

a {dot} farrar {at} hotmail {dot} com

If you are ready to purchase your very own Premium Starter Kit, click on the link below:

KIT LINK

Make sure to select Wholesale member- this will give you that 24% discount on all future orders

Enter my # in the sponsor and enroller ID section, if it isn’t already filled out: 1958042

Enter your personal info

Select your starter kit (Premium Starter Kit, $150)

You can add additional oils at this time

Complete your order!

WELCOME!!!! You are going to LOVE these oils!!!

TIP:: Please follow the link from a computer. It doesn't work right from iPad or iPhone.

I would LOVE to have you on my team!

I'll be back next week with my Top 5 oils!

REMINDER: this information is MY OPINION. I am NOT a health care professional. This is merely how my family uses our oils. As always, consult your own health care professional when making health care decisions for yourself and your family. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

What's Cookin?

2015-01-13T14:14:00.004-06:00

Ok! So in my attempts to eat better, get healthier, feel more organized in the food department, I decided to Meal Plan & Grocery List again. Brilliant. I know.

I have some picky & special needs eaters at my house, so this requires a lot of organization on my part.

And yeah, it's Tuesday...so I'm a day late (and a dollar short), but here's my SupperTime Menu this week!

Monday: BBQ Take Out

Tuesday: Chicken Pasta with Spinach + Cherry Tomatoes with Roasted Green Veggies

{{Cut up chicken tenderloins with Kitchen Scissors. Cook in coconut oil in skillet. Cook Pasta in separate pan. Add Pasta to chicken. Pour in 1/2 cup to cup of Tuscan House Italian Dressing. Add in quartered cherry tom's & spinach, cooking till warm.}}

Wednesday: Chicken Casserole + zucchini

Thursday: Hamburger Flatbreads + Sweet Potato Fries

Friday: Chili Soup + Grilled Cheese

Saturday/Sunday: Burrito Bowls or Out to Eat

Meals are SO stressful to me. But having it all planned out, and the fridge stocked puts me in such a more creative mind set when it comes to dinners.

What's on the menu for y'all this week???

Happy Cooking! {and saving money eating at home!}

Christmas 2014

2014-12-27T14:38:00.000-06:00

Oh Christmastime!

I love thee. But you never quite work out like I plan.

This year was no different.

Maybe one day I'll stop letting that bother me.

Nonetheless.

The littles both had something or another going on, starting the week before Christmas.

Snot, Cough, Croupe, Teeth, Fevers. It was fun.

But we rallied and we made the most of the Christmas Holiday.

Some events were skipped.

Some rescheduled.

And some just done completely different.

But Christmas Morning was my favorite. Maybe my favorite of all time.

Most of the time we are rushing around having 4 places to go to and we never get to fully enjoy.

This year, we stayed home. It was glorious.

I was able to fix breakfast for my crew. We played with our toys. We stayed in PJ's all day.

We were together. No rushing. No fussing. Just enjoyable all day long.

My in-laws came up for a visit & my mom + step dad came to have brunch & my dad came too.

It was so nice to have my home filled with my family throughout the day.

Lance said it best 'it's going to be hard to get me to go anywhere on Christmas Day next year!'

It was wonderful. Truly!

#tradition

Despite the "plan" I had in my mind, it really was perfect.

One day, maybe I'll learn to roll with the punches a little better!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Doing all the Christmas Things:: Gingerbread Houses

2014-12-11T16:15:00.000-06:00

It's no secret I'm a sucker for tradition.

So if we do something one year, and enjoyed it, you better believe we're going to do it again.

We bought a kit a few weeks ago on one of our Target trips and finally got around to putting them together.

I did the construction, and Easton did the decorating.

I love seeing his little creativity and imagination go to work.

He's so serious and concentrated.

I so cherish this time I have with he and Emerson at home.

There are long hard days, but there are so many moments even within those hard days that are just beautiful. Priceless days for sure.

He wanted to share the houses with Emerson and put 2 in her room, but with no place to put them we decided it best to be in his room.

Our village has 5 little buildings.

I went in his room later that night to put clothes away and noticed we were down to 4.

After further investigation, I learned that he was holding on to his dresser, while balancing on his green bouncy ball looking out the window and he pulled #5 off. Kirby took care of the clean up.

Oh, the memories. Never a dull moment at the Farrar House!

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

I love trying to do all the Christmas things we can during this Season.

It comes and goes so quickly.

Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments

2014-12-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

Being home this Christmas Season, with 2 babies, I knew I wanted to try to make the most of the season. I've pinned a lot of Christmas Crafts and we've been reading scripture at night before Easton goes to bed. I really want to focus on Jesus this year and the importance of Jesus in Christmas.

Last year, Easton & I made Cinnamon Ornaments and this year as we unpacked our ornaments to put on the tree, the cinnamon smell filled up the bonus room. I thought it would be fun to do again this year.

Easton was a perfect age for them. I mixed the dough and rolled it out and he used the cookie cutters himself and put them on the cookie sheet. We also had my sister-in-law & niece over to make some with us! This recipe makes a full cookie sheet of mini ornaments.

I found the mini cookie cutters at Target in the Christmas section for $3.99.

All you need is 3/4 cup of apple sauce + 2 containers of Cinnamon. If you have any Essential Oils, add a few drops of clove or orange or Christmas Spirit in your mix! Clove smells super yummy!!!

1. Mix it together and separate into 2 balls.
2. Lay some plastic wrap on the counter and put the ball of dough on it. Cover with another layer of plastic wrap.
3. Roll out the dough to 1/4-1/2 inch thick.
4. Pull off top layer of plastic wrap and go to town cutting out ornaments.
((TIP:: The mini cutters were a lot easier than the full size. Little hands can handle smaller ornaments a lot easier.))
5. Lay them on a cookie sheet and use a tooth pick to make a hole big enough to string twine or ribbon through.
6. Bake at 200 for 2 1/2 hours and let cool before stringing.

Then hang them on the tree and enjoy the yummy smell!

Emerson's First Birthday

2014-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love a good party.

And this one was so much fun.

So much fun to have some pink. {{who am I?}}

We celebrated Emerson the day before her birthday.

I will always do parties on days around their birthday.

The party day gets so crazy and before you know it, it's over.

I want to always have their BirthDAY, low key and with just them.

Maybe this will change as they get older, but for now, that's how I like it.

So, we did a lunch time party.

Chicken Salad, Ham & Rolls, Fresh Salsa, Fruit, Pasta Salad, Dipped Pretzels & Cupcakes.

It was all so yummy, if I do say so myself.

I kept the decor simple.

Some babies breath, a tissue tassel garland, balloons & some Paper Lanterns over the food table.

I'll let the pictures do the talking, but I think you'll see we had a wonderful time celebrating our Emerson!

Happy Birthday Emerson Sloan!

I know you'll never remember this par-tay, but I will. Forever.

Love you sweet girl!