TURN A BAR OF SOAP INTO A HALF GALLON OF LIQUID SOAP

Being a lover/maker of handmade soaps for the bath. I also love the convenience of body wash when I shower. Since I have so many schweebles of soap left from bad cuts, ends, and just general  dried up small pieces of unused soap (and I hate to waste anything) ....

I've been making liquid soap/ bodywash out of it. Keep in mind you can use any soap for this recipe, but steer away from moisturizing bars , they tend to stay watery.The reason that Dove or other beauty bars do not work as well is because the primary ingredient is one of two synthetic surfactants (detergents). They are not natural soap and this would cause a lot problems for you. The Yardley works so well because it is made of natural soap with some moisturizers and oils, which makes this an easier product to make into liquid soap. As far as thickening any thin batches of natural soap try to use pickling salt. Typically soaps can be thickend with sodium chloride, not table salt because of the iodine content. I personally add a preservative to this recipe because of the large water content. Anything with a lot of water could grow mold, yeast, or bacteria. A natural preservative is Agrisept L ,and it can be purchased online or at any health food store.

INGREDIENTS
1 chopped up bar of  homemade soap or Yardley brand
9 cups tea or water

3 T.Salt
1 cup water

OPTIONAL 
*essential oil for fragrance (opional)
*food coloring for color(optional)
*1/3 cup olive oil for more moisture(optional)
*1 drop Agrisept L for bacteria(optional)

Place 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons water in microwave for 3 minutes to dissolve salt. Set aside.

Place whole bar of soap  into an ziplock baggie and smash it with a rolling pin.

Simmer grated/chopped soap and 9 cups tea/water in a large pot until completely dissolved.

 Remove from heat when soap has melted. Let cool overnight. Add  1/2 the water salt solution. Mix with a hand mixer on high for three minutes, adding salt solution gradually as needed for thickness. 

Add your optional ingredients at this time and mix in thoroughly.

Things to try if your soap is too thin:

- Try whipping it with a hand  or stick mixer.
- Add more grated soap and reheat.- Add a bit of xanthan gum to thicken
- Or, just use it in a foaming soap dispenser!

Things to try if your soap is too thick / or “snot like”:

- Mix it with a hand/ stick mixer
- Add more water and reheat
- Add 3 cups of lukewarm water to full recipe and mix with hand mixer

LENOX SPICE VILLAGE

I've always wanted a set of these adorable little spice jars that mirror Victorian houses.My shabby chic kitchen really needs these.I finally found a deal I couldn't resist on eBay for 75.00.I believe these retailed for 19.99 a piece when they first came out in 1989. 

 Included are the following spice jars:
Pepper, Oregano, Paprika, Allspice, Thyme, Garlic, Basil, Rosemary, Dill, Saffron, Ginger, Clove, Mustard, Sage, Celery, Onion, Tarragon, Chive, Parsley, Bay, Marjoram, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Coriander.

Each jar measures about 3" high and 2" wide and has a rubber gasket for an airtight fit. They are all in excellent, mint condition...

I painted the cabinet white to match my pink shabby chic kitchen...

Lilac Body Buttercream

 Handmade Christmas ......

 I've decided to go homemade from the heart this year so we can keep to the spirit of what christmas is about.  I'm only doing the things that give me joy. I'm ditching the idea of driving to the dreaded mall !!Even my Christmas tree is a big ole stick I found at the dump.

See here:
http://suzyhomefaker.blogspot.com/2012/10/tree-branch-decor.html

   I can't imagine having Christmas without my Gingerbread house extravaganza, but the stress of having 12 people in my tiny house just wears me out!

   I decided to make my your own natural skin nurturing body butter . Who can't use some awesome skin moisturizer in this Wisconsin cold weather? Did you know up to 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the body.Our skin is considered our third kidney.Body butter a luscious skin treatment that’s all natural without any chemicals or fillers, they just  drench your skin in 100% natural ingredients packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

  Body butter is a awesome way to pamper your body.Making your own  is fun,  easy and can save you a lot of money. Prepare to dazzle yourself, your friends and your family with your amazing whipped body-butter!..O.K  on with the show !

Lilac Body Buttercream 

• 1 1/2 cup Shea butter
• 1/2 cup Cocoa Butter
• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup Sesame oil
• 1/2 cup Sunflower oil
• 2 T.* Castor oil
• oil from one vitamin E capsule
• 2 T. cornstarch
• 3 drops *Agrisept l (optional)
• a few drops of lilac essential oil

1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil in on  lowest setting til melted. Do not boil or even simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for an hour, or put in refrigerator for 30 - 40 minutes.

2. Stir in sesame oil, vitamin E, and essential  scented oils of your preference.

3. Wait until the mixture becomes solid yet  soft. Add cornstarch .Beat  on high with a stand mixer until a desired consistency is achieved. Approx/ 10 minutes.

4. Put in a mason jar or any other wide mouth pretty container ...Enjoy!!!

 To order go to http://suzihomefaker.bigcartel.com/products

*Agrisept-L formula balances your body's flora and fungus levels for an increased sense of wellness. I add a few drops to enhance the quality of my lotions and butters, as well as keep bacteria out naturally. It’s an antiseptic, an antirheumatic, a bactericide, a fungicide and an antioxidant. The main active agents contained in citrus extracts are limonene, coumarins, flavonoids, Vitamin A, B, B1, B2. I also use it to clean fruits and vegetables for prolonged freshness. Agrisept-L also influences weight loss inhibitors in your body to boost the effectiveness of your weight loss program too. 

*Castor oil packs soaked through the skin improve the body’s ability to assimilate nutrients, eliminate toxins, and stimulate circulation. help the skin retain its natural healing properties as well as stimulate the body’s muscles and internal organs. This is because ricinoleic acid in castor oil prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and viruses. Did you know castor oil has another common name, palm of Christ, or Palma Christi, that derives from castor oil's reputed ability to heal wounds and cure ailments. Castor Oil is a therapeutic body butter used to tone, nourish, moisturize and protect the skin.  Soothes dry & irritated skin; helps with Eczema and fungal
infected fingers and toes.

SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Layered spaghetti casserole ....

Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredients

• 10 ounces uncooked spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large can spaghetti sauce (26.5 ounces)
• 1/2  cup red wine
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• ⅓ cup chopped onions
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 8 ounces cream cheese(Softened)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• French-fried onions (small can)

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to directions on the package. Cook to al dente', drain and set aside.

Brown ground beef in large skillet. Drain excess grease. Add spaghetti sauce and wine and heat on low to a simmer.

Add onions, mushrooms, garlic, and butter to another small saucepan. Simmer on low until  onions are translucent and soft.

Add  softened cream cheese and milk to same skillet as onions, and mushrooms and stir well.

Using a 12 x 8-inch (I used a 9x9 deep ) baking dish layer in the following order: thin layer of spaghetti sauce, cooked spaghetti, cream cheese/vegetable mixture, remaining spaghetti sauce,  and Parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for 25- 30 minutes.

Remove foil . Top with french-fried onions (optional, but it is much better) and continue baking 5 more minutes. Careful!!....don’t let them onions burn if choosing to use them.

      * NOTE: YOU CAN ALSO MAKE THIS VEGAN BY OMITTING THE BEEF

             Serve with garlic bread and salad ...              

                             Bon Appetite!!

CHERRIES IN A CLOUD

Ingredients

1 Can Cherry pie filling

1  large box vanilla instant pudding 

1- 8oz can of Crushed Pineapple

1-8oz. pkg cream cheese(softened)

16-24oz Cool Whip OR whipping cream

In a large mixing bowl mix can of pineapple and can of 
cherry pie filling including the juice with the instant pudding.

Next mix in the softened cream cheese. Fold in cool whip. Chill mixture in refrigerator until serving.Garnish with cherries and nuts if desired.

Easy Pumpkin Bars

These are so easy and delicious!!!

Mix 1 box Spice cake mix with 1 large can of pumpkin, spread in a pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes . THAT'S IT!!

No eggs, no oil!!!

                             EASY  PEASY!!!

LILAC SOAP

Are the Lilacs blooming just the most beautiful scented site?Seems like yesterday that I picked a big bunch of beautiful blossoms for drying. As soon as the weather turns cold I yearn for sweet smell of those delicate little flowers....

Do you miss that wonderful spring fragrance they give?

Now you can have the scent of them any and every time you shower, bathe or wash your hands. 

Essential oil from the traditional heirloom purple lilac is said to provide a calming effect that eases anxiety. 

Here's How:

48 ounces Crisco (a 3-pound can)

12.7 ounces Sesame Oil 

8.45 ounces Grapeseed Oil

2 ounces Vitamin E oil

2 ounces Cocoa Butter

2 ounces Bees Wax 

14 ounces Coconut Oil

30 ounces of cold water

16 ounces lye crystals

2 T. Lilac Essential Oil

2 Cups dried Lilac Blossoms(optional)

Add lye to cold water .Melt first 7 ingredients on low heat till temperature reaches 100 degrees.When lye mixture cools to 100 degrees slowly add to oil mixture.Keep stirring until mixture thickens.

Trace by hand should be in about 20 minutes. Add your essential oil and lilac blossoms.Pour into molds.Cure about 24-48 hours before un~molding or cutting if making a block.Let stand for 30 days before using or giving as gifts .

This lilac soap is just like a garden full of lilacs in bloom .. food safe glitter and  preserved heirloom lilac blossoms  add a extra decorative touch.

I will be giving mine as Christmas gifts with a side of body butter!