Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

Oh my goodness!!!  I can not even begin to tell you how amazing my home has smells as I write this post.  There is Christmas floating through the air...the scent of apples, cinnamon, and wild orange are intoxicating.

We decided to make these ornaments for my girls' teachers this year.  It just might become an obsession to my daughter Rose.  She enjoyed mixing and rolling out the dough so much. I think that she would have played with it all night if I had let her. Thankfully it was way past bedtime and as soon as they went into the oven my girls were ushered off to bed.

They really are extremely easy to make and appropriate for any child 3 years old or older to help with. 
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The Great Cookie Exchange!

There's only one more week until Christmas is upon us!  I can't wait!!!  There is so much to do, but the little girl inside of me still loves the magical feeling of Christmas and can't wait to watch my kiddles tear into their gifts...while I sip on some coffee and munch on a few cookies.  (Cookies are Christmas breakfast fare, right?)

 

Since there is only a week left and I still have TONS of cookies to bake and create, in the spirit of those of us who just can't have too many cookie options in our cookie jars, I decided that a blogger cookie recipe exchange would be fun.  Plus, I love getting new recipes that are tried-and-true to bake with my girls.

 

So, gather up your favorite cookie recipe and LET THE COOKIE EXCHANGE BEGIN!

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Cinnamon Ornaments

Photos: dōTERRA International, LLC

doTERRA has come up with a very simple craft to trim your Christmas tree...or your office, or your car, or your closet...whatever.

 

Cinnamon ornaments scented with dōTERRA essential oils! I can't wait to make these tonight with my daughters.  They love to bake and they love doing crafts...and they LOVE Christmas. We're going to have so much fun and my home is going to smell amazing!

 

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DYI Teacher, Co-worker or Just Plain Ole Friend Giftings

Every year I try to find some cute little gifts that I can make at home to share with my girls' teachers and our family friends. 

And every year I fail in getting everyone on our list covered. *boooo*  This year I am again making a valiant effort to accomplish one gift for everyone on my list.  *YAAAAY!*  Say a prayer for me because with my 8 month old son it's going to be quite a feat to accomplish this year.

Here are some of the wonderful homemade gifts that I have come across in my searching for the perfect gift...not to mention easy. I hope that this list inspires and perhaps takes care of your search at the same time.

Merry Christmas & Happy Gifting!

Do You Know YOU? I mean, REALLY know YOU?

I started writing this post with the title: Why I Love Being A Mom.  I transitioned into something very different from my initial thoughts...and I am so happy that it did.  There is wisdom here that I pass along to young women whenever I can.

 

There are so many things that make being a mom one of the most rewarding titles in the world.  Honestly there is nothing that you will put so much time, tears, frustration, and love into (other than a marriage) which yields such enormous rewards.  Those rewards don't come wrapped up in pretty paper and bound in elegant bows...they come in priceless moments and the eyes of your child.  There is no price tag that can be placed on that nor is it possible to give an adequate comparison to it.

Yes, being a mom can be beyond exhausting and try your patience more than heavy traffic, but there are these little nuggets that make it all worth it.

Diaper Bag Makeover

There are plenty of creams, ointments, and wipes that contain chemicals that aren't necessary especially when you have a natural alternative.  Here are some simple ways to makeover your diaper bag with essential oils.

1.  For Momma - Keep hydrated.  Dehydration can lead to exhaustion.  Add essential oils like Lemon or Wild Orange to your water throughout the day.

 

2.  Diaper Cream  -  This recipe is free of petroleum and artificial ingredients that can cause even more irritation to baby's skin.

 

3.  Peppermint Beadlet -  A burst of Peppermint will freshen breath and soothe tummy discomfort.

 

4.  Essential Oils -  Gentle oils like Lavender and Melaleuca are must haves.

 

5.  Coconut Oil -  Moisturize and protect skin without any oily residue.

 

6.  Baby Wipes -  Commercial wipes are made with ingredients that can actually irritate a baby's sensitive skin.  This easy recipe is good on the go, just place the wipes in a wet bag.

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Taking The Sting Out Of Diaper Rash Naturally

Babies definitely have my sympathy.  I can't imagine having to rely on someone to keep on top of when I've gone to the bathroom...even 5 minutes in a dirty diaper can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.  My poor little son's booty is extremely sensitive.  He tends to get diaper rashes very easily and much more frequently than his sisters did.

This week he developed an ear and throat infection, which I had no idea he had.  Unlike most babies he had not pulled on his ear or cried when laid down.  I was more concerned with the sound that his cough had developed into while he's been teething.  (which turned out to be no big deal)  With the news of the problem being an ear and throat infection, I gave into antibiotics to help clear them up before his scheduled immunizations, and along with the medication came the side-effect of strong diarrhea. His little booty did not stand a chance.

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