Sunday, October 19, 2014

6

Birthday mornings are a big deal here. Thanks to a long-standing Larson tradition, the party starts as soon as you open those freshly aged eye lids.


 We had quite the day. First, we went to the movies. Seth's first time. I spent the whole two hours in the hall because Annalise was terrified of the loud and the dark. Next, we checked out the Halloween safety village.


That afternoon Seth had a bunch of boys over for a hex bug party.



 Here's to being 6!

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Fall Family Photo Shoot

What the freak?  Seriously, what?  What is it about photo shoots that bring out the absolute worst in every single person in my family.  Please tell me it's not just us...  IT   IS   HELL  I tell you.  And for what?  To try to capture all of the LOVE and SWEETNESS and GOOD TIMES in this freak show family of seven.  FREAK SHOW!  

OK.  ok,  Deep breaths.  It's all over for another year, probably.  And maybe there is something here worth all of the tears and snooty comments and hurt feelings and freak-ity freak freak.  

At least the 3D glasses pictures make me smile...








Grace and I went on a photo shoot/apple tasting/nature hike this afternoon.  We popped into the doorway of an old maple syrup shack and took these of Grace.  We had such a nice time - just the two of us.  I need to make an effort to spend more 1-on-1 time with these guys, even just a walk for an hour.  Also,  I need to take pictures of each of the kids this week too, since we rarely order school pictures!





Thursday, October 9, 2014

My Favourite Natural Deodorant

Homemade Deodorant

As requested, the best recipe I've made so far.  

This makes enough for three portions, so adjust as needed.

Have ready a sterilized, empty deodorant container, rolled all the way down.  Or any container you want to use for a mould (like the LUSH deodorant, it comes in a chunk that you pick up and apply)

For the melting you will need an older pot you could use just for deodorant making, as it may retain the scent.  Or you could use a pot of water and use an older bowl on top as a double boiler.
Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup shea butter or cocoa butter  ( I used shea butter)
1/2 cup+1 teaspoon beeswax (you can buy beeswax pellets that are easy to work with)
3 Tablespoons arrowroot powder
vitamin E ( I pierced and added 6 capsules)
20 drops tea tree oil
20 drops desired essential oil(s) for fragrance (make sure they are OK for use on the skin!!)
splash of apple cider vinegar ( a natural kind with "mother"as it's called)

Directions

Melt the beeswax and coconut oil on very low heat, whisking often.  Once melted, whisk in shea butter  and remove from heat.  Sprinkle in arrowroot powder and continue to whisk.  Drop in vitamin E and essential oils, add vinegar, whisk until all combined.

Place the pan in cool water bath until mixture just begins to set up a little bit, this is a critical moment, it can't be too runny or too firm for pouring.  Pour or spoon mixture into desired containers and place in the refrigerator until completely hard.

Store in cool place.  If it becomes soft, just refrigerate again.

For clean up you need very hot water and soap to clean anything that the mixture has touched.


Have fun and enjoy your natural, safe deodorant, I LOVE mine, no going back for me :)