Making Bath Bombs on a Snowy Day!

What to do on a snowstorm filled day when you are snow bound? You make bah bombs for that hot bath you are dreaming of! Here is my recipe and some gentle instructions but I thought I'd take you through the process. You can also go on our Coon Hollow Farm's YouTube page to see a visual tutorial on how it's done that I made last year.

I go to BJ's and buy the big bags of supplies. I find myself teaching it from time to time so it's good to have on hand. You can also order them on Amazon.

You will need bath bomb molds which I have in 3 sizes, small, medium and large. A 1 cup and 1/2 cup measuring cups and a teaspoon measure.

I purchased this Bath Bomb kit on Amazon some time back. It has everything you need. It's worth having if you plan to make them periodically. It pays for itself because they can be expensive to buy.

I made two batches and put them in separate bowls. I wanted to make two different scents.

I used Lavender and Rose oil as well as red and lilac colorant to give it some color.

I mix all my liquid ingredients together including the colorant. This will consist of the water, olive oil and colorant. 

Add this very slowly and gradually to your dry ingredients. the citric acid may begin to react a bit but stir quickly to bland everything. It should be slightly lumpy but that is perfect. You don't want it too liquidy, just sticky enough to be able to pack it together.

Now take your molds, if you want a bit of dried flowers such as rose petals, lavender flowers or even chamomile, place it in each top of the mold. I often save my dried roses and chop them up into an almost powdery consistency for crafting. This will give a very nice presentation for gifting. 

Then put some of the mixture on top of the flowers (if adding them). 

Using your thumbs pack it as tight as you can, keep adding and packing. Overflow the mold, heaping at least an inch or more.

At this point squeeze the two molds together, twisting and packing them together. If some falls out it's okay as you fuse the sides together. Push and twist to get a nice join, leaving just a small gap no bigger than an 1/8". Let the mixture sit in the mold for about 5 minutes or even more. This will allow it to set. Then remove one mold at a time. If it falls apart, it only means you didn't pack it enough, start over packing very tightly.

I then remove them all from the molds once I allow them to sit for a while. I place them on a very plush towel. If you place them on a hard surface, they will become oval and lopsided. You still may want to check them periodically and gently reshape them if needed. 

So, there you go! It's really that easy. These would make a lovely Valentine gift or even Mother's Day gifts if you're thinking ahead. 

If you have any questions leave it in the comment section and I will try to answer it with the best of my experience in making Bath Bombs, enjoy!!! 

 

Finally, his beard!

Our "Strutter" finally has a beard! Or at least we can finally see it protruding through all those winter feathers he has! This is an indicator that he is a tom. If you look at his chest, the black spot in the center of his chest is his beard!  He is 8 months old now so it's about time that beard comes in!

Tom's grow this as a way to attract hens and it will become erect when he is aroused. A hen will be most attracted to the tom at breeding time if his beard is long, attractive and handsome. 

There it is! That beautiful, bristled beard! The beard consists of long bristly thick hairs that grow from their chest. It's an important tool during breeding season. 

This is a stock photo I borrowed online to show what it will eventually look like when he is over a year. You can often tell the age of a turkey by his beard. The older, the more mature his features will be. 

 

Egg Streak, done!

 And just like that, the longest streak of chickens laying is none and done! Went into the coops and neither had eggs! I think we should be thankful; we have never had our chickens lay this late in the winter. So, our chickens will use this time to use their energy to keep warm and take a much-needed break until Spring. 

Losing a Legacy

Our sweet Tawny crossed over the rainbow bridge today. From the moment I got her 8 years ago, with her tawny colored coat, I was in love. Her sweet and tenacious personality I will never forget. She was truly one of a kind. She leaves a long legacy and for that she will be remembered. She wasn’t just a rabbit but my heart, she started it all. RIP my girl, I will miss you running to the door, pulling my hair and loving our snuggles.

My first attempt at clipping her so long ago...

 

New Year's Blessings 2022

We need to look at our Blessings in small ways. Last year was a rough year for us and so many. One of loss and struggle, but we are not the only ones. These past 2 years took a toll but there is only the climb back up from here. The last two months of was supported by our many customers and for that we can't thank enough. 

Today we got three eggs and yesterday 8! This is unheard of this time of year. If there is such a thing as signs, this is sure a good one. This coming year will be about change and bringing our A game and pushing back on this pandemic which has brought so many to their knees. So, stay tuned, it can only get better from here!