Dala Horse Soap: Tutorial

It's no secret that I'm a little obsessed with all things Scandinavian, including Dala horses. So when I received this Dala horse baking pan from IKEA that came with a mini Dala horse pan, I started brainstorming what I could make with it. I've always wanted to try my hand at soap making, and figured what would be cuter than little Dala horse soaps! I decided for a clementine-poppy-seed soap, the poppy seeds acting as a great way to exfoliate, and am quite happy with how they turned out.

Want to make your own? You will need:

Shea soap base, can be found at Michaels - (use a 40% off coupon  and it's only $6!)

Soap molds - I used my small Dala horse pans from IKEA, you could also use mini-muffin tins

Scents/add-ins - 1 tsp clemetine zest and 1 tsp poppy seeds

Coloring - optional (I didn't use)

Break off 6 cubes of the soap base, which is just enough to make 2 Dala horse soaps. Heat soap in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave again in 10-second increments, stirring in between, until it is completely melted.

Stir in your scents/ingredients, and any coloring if desired.

Pour directly into your molds. Tap lightly on surface to release any air bubbles.

Allow to set for at least an hour before removing from molds. If your molds don't bend (like the Dala horse pans), you may need to pry one edge out for it to release completely. I used a toothpick and it barely left a mark.

Lather up and enjoy!

Swedish Cowl - take one

I'm making progress on my newest knitting project, my Swedish cowl. It's almost complete - just two more sections and it'll be done!

I'm excited to share the pattern with you all once it's done! I made the yellow stripes in seed stitch to give it some texture and I really like how it looks. I was hoping I could get away with only using one skein of each color, but alas, I ran out of the cream. Thankfully, Ryan was a doll and went to the knitting shop where I bought it (A Major Knitwork) and picked me up another skein this week after his classes. Isn't he just the best?! 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Beet Fries

Yes, I may be a little obsessed with beets these days. But they're so good!

If you're looking for ways to cook beets, this is one of my favorites - roasted beet fries. They're so easy and delicious.

Beet Fries:

Skin and chop 2 large beets into sticks. Spread out evenly on a cookie sheet lined with foil. Drizzle 2 -3 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper.

Roast in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, stir around and cook an additional 10-20 minutes depending on how well done you like them.

Eat and enjoy!