Renaissance Woman

Some background:  Every year we have two birthdays for Daniel.  We have a quiet family party on his actual birthday (December 27), and a kid birthday party at the end of June - before school lets out.  Christmas is a lousy time to have a birthday - it gets lost.  So we thought this was a nice idea.  Plus then the birthday party has at least an outside chance of taking place out of doors. So this is how the birthday cake discussion started this year:  "I want Pikachu on my birthday cake this year".  "Okay". A few days later:  "Daniel, would it be okay if I made cupcakes for your birthday instead of a cake?"  You see, I'd found a recipe in the "Jamie's America" cookbook that looked good and easy.  Cupcakes, icing, some sprinkles and you're done.  "But I told you several times that I want Pikachu".  And then my husband came up with a great idea - make Pikachu faces out of the cupcakes.  Alright, I can do that.  ...

I don't know about everybody else, but I don't like buying deodorant - the aluminum is suspect in things like breast cancer, and the plastic container doesn't impress me. So a friend of mine gave me this recipe for a natural, home-made deodorant: 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup corn starch 1/4 cup baking soda (they specify aluminum free, but I'm not sure what the concern is there - my baking soda doesn't include aluminum - maybe some do?) Put all ingredients into a saucepan and heat over low, stirring constantly until the oil is melted and it is all smooth. Pour liquid into any container - an old deodorant container apparently works. I poured mine into a toilet paper tube - that way I can rip the tube off and still have it all together. If you live in a warmer climate than we do, you may have to refrigerate - or apply with your fingers. I haven't done it yet, but you can also add a little bit of grated beeswax (1 tbsp or so) to the mix. It apparently keeps i...