Merriment & Murder

by Jenna St James

  I’d also heard through the grapevine that Barbie and Mitzi had moved out of the Clairmont mansion. Evidently, even though the rhinestone could be traced back to Barbie, it was just one of those things. It really did just accidentally fall off. That all came straight from Brandon. It seemed Percy had paid Brandon’s family a visit the day before Christmas and said they owed nothing in back rent and they could continue to live in the house.

  “It’s about time you guys were getting here,” Brandon teased. “I was almost ready to give up and go inside.”

  “Did you meet Chef Granger’s grandson yet?” I asked.

  “Nope,” Brandon said. “They’re already here. I wanted to wait for you guys.”

  “Let’s do this,” I said.

  I really wanted to like the grandson. After all, Aunt Aggie was now officially seeing Chef Granger, so in a way, if things worked out, this guy could end up being around a lot.

  “Over here,” Grams waved from the fireplace.

  Henley handed us each a flute of sparkling apple juice as Jinx nudged my leg. I bent down to give him some love when Chef Granger walked into the room.

  “Everyone,” he said, “I’d like to introduce you to my son and grandson.”

  I looked up from my crouched position on the floor and my mouth dropped open. Chef Granger’s grandson was hot enough to melt cold butter.

  Recipes:

  Maddy and I love making soaps and scrubs. Since this is a holiday story, we are going to share our favorite holiday three-pack gift set you can put in a basket and give away: Peppermint soap, Peppermint hand scrub, and Peppermint lip scrub.

  Peppermint Glycerin Soap

  Materials:

  1 lb Clear Glycerin (Amazon)

  1-2 Drops Red Soap Colorant (Amazon)

  3-4 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

  Soap Molds (Hobby Lobby/Amazon)

  Knife

  2 cup Measuring Glass with spout

  Rubbing alcohol

  Cling Wrap

  Assemble:

  1) Cut your glycerin into cubes.

  2) Put cubes in glass measuring cup.

  3) Microwave 20 second intervals until melted. Do not over melt or you will get foam.

  4) Add red colorant and peppermint scent.

  5) Carefully pour glycerin into the molds, being careful not to pour too quickly. You don’t want air bubbles.

  6) If you have bubbles, lightly spray or brush the rubbing alcohol over top of soap and they should dissipate.

  7) Let sit on counter for about 3 hours. Check. They should be hard enough to pop out and wrap in cling wrap. Store in closet.

  8) Should make 8-10 soaps.

  Peppermint Sugar Scrub for Hands

  We are doing the Peppermint scent here, but orange works great for holiday smell, also!

  Materials:

  1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar

  2 Tablespoons Liquid Coconut Oil (We used organic)

  8-10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

  Air-tight glass container (Hobby Lobby)

  Large glass bowl

  Spoon

  1) Simply put the first three ingredients in the glass bowl and stir, making sure to mix everything well.

  2) Store in the air-tight glass container.

  Peppermint Lip Scrub

  Materials:

  1 Tsp Coconut Oil (we used Organic)

  1 Tsp Honey

  1 ½ Tsp Sugar

  3 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

  Small air-tight glass container (Hobby Lobby)

  Mix all the ingredients together and put in a clear glass jar. Rub on lips, then leave the scrub on for a minute or two before wiping off with a damp towel.

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  About the Author

  Jenna writes in the genres of cozy/paranormal cozy/ romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.

  When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases! You can also friend request her on Facebook at jennastjamesauthor/ or catch her on Instagram at authorjennastjames.