Homemade Coconut Oil Lotion - Little House on the Prairie Living Recently I got a big jar of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil in the mail and it was just staring at me on the counter...waiting to be used. So, I decided it was time for me to try out this idea. This lotion recipe is really simple and only takes two ingredients. I think next time I will add a little beeswax to mine as I felt like it was a little too greasy for my taste, at least for a daily use lotion. **Update: I LOVE this lotion and I've realized the more your skin gets used to it the less greasy it is (I must have had trouble absorbing it when I first started). Before we get started - coconut oil is pretty amazing. Alright let's get back to lotion making... Homemade Coconut Oil Lotion What you need: 1 cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Where to Buy)1 teaspoon Vitamin E (I just used a few capsules) (Where to Buy) Here's what you need, a mixer, the oil, the vitamin E, and a bowl! What To Do: Measure out your coconut oil and add in the vitamin E. Then....mix! After! No spam here!
4 Tricks For Cleaning With Lavender Just like a lot of you out there, I’m the type who’s elated to be constantly creating (read: making a huge mess), but when it comes time to make the house look presentable again, I’d simply rather not. I have found, though, that when the cleaning process is combined with the beauty of aromatherapy, it can truly be quite enjoyable. Lavender is such a gem when it comes to natural cleaning. The word lavender is actually derived from the Latin lavare, which means to wash. Fabric softener ½ cup white wine vinegar 5 drops lavender essential oil Add this mixture to the fabric softener compartment of your washer and fall in love with the soft, beautifully-scented clothing that emerges. Bathroom cleaner ¾ cup baking soda ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons natural liquid dish washing soap (I use the Meyer’s brand) 10 drops lavender essential oil You can use this paste to scrub the tub, the sink, the toilet – even tile floors. Carpet freshener Glass spray 1 cup white wine vinegar 1 cup distilled water
Make Your Own Simple Exfoliating Body Scrub Morning Bump! Originally posted on 10/19/2011: I had a proud “Mom Moment” last week when my daughter decided to give making her own Body Scrub a try. Believe me, I don’t take credit for that girl’s incredible intelligence (well, maybe a teeny, tiny bit), but I do like to think I’ve been an example of how easy it is and how much sense it makes to make your own products for home, health and beauty. I’ve never been one to use body scrubs with any regularity. Last week we were making preparations for my son’s wedding when Britta came across the idea of making her own body scrub as a special pampering treatment before the big day. She LOVED the results! The “RECIPE” is basically a 2-to-1 ratio of sugar to coconut oil and as many drop of essential oil as you like. Put the amount of sugar you want in a jar or bowl, add 1/2 that amount of coconut oil that you have warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds to make it liquid and the lavender drops, and stir. Wow! Ingredients: Directions:
Anti-Aging with Essential Oils - Simple Life Mom Anti-Aging with Essential Oils is a wonderful choice for those looking for something that really and truly works, something frugal, and something that smells good. Concoctions found in the store are very expensive and, as far as my research has gone, do just as much harm to your body internally as the benefit to your skin externally. The wonderful reality of anti-aging with essential oils is that they have so many health benefits beyond your skin. These recipes have been put together with simplicity in mind. I get all of my ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs (affiliate link) and Bulk Apothecary (not affiliate, I just love them). Super Anti-Aging Serum: Use the carrier oil (the 1/2 cup) and then add essential oils as you get them. Ingredients: 1/2 cup – Apricot Kernel Oil (Great moisturizer and skin healer)10 drops – Carrot Seed Oil Essential Oil (anti-aging king)10 drops – Rose Hip Seed Essential Oil (Vit. Instructions: Lovely Anti-Aging Serum:
DIY Body Wash! Turn a $1 Bar of Soap into Luxurious Body Wash! As you know, I enjoy the Dollar Tree....A LOT. While I was there picking up supplies for our DIY Halloween T-Shirts, I came across a bar of Oil of Olay. I'm not a fan of bar soap but I thought I could turn it into a body wash. Here's what you're going to need: Bar of Soap (any kind)Cheese Grater (or knife if the soap is soft enough)WaterMeasuring cup (1 cup)PotHeat Safe SpoonStoveContainer for your Body Wash Your first step is to grate your soap. I only grated half of my bar. Now, since I didn't want a ton of body wash, I only added 2 cups of water. Place your pot over your stove and turn it on to a medium heat. My skin has been a bit dry lately so I added a cup of coconut milk for added moisture. After your soap flakes or chunks have dissolved, turn off your stove and let your mixture cool several hours. If you add water, heat it up and stir again. If you find your mixture is the right consistency and it's nice and cool, add it to your container! That's all there is to it!
Organic Lotion Secrets' Natural Homemade Lotion Recipes Tips Percentages conversion calculator temperature Non Toxic Recipes: Lotions and Creams Lotions and creams are emulsified blends of oil and water made to nourish and moisturize skin. Most lotions are oil-in-water emulsions, but water-in-oil lotions are also made. It's best if the oil and water mixtures are around the same temperature when combined and warm to hot. Cool down the oil and water mixes slightly before blending so hot liquid and gas do not force themselves out of the blender or bowl and burn you. Use a funnel if you have to and pour your lotion into sterilized containers. Start simple and write down every recipe that blended perfect, even if you aren't happy with other qualities like scent or color. Keep your new lotion or cream refrigerated until you are ready to use it up. What is pH? PH is short for the power of Hydrogen. Here are some quick reference guidelines: In lotion, never use more than 30% oil unless you like the "shiny" or even greasy after look.
Top 100 Best Love Songs Of All Time Love songs are central to pop music. It is quite possibly the most common topic for pop songwriters. Narrowing the list down is not easy, but these are 100 of the best love songs of all time. 100. Courtesy Fiction Records Robert Smith, leader of the pop new wave band the Cure, wrote this song as a gift to his future wife. Watch Video 98. Courtesy Columbia Kenny Loggins wrote "Danny's Song" as a gift to his brother Danny on the birth of his son Colin. Watch Video Pinecone Snow Owl Anything made with a pinecone is so darling. We made owls in two different ways with pinecones. I adapted each to fit both my children's skill levels, ages two and five. That way we had a craft that they both could enjoy and do together. How We Did It This craft was easy to do in two different ways to fit each of my children, but both ways are great for kids of all ages and each turned out very cute. My two-year-old could easily pull apart the cotton balls and fit them in between the pine cone to fill in the spaces and create a fun snowy owl look. My five-year-old used a small feather boa to wrap around the pine cone. Both pinecones came out white and fluffy. Grayson chose googly eyes and Emma chose acorn shells for eyes. Look how darling!
19 Homemade Remedies for Headache Pain The other day the hubster came home from work with a pounding headache. He usually takes Excedrin for headache relief, but apparently that wasn’t cutting it on that particular day. He actually asked me if I would make up one of my “voodoo essential oil cures”. lol. Well, I am no expert, but my SISTER is, and I remembered her posting something on her blog, Camp Wander, about Peppermint and Lavender being effective in getting rid of headaches. That “magic” consisted of putting a couple of teaspoons of fractionated coconut oil into a little roll-on bottle, and then adding a few drops each of the Peppermint and Lavender EO’s. I got distracted with something else after that, but about a half hour later I remembered to ask him how his head felt. After that experience (and numerous others) we have become BIG believers in the power of essential oils in this house….AND in the idea that it’s not always necessary to reach for the pill bottle when you have a headache. Relaxation Techniques
mad in crafts: DIY Fire & Ice Lanterns - StumbleUpon The old becomes new: A new variation on the outdoor lantern. We have had an unusually warm winter in Michigan this year, and while the temps have been nice, I have had to hold off on this project idea until we got a cold snap. We finally got some snow and cold earlier this week, so I was able to try out this fun winter project. I had pinned a product called Globe Ice Lantern Kits a few months back recognizing that I could DIY them at home. To make DIY Fire & Ice Lanterns, you will need: a package of 3 punch balloons from the dollar store a package of 3 LED tea lights from the dollar store bowls small cylinder (shot glass, pop bottle, etc.) water freezer or below-freezing outdoor temps You are getting a glimpse of my less-than-sparkling kitchen sink in this post. First, stretch the opening of one punch balloon over your faucet. Turn on the faucet and let the water pressure fill the balloon to your desired size. If you were to freeze the balloon as it is, you could make a lovely ice orb.
Natural mosquito repellents (NaturalNews) Mosquitoes can be a nuisance when trying to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you're trying to host guests. The faint buzzing reminds us of those pesky pricks we receive when we least expect it. Soon thereafter the itching and swelling begins as our bodies react to the foreign attack. Sometimes deadly, the mosquito bite is more of a nuisance than anything. The itch and swelling can last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. Carbon Dioxide/ Lactic Acid: When we have been exercising or working vigorously, our bodies give off more carbon dioxide. Dark Clothing: Mosquitoes are highly attracted to dark clothing. Fruity/ Flowery Fragrances: Another thing that attracts mosquitoes are certain scents. Moisture: When perspiring, mosquitoes are drawn not only to the chemicals that are released as a direct result of sweating, but also to the humidity around our body. Forget using commercial varieties of mosquito repellent. Some oils include: 1.