Let's start a revolution!

Let's start a revolution!
-A revolution where our money isn't sucked right out of our hands by major chains that pump out caustic product and convince us that we need it. Let's control what comes into our households, and if need be- make our own product. I've drawn a line in the sand as to what I'll put up with putting into me and my children, my pets, my house. Here's what I've learned:

6/1/13

Beach Bunny Body Scrub

I'm not a sun tanning kind of gal. in fact, I moon tan more than I sun tan. I love the beach though and the smells of cocoa butter. This body scrub has a good bit of that.

Ingredients
brown sugar
3 oz coconut oil
15 drops sweet orange essential oil
1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil

Apply just enough oil to make a paste with brown sugar. Massage all over body. Rinse well.

Note: You can mix the oils ahead of time and store in a glass bottle. Add enough of the oil mixture to brown sugar right before using. Coconut oil has a great shelf life.

Coconut Lime Deodorant Bar

Want to smell a little like good old tropical Florida in your arm pits? I know I do- especially if I'm traveling out of Florida in the winter and my head is perma-stuck in some jacket that I've been wearing for the last 12 hours. Or in an airport Or both.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon baking soda
3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
5 drops lime essential oil

 Just mix it all together and put into a container.  If you want easier mixing, melt the coconut oil first and then let harden before using. Label the container so you know that it's deodorant and not tooth paste.

To use, scoop out a little bit (maybe 1/4 teaspoon) on your finger, press against your underarm for a few seconds to soften, then rub in.  Repeat on the other side.

Summer Citrus Toner

This is far more refreshing than using the Clinique toner that my mom uses (even if I could afford it). 

Ingredients
3 tablespoon fresh mint leaves or lemon balm
peel from 1 orange
peel from 1/2 lemon (Meyer lemons are a little sweet smelling)
peel from 1/3 grapefruit
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon witch hazel extract

Place mint or lemon balm leaves in a bowl and bruise with a spoon in order to release their volatile oils. Add citrus peels. Pour boiling water over leaves and peel and allow to cool completely.  Strain to remove solids.  Add witch hazel extract.  Pour into a clean container

NOTE: This is an 'unpreserved' toner, meaning that it must be kept refrigerated and used up in a week or so.

Bug Spray Formula I

I have two recipes for personal use bug spray that have been given to me. This one is the less likely to get you pulled over bug spray (the other uses vodka as a base).

Ingredients
4 ounces fresh catnip tincture (95 percent alcohol)
4 ounces witch hazel extract
80 drops organic citronella essential oil
80 drops organic eucalyptus essential oil
40 drops organic lavender essential oil
20 drops organic rosemary essential oil
10 drops organic lemongrass essential oil
10 drops organic lemon essential oil

Mix all ingredients in an 8 oz spray bottle and shake well before using.  Re-apply as often as needed.

Herbal Vapor Balm

We all grew up with parents slathering Vicks on us. Or if you're like my previous mother in law, she'd rub it on her face, too. This is a balm that I'd feel safe rubbing on my face if need be or feel okay putting on my children.

Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 – 1 teaspoon menthol crystals
1 oz beeswax pastilles
15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil
2 drops thyme essential oil

Heat the olive oil and beeswax in a double boiler until the beeswax has melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool a little. Add menthol crystals (1/2 tsp for a gentler balm, 1 tsp for a stronger product) and essential oils, stir, and quickly pour into jars. Immediately place lids loosely over the jars so that the oils do not escape. This balm will last for years, I have some that I made 7 years ago and it is still effective! 

Note: The menthol crystals may be irritating when inhaled so use in a well ventilated area.

Lemon Furniture Polish

Lemon is my absolute favorite scent. If my house was stuffed full of various citrus peels, I'd be completely happy.

Ingredients
16 oz spray bottle
1 cup olive oil
25 drops pure lemon essential oil
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
fill remainder of the bottle with purified water

Shake well before each use. Spray onto your rag or directly onto furniture. Buff dry immediately.