Fab. Formula No.2- Liquid Vapo Rub

Seeing as how the sinus bath bomb recipe was a hit, I wanted to share something similar for those who just don't have the time to put together a bomb:  Vapo-rub.  While this recipe is simple, it is very effective and contains ZERO petroleum products.

While you, most definately, could turn this recipe into a salve, I chose not too for a few reasons.  Beeswax is just one more ingredient that you have to buy and, honestly, I hate the sticky feeling left on me from the salves.  Its just a personal preference.

You will need a dropper bottle for storage.  The one pictured here is from specialty bottle.  You can usually find them in drug stores by the medical section as well.  You do not want clear glass.  Clear glass allows light into it which can make the oils go rancid much quicker.  O.k.  Enough of the talk.  Here is the recipe.

Vapo-rub

20 drops peppermint essential oil

50 drops eucalyptus essential oil

4 drops tea tree essential oil

6 drops rosemary essential oil

4 tsp.  Almond oil

Funnel these ingredients into your dropper bottle, replace the cap, and shake gently.  That's it!  To apply, just place a small amount onto a cotton ball and rub on your chest and neck.  My kids love this stuff cause it smells so much better than the store bought.  I hope you have success with your own as well.

****I am not a doctor/expert nor do I pretend to be one.  I am sharing personal information only as to what has worked for us. Essential oil benefits listed for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any of your ailments.  If you have any concerns about the ingredients listed, please seek a physicians advice.****

We have a WINNER!

I used random.org to calculate a winner for the sinus bomb giveaway.  And the winner is.......

IAMLOVD!!!  I have sent you an email notifying you of your win.  Thanks to everyone for playing.  :)

Brand New Series

back image credit

Get ready for a brand new series coming next week.  Stay tuned......

Sinus Bath Fizzy Recipe and GIVEAWAY!!!

I have had quite a few requests for my sinus bath fizzy recipe because of this post.  While I have made my bath bombs whole, most of the time I like to make them in halves.  They get stretched a little bit further and it leaves me the option of adding more if I need it while not wasting any if I don't.  So, here ya go:

My Basic Bath Bomb Recipe

8 oz. Baking Soda
4 oz. Citric acid
4 oz. Corn Starch
4 oz. Epsom Salts
4 Tbs. Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp. Vitamin E. Oil (optional)

Mix all the dry Ingredients except the citric acid.  In a separate container melt your coconut oil if it is in its solid state and combine it with your vitamin e. oil if you choose to use it.  Its a great skin conditioner but not necessary for the bomb to work.  Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and start to combine.  Lastly, add the citric acid.  The reason you wait for the citric acid is so that it has less opportunity to react and begin to 'fizz' when you don't want it to.  When you pick up a handful of the mixture in your hands and squeeze it, if it stays in its form, it is ready to mold.  If it crumbles, you may need to add more oil, no more than 1/2 tsp. at a time.  Pack very tightly into your molds and release gently.  Let them sit for at least 24 hours to harden. 

For the sinus aspect you add:

1 tsp.  Eucalyptus Oil
1 tsp. Menthol Crystals.  (can be purchase at http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/.  They offer free shipping with a minimum order.  You can also purchase smaller amounts from etsy sellers)

The menthol crystals will need to be melted.  I do so with the oil.  If you are melting with the microwave, DO NOT take a huge wiff when you open the door.  The menthol will smell really strong and you will clear your sinuses faster than you want to.  Don't worry though.  The finished product isn't nearly as strong.  The eucalyptus oil would be added at the same time as the vitamin e. oil or in place of it.

I hope my directions are clear.  Please email me if you have any questions. 



 To go along with this post, I am having a GIVEAWAY for a set of 4 half size sinus bath bomb fizzies!  All you need to do is comment on this post.  You can earn an extra entry if you like me on facebook as well.  Just let me know in your post that you did so for the extra entry.  It is best if you are already a follower so you will be up to date if you win.  Otherwise, please leave me a way to contact you.  Contest will close Saturday night and I will draw a winner on Sunday February 19th.  Good luck!

Linky Features No. 3

Here's my top three projects of the week from Make it Yourself Mondays:

Ode to Inspiration

 Valentine cookies: Oh how I wish I could be this talented with icing.  Check out the Eiffel Towers.  Too cute!

Homespun with Love

Marshmallow Candy heart arrows.  Cute and simple and great for a last minute project for the school kids.

Laughter and Grace

Free printable displaying the fruits of the spirit.  I am always amazed at the decorating ideas that stem from a single piece of paper.

Thank you to everyone who participated.  Please grab a feature button if you see your projects here.  I'm looking forward to another great week.  And, get ready, new giveaway coming soon!  :)

Make Your Own Storage: Recycle

The first few months of the year tend toward a 'spring cleaning' of sorts.  I guess not so much a true 'clean' but a purge....clothes, craft stuff, bags, shoes, dishes, towels,  (did I mention craft stuff?) etc....etc.  We all have our weaknesses (craft stuff) in the things that we pile up on.  Aside from throwing everything out and regretting it later, I really have been trying to utilize the items I already have on hand for storage of said 'stuff'.  Sure, matching boxes from the container store sound wonderful in theory, but is it really practical for me to spend all that money on boxes/containers (when it could be more craft stuff) ? 

I am not the most organized of persons.  Call it right-brained or craft-craziness or whatever, the mess just comes back.  I work best in chaos when all of my tools are right in front of my face.  I want to see everything I have to help spark more creativity.  I'm weird that way.

I really do enjoy making all sorts of bath products.  I've shared some of my recipes and have many more to come.  But, honestly, I can make them much quicker than I can use them all.  And, I dont want to throw them away when I can use them as gifts.  Hence, the storage issue.  Well, low and behold, I picked my brain and started hanging on to some containers of items already purchased/used.  Our family devours cashews and I knew this plastic storage was going to be perfect for my bath bombs.

How easy is this, and why haven't I thought of it before?  I think I used a half sheet of scrapbook paper total on this project and a piece of computer paper.  Cute storage, and free! Now, I get to think up other trinkets to store in these containers and have more fun decorating them with supplies I already have on hand.  Fabulous.

If you would like to download this font you can do so here: betty noir

And, FYI, the sinus recipe will come at a later date.  Stay tuned.......

Linky Party Features No.2

Happy Saturday Everyone!  What are your big plans for the weekend? We are on an organization kick this weekend.  I've been slowly going thru closet after closet after pantry after spice rack to get my house back in order.  I thought this process should have ended with January and all those other crazy resolutions we seem to make?!?!?!  Anyways, I digress.

On with this week's linky party features:

Artsy Vava Created this beautiful belt buckle.  I have never even thought of such a project myself and my eyes are bulging just dreaming of this possibilities here.

Maria at Just call me Maria

shows us how to put hearts inside our cupcakes.  These look almost too cute to eat!

Amy at Sisters of the Wild West  gives you step by step instructions as to how to paint a houndstooth table.  This is not as complicated as I thought it would be and am so grateful for it.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated.  I feel honored that you are my followers and are willing to share all of your creativity with me.  Keep 'em coming!  And grab a feature button if you were featured this week!  Looking forward to more amazing links on Monday!  :)

Valentine Photo Frame

As my profile says, I have a hubby who travels ALOT for his job.  He misses many a birthday and special occasion because of it.  This year is no exception.  He is overseas right now and will be missing Valentines Day.  I know its not necessarily a major holiday but its still time away from the family.  I try and do what I can to keep our relationship front and center, even with the thousands of miles between us.


I don't know about you, but I always seem to have these little wooden dollar frames from michaels hanging around my house. I wanted to use one to showcase me and my hubby this V-day.  We were very fortunate to go to Jamaica kid free about a year and a half ago.  While there, I convinced my white knuckled man to go zip-lining with me.  My husband hates anything where he is not in control so this was B-I-G, and most certainly memorable (and monumental on his part). I couldn't think of a better picture of what love is than doing something you are afraid of or incredibly uncomfortable with just to please your spouse. (insert the cheesy aww's here, I know) Here is the final Result:

Supplies:  Wooden frame from Michael's
                2 Sheets scrapbook paper plus word art
                Mod Podge
                2 different colored pieces of felt
                Scissors, heart punch or cricut cartridge
             
I wish I could take credit for the tutorial on the flowers, but I can't.  You can find detailed directions for these rolled flowers here.  I used mod podge to glue the paper down onto the frame and also to seal it with a top coat.  Once dry I added the embellishments.  Easy peasy.  One little hint about the frames.  When you buy them, they come with a cardboard piece in the middle with the dimensions on it.  DO NOT throw that piece away.  It is perfect to add stability and backing to whatever picture you decide to frame.  That's about it.  Now go and display your crafted glory!

Fabulous Formula No. 1- Foot Scrubs

Fab Formula No. 1

As promised, I am starting my fab. formulas series.  My first formula is so simple its ridiculous.  And you probably already have everything in your house already.

I’m talking about Foot Scrubs:

1/2 C. Oats, ground in blender or processor

1/2 C. Cornmeal

1/2 C. Coarse salt

1/2 C. Olive oil.

Another way to look at this is, equal parts of each.  You may add essential oils if you would like but I think this recipe is perfect on its own.  All you have to do is mix all the ingredients together until well blended and you have the perfect foot scrub.  It will leave your feet super soft.  And, within one week of using it daily, you will notice a huge improvement on callused heels.