Fab Formula No. 7 -- Bug Spray

Make Your Own Bug Spray

 Fall is on its way!!!  And along come those long lazy nights of sitting by the firepit in our sweatshirts roasting marshmallows and conversing with friends.  Some of my favorite memories and most relaxing moments are around the fire.  Only one problem:  MOSQUITOS! Who really likes those buggers anyway?  I have the perfect solution:

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Make your own bug spray!!!  

There are so many benefits.  

1. You are using all natural ingredients- NO DEET!

2.  Bugs build up a tolerance to the chemicals in store brand products.  They are NOT able to do the same with essential oils.  There are literally THOUSANDS of chemical compounds in essential oils so these buggers just can't cut it!  Combine more than two, and your results are even better.

3.  Once you purchase essential oils, they last forever.  You are only using DROPS from each bottle.

Here's your list of ingredients:

2 Tb of a carrier oil (I tend to use grapeseed)

1 tsp cheap vodka

6 oz. witch hazel

2 oz water

45 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

15 dr rosemary essential oil

15 dr lavender essential oil

8 dr. citronella essential oil

8 dr tea tree essential oil 

spray bottle

Mix all ingredients together.  Shake well before each use.  Apply liberally ever 4-6 hours.  We have used this recipe with much success while camping as well.  Good luck with your creations!

****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.****

 

Stretching your Vanilla beans

I have recently started making my own vanilla extract for a multitiude of reasons:  its easy, its economical and I can control the ingredients.  Check your bottles; there is actually added sugar in there.  Vanilla beans can be expensive so the best option I have found are these ones from Amazon.

  I have more beans than I know what to do with so I have been trying to do some research and experimenting with ways to stretch these beauties to get the most for my money. Out of the same beans/pods I can do the following four things:

1.  Vanilla extract-cut the beans down the middle and soak 3 beans per 8oz. of vodka  for approx. 2 months.  You can always continue to  add more vodka every time you use half the bottle to have a never ending supply.
2.  Grind the beans up and add them to a vanilla sugar/salt scrub.
3.  Let the beans dry out and add them to your sugar for vanilla scented sugar.
4.  Once the beans have lost most of their fragrance you can grind them up and add them to your coffee grounds when making coffee.  The flavor is subtle and smooth and always yummy. 
5.  Take that same dried bean pod and grind it up to use in your own melt and pour soap recipes.  It will add a slight vanilla aroma but also some "grit" for extra scrubbing. 

I'm sure there are many other uses for these crazy pods.  I would love to hear yours.  I keep thinking there may be a new cleaning product in my future for these things.  Carpet deodorizer with baking soda???  I'm working on it.  Please share your creations.  I still have a ton of these beans!

Fabulous Formula No. 5- Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

So, we are soon coming to the end of another summer and we want to make these last few weeks last.  How about pampering yourself with a bit of the tropics?  Nothing feels as silky smooth as skin that has just gone through a vigorous sugar scrub.  And nothing smells more tropical than coconut.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have.  This stuff smells good enough to eat!

1/4 C. Coconut oil, melted
1 Tbs. Grape seed oil
1 C. white sugar (can always substitute if you prefer)
1 Tbs. shredded coconut
15 drops Lime essential oil

Melt your coconut oil and combine with the grapeseed oil.  Stir in remaining ingredients and store in an airtight container.  To use:  rub into your skin gently while bathing or showering and enjoy.

*this particular recipe has a firmer consistency than most sugar scrubs as the coconut oil becomes a solid state in temps under 76 degrees.  If you live in warmer climates and/or prefer a more liquid consistency simply adjust the coconut and grape seed oils accordingly.

Fabulous Formula No. 4- Lavender Lemongrass Room Spray

Lavender Lemongrass Linen and Room Spray

Oh how I love this stuff!  Soft, clean, fresh, fruity, floral.  Can't get a better combination than that.  This spray is perfect for linens and not just for its fabulous scent. Lavender alone acts as an anti-septic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial.  Lemongrass helps aid in reducing stress and acts as an insect repellant as well.  I can't think of a better combination to be spraying on your linens and furniture.  Our house would be lost without it and it costs merely pennies.  Want the recipe?

4 oz. Alcohol (cheap vodka, not rubbing alcohol)
12 oz. distilled water
2 TB  essential oil blend of lavender and lemongrass.

Mix well and place ingredients into spray bottle.  Any sprayer that has been washed and clean will do.  You don't have to go out and do anything fancy (unless you really want to). Just make sure you shake well before each use. Now spray your house away and enjoy!


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DIY Sugar/Salt Scrubs

I know I have posted my own scrub recipes before but I thought it would be cool to share some of the scrubs I have seen others make.  They are super super simple, most of the ingredients you should already have on hand, they are easy on your wallet, make great gifts and....boy do they ever leave your skin feeling super soft!  I cannot say enough good things about them.  So, without further ado:

Chocolate peppermint scrub

Pumpkin spice sugar scrub

Lavender sea salt scrub

Vanilla brown sugar scrub

Not that I would suggest doing so, but some of these sound good enough to eat.  Enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Lip Balm

One of my favorite drinks of the season is Starbucks peppermint mocha.  I love it so much that I order it all year round.  Well, even when you order the 'skinny' version of this drink, you still have to be careful as to how much you consume.  The calories still rack up quick!  So, how can I get the 'sensation' of drinking those lil' yummies without consuming the calories?  Make my own lip balm of course.  While this recipe does call for alot of ingredients remember that, in most cases you can substitute oils for what you have on hand.

Recipe:

.5 oz. almond oil

.5 oz. shea butter

.5 oz. cocoa butter

.5 oz beeswax

1 tsp veg. glycerin

1 tsp.  shaved or chopped semi-sweet chocolate

1 tsp. of powdered sugar

10 dr. peppermint oil.

Melt the butters and beeswax over low heat or in a microwave until melted.  Add chocolate and sugar. Stir until dissolved or continue to add a little more heat.  Once all combined and melted, add peppermint oil and glycerin.  Pour into sterilized containers.  Allow to cool.  Use as often as needed or whenever you want to enjoy that mocha freshness.

*one option for purchasing containers is www.specialtybottle.com.  I have nothing but good things to say about this company.



Fab Formula No. 3- Hair De-tangler

I'm going to make a broad assumption here that a good majority of you have kids.  And, I'm going to assume that you struggle some mornings with said children's hair. 

I have two girls; one with bone straight hair and the other with curly thick hair.  I used to battle with curly Q every morning combing her rat's nest of a head.  No matter what I did, it hurt her.  I was just like everyone else buying bottle after bottle of detangler.  That stuff adds up quick!!!  Now that my daughter can do her own hair, she would go thru half a bottle at a time without even blinking.  I wanted a smarter solution that was going to save me a little cash yet give her the freedom to do it herself.  Hence, formula no. 3!



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Hair de-tangler

8 oz. distilled water

1 tsp. aloe gel

1/2 tsp apricot oil

essential oil (optional)

Place ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to combine.  I just use one of the many spray bottles I already have from the store bought kind.  This formula, however, will cost you mere pennies.

There are many other formulas floating around the web but, so far, this one has been our favorite.  My daughter also loves a little tangerine essential oil in hers.  It smells nice and fruity like the store bought kind too. 

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.****

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!

Yummiest Lotion Bar Ever!

For those of you that don't know me, I make ALOT of my own beauty products along with household cleaners.  I feel soo much better about using them when I know exactly what is in them.  While I have made lotion bars before, they just seemed either too heavy or flat out too hard to mess with as an every day moisturizer.  I kind of gave up on making them rather quickly because of this.  Well, after doing a little more research, I think I finally came up with my own recipe that I am really happy with and that smells SUPER!  The essential oil I used is called litsea cubeba.  This oil is refreshing and uplifting with a citrusy smell, close to lemongrass only sweeter.  I love citrus but I don't want to smell like furniture polish!  The sweetness in this fragrance stops all of that.  You can read more on this essential oil here. The recipe follows:

1 part beeswax
1 part coconut oil
1 part grapeseed, apricot or almond oil (I chose grapeseed)
1/4 part shea, mango, or cocoa butter (I used shea)
1 tsp. of essential oil per pound of product
1 tsp. Vitamin E oil per pound.


I chose to make a small batch and used 1/4 cup each of the oils and 1 Tbs. of the shea.  I used a 1/2 tsp. of both the EO and the Vit. E oil. 


Basically you take your top 4 ingredients and melt in a double boiler or microwave.  If you choose to use the microwave, check after one minute and stir contents.  You do not want the oils to boil and burn.  If it still needs more time, choose 30 second intervals or less.  Once they are all melted and combined you can add your EO and the Vit. E oil.  Stir them gently together again.  Place the melted oils in molds.  I used these two little massage bar molds that I found on etsy and they were the perfect size.  Wait for the oils to harden and then remove.  The lotion bars should pop out really easy.  Once they pop out, place them in a container or on a plate.  You do not want to handle them for long lengths of time as the point of them is to melt when coming in contact with body heat (unless, of course, you are wanting to put lotion on right away).  Then, voila!  You are finished.

You can find the ingredients for these bars in many places.  I've listed some links below to get you started. 

32oz. African FILTERED CREAMY Shea Butter from Ghana
Sundown Pure Vitamin E Oil 70,000 IU, 2.5 oz
Now Foods Grape Seed Oil, 16 Ounce
Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce
BEESWAX PELLETS YELLOW 1-LB
Litsea Cubeba 100% Pure Essential Oil - 1oz

Make it Yourself: Orange Dreamsicle Bath Salts

I am a sucker for all things that remind me of my childhood years and this recipe reminds me of  those infamous orange push pops.  I have made more things than I can count with this essential oil blend.  This is too good not to share:




2 cups epsom salt
1 cup dead sea salt (I used pink himalayan)
20 drops vanilla essential oil
20 drops orange essential oil
1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil (almond, grapeseed, etc.)

Simply combine the ingredients above  in a container and give it a really good stir and shake to make sure the oils are well dispersed.  Add the mixture to your bath.  Then, just relax and enjoy!

How to Stretch your Vanilla Beans

I have recently started making my own vanilla extract for a multitiude of reasons:  its easy, its economical and I can control the ingredients.  Check your bottles; there is actually added sugar in there.  Vanilla beans can be expensive so the best option I have found are these ones from amazon:  Premium Bourbon-Madagascar Vanilla Beans - 1/2 lb. - Approx. 54 beans.  I have more beans than I know what to do with so I have been trying to do some research and experimenting with ways to stretch these beauties to get the most for my money. Out of the same beans/pods I can do the following four things:

1.  Vanilla extract-cut the beans down the middle and soak 3 beans per 8oz. of vodka for approx. 2 months.  You can always continue to  add more vodka every time you use half the bottle to have a never ending supply.
2.  Let the beans dry out and add them to your sugar for vanilla scented sugar.
3.  Once the beans have lost most of their fragrance you can grind them up and add them to your coffee grounds when making coffee.  The flavor is subtle and smooth and always yummy. 
4.  Take that same dried bean pod and grind it up to use in your own melt and pour soap recipes.  It will add a slight vanilla aroma but also some "grit" for extra scrubbing. 

I'm sure there are many other uses for these crazy pods.  I would love to hear yours.  I keep thinking there may be a new cleaning product in my future for these things.  Carpet deodorizer with baking soda???  I'm working on it.  Please share your creations.  I still have a ton of these beans!


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Chamomile and Calendula Gift Set

How do you describe Chamomile and Calendula?  Chamomile has a soft floral, herbal, apple aroma.  Calendula?  Pretty close to the same.  Both essential oils blend extremely well together.  So well that you probably couldn't pick the two apart in this mix.  I chose to use this combination of essential oils in a goats milk/glycerin bar soap and also some bath salts.  I also added dried chamomile flowers to both for appearance, texture, aroma, and color.  Chamomile is known to be anti-inflammatory.  It is wonderful for dry, achy, itchy, flaky skin amongst other things.  Calendula contains many of the same properties and is a wonderful healer.  This combination is also safe for babies in small amounts treating cradle cap, diaper rash, and others.  You can find a million different recipes for bath salts all over the web.  A very simple recipe could contain just a mixture of salts (epsom, sea salt, etc), a carrier oil, and the essential oils.  The soap is simply a melt and pour soap.  You buy the soap in blocks, melt, mix in your additives and pour into molds.  It really couldn't get any easier. 

If you are looking for a good start in finding your herbs and oils, I suggest mountain rose herbs.  I have ordered from them many times and their quality is unbeatable.  I am not compensated in any way for saying that, I just really love the company and the products it provides.

***I am not a doctor or claim to be an expert.  Please see your physician if you have any ailments.  The recipes/ideas represented here are from my own personal experience and in no way meant to diagnose, treat, or cure anything.

Peppermint Snow 'Bombs'

I cannot even begin to tell you how many 'bath bomb' recipes I have tried and have always failed at them for one reason or another.  This one stuck to the mold, that one crumbled, another was too wet, yet another too dry.  On a wimb, I decided to make up my own recipe to see if I could do any better.  It actually worked!  I stayed away from using any water or witch hazel and I did have to wait a few days for them to dry but the recipe turned out perfect and I can't wait to share them.

Recipe:

4 oz. baking soda

2 oz. citric acid

2 oz. corn starch

2 oz. epsom salts

2 TBS. coconut oil

1/4tsp. Vitamin E. oil

1/4 tsp. essential oil (I used peppermint)

Combine all of the ingredients WELL with your hands and place in round molds.

I found some plastic round 3 inch molds that split in half that worked perfectly.  You really need to pack this in as tight as you can and remove from the mold s-l-o-w-l-y and carefully.  I placed mine out to dry where they couldn't be disturbed.  Because of the size, I waited three days to start messing with them and they were rock hard by then.  I didn't have to worry about them breaking at the point.  Wrap them up in any way you choose to give as gifts to friends.  These smelly wonderful.  They really are 'the bomb'.  :)

Handmade Holidays: Peppermint Soap

For a woman who does not like to eat candy canes, I sure love the smell of peppermint.  Aside from the aroma, peppermint can aid in minimizing headaches and migraines-all the more reason to use the essential oil.  The smell can help clear your sinuses too.  As far as using it in soap, it is antibacterial and antifungal; great additions without the use of harmful chemicals such as triclosan.

Soap is sooo simple to make using a melt and pour base.  For this soap I used a goats milk base.  Once you have melted the base in a double boiler or in 30 second intervals in the microwave ( you don't want it to boil), you simply add 1 tsp of peppermint essential oil to 1 pound of goats milk soap base.  I even added a tsp of vitamin E oil for softness.  Pour the soap into molds and spritz with alcohol to get rid of the bubbles on top.  Once the soap is solid and completely cooled, remove from the mold and package accordingly. 

I can't wait to give these as gifts.  I have a few friends who are peppermint crazy and will love this!  Now, you try it!