31 Days...Phew

Phew I actually made it through and also was able to manage to catch up on the days I was too ill to make my posts.  But due to no kids, and being in bed often due to my illness I have the extra time to do this.

Today I have seen a lot of people upset or disappointed that they were unable to complete all 31 days of posts but I want to say to you all reading that were unable to 'complete' all 31 posts this month…

Blogging should never be your number one concern.  This journey of life we are on provides so many amazing memories of our families and friends and amazing experiences.  It is much more important to be out there creating memories than sitting down to blog about your past memories and our lives past, present and future.  Remember to live and enjoy the moments you create memories for others as well.

Good luck to all and I know that I found some absolutely amazing blogs this month due to TheNester's (31 Day Challenge).  I am excited to delve deeper into the blogger lives I have chosen to keep reading.  I hope to make some friends in this niche of loving home and all that that includes.

Thank you everyone for coming to visit with me this month and I am really looking forward to doing some projects for you in the next few weeks.

Fun Fact:  In the little over a month since I have started this blog I have received almost 2000 hits.  To me that is amazing.  Thank you everyone, and I do hope you continue to visit.

Thanks for stopping by,

Kylara

Shampoo and Conditioner

Today is the last day of Homemade Solutions.  I have had a lot of fun and I hope that you all enjoy these recipes and learn to make things for your home that you know all the ingredients of to help purify our lives of unknown ingredients all around our home.

So back today… today I will be offering a couple ideas for homemade shampoo and conditioners.

Shampoo:

I have found that a lot of people online are using a baking soda shampoo.  Due be aware that people say it does take your hair a while to get used to the change but eventually it is said to work and you only need to wash a couple times a week.

1 tbsp. baking soda

1 cup warm water

Mix both ingredients well and shampoo your hair.

Next shampoo recipe:

1 cup pure liquid castile soap

1 cup green tea (brewed for 30 minutes)

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. honey

Use as is.

Conditioner:

This is another recipe that many are using.  It consists of an ingredient we all can find in our supermarkets.  It is said to also aid with tangles.

Dilute 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. 

We even have shampoo and conditioner combos we can make:

1/2 cup Organic castile soap (liquid)

1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar

3/4 tbsp. Tea tree oil, Vitamin E oil, Olive oil (chose either a combination or just one)

Drops of essential oils: lavender, eucalyptus, etc. (optional)

1/8 cup of water

1 container

Combine ingredients together.  Rub thoroughly into hair to activate suds and then scrub scalp.  This shampoo/conditioner combination is more liquid than standard hair products.  You could use this in a spray bottle to apply if you would like.

To know if this is working properly, your hair will more oiled.  This is a good option for those with dandruff.

Another Conditioner:

2.5 cups hot water

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 sprig of rosemary

1 bag of your favorite herbal tea for fragrance

Place the water in a container of your choice.  Then, add the rest of the ingredients.  Let the mix sit for 30 minutes.  Use about 3/4 cup of the rinse each time you condition, shaking bottle prior to use.

Another recipe for 2 in 1:

Blend one fresh peeled lemon with one peeled cucumber in the blender and pour out into a jug.  Mix into your hair, massaging well, and rinse thoroughly.

Cucumber: conditioner agent

• For dry hair add more cucumber

Lemon: Cleansing agent

• For oily hair add more lemon

(it can be difficult to wash it out properly.  The tiny flakes of lemon can get stuck in your hair)

Have you ever tried to make homemade shampoo and conditioner?  Do you have a favorite or new recipe?  Please let us know what you think of these.

Thanks for stopping by,

Kylara

Dry skin magic.....body oils

Body oil is a skin care product that is generally recommended as treatment or prevention of extremely dry skin.  It provides dry skin with a shine and luster.

  Good body oils contain only natural ingredients.  The best way to ensure the products are natural is to make them yourself.  Usually you can do it at home at a fraction of the cost.  You can also use this product as a shaving cream. 

Basic body oil

Ingredients

• Vitamin E

• Jojoba oil

• Almond oil

• Distilled water

• Sweet orange essential oil
• Vanilla essential oil
• Neroli essential oil
• Lemon essential oil

• Bergamot essential oil

     Buy all the ingredients from a whole foods store.  Almond oil, distilled water and Vitamin E are available even in supermarkets.  Essential oils can be purchased in a few places.  I know that there are some essential oils for sale in my bulk barn store.  You can also look at stores that sell makeup ingredients.  If you are unable to find these ingredients in your area stores, they are available for purchase online.

     Combine 10 drops of each essential oil in a glass bottle and allow to mellow for at least two to three days.  This will enhance the individual fragrances, making the find finished body oil more aromatic.

     Add 4 ounces of distilled water, 3 ounces sweet almond oil, 2 ounces of jojoba oil and a tsp. of Vitamin E to the glass bottle containing the oils.  Gently shake the bottle to blend the ingredients.

     Pour a few drops of the body oil into your palm.  Rub your palms together and apply the lotion anywhere on your body that you need extra moisturizing.  Store in a cool dry place.  Refrigeration does prolong the shelf life of your body oil.

Below is a link to a site that has multiple recipes as well she pairs her oils with body powder for gifts.  Do check out her site it is very informative.

Crunchy Betty

Do you use body oils?  Have you ever consider or made any homemade body oils?  If so please feel free to share your recipes and let us know which is your favorite body oil scent?

Disappearing Water Rings

I am sure  most of us have come across this problem in their lifetime.  My mother is very OCD with cleaning and as a child I didn't really think before I did things and I know that I have left rings in my wake.  But it doesn't mean that the furniture piece is ruined.

First thing you need to do is determine if the furniture piece is an antique.  If it is, please call an antique specialist.  Also call if the water rings have turned from white to black.

There are a multitude of suggestions online on methods to clean this nasty stain off our furniture but the most popular and successful methods is the following.

First go grab your iron and a clean cloth.  Place the cloth upon the stain and once your iron is heated (low heat, no steam setting) place the iron on your cloth for a few seconds.  Be careful to not let any of the heated surface of your iron to touch the wood directly.  The low heat will warm the finish on the furniture to release the moisture into the towel. 

Be sure to check the progress of the water ring removal and repeat the ironing process until the mark has disappeared.  Finish by polishing and buffing the wood furniture as normal.

This method is by far the most popular and the most successfully used.  I hope that you will be able to use this tip in the future.   Have you tried to remove water rings on your furniture before?  What method did you use?  Have you tried the above tip before, if so please let us know how it worked.

Unclog your home..the cheap way

I'm sure you have all had your drains clogged at some point.  If you go to the grocery store to get a product to help you clean your drains, you will notice that 1) they are quite expensive and 2) Each store bought drain cleaner  is full of strong chemicals some of which we have no knowledge of.  Commercial drain cleaners are among the most dangerous of household cleaners.

• They can be fatal if swallowed

• Can damage your skin such as burns to the outside of your body as well as tissues inside your body
• It can cause blindness if the product gets directly in your eyes
• They are very harmful to our environment
• Store bought solvent based cleaners can contaminate drinking water and damage septic systems

What if you are strapped for cash?  Well below you will find some information about homemade drain cleaners and you probably have the ingredients already in your pantry. 

When using home methods to clean our clogs, one method that people are using, I must warn you about.  You need to avoid cleaning your pipes by blowing a large amount of air through them to dislodge the clog.  This will most likely result in burst pipes so I warn you NOT to do this for any reason.

This homemade cleaner is very basic and easy to make and only consists of 3 ingredients.

1 cup of baking soda

1 cup of vinegar

Boiling water

     Toss in 1 cup of baking soda, and pour down a cup of vinegar, and put your stopper in the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes.  Remove stopper and pour a kettle of hot water on top.  Double the recipe amounts  and give it an hour then dump more kettles of boiling water (2-3 times) to completely clear out the gunk.

The following is a monthly preventative measure you can use to prevent a build up in your drains.

     Once a month you should do some easy maintenance on your drains by adding 1 part baking soda, 1 part salt and 1/4 part cream of tartar.    Doing monthly clears out any fat, grease and nastiness that buildup to help prevent clogs.

• Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this mixture into the drain and dump a kettle full of boiling water down the drain

• Run hot water from the tap for a couple of minutes, and then turn to cool water and run a few more minutes

Hopefully this will help you save money in your home on drain products and plumbers.  Have you ever tried this on your drains?  If so did it clear your drains out well?  Do you prefer to use products that you know what all the ingredients are?

Save big with homemade eye shadows!!!

Ok, this one gets me all caught up again LOL.  This writing daily for a month is not as easy as some may think.  I am looking forward to showing you all the projects I have been working on during this month. 

Back to today's topic.  Cream Eye shadow

First recipe:

Find a small container for your cream shadow.  This could be an old contact lens case or a small container with a lid.

Scrap the color of eye shadow you want to use into the container.  Use something flat to do this such as tweezers, a butter knife, your fingernail. 

Add a small amount of a binder such as lotion or petroleum jelly.  The binder is what will ultimately make your eye shadow creamy and able to stick to your eye lids. 

Here are a few things to consider:

• Add less than you need of the binder at first - remember its easy to add more later then take things out of the mix.

• Use lotion, if you want to add a bit of sparkle to plain eye-shadow, try using shimmery lotion

• Or use, Vaseline.

Mix the eye shadow with your finger or a cotton swab.  It should start turning to a creamy consistency.  Keep mixing and try to break down all of the large clumps. 

Store in a container with lid.

Tips:

• Buy cheap eye shadow to use as your base color at the dollar store

• Place a small dab of your new eye  shadow on your wrist to check for a reaction.  If you are ok, apply to your eye lid.

Second Recipe:

You need:

• Some lipsticks ( if this is your first time making this you may want to use a lipstick that you don't use anymore

• Some empty cosmetic jars
• Vaseline Petroleum jelly
• A butter knife

• Candle or stove for heat

• Some spoons (one small and one bigger)

Cut the lipstick you want to use with a knife in a desired amount, and place it on the big spoon.

Add some Vaseline.

Do not mix the products yet, because it will be sticky and create a mess.

Light the candle or turn on the stove.

Place the big spoon above the candle, and wait until the products melt.

Stir with the small spoon until its all mixed together.

Pour the mixture into the jar.

You might want to leave it open for about 10 minutes and then put it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

All done!

Tips:

• You can add any color you like because we all have that lipsticks that are too dark, too bright, too pink etc, so you can mix them with others colors to make your own shade.

• Can be used on lips, eyelids, and even cheeks.

• Add an eye shadow base to help prevent the product from creasing.

Recipe for eye shadow base:

• Moisturizer (preferably intended for eyes)

• Liquid foundation in your skin shade or lighter

• A container with lid. Such as empty blush containers.  Please try and sterilize the container before use.

• Something to combine the ingredients such as tweezers or butter knife

In a bowl combine cream of your choice (perhaps three times what you would use for your face).

Add the liquid foundation.  The ration of powder and cream should be approximately 1:3.  The cream allows faster absorption of powder.

Mix ingredients with your tweezers.  This dilutes the powder that will be applied to the eyelid, gathering in the folds within 30 minutes.

Please date your jar as the product has approximately a month shelf life.

I recently purchased some of the new 24 hour Tattoo stuff and I love it, but I am eager to make tons of eye shadows so they are customized to the look that I am going for.  We all know how expensive our makeup is… and this gives us another opportunity to use those colors, in our compacts, that we never use, and with them create unique shades to our hearts content.

Let me know what is your favorite cream shadow color?  Have you ever tried to make this at home?  What price do you usually pay for this product?

Bath Cookies (not edible!) LOL

I think that I will be making these to go into some gift baskets I am making for Christmas.  I know that the girls will love these and I hope that you will too.

Chocolate Chip Bath Cookie

2 cups of sea salt or rock salt

1/2 cup baking soda

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 tbsp. almond oil

1 tsp. vitamin E oil

1-2 eggs

6 drops essential oil

This recipe makes 10-12 cookies depending on size.

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.  Cut the cookies out with cookie cutters or flatten balls to form a cook shape.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Allow to cool.

Use 1-2 per bath by adding them to running water.  Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles or chips.

If you wrap these in air tight packaging or seal them in an air tight container, these cookies will last for several months maybe longer.

Chocolate Lavender Bath Cookies

2 ounces cocoa butter

2 ounces extra virgin olive oil

1 cup oatmeal, fine

1/4 cup whole milk powder

1/4 cup hot chocolate mix

3/4 cup Epsom salt

1 cup cornstarch

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup citric acid

1 tsp. lavender essential oil

Warm the cocoa butter and extra virgin olive oil in a hot water bath until completely melted.  Remove the cocoa butter and oil from the heat, allowing it to cool slightly, but not to harden.

Next, line a small baking sheet with waxed paper and set it aside. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, whole milk powder, hot chocolate mix, cornstarch and Epsom salt.  Stir the ingredients well, making sure to break up any clumps in the powder.  You may want to grind the oatmeal in a blender or food processor to achieve a fine consistency. 

In a second mixing bowl, combine the baking soda and citric acid.  Make sure to work out clumps in mixture.  Combine the bowls of dry ingredients and mix well.  Add the lavender oil to the melted cocoa butter and olive oil.  Pour the liquid mix into the dry ingredients. 

Begin stirring and kneading the mixture immediately.  You must work quickly at this point to get the cookies formed and placed onto the baking sheet.  Using your hands, form tablespoon sized balls of the mixture.  Place the balls onto the baking sheet then press them down gently, flattening the top. 

They should be similar in shape to a gingersnap or sugar cookie.  Continue shaping cookies with the remaining mixture.  All the cookies to harden for a full 24 hours before attempting to remove them from the baking sheet. 

After 24 hours the cookies should be hard enough to be handled and packaged.

These should be stored in a tightly sealed bag or container.  Moisture or humidity can cause the cookies to fizz or "flower" prematurely.  They look adorable in Cello bags or 1/2 lb. tin tie bags.

To use these cookies, simply drop one or two into a warm bath.  They will fizz and bubble, filling the bath with the delightful aroma of lavender and chocolate.

Rainbow Sprinkle Bath Cookies

20-30 drops FD&C Yellow #5

3/4 cup Epsom salt

1 cup fine oatmeal

1/4 cup whole milk powder

1/4 cup honey granules

1 cup cornstarch

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup citric acid

2 ounces mango butter

2 ounces organic virgin coconut cream oil

1/2 ounce Easter cookie fragrance oil

1/2 tsp. assorted or solid colored jojoba wax beads

(The last two ingredients contain synthetic components can be left out if desired.  Natural herbs can be used to top the cookies, and vanilla absolute can be used to scent them.  Leaving out the FD&C dye will only alter the color slightly, so a substitute isn't necessary.)

Line a large baking sheet with wax paper or plastic wrap and set it aside.  Pour Epsom salt into a large mixing bowl and color generously with the FD&XC Yellow dye.  You'll need about 20-30 drops to dye the salt a bright yellow.  Mix the salt thoroughly to make sure that it is evenly dyed. 

Next, add the whole milk powder, cornstarch and oatmeal, breaking up any clumps in the powders.  Add the honey granules next. 

In a small heat proof container gently melt the mango butter and organic virgin coconut oil.  You can either use a double boiler or a microwave to do this. 

If you use a microwave, be sure to melt the oils in short 20 - 30 second bursts.  Be careful not to overheat and damage the oils.  When the oils are melted, allow them to cool for a few moments before adding the Easter cookie fragrance oil to them.

Next, add the baking soda and citric acid to the large mixing bowl.  Mix the powders thoroughly then add them melted oils mixture, stirring constantly.  After the oils and powders are mixed, wipe the mixing spoon clean and continue to knead the dough with your hands.  This will make sure that all the ingredients are completely mixed. 

Using your hands, form small round balls out of the dough.  Drop them onto the baking sheet and press them with your hands to form cookie shapes.  Continue until all of the dough is used. 

This recipe will yield about 2 dozen 2 inch cookies.  Allow the cookies to dry and harden for several hours before attempting to move or package them.  They will harden completely when left overnight in a cool, dry place.

Package in small cello bags, using a ribbon to tie close the bag. 

To use, simply drop one or two into a warm bath. 

Hope you enjoy these.  If You decide to make them please come back and let us know which one is your favorite.

Hand Lotions

I know that the 25th is technically over for me, but I had a busy busy day, and so much is swirling around in my head, I have been unable to sleep..  So I thought I would come in and post today's yesterday's post.   Hopefully I will be able to find some time to tell you about my day that I just had.  But I will probably do that tomorrow on a post of its own.

Anyway, a lot of us need hand lotion, people who often use the bacterial pump at hospitals, doctor's offices etc.; the elderly, the young, the germaphobes and the list could go on and on.  But the one ingredient that seams to be in most of those solutions is alcohol, which can smell very strong.  Our hands are drying out and using a quick and easy lather of lotion will have your hands nice and soft like a baby's bum.

Here are a few recipes to try out.    

Easy Lotion

1 1/4 cup hot water

1/4 cup emulsifying wax (don't use beeswax)

1/4 cup olive oil

24-36 drops of essential oil

In a Pyrex/glass measuring glass, combine the olive oil and emulsifying wax and microwave on high for 1 minutes until it is all melted.  The temperature should read about 155 degrees.

While that is heating up , add the essential oil into the melted wax/olive oil mixture.  Then pour hot water into the mixture and watch it turn a milky white.  At this point the temperature is about 125 degrees.  Pour the hot lotion into a wide mouth pint jar and let it cool overnight.  The next morning you'll have a fresh jar of homemade natural hand lotion.

Oooops.  I fell asleep writing this post the other night and its been super busy since.  Sorry about that everyone.

Herbal Moisturizing Cream 1

1 ounce vitamin E oil

4 ounces sweet almond oil

1 ounce beeswax

1 ounce jojoba oil

1 ounce coconut oil

1 tsp. oil of calendula

1/8 tsp. oil of chamomile

1/8 tsp. oil of rose geranium

Combine the vitamin E and sweet almond oils in a nonreactive saucepan.  Heat over low heat (do NOT boil).  Gradually add the beeswax, stirring constantly.  Add the jojoba oil, a little at a time, and stir until well blended.  Slowly stir in the coconut oil.

Remove the saucepan from the heat.  Add the calendula, chamomile, and rose geranium oils, stirring the mixture until it is smooth.

When the mixture has cooled, pour into colored glass jars and seal them tightly.  Keep refrigerated

.

Herbal Moisturizing Cream 2

*makes 2 cups*

*to add a fragrance to this, use essential oils of your choice, the following were recommended scents.  A few drops of rose, jasmine, or lotus oil, and for men the sandalwood or mint*

1 cup fresh rosemary leaves

1 1/2 cup fresh comfrey leaves

3/4 cup fresh lavender or patchouli leaves

1/2 cup olive oil

16 ounces anhydrous lanolin

Aloe vera gel (optional)

With a mortar and pestle, bruise the herbs with a small amount of olive oil.  In a nonreactive saucepan over low heat, melt the lanolin with the remaining olive oil.  Remove the pan from the heat.  Let the mixture cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then stir in the herbs and aloe vera gel.  (Heat breaks down the allantoin in the comfrey, a substance that promotes new cell growth, and destroys the healing properties in aloe vera.

Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and pour it immediately into heat-resistant jars.  Thick blue, green or brown glass jars protect the mixture from light and make attractive gifts.  Store in the refrigerator.

What are your favorite scents used in hand cream?  Have you ever attempted to make a homemade version?

Various Bath Recipes

The recipes I am going to show you came from somewhere online, but I am not sure of the original source.  I apologize for not saving this information.

4 cups of red wine

1 cup of honey

Add to bath. 

Coconut Bath Soak

1 cup Oatmeal

1 cup Brown Rice

1 tsp. Coconut Extract

Contents of 5 black tea bags

1 cup Powdered Milk

Cheesecloth

Mix ingredients in a bowl, then cut in half.  Cut two 8 inch squares of cheesecloth and pour half of the mixture into each square.  Tie at the top with pretty string and or ribbon. 

To use:  Toss one pouch into the bath under running water.  And now enjoy.

Lavender Bath

2 tbsp. lavender flowers

3 tbsp. bay leaves

4 tbsp. fine oatmeal

4 tbsp. bran

4 cups distilled water

Blend oatmeal in a blender or food processor until finely ground.  Mix all ingredients.  Simmer, covered, for one hour.  Strain; cool.  Add to bath.

Detox Bath

1/3 cup Epsom salts

1/3 cup Sea Salt

1/3 cup Baking Soda

2 1/2 tsp. Ground Ginger

1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Draw a bath with water as hot as you can stand it.  Add bowl of dry ingredients and vinegar.  Stir well.

Soak in tub for 30 + minutes.

I hope you enjoy these lovely recipes and they encourage you to relax and give your self some TLC after your busy home-making days.  If you have a favorite bath recipe please let us know!  Do you use bath solutions often?

Thanks for stopping by, 

Carpet cleaning the homemade way...

I have 2 dogs at home, and there are times that they leave me tracks upon my carpets or furniture on wet days.  It doesn't happen as often anymore but when it does I just hate to use those strong smelling cleansers every time.  Although I personally like the smell of clean, but not a heavy scent.

Below you will find recipes for steam cleaning, spot removal and deodorizing formulas. 

Steam Cleaning Solutions

1. Combine equal parts of warm water with white distilled vinegar.  Add 1 tsp. of liquid castile soap and mix thoroughly.

2. Mix together 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup liquid homemade laundry soap or bought laundry soap, and 1 gallon of water and add to carpet cleaner.  

Spot Removal

1. You can use the exact same formula as 1. in the steam cleaning section but place it into a spray bottle.

2. For tough stains, create a paste of 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar and 1/4 cup salt.  Rub into the stain and leave until dry.  Vacuum it up when thoroughly dry.

3. Add 1 tsp. clear liquid dishwashing detergent to 1 cup of warm water.  Pour into a spray bottle and spray it on a damp rag and wipe stain.

Carpet Deodorizer

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and leave overnight, then vacuum it up the next morning.  Baking soda absorbs odor.

2. Mix 2 cups baking soda, 10 drops of favorite essential oil.  Sprinkle over carpet and let sit for 30-60 minutes.  Vacuum.

Hopefully you enjoy the recipes and your carpets are safe from future spills/messes .

Do you use homemade carpet products?  What are your favorite must have recipes?

To Bronze or Not to Bronze.... that is the question

Today we are going to be making some  Contour bronzers.  A lot of people are still risking their health by using tanning beds, and sitting in the sun for that golden glow.  I admit myself that tanned people look great, but at what cost?

If you are one of those people, I am not judging you but after getting skin cancer 2 years ago, from playing in the sun when I was a kid, it sure did open my eyes.  As an adult I do not go in the sun due to being able to get sunstroke within 5-10 minutes.  This is why we guess that the cancer was from childhood.

The first recipe I am going to tell you about is another 'untried' recipe.  It does state that you need to have a light hand when applying this powder.  You may also want to blend it with the tip of your finger to even out the powder.

These are the ingredients but please note what each does:

• Cinnamon - adds glow

• Nutmeg - adds a sun kissed brown
• Cocoa Powder - adds depth and darkness
• Cornstarch or Powdered Sugar - lightens
• An empty compact or small jar with lid
• Essential oil (lavender, rose, or rosemary would work) - keeps it together

The oil will help it thicken it.  For tone/color you will have to experiment with the powders till you get one that matches your skin tone.  This makes this recipe a bit more difficult but it will help that you get a custom color rather than a set recipe that wont match your skin well.

Here are the estimations to get you started.

1 tbsp. cinnamon powder

1 tsp. cocoa powder

1 tsp. nutmeg powder

2 tsp. cornstarch

15 drops of rose, lavender, or rosemary essential oil

Mix well in small bowl, making sure to break up any clumps with your fingers.  Place powder in clean empty compact or jar and tamp down well with back of spoon. 

Apply lightly as you would a contour powder.

If you are light skinned you may wish to try the following recipe.

2 tbsp. cinnamon powder

3 tsp. cornstarch (adjust to preferred color)

Mix together and adjust as necessary.  Add a few drops of oil (lavender or rose is best). 

Body and Face Bronzer

2 tbsp. beeswax

4 tbsp. jojoba oil

1 tbsp. evening primrose oil

8 tbsp. distilled water

14 tbsp. phenonip preservative (clear liquid used extensively in cosmetics for adding shelf life)

3 tbsp. emulsifying wax - needed to allow water and oils to blend

Mica powder

Melt the beeswax, emulsifying wax, jojoba and primrose oils together without boiling.  Add the water and then the preservative phenonip.  Allow mixture to cool thoroughly. 

Add the mica very gradually to achieve the desired shade and tone and mix thoroughly.  Don’t rush or you will end up with a bronzer much darker than you can use. 

****Mica powder is a natural mineral in its crushed and purified form.  It is used extensively as a make-up ingredient.  Your first try may not be exactly the result you want but a little practice and you will produce perfect results.   If you cannot find mica locally it is available online****

Pamper Your Feet!

Wow I have had an unpleasant few days.  Due to my fibromyalgia, I

often get my sleep time all messed up.  On Friday night I ended up laying down to watch TV and fell asleep at approximately 7pm.  Now let me tell you that I get up several times during the night.  I get up and grab a drink, trip to the bathroom and then slip back into bed.  Well that night, I got up 2-3 times I cannot remember exactly.  But long story short I slept most of that time till about 11 am.  Which has now completely messed up my sleeping habits… hence why I am posting this after 3:30 am.

I am hoping that my clock re-adjusts itself soon cause this is just crazy lol.  I was able to get half of my bedroom clean today.  I also have been working diligently to get information for my Home Management course I will be doing next year with the Mental Health Association.

Needless to say it was a semi-productive day.  So without further ado.  Today we will be focusing on a bit of TLC for your tired feet.   We need these feet of ours, so let's make sure that we treat them lovingly.

The first recipe that we are going to discuss is excellent for this time of year and is the reason that I added foot scrubs to the subjects of the month.

Pumpkin Sugared Foot Scrub

1/4 cup cooked or canned Pumpkin puree

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp. of almond oil (you can use olive oil or jojoba oil instead)

1 tbsp. ground coffee beans

Lemon juice squeezed from 1/2 lemon

Mix all the ingredients in a big bowl, then scrub away at your feet.  Make sure to scrub extra on your heels as you embark on the dry winter months ahead.  Rinse off the scrub with warm water and pat dry.  You can use this in the shower as well if you have some of the mixture left over.  This may also be stored in a glass jar in the fridge for a couple of days.

Benefits of this scrub as follows:

Pumpkin - natural enzymes for exfoliating

Brown Sugar - also exfoliator

Almond Oil - softens skin, hydrates cuticles and strengthens nails

Caffeine - improves blood circulation and smells wonderful

Lemon - is a natural preservative

Peppermint Foot Scrub

10 tsp. grape seed oil

3 drops eucalyptus oil

4 drops rosemary oil

2 drops peppermint oil

4 tbsp. dark brown sugar

Combine all ingredients.  Store in a small glass jar and warm up the oil before apply to feet, but make sure you do not burn yourself.  A great recipe for Christmas time.

Here is another recipe.

3 tbsp. sugar

3 lemons or limes crushed

1 tbsp. sweet almond oil, lime oil or any combination or odor you love the smell of (for me, vanilla is my favorite)

10-15 mint leaves cut up

1/4 cup baking soda

Crush lemon or lime well till the remains are a course pulp.  Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.  Massage the scrub all over your feet and work in well.  Rinse off with warm water or a washcloth.  Apply favorite lotion.

Do you pamper your feet on a regular basis?  I know that I often forget to take care of mine.  I am a barefoot person so I always have rough feet.  But in the last few years, the winters have been pretty rough (literally LOL).  I am looking forward to making the pumpkin scrub as we carve our pumpkins this week.

Do you have a favorite foot scrub?  Have you attempted or mastered a great homemade scrub that you use?  I would love to know of your recipes or favorite commercial foot scrubs and your reasons for preferring that recipe/product.

Thanks for stopping by,