The Best Diaper Cream

The Best Diaper Cream (clay)

2 oz cup shea butter (I buy this one.  But is not white.  It is yellow.)

2 oz cup coconut oil (I buy this one.)

1/4 cup bentonite clay (I buy this one.)

7 drops lavender essential oil (I only use the company that begins with do)

7 drops melaleuca (I only use the company that begins with do)

Almond oil (I would recommend this one.) or jojoba or avocado.  If needed.

1. Place all ingredients in a bowl and use a fork to mash all ingredients together.  If the cream is too dry, add 5-10 drops of Almond oil at a time and continue mashing until the consistency is that of a very thick paste.  This will take a few minutes but the end result is worth it.

2.  I then transfer cream to this container.

3.  Apply with clean hands as needed.

Lasts 6 months, approximately.

Keep Oiling!

Homemade Candles and Lip Balm

Recipes will be posted soon!

Deodorant Discussion and Recipe

I used to use Dove anti-perspirant every day of my life.  Some days multiple times.  

No more.

Sarah, at The Healthy Home Economist sums it up wonderfully.  Read her post here.  We HAVE to start reading labels!!!  Have to!  

I used Tom's and thought it was time to try a homemade recipe.  I owe all the thanks for this recipe to my cousin Lisa (love you and thank you!).  I LOVE this recipe and I use it daily!!

So, before you make this, I want to make sure you get this.  Sweating is good.  Stinking is bad.  You want to sweat.  That is how our body rids itself of the toxins and pesticides we ingest every day.  So, you will still sweat.  You just won't stink.  Get it?  Good!!!  Now go make some good for you/safe deodorant.  It will take like a minute!!!  It is super easy!

Lisa's Homemade Deodorant
3 tsp Arrowroot powder (I use this)
1 tsp of baking soda*
Enough coconut oil to make a thick paste (I use this)
4 drops of doTERRA Melaleuca** essential oil (You can buy here.)
About 10 drops of doTERRA Lavender or Serenity (I used 8 Serenity and 3 Balance, hey why not?!)  (You can buy here.)

Yields: 1 ounce

Place ingredients in a bowl and use the back of a fork to mash everything up.  Transfer to container of choice.  I use a butter knife.

I use this glass container from Aroma Tools and love it.  I just store it under my sink in the bathroom.  I use the back of a finger nail, scrape a small amount out of the glass container, flip it around to my finger tips and rub it in my arm pits.

You can also clean out an old deodorant tube and put the deodorant in there, but that needs to be stored in the refrigerator.  It melts right on and leaves no residue.  

If any irritation occurs, slightly cut back on the baking soda next time.  I have a friend that this happens to in the summer.



*I have heard that some baking soda has unwanted ingredients in it.  And I know of people who buy Bob's Red Mill only.  I could not find anything bad about Arm and Hammer and that is what I had on hand, so that is what I used.  If you have any info regarding Arm and Hammer, please share it.  I would love to know.

**The Melaleuca is a MUST when making this recipe.  Melaleuca kills the bacteria that can cause the odor, but too much can be irritating.


~I only recommend, stand behind and use doTERRA essential oils.


Keep on striving towards Living GREEN!

Dena's Homemade Deodorant Recipe

This is the recipe for the deodorant Dena had with her when she was here teaching.

Thank you Dena!!



Dena's homemade deodorant recipe

1/4 cup unrefined, virgin, organic coconut oil

1 Tbsp organic baking soda*

2 Tbsp arrowroot powder, I prefer Bob's Red Mill

20 drops Company that begins with "do" Bergamot essential oil

20 drops Company that begins with "do" On Guard essential oil

Mix coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot with a fork until smooth.  Then add essential oils and mix with a mixer.  Store in a glass container with tight fitting lid.  Using your fingers apply a small amount to each armpit.



*(I have researched this and cannot find organic baking soda 
anywhere nor where it says that arm and hammer baking soda contains aluminum, fyi.   
Please let me know if you find different information.)



Note:  The company that begins with "do" essential oils are the only oils I use and stand behind.  

I will post a picture when I make this.

Happy Oiling!!!

My Facial Routine

One of the most common questions I get is "what do you use to wash your face?"  I always laugh and tell them that they can find the ingredients in their kitchens.

Here is what I do every day of my life.  :-)

Facial Cleanser (a.k.a. OCM (oil cleansing method))  A friend of mine wrote a great post about it and she got me started a long time ago (Thanks Mackenzie!) The original recipe used Castor Oil, but there is some new research that makes me uneasy about Castor Oil.  So, when I have used up my Castor Oil I will be switching to Avocado Oil.  :-)

2 Ingredients:
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Avocado Oil* (see list below to choose the best oil for your skin)
(I use a 1 oz measuring shot glass I bought at Walmart a long time ago)

Depending on your skin type (*refer to list below to choose the best oil for your skin), this is what you do.....
For dry skin use 1 part avocado oil to 3 parts extra virgin olive oil
For oily skin use 3 parts avocado oil to 1 part extra virgin olive oil
For normal skin use equal parts of each oil.  This is what I use.

I bought a cool 4 oz cobalt blue glass bottle with a glass dropper that stores inside the glass bottle and serves as the lid.  I love it.  I bought mine at Whole Foods but you can also find them here.  This is AromaTools website, I LOVE this website and use it all of the time for my doTERRA biz.  

You can add essential oils here at this step, if you are storing the oil in a glass bottle (no plastic with essential oils!).  There are a million things you can do with essential oils here.  For example, if you want a good facial cleanser you can add peppermint or melaleuca.  The list goes on and on...skin tightening....pore reducer....extra hydration....anti-aging, etc etc.  And of course if you know me, you know that doTERRA essential oils are the ONLY essential oils I will use in or on my body.  Want to learn more about doTERRA go here.

I prefer to use this in the shower.  Place a nickel size amount in the palm of your hand (before you get your hands really wet) rub between your hands to warm the oils, then apply all over your face, eyelids and neck (before you get your face wet).  Continue massaging and rubbing the oils into your skin for a minute, concentrating on any problem areas.  Get your wash cloth really wet with really hot water, but don't scald yourself.  Lay the washcloth on your face and just stand there for a minute, letting the heat from the wash cloth push the oils into your open pores.  Then flip the washcloth over and wipe the oil away, rinse your wash cloth and repeat until you feel like all of the oil is gone from your face.

Now, I will tell you, from where you are starting in your life, switching to OCM will be a road easily traveled or it may be one filled with potholes.  Meaning...when I switched to OCM I had a few small breakouts, but I kept going.  Now, I have the clearest skin I have ever had in my life (and people actually comment on it, which is pretty cool) -minus one time a month where I occasionally develop a pimple or two-somethings seem unavoidable, right?  :-)  On the other hand I have heard of people REALLY breaking out with acne.  But please try to stick to it.  It may take months to clean out your pores completely.  Or sad to say, OCM just might not work for everyone, every time.  But give it a try and let me know what you think.  


My Facial Moisturizer
Organic virgin coconut oil.  Truly, I prefer Tropical Traditions Gold Label brand.  I like the company and I like their products.  But my second in command is Costco's Organic Carrington Farms coconut oil.  That's it!!  Rub a little dab in the palm of your hand and apply over your face, eyelids and neck.


My Eye Makeup Remover
Organic virgin coconut oil.  I use organic cotton makeup pads (you can buy them at Whole Foods and EarthFare), put a little dab of coconut oil on the makeup pad and work it in all over your eyelids.  A friend of mine says it makes her eyes a little cloudy feeling afterwards, so I would recommend gently wiping your eyes with a wet washcloth and/or using eye drops to clean out anything left behind in your eyes.

If you need a reminder of how AWESOME coconut oil is click here.  

*Oil choices if you do not want to use Avocado oil or have other skin conditions....
Almond Oil (sweet) - Softens, soothes and reconditions
Avocado Oil - Rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E;
good for those with psoriasis, eczema
Borage Seed Oil - Reduces inflammation and calms skin, promotes blood flow, good for eczema, acne, and rosacea
Grapeseed Oil – Absorbs easily and is non-allergenic. Good for those with skin sensitivities (I have to research more here, I thought Grapeseed had a bad rap.....??)
Hazelnut Oil – Astringent, good for oily skin
Hemp Seed Oil - Nutrition for your skin – antioxidant, protein and mineral-rich. Contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E
DIY Organic Beauty Recipes by Heather Dessinger


Keep Trying to Live GREEN my Friends!

Coconut Chips

So pretty.

I read this on one of my favorite blogs...The Healthy Home Economist and made a batch yesterday!  YUMMO!!!

Coconut Chips
Coconut chips, unsweetened, organic, (or can be called flakes, not shredded)
Organic cinnamon
Sea Salt (Redmonds or Celtic)

Heat a cast iron skillet to medium heat.  Spread a thin layer of coconut chips in the skillet.  DO NOT leave the kitchen...you will regret this.  :-)  Continue moving the chips around in the skillet until they are a beautiful golden brown.

Transfer golden coconut chips to a glass pan or baking stone, spread chips out into a single layer.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sea salt, whatever amount you like.  Mix.  Spread out again, let cool.  

Continue repeating these steps until you have made the amount you like.  Allow chips to cool completely and store in a glass pyrex bowl or ball jar with lid.

Snack on or use on top of dishes (I am thinking this would taste great on top of my Homemade Cold Breakfast Cereal!).  I am also thinking this would be reeeally good on top of my homemade ice cream!  YUM!!!!

And I am thinking a spicy recipe is in the works....maybe cayenne....or a cayenne/chipotle mix....hmmmmmmm :-)  Do you have any recipes or ideas?

I bought my organic coconut chips through Nutiva, 3 pounds (48 oz) for $13.89.  Whole Foods also sells them $2.99 for 7 oz.  (Bulk is cheaper here.  Nutiva breaks down to $.29 per ounce and Whole Foods is $.43 per ounce.)

Coconut chips and chia on top of Homemade Cold Breakfast Cereal. YUM!!

Click here for Nutiva's website.

Enjoy!!

Easy Breakfast to get Coconut Oil in your Kids

Morning Smoothie in a Cars cup.  :-)

This was sooooo easy, the boys are devouring it so I had to share.

Morning Smoothie
Frozen organic mango
Frozen organic strawberries
Heaping tablespoon of virgin, unrefined, expeller pressed organic coconut oil
Raw milk (or organic milk if you haven't taken the RAW milk challenge :-) )
Chia seeds (and if anyone local wants some I have a ton I am willing to share)

Place in your regular size bullet cup, blender or food processor and blend away.  Serve.

So YUM!!!!

And a MUST make when your kiddos or you are sick.  MANGO is a cold fighter.  And coconut oil is an infection fighter.  Chia offers antioxidants.  Sooo cool.

Enjoy!

Coconut Oil Chocolate Candy

Coconut Oil Chocolate Candy
1/2 cup coconut oil (organic, unrefined, virgin, cold expeller pressed)
1/4-1/2 cup raw cocoa/cacoa powder, use 1/2 if you want a dark chocolate
2 tbsp organic raw honey, buy local (or use organic grade b maple syrup)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Options:  unsweetened coconut, almonds, pecans, cashews, orange rind, diced dried fruit, caramel.  Do not blend these put place in mold and then pour candy mixture over top, or pour in chocolate and sprinkle options on top of chocolate in your mold.

Place coconut oil in a small glass dish.  Place hot, but not boiling water in a larger bowl.  Place the coconut oil bowl in the hot water and wait for the coconut oil to melt.  NEVER MICROWAVE coconut oil!!!  

Whisk to break the coconut oil into pieces to make it melt faster.  When melted pour melted oil into your blender or bullet and add your cocoa/cacao, honey, vanilla and sea salt (you may have to do the same thing with your raw honey to melt it down, once again DO NOT place in boiling water, you are trying to maintain it's raw unheated state).  

Blend everything well.

Pour into candy molds, mini cupcake pans with liner, glass dish, onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, ice cube trays or anything you want.  Cool for 15-30 minutes in your refrigerator or freezer or until set.  Freezer will give you glossy sheen to the tops.  Enjoy!!!    

Store in refrigerator or freezer.  Seriously, it is sick how easy this is to make!

Note:  These are very delicate chocolates.  They need to stay in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat them.  These will melt in your hand. :-)

Honey I buy here.  Delish!!

Thank you France at www.beyondthepeel.net !!!  Check out her awesome blog!!

I bought this but haven't tried it yet.




I just bought this.  CAN'T WAIT to try this one!!!  This is supposed to be one of the more superior virgin coconut oils.

Enjoy!

The Miracles of Coconut Oil

The post is inspired by a wonderful friend of mine whom I go waaay back in time with.  :-)  I love you my sister.  And know that I am praying over you and your mom.  I love you both very much.  Always remember miracles are around every corner.

Simply beautiful.

This video is what got me pumped up!!  Click here to view.  Soooooo exciting!

Alzheimer's is now being called "diabetes of the brain."  After numerous failed attempts of a new wonder drug to cure or at least help alzheimer's, many are looking in a new direction.  A direction of food.  And numerous people, as you saw in the video are beginning to see positive side effects from using coconut oil.

Get ready to get up in arms at me.  Evidence is showing that the "wonderful" low fat diet we have all been brainwashed into believing is so great for us, plus all the over prescribed cholesterol lowering medication, just might be what is putting our parents and grandparents on the exam table receiving the heavy words from their doctor of, "you have been diagnosed with alzheimer's."  Grant it, heredity and other factors beyond current released research also contribute to alzheimer's disease.

We need cholesterol in order for our brain to function.  The brain may only take up 2% of our body's mass but the brain contains 25% of our bodies cholesterol.  If you remove cholesterol from your diet, you starve your brain, thus enters alzheimer's when we are older.   Read this for more information.

"People suffering from Alzheimer’s should immediately start avoiding polyunsaturated forms of oil such as soy and corn oils, especially if they are hydrogenated and in the form of trans fatty acids!!!!!!"

So, this blog post is all about the new and incredibly exciting information with regards to coconut oil and dementia and alzheimer's   This is so exciting to me and goes to show how POWERFUL food is.  I remember at a young age hearing someone say that food was medicine.  I thought that person was nuts.  Too bad it has taken me 10 years of growing and learning to figure this out for myself.  Hopefully, you will make the changes now and not wait 10 years to "get it."

Coconut Oil Is Known To Be:

• Anti-bacterial (kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum diseases, and other bacterial infections)
• Anti-carcinogenic (coconut oil has antimicrobial properties so it effectively prevents the spread of cancer cells and enhances the immune system)
• Anti-fungal (kills fungi and yeast that lead to infection)
• Anti-inflammatory (appears to have a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.)
• Anti-microbial/Infection Fighting (the medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in coconut oil are the same as those in human mother's milk, and they have extraordinary antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. About half of coconut oil consists of lauric acid. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.)
• An Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage)
• Anti-parasitic (fights to rid the body of tapeworms, lice and other parasites)
• Anti-protozoa (kills giardia, a common protozoan infection of the gut)
• Anti-retroviral (can reduce the viral load of HIV-AIDS patience)
• Anti-viral (kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other viruses)
• Effective at improving nutrient absorption (easily digestible; makes vitamins and minerals more available to the body)
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects
• Infection fighting
• Nontoxic to humans and animals

Coconut oil- GET IT IN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!  (This goes for EVERYONE here.....E  V  E  R  Y  O  N  E !)  So, below are different ways to get coconut oil in you!!!  I am going to write all the ways that I can find, so that no one has an excuse.  There has to be 1 way you can get coconut oil in you.  It would be great if you can do all of the ideas below.  ;-)

Click here for 333 ways to use coconut oil!!!  Soooo cool!

Here is a chart giving you an idea of daily recommended dose: 

Weight in pounds/kilograms	Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily
175+/79+	4
150+ /68+	3 1/2
125+ / 57+	3
100+/ 45+	2 1/2
75+ / 34+	2
50+ / 23+	1 1/2
25+ / 11+	1

Eat it- (start with 1 tsp at a time and try to work up to your daily recommended dose each day)
1.  Add a tablespoon to your oatmeal
2.  Use it in place of butter on your toast and when cooking or baking
3.  Add a tablespoon to your smoothie
4.  Warm it till it is a liquid (use only warm water) drink it
5.  Stop using olive oil for sauteing and use coconut oil instead
6.  Eat a tablespoon of it off of a spoon (if you don't like it solid, place in mouth and let it melt, then swallow)
7.  Mix coconut oil with organic peanut butter (or almond butter) and cinnamon and spread on sprouted bread or eat out of bowl
8.  Make chocolate candy with it. (oh my! and sooo easy)
9.  Use it to pop your popcorn in and melt and put on your popcorn (not microwave popcorn in a bag!!!)
10.  Add it to your pasta dish
11.  Use on your baked potato
12.  Add it to your bowl of soup
13.  This post could go on forever so go here.  lol
14.  You can also by refined coconut oil to keep on hand when you want a healthier oil but not the coconut flavor

Note: Never microwave coconut oil!  Always place your coconut oil in a small bowl and then place that bowl in another bowl with hot water in it (not boiling) and stir the coconut oil around until it melts.  Heating the coconut oil too hot will destroy all the beneficial properties in it.


Skin and Hair-
1.  Use it on your face (just a little) as your moisturizer and your eyelids and neck
2.  Use it in your hair instead of all that gel, styling foam and pomades with loads of crap in them
3.  Use it for your lotion
4.  If you don't want to use it for your all over body lotion, at least rub some onto your tummy
5.  Use it around your eyes to decrease puffiness
6.  Use it as your chapstick 
7.  Makeup remover
8.  Apply to scrapes and cuts
9.  When kids are sick rub it onto the bottoms of their feet and cover with socks
10.  Dry nose in the winter, swab a small amount inside your nose


Coconut oil pulling- this is 1000 times easier than our minds want to make it out to be!
1.  Brush your teeth with water, no toothpaste
2.  When you wake up put 1 tbsp of coconut oil in your mouth
3.  Wait a minute or 2 for the oil to melt in your mouth
4.  Start swishing when you notice some has melted
5.  Try to keep you head bent down a bit so the oil stays on your teeth
6.  Swish, swish, swish and try to put some between your teeth and lips and pull it back into your mouth through your teeth
7.  Go as long as you can.  First time I went 13 minutes.  Goal is up to 20 minutes every day
8.  DO NOT SWALLOW any of the oil, it will be full of bacteria that has been pulled from your mouth and body
9.  Spit out the oil into a paper towel or in your trash can.  Coconut oil solidifies so you do not want this in your water pipes clogging things up
10.  Rinse your mouth at least 5 times with warm clean water, or warm salt water spitting out the water each time before adding new to your mouth
11.  Now here I find conflicting suggestions.  One suggestion is to brush your teeth with a natural toothpaste and second is to not use toothpaste but to use soap, yes soap, by either swiping your toothbrush on your bar of soap or putting a less than pea size of liquid soap on your toothbrush and then brush.  You can also use baking soda.

Note: 
You have to use organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil here.  Have to.  
You want to do this on an empty stomach.


Benefits to oil pulling---
Weight lose
Whiter teeth
Strengthen your immune system
Prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis
Radiant skin
Shiny silky hair
Improve digestion
Prevent premature aging of skin


WATCH THIS!!!

Another great article regarding coconut oil and alzheimer's.

Here is the Coconut Miracle book and Virgin Coconut Oil book that I want to read.

Acknowledgements: Thank you Jessica over at Delicious Obsessions!!

Thank you Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama for your 333 uses for coconut oil, your coconut dosing guide, your coconut is know for guide and coconut oil pulling directions and all of your obvious hard work!!!!  Your blog is truly amazing!  I am glad I stumbled across you!  :-)  You inspire me.


NOW GO BUY SOME COCONUT OIL and get it in and on you NOW!!!!!!!  :-)

I have heard great things about Gold Label.  (This is now my ABSOLUTE favorite!)


I just bought a 54 oz jug from Vitacost.  I can't wait to try it.  (Tried it! = Delish!)  And I no longer buy this.  Now I buy it from Costco.  :-)  See picture below.


I have been using unrefined, expeller pressed from Whole Foods, their 365 line.

I buy this at Costco for a really good price.  It is not the high quality that you get from Tropical Traditions but it is pretty good.