I did it, I do it every year, I get so excited by the brilliant warm sunshine that I go whole hog working all day in the garden, then a swim in the pool to cool off and I give little care to the largest organ I own...my skin.  Then, when the fun is over and the day is worn down I head in and am usually a bit taken aback by the bright red hue my skin has taken on.  OUCH!  I came across this concoction that I have tweaked a bit and it works really well for soothing red and angry sunburnt skin. Bonus- the moisturizing base has helped keep me from peeling!

If you are curious as to why it works, here is the breakdown...

Lavender soothes skin (burns, abrasions, irritations)
Melalueca heals skin (antibacterial and antimicrobial)
Peppermint cools skin (optional)
Witch Hazel reduces redness, is an astringent and skin soother
Fractionated coconut oil will moisturize the skin (less peeling!)
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I have a 3 oz spray glass spray bottle that I fill half with the fractionated coconut oil (you can also try grapeseed or even olive oil in a pinch but fractionated coconut oil is by far my favorite.  I then fill the other half with straight witch hazel which is fantastic as an astringent and skin soother.  I then add 20 drops Melalueca (tea tree oil), 20 drops Lavender and if you want the cooling sensation you can then add 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil (caution don't use the spray near your face/eyes with peppermint in it).

This is my go-to soother all summer long.  I use it on myself, hubby and the kids and it can be used as often as needed, win-win!

​ (if you are curious about which essential oils I feel are the best to use, please contact me I would be happy to chat!) or feel free to click here.

After giving these as gifts to rave reviews and requests for more, I am finally releasing our secret recipe, privately developed, tried and true master blend!  This is what I use on my whole family for dry, chapped, and eczema flared skin.  The Lemongrass lotion bar is a product that I LOVE!  I first got my taste of a lotion bar when a friend sent me one while she was living in Alaska, I was hooked!  We make it with Organic Beeswax, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Avacado Oil, Olive Oil and pure CPTG grade Lemongrass Essential oil.

 It took awhile to develop the recipe and tweak it to be just right, but here it is....it is AMAZING!  It is in a large twist up tube (about the diameter of 4 chapsticks) and your own body heat softens the lotion bar as it glides on your thirsty dry skin, relief I tell ya!  I keep one in my purse, one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen.
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The other product I am offering is our lip butter, seriously glides on like butter!  This is made with some of the same ingredients as the lotion bar but has vanilla and Lime added.  And no worries if you lick your lips, all the ingredients are edible!   We make this one with Organic Beeswax, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Avacado Oil, Olive Oil, Pure Vanilla Extract and pure CPTG grade Lime Essential oil.

For a limited time only I am offering FREE Shipping with the purchase of 2 lip butters  OR  1 Lotion bar, just check out the "SHOP" tab at the top of my page, and enjoy!

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Yes, I know you may wonder why in the world someone would bother with making their own deodorant.  I mean, just one more thing to make right?  Well, I have always been intrigued by natural deodorants, however, I have not been intrigued by the fact that many of them do not seem to "work".  I want to be all natural...but I do not want to SMELL ALL NATURAL if you get my drift.  I had never really had someone tell me about a natural one that worked well, (lets face it if you are a true farm girl, you sweat when you work) until recently.

So, again with the why.  I recently read a statistic that said the average woman exposes herself to over 100 chemicals before breakfast.  We are amassing a vast cocktail of substances on our bodies and in our homes.  I don't believe that it is possible to eliminate them all, but I do want to reduce the amount of harmful toxins by as much as possible.  Our skin is our largest organ and many substances applied to the skin are absorbed directly into our bloodstream, so, I decided that would be an area worth working on.

My friends who make their own deodorants (thank you Stacy and Mandy) even assured me that their husbands did not stink...okay I decided to try it...I was WAAAY impressed!  It works!  I mean, I went out in the garden, worked all around the farm, weeded, helped demolish the barn, etc.  I DID NOT STINK!  The only down side that I have found is that some people do have a sensitivity to baking soda, this can cause redness or irritation under the arm, weird thing is this only happens to me if I apply immediately after shaving.

The other bonus is that the ingredients in this deodorant are also many of the same used for homemade lotions and salves so I have everything I need on hand to keep on making our natural products!

I purchased most of my ingredients from Amazon but since a batch of deodorant can last 2-3 months and I clearly have enough ingredients for about 2 years worth of deodorant, salves, lotions, etc I think I did pretty good.  The only thing I would change is that next round of making my deodorant, I would not bother with putting it into a roll up deodorant style tube like pictured above, I will just scoop out a pea sized amount and smooth it on (works better that way).

So, here is how to do it:
·         1 T Beeswax

·         1T Cocoa butter

·         1 T Shea butter

·         1 T Coconut oil

·         2.5 T arrowroot powder

·         1 T clay, (I used bentonite, but Kaolin or french green would be fine also)

·         1/4 t vitamin E oil (2-4 capsules) or 2-3 drops if you have a bottle

·         2 T Baking Soda

·         Essential Oils– aprox. 10-25 drops

I use Lavender and Melalueca. The Melalueca is good for its anti-bacterial properties and the Lavender is soothing for sensitive skin.

Method: Use a wide mouth pint mason jar set inside of a sauce pan.  Fill the sauce pan with about 1-2 inches of water and set the mason jar inside of it.  Then on medium heat melt the ingredients in order (beeswax first, then cocoa butter, shea butter and coconut oil) being careful not to get it too hot as shea butter doesn't like to get too hot.  I mix the ingredients while I am melting them together by using a wooden popsicle stick.  Once melted add in your dry ingredients and your vitamin E oil.  When it is all mixed together it is about the consistency of warm peanut butter.  Then put into the container of your choice.  It can be used immediately but it does take up to a week to reach its final consistency of firmness. It has a green tint to it but it does not stain my clothing at all!

If you need any of the ingredients, head on over to Amazon, that is where I usually get mine, or even bulk Herb store.  These are affiliate links which add nothing to your cost but do help maintain this site.  Thanks!

I am not at all a fan of bugs, mosquitos or any other creepy crawly.  In fact, the only real complaint I have about living on our farm is the number of ticks that can be found and the fact that it freaks me out when my kids come in from playing out in the field or trees and I have to check them over and I often find one of those vile little attachments.   My dilemma is that I have never felt safe spraying bug repellant on my kids and putting the crazy ingredients all over them to ward off insects.  I now have a new favorite weapon in my arsenal...a blend of essential oils that can be used and I attest, is fantastic at repelling ticks, mosquitos, etc.  I think we may all be bathing in this stuff all summer!  We just apply it directly to exposed areas and we are good to go

The one I am currently using is a blend of Skimmia Laureola, Catnip Plant, Amyris Bark, African Sandalwood, Cabrueva Balsam, Wild Orange Peel, White Fir Needle, Cedarwood, Citronella Herb, Eucalyptus Leaf/Stem, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Genet Absolute.  It smells good too!

If you are interested in this blend too let me know with a comment below and we should chat!

If you have stopped by to visit here very often you have likely seen a number of posts I have done on Essential Oils.  Did you know that essential oils were used as far back as in ancient Egypt and Bibilical times?  Just think...what were the 3 gifts that the wise men brought baby Jesus? Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.  The amazing part of that is that the likely reason for Frankincense and Myrrh being brought to Christ was that these were some of the most valued medicinal substances in ancient times.  We still see the amazing medicinal properties of these plants and trees today.

Essential Oils are a bit different today then they were in ancient times...they are now produced by low heat steam distillation, a little different process then was used in ancient times, but the medicinal properties are still there in abundance.

What Are Essential Oils?
     Essential oils are the plant's true essence.  They are the oils that protect the plant from predators, diseases, pests, bacteria and also aid in some plant reproduction. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant, eliciting profound emotional responses. Yet the use of essential oils goes well beyond their fragrant appeal. Used throughout history for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, essential oils can be used as natural alternatives in holistic self-care practices. Their unique chemistry allows them to be used aromatically and applied topically to the skin, while other essential oils can be used as dietary aids to promote vitality and well being. They are extracted from the plants via low heat distilation from the plant material and the resulting oil has a very concentrated powerful set of properties that absorbs into the skin almost instantaneously leaving behind no residue.

Essential Oils are 100% natural. 
   The other fascinating thing is that plants have similar building blocks to people in that our bodies recognize and can metabolize essential oils easily.  Plant based medicine is as old as humankind.  Even the father of modern medicine...Hippocrates...used plant based medicine.

    However, somewhere along the way we got off track.  We decided that medicines full of synthetic compounds and harmfull additives were the best way to go.  We then began using those as our first line of defense when we had symptoms or became ill.  But, are we really doing what is best for our bodies?  Before you answer that one...just look at the side effects from any given medication.  Don't get me wrong...there is a time and a place for medicine and I sure am glad that in an emergency I can seek medical treatment.  But, for the everyday illnesses I prefer natural remedies which is where essential oils come into play.

Essential Oils are POTENT.
     Essential oils are very potent compounds.  These oils have many facets with some being antifungal, some antiviral, some antiviral.  A commonly cited example is that 1 drop of pure peppermint oil contains as much potency as 25-35 cups of peppermint tea!  In some instances it can take up to 4 tons of plant material to produce 1 lb of essential oil.  
     What does this mean for the user?  You can gain an amazing amount of benefit from a very small amount of pure essential oil.

How do you use Essential Oils?
    There are 3 ways to use essential oils. 
1.  You can use them AROMATICALLY by diffusing them into the air or inhaling a drop placed into your palms
2.  You can use then TOPICALLY by putting them directly on the area needed or on the soles of your feet.
3.  You can use some essential oils INTERNALLY ...but only from a trusted company that markets their oils as safe for internal use and only oils that have dietary supplement information printed directly on the bottle.


Still Curious about this "Hippie Hype?"

You have probably only thought of Oregano as a kitchen herb.  Sprinkle a bit on pizza, spaghetti, homemade bread...but what I have learned is that Oregano is actually a very powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic herb that has been used for centuries.

Oregano is part of the mint family that botanists call the Lamiaceae, or Labiatae, a huge aggregation of some 7,000 species.  Also included in this family are marjoram, lavender, summer savory, basil, perilla, sage, rosemary, anise hyssop, thyme and lemon balm.  (Therefore if you are allergic to anything in this family you may want to stay away from Oregano)

The health benefits of this herb are antioxidant (Antioxidants help protect your cells against the effects of free radicals and improve your ability to fight infection.) As well as Antibacterial and antimicrobial (courtesy of  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259.php)

Even WebMD has a listing about the medicinal properties of the plant, though there are some warnings to take heed of:

• "Lithium interacts with OREGANO
  Oregano might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking oregano might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed."

• Special Precautions & Warnings: Pregnancy: Oregano is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. There is concern that oregano in amounts larger than food amounts might cause miscarriage. Not enough is known about the safety of oregano when used in medicinal amounts while nursing.
  
  Bleeding disorders: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
  
  Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage.
  
  Diabetes: Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should use oregano cautiously.
  
  Surgery: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding. People who use oregano should stop 2 weeks before surgery.

That being said, all natural herbs, essential Oils and holistic approaches should be used with educated common-sense caution.

This herb can be taken in medicinal form by purchasing capsules of medicinal quality at a health food store, using oil of oregano, or using Oregano essential oil (my favorite).

When I first began learning about the health benefits associated with Oregano, and specifically Oregano Essential Oil I admit I was skeptical.  I had heard that warts and skin tags could be removed, that it was a powerful antifungal agent for finger and toenail issues as well as athlete's foot.  I had also heard as well as that Oregano could be used as a natural antibiotic.

 I smelled the Oregano Essential oil and it smelled like pizza to me.  But I also learned that in Essential oil form this herb is one that can feel like it is burning (think getting hot pepper juice on your hands) if it gets in mucous membranes, in eyes, or on very sensitive skin.  I was curious though as I have never liked some of the wart removal medicines and I have a child who has been to the pediatrician twice to have a wart "frozen off" (it didn't work).  So I decided to give the Essential oil a try.

I used 1 drop of Oregano on my 9 y/o child's wart daily for 2 weeks. (It did not burn his skin as long as I did not cover it with a bandaid.)  What happened?  The wart slowly dissappeared.  I have to admit I was kind of shocked as I wasn't really sure that I believed it was going to work, but it did.  I can state that from personal experience I found that the Oregano Essential oil that I used from a company called doTerra did work for us. 

 I also used Oregano orally when treating myself for a clogged milk duct that was moving towards mastitis.  Hubby allowed me a small window of opportunity to try a natural solution before he said he was going to insist that I see a doctor (he is much more medically minded than I am).  I had not yet developed a fever but had the telltale signs of my clogged milk duct moving towards mastitits with heat and reddening of the area as well as severe pain. 

I did a lot of research and took 1 drop of Oregano Essential Oil  and 1 drop of Frankincense Essential oil orally twice a day for 48 hours.  I am not kidding when I say it worked.  24 hours later I was at 75% better and by day 2 all signs of infection were gone.  

Therefore, I am a believer in the power of Oregano.  I am planning on stocking up on some of the capsules from the health food store, and I already have the Oregano essential oil I mentioned.

If you are interested in trying the essential oil I use just comment below so we can chat. But, if you are not interested in the oil there are still a number of options for the use of this amazing herb...just please do not ingest oregano essential oil that you purchase from a health food store as it is not marketed as food grade or safe to ingest. (Though the capsules of the dried herb would be a safer option and are marketed as such).

I have to say I love finding information that allows me to be more in control of my own health and the health of my family.

Have you heard a lot recently about essential oils?  It seems that the buzz words are popping up all over the place but what in the world are they really?  

 I have to say my curiosity was peaked about a year ago.  I am into natural and holistic solutions.  I will say that first and foremost.  I prefer to try natural solutions before running to the doctor for medications.  My husband…not so much.  He is part of the medical field and I was raised with a medical mindset.  However, for me, I often have side effects from over the counter medications (I cannot take any kind of cold medications without feeling like my heart is going to race right out of my chest) I have had an anaphylactic reaction to antibiotics before, and for the most part I am the odd ball who would get every side effect mentioned on a pill bottle label.   My solution?  I try to eat whole foods, without  too many indulgences in processed or boxed foods.  I try to live a pretty healthy lifestyle (I do not drink, smoke, or use any drugs).  And, I use natural remedies as my first line of defense, therefore reserving a doctor’s office visit for things I just cannot get a handle on with natural remedies (happening less and less often). 

There, I put it out there, so if there was a continuum of those who are completely all natural to a fault and those who are completely medication driven to a fault I would fall somewhere just left of center leaning towards the natural side.

So, when I kept hearing about Essential oils and how wonderful they were, I was curious, but skeptical.  This led me to the health food store and then to a class or two on learning the basics of Essential Oils.

What exactly is an essential Oil?  It is basically found in the roots, flowers, stems, seeds and sometimes bark of plants.  What it is…the natural oil of the plant.  These oils are distinctive of the plant (think about walking by a rose or pine tree and the powerful aroma you encounter)  These oils provide the plants with a line of defense against diseases and predators and are also involved in pollination of the plant.  It is kind of a misnomer, when you think oil you think greasy or oily, but Essential oils are very crisp and clean and are absorbed by the skin almost instantaneously.  Oils that are pure and uncut have a very crisp smell and range in color from a dark blue (think flowers) to crystal clear.

A perfect home example…take a citrus fruit (lime, lemon or orange) and bend the peel (not the fruit) until you see little sprays of oils…that is essential oil.  Essential Oils are not new they have been around since God created the earth. They were used in ancient Biblical times as trade materials, medicinal compounds, and often used in religious ceremonies.


After going to the classes I mentioned and having a close friend who began using Essential Oils to treat her Lyme disease I wanted to try for myself (see is believing right?)  I started off with Health Food Store grade Lavender Oil.  Here is my post about that from the summer.  I have learned a lot since then and I no longer go to the health food store to buy my essential oils (truth be told the reason the oils are cheaper there is because they are often cut with less than desirable ingredients...that is why they read: do not ingest, for aromatic use only).  Often times they will cause skin sensitivities as well.

I now use Essential oils all the time.  I was able to rid myself of a mastitis infection (I caught it just as I was moving from a clogged milk duct into mastitis) via natural remedies including the use of Frankincense and Oregano oils.  I think that may have helped hubby become more of a believer as well- he saw what happened in a 24 hour period...first hand.

I have used Essential oils to calm bee stings, care for kitchen burns, provide immune support, aid in ear infections, relieve stomach aches (gas, bloating, constipation), aid in cradle cap, help treat excema, aid in sleep, clear congested airways, rid headaches, obliterate warts and so many other areas. 

 I am not indiscriminate in my use as I do understand that these are VERY powerful compounds.  Care and caution should be used for young children and infants with dilution of carrier oils. I am definately convinced that there is something to be said for natural remedies, and for me at least, Essential Oils are an amazing part of a holistic, natural option. This has become so much a truth that I decided to become a distributor for what I found to be the best essential oil company.

If you are curious to know more, let me know with a comment.  I don't profess to know everything, but I am learning and have a family of 7 so I do have lots of occasion to try things out!

I have to admit some skepticism when I kept hearing about the uses of "Essential Oils" I mean what exactly are essential oils and if they work so well...why doesn't everyone already use them??? Let me preface by saying that I already prefer to use natural methods, if they work, before using over the counter or prescription medications.  Don't get me wrong, if I can not find success using natural remedies, I will head to the drugstore.  But, I was kinda curious.  I believe it was my doula who first introduced me to essential oils when I had a newborn with a wicked case of croup.  She advised using a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in the bottom of my tub while I took a hot steamy shower holding my croupy baby.  It was very relieving to baby and since there are no over the counter products to help soothe a congested infant, I was thrilled to have something effective in my arsenol of mom stuff.

But what about all the other oils out there?  Basically Essential oils are just that, the Essential oil that is released when a plant is either distilled or pressed.  Think of peeling an orange and the little squirts of mist that come from the peel when you bend it, that is orange essential oil.  People have used this stuff for as long as time was recorded, oils are mentioned in the Bible for annointing and washing of feet as well as being used for healing and as a trade commodity.

Okay, so I wanted to try some of this stuff out.  I am sold on Lavender and learning uses of all the other oils as well.  However, Lavender is at the top of my list.  I am not plugging a brand but the two up top are what I have in my possession.  I can tell a difference in quality between the two one being more costly then the other and working distinctly better than the less costly.

What do I use it for?  The following are all things that either myself or one of the people in my household has found successfull relief with the use of Lavender:
1. Bug biters (stops the itch)
2. Kitchen burns (takes out the sting)
3. Bee Stings (again for stinging and itching)
4. Itchy red allergy eyes (NOT IN THE EYES! but a dot on either temple and between the eyes)
5. Poison Ivy (helps with the itch)
6. Excema (diluted with an oil like olive or coconut to moisterize and calm the skin)
7. Cradle cap (diluted as above)
8. Soothing for help going to sleep
9. Skinned knees (we have plenty of these... and it DOES NOT sting when applied directly on the skinned knee!) super plus.

I now carry a small bottle in my purse, it has already come in handy while being at a picnic and getting stung by a sweat bee...nasty little booger!

I love my lavender...