Health and Beauty

First of all, you smell fantastic, let's get that out there right away. Over the past few years I've cut down quite a bit on the body products that I buy and even how often I use them.  And I love to find recipes for things I can make for less at home! This recipe is for those of us who want to keep chemicals out of our bodies and keep our underarms fresh and dry. DIY deodorant is made with all organic ingredients, heck, you can even eat it, but don't do that, ok?  

This recipe is super easy; you can even reuse that empty plastic container your last stick of deodorant came in! Or you can buy empty containers and reuse those. I got these from SKS, a bit expensive, but I was making them for gifts. The cardboard tubs are biodegradable and reusable, as well.  

I purchased my ingredients from Starwest Botanicals but your local co-op may have these ingredients in stock.

Organic Ingredients: 

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup baking soda

1/4 cup arrowroot powder

2 tablespoons beeswax

2 tablespoons shea butter

1 teaspoon tea tree oil

1/4 teaspoon essential oil- Bergamot or Lavender are both really nice

Method:

Combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the tea tree oil and the essential oils in a sauce pan over medium heat.

Cook and mix well to combine.

Let cool and thicken a bit, then whisk in the tea tree oil and essential oil.

Pour into a container, reuse your old plastic deodorant container or even a small ball jar with a lid works well.

Use as needed, it will help keep your underarms dry, while moisturizing your skin! 

One of the coolest bloggers in the Berkshires has done a great write-up on Fire Cider, including a new version of the Hot Toddy recipe and a contest where you can win a Fire Cider Gift Box! It's as easy as leaving a comment on her post and you are entered to win!

Here's the beginning of Alana's post; click the link to read the rest on her blog: EatingFromTheGroundUp.com

"Oh, Fire Cider. Where to begin? Let’s start in the Fall of 2011. My friend, Gina, asked me to be a judge at Hancock Shaker Village’s Harvest Festival farmers' market, which basically involved wandering through the shortbread and local honey, trying to take myself very seriously. Sadie helped, trailing along after, whispering about this and that product over my shoulder, peering at my scribbled notes.

I found Amy, Dana and Brian at their little card table, sandwiched on either side by the cloth-wrapped soaps and homemade jams and jellies one usually finds at such a market. I was drawn right to the table for so many reasons–that there were three people under 40 I did not recognize (laugh if you will, but anyone who’s grown up in a small town will understand) and they had this relaxed and glow-y rockstar effect going for them. They were surrounded by little bottles with the most amazing label, and yes, yes, I’m a sucker for a good label. And in the air around their stall, I could pick up notes of ginger, and lemon, and… was that horseradish? Whatever it was, it all came together to create a sort of tractor beam that pulled me in. I was transfixed. Continue reading →