Thursday, 14 March 2013

Homemade Deodorant

This isn't an anti-perspirant at all, but if you do perspire you won't start to smell. It also won't discolour or stain your clothing.


What you will need
INGREDIENTS
-¼ cup (60ml) Baking Soda (Soda Bicarb)
-¼ cup (60ml) corn starch, chick pea flower or arrowroot powder (arrowroot powder is best, but I couldn't find it and I didn't want to use corn starch as I'm not sure about GMOs so I went with chick pea flour)
-5 tablespoons of coconut oil (semi-soft state – refrigerate or leave out at room temperature to adjust).
-(Ladies version)15 drops of essential oil. (I mix 2/3 drops each of Rose Geranium, Naouli, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Lavender and Rosemary).
-(Gentlemen's version15 drops of essential oil. (I mix 3 drops each of Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint and Rosemary). Then, in a separate bottle, I mix a drop each of Cinnamon and Clove essential oil in a bit of olive oil. These two oils are very strong so pour a few drops of this mixture in to your preference.
(A drop of two of this oil can be used for your toothpaste as well).



Put the dry ingredients into a jar and mix. Add the coconut oil bit by bit, working it into the powder. The end result should be like icing sugar, slightly liquid, but pretty much able to hold it's shape (depending on how hot/cold the day/room is).


Not too thick, not too runny
If it’s still too runny, you can add more dry ingredients by the teaspoon (just mix them half/half). Depending on the climate it may not set at all or it might be grainy, but it will apply fine either way and the anti-bacterial properties of the coconut oil exist whether it’s liquid or solid. The lavender and rosemary are also anti-bacterial and work wonders if you are already sweaty.

To apply, simply rub a pea-sized portion into your armpits. The mixture will melt into your skin and won't stain your clothes. No nasty white marks either.  One application should last the whole day, but a second dab should do the trick on sweltering days.


Put the finished mixture into a small leakproof jar with a lid to put in your bag. I tried re-using a roll on container, but I don't want to use a microwave it to melt it so I just use an old eye cream jar and a scoop I made by cutting up an old Kinder Egg scoop. Much easier!



Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Homemade Household Cleaner

What you will need
[Thanks to Loren for finding this recipe on the internet! Here is my version]

Don't throw away your empty mayonnaise jar, wash it and use it for making this super easy and seriously awesome chemical free household cleaner.

Chop up the lemons and peel
Left = before (1 lemon),
Right = after 10 days (2 lemons)
Hot water & lemon daily
Chop up one lemon and put the peels in the jar. (FYI you can freeze and use the insides for hot water and lemon every morning - very healthy!).
Fill the jar with white spirit vinegar. 
Close the lid, shake if you wish, and leave it to diffuse for at least 10 days.

Shake the mixture well and then pour it into a 300ml spray bottle.

One mayonnaise jar should give you just a bit more than 2x300ml bottles.


Add these essential oils for each 300ml bottle:
2 drops of Pine Essential Oil
1 drop of Rosemary Essential Oil
1 drop of Lavender Essential Oil
1 drop of Lemongrass Essential Oil.


Shake well. Use. Enjoy! :)

It lifts grease and cleans your house so unbelievably well!

(PS It smells great when you spray it, but it's pretty strong if you smell it directly in the bottle ;)
So easy to make and works so well I've made labels
& give as gifts


You can refill an old cleaner bottle or fill your own