DI.Y. Lip Balm and Herbal Salve

Burt's Bees has been our favorite lip balm for some time now.

It works great and a lot of stores carry it.

The only bad thing is, at least for me, is the price.

I try to keep one in the car, in my purse, one in Bubby's coat

and in Sissy's purse.

But! we are always loosing them!!

That can get real expensive fast.

I don't know about you, but I need my Chapstick!

Probably about a year ago I bought some stuff to make lip balm and some

herbal salve.

I had totally forgotten about it until I found the stuff during Christmas.

While the kids were on their Christmas break, I thought it would be a perfect

time to put this stuff to use.

I got these recipe from Learningherbs.com

You can go on youtube and watch the video, which is what we did.

First thing you have to do is make an infused oil.

You need:

2 small mason jars

dried calendula flower (lip balm)

dried comfrey (herbal salve)

sweet almond oil (lip balm)

extra virgin olive oil (herbal salve)

Fill the jar halfway with the dried calendula flower.

The comfrey is for the salve. I forgot to take pictures of that,

so if you want to just make the lip balm, skip the comfrey directions.

If making the salve, fill the other jar half way with the dried comfrey.

Next, cover the calendula with sweet almond oil, until it's completely covered.

do the same with the comfrey except using olive oil.

Then give it a good stir. (don't use the same utensil)

Let set on counter top for at least three weeks.

Make sure and shake the jar once or twice a day.

When the three weeks are up, go ahead and strain your oil.

You will need one cup of oil.

If you have a little less, just add some almond oil to it

until it makes a cup.

Same with the comfrey using olive oil.

Foe the lip balm, melt 2 oz of beeswax in a double broiler.

I ordered my ingredients from Moutain Rose Herbs.

(I'll get back to the salve later)

When the wax is all melted, add the calendual infused oil.

Stir until it's smooth.

Remove from heat and pour in 1 1/4 tsp of peppermint essential oil

and stir.

Quickly pour into the containers.

It is a little messy, but it's easy to clean.

Once you have done that, leave lids off until

completely cooled.

This made 24 lip balm and 2 round containers of lip balm.

For the salve

Melt 1 oz of beeswax, in a double broiler.

When melted add one cup of comfrey infused oil.

Mix until smooth.

Remove from heat and add 1 tsp of Lavender essential oil

and stir.

Quickly pour into a some glass or metal containers.

This oil can be used in place of Neosporin.

Good Luck! ;-)

Christmas Morning Breakfast

Our family LOVES Crepes, so this year I decided to make crepes for

Christmas morning.

You can't go wrong with strawberries, chocolate and cream cheese

right??

All you need is

1 1/2 c. flour

1 Tbs sugar

2 c. warm milk

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 Tbs melted butter

Mix ingredients together and pour 1/4 c. batter

into skillet and swirl around until batter is thin.

(your crepe batter should be runny)

right before it starts to turn brown flip it over

and let it cook just for a few seconds.

We found that it was easier to flip using chop sticks ( lol )

These are so yummy!!!!

We couldn't make them fast enough.

You can add what ever filling you want.

the kids favorite is Nutella and strawberries, with

whip cream on top.

My favorite is Mascarpone cheese and yogurt with strawberries.

1/2 c. mascarpone cheese

1/2 c. yogurt

1/4 c. raw honey.

This can easily be doubled.

Merry Christmas ;-)

My Online Christmas List 2011

WOW!!! Did I miss you guys!!!!

It's been a while since I've blogged. My pearfect life has been crazy to say the least.

I enjoyed the break, but missed talking with all of you too much and I'm soooo glad to be back!!

Alright! enough of the mushy mushy stuff. Lets get to it :-)

I am assuming you know how close Christmas is, and if you don't,

WAKE UP!!!! it's right around the corner ;)

If your not stressed out yet, then, your missing out on all the fun!! jkjk

It's always been my goal not to be stressed out in December, and just try to

go with it. That is easier said than done.

The month is CRAMED pack with stuff to do and people to see.

Oh! not to mention the whole making memories thing.

Thank God! for Amazon this year.

I'm telling ya'll right now

Amazon is the way to go. I ordered just about everything through them,

and the greatest part was, I did it all while I was in my p.j's :-)))))

SO! I thought you guys would like to see whats on my Christmas list for

2011.

Confession Time! My name is Tessa and I'm a Gym Junnkie!

It's true I'm addicted to the endorphin rush and hanging with my gym buddies :-)

If your the same way then you will love these New Balance minimus shoes. I already own a black pair, but I put a gray pair on the list.

I will let you in on a secret. This is a minimalist shoe which means its a lot like working out barefoot. Which many believe is better for you. You will feel it in your calves for sure. So take it slow with these shoes, they are a lot different than your regular ones, but have great results.

Am I the only person that feels guilty for going into the

store, with a reusable shopping bag, that has another stores name on it?

This should solve that problem. These bags are from reuseit.com

They have great reviews and will eliminate the shame of other store branding. We now can shop with our heads held high ;-)

I've been reading a lot about these Negative Ion Bracelets by LifeStrength.

It's suppose to be good for your health and well being. Can't wait to find out ;-)

"I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!!!"

(from the movie elf)

I'm completely in love with these boots.

I guess these boots have been around for a while.

I'm just now finding out about them, and I have to have a pair.

Good thing my hubby know just what to get me. Or at least he will on

Christmas day (wink, wink)

I want to strart making our own dairy free yogurt, and this one had great reviews.

This isn't on my list, I actually own a pair, and their AWESOME!

These gloves work with your iphone.

In other words, no more taking your gloves off to answer a call or to text.

Cool right? My nose is SOOO thankful! (: iphone user Joke :)

If you don't have these on your Christmas list,

DO IT NOW!!!

I ordered mine through Moosejaw .

Takeya tea maker with jacket.

I REALLY want this!

We make a lot of tea in our house and this would be

PERFECT!

Plus it comes with a cute little jacket to keep the tea warm. (Precious)

My son wants SkyLander for Wii.

Evidently it's a big deal.

This is on my daughter list, the Kindle Fire.

Looks really cool. A perfect gift for any age.

Well guys thats my list and I hope it helps you with yours.

Until the next time (: sooner than later... I promise :) Happy Ordering!

Merry Christmas!!

Hand Sanitizer

This is another recipe from Gorgeously Green.

I have to admit I'm definitely one of those who have been suckered

in to the hand sanitizing smells from Bath and Body Works.

I even bought some for my daughter and her friends. ( bad mommy )

They just smell so good and were so cute!

I had no idea how bad that stuff was for our skin and our bodies.

I now know, anything you put on your skin will make it's way into your body.

Make sure you read the labels on the back of the bottles.

I have another confession to make.

Not only was I buying those "other" hand sanitizers,

I started buying the healthier version and was spending 5.00 for a

tiny bottle....FIVE DOLLARS PEOPLE!!!!!!!

That is way to much money for hand sanitizer.

When I saw Gorgeously Green had a recipe for hand sanitizer

I knew I had to try it and share with all of you.

Hand Sanitizer:

2 Tbs distilled water

2 Tbs vodka ( i used witch hazel )

1 tsp aloe vera juice ( trader joes or whole foods )

1 tsp vegetable glycerine ( whole foods )

2 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil ( 100% )

2 drops clove bud

2 drops rosemary

2 drops eucalyptus

2 drops cinnamon leaf

Pour into a small spray bottle and your all set.

The best way to store your oils or products you have made with the oils

is to store them in a dark bottle, because they are light sensitive.

I couldn't find small dark spray bottles at the store. I will probably

order some in the near future. But for the time being I'm going

to use the lighter bottles and most purses and backpacks are dark inside.

The oils should be fine.

If you don't like the smell of this oil blend, you can mix it up however

you want.

Thats what I did for Ashlyn, she doesn't like the smell of the cloves.

Just make sure which ever oils you use that one of them is eucalyptus

or tea tree oil. They are super germ fighters.

Good luck with all ya'lls product making.

ENJOY!!

Mouthwash

If you are like me, you are probably on a "budget"

Trying to live a more healthier lifestyle can get expensive.

Trust me!

I am determine NOT to throw in the towel just because of

the"Price" of trying to be healthy.

One of the ways in saving money is making as much stuff

as you can yourself.

Which will not only save you money, but allow

you to buy other things you need.

You will have to devote some time in your kitchen.

Maybe set aside one day a week to get all your stuff made,

so you can enjoy the rest of the week.

I have been glued to Gorgeously Green she has a fantastic blog.

One of the things I like most about her, is she gives tips and recipes

on how to do it yourself.

I have two of her books and just ordered her newest one this morning.

I could go on and on about this stuff but I want (your welcome )

Alright girls! this recipe I got from the Gorgeously Green,

I'm so excited to share it with you.

Once you start buying your essential oils (make sure they are 100%)

You will start saving money by making your own products.

First Recipe, Mouthwash.

1/2 c. distilled water (has to be distilled)

1 c. aloe juice ( whole foods or trader joes)

2 Tbs baking soda

1 Tbs witch hazel ( cvs, target or whole foods)

20 drops peppermint essential oil (whole foods or mountain rose herbs)

Pour into a container and give it a good shake to mix it all up.

I used mine this morning and love it!

If you have ever tried some of the other organic mouthwash, you will appreciate the

taste of this one. ( those others..YUCK!!)

Homemade Mouthwash ;-)

Note: The reason for using distilled water is, your

homemade products will last longer.

Make sure and check back tomorrow I have another exciting recipe.

Girls!! it is up to us to make a difference in our families and I believe

WE CAN DO IT!!

Breath Relief Rub

This is a great alternative to vicks vapor rub.

I used this on my son while he was sick and

it really worked.

When we would bring out the vicks bottle, my kids would always

start yelling "not that stuff" (LOL)

When I used the homemade version,

my son actually said "mom it's working" (doing my mommy smile)

Using the homemade version is way healthier than using vicks.

I got this recipe over @ smilinggreenmom.com

This is a great website with lots of information

on living a greener life.

Breath Relief Rub Recipe:

2 oz grapeseed oil

15 drops eucalyptus essential oil

10 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix together and store in a jar.

ENJOY!!

Menu Plan

Monday: Turkey Burgers, Coleslaw and Baked Fries

Tuesday: Homemade pizza

Wednesday: Hot wings

Thursday: Baked Chicken and Veggies

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Taco Salad