Recipes for a Chemical Free Home

A Frugal Fellow: Thrifty Tip: Manage Your Budget

2012-01-15T15:14:00.000-05:00

A Frugal Fellow: Thrifty Tip: Manage Your Budget: The most important thing you can do when living on a budget might be the simplest- actually have a budget. By listing all of your income and...

Green Babies, Sage Moms

2012-01-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

My niece just had a beautiful baby girl, which started me thinking about all new moms. This blog is for you!

Baby toys:

There has been a lot of discussion lately about the chemicals phthalates and bisphenol-A. Alarmingly and unfortunately, they can be found in many items your baby may be using and actively mouthing every day: teething rings, soft plastic toys, and baby bottles for example.

As with the ingredients in cosmetics, the U.S. does not require manufacturers to disclose ingredients in most nonfood consumer products, so until the do, we will have to be the watchdogs for our children's safety.

RED FLAGS:

soft squishy toys
anything that has a new-plasticky smell
vinyl washable baby books
most soft teethers, especially the water or gel-filled kind that can be put in the freezer.

Fortunately, there are lots of new companies (and some old ones too) making safer options available.
This is from the book Green Babies, Sage Moms by Lynda Fassa.

For hundreds of years, parents have trusted teethers and toys made from wood. Now scientists have documented that wood has natural antibacterial properties.

GREEN FLAGS:

www.rosiehippo.com

www.plantoys.com

www.monkeybeantoys.com

Congratulations to all new moms, and to all moms everywhere. I hope this has been helpful to you.

Natural Healthy Beauty Recipes

2010-12-05T10:43:00.000-05:00

CITRUS COOLER LOTION

4 T. glycerin

40 drops oil of orange
4 T. lemon juice
Combine ingredients in a clean glass bottle. Shake well and refrigerate.

Cocoa Butter Hand Cream

4 tbs. beeswax
4 tbs. cocoa butter
4 tbs. almond oil
Melt together beeswax and cocoa butter. Add almond oil. Mix completely
until smooth. (May use blender). Pour into a pretty pot or jar. Let
harden and it is ready to use or to be given as a gift.

Cuticle Cream

3 tbs. paraffin
1/2 cup mineral oil
1 tbs. coconut oil
1 tbs. glycerin
Slowly heat paraffin with the oils in a double boiler. Stir until blended.
Add in the glycerin and remove from heat. Let cool before using.

Fall Harvest Massage Oil

2010-10-11T17:57:00.000-04:00

Fall Harvest Massage Oil
12 tsp. grapeseed oil
6 drops bergamot oil
2 drops cardamom oil
2 drops jasmine oil
1 drop orange blossom oil
This is a citrus-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a
small bottle and seal well. Warm up oil before doing any massage.

Use Natural Ingredients to Make Your Own Cuticle and Nail Moisturizer

2010-09-21T13:09:00.000-04:00

PERFECT MOISTURIZING HAND CREAM

The proportions of this creme are about one part oil base to one part water, essential oils, and vitamins. In the oil base ingredients, the proportions should be approximately two parts liquid oil to one part solid oil.

Top water is not recommended in the water ingredients because it can sometimes introduce bacteria to your creme that results in the growth of mold. If using aloe vera, the creme will be more dense but very moisturizing.

Oil-based Ingredients

3/4 cup (180 ml) apricot oil and/or almond oil

1/2 cup (125 ml) coconut oil and/or cocoa butter

1 teaspoon (5ml) anhydrous lanolin

1/2 ounce (15g) grated beeswax

Water, Essential Oils, and Vitamins

2/3 cup 150 ml) distilled water, rose water, or orange flower water

1/3 cup (75 ml) aloe vera gel

A few drops of the essential oil of your choice

Vitamins A and E (optional)

To Make

1. Heat the oil base ingredients over low heat in a double boiler until the solid oils are melted. Stir gently to mix well.

2. Pour the oil mixture into glass measuring cup and cool to room temperature. The mixture should become thick, creamy, semisolid, and creme-colored. When completely cooled, you are ready for the next step.

3. Place the water, aloe, essential oil, and vitamins in a blender,

4. When most of the oil base mixture has been added and the cream resembles a butter-cream frosting (you may not need to use all of the oil base mixture), turn off the blender. Do not over beat. The cream should be rich and thick and continue to thicken as it sets up.

5. Pour into cream jars, label and store in a cool place.

Thanks to Rosemary Gladstar and Sage Mountain Herbs for sharing this recipe.

Citrus and Mint Facial Toner Recipe.

2010-09-16T13:07:00.000-04:00

You will get a salon quality facial toner for a fraction of the price with this wonderful recipe.

Ingredients

Alcohol is a common ingredient in toners. However, because alcohol can exacerbate dryness, people with parched skin may wish to leave it out of their recipe. Instead, they can substitute it for an equal amount of witch hazel. Under no circumstances should you use rubbing alcohol in your recipe since it is a potential skin, eye, and sinus irritant. Instead, I recommend using vodka.

Recipe

Mix 6-drops each of lemon, orange, and mint essential oils in 1-cup of distilled water. Add one tablespoon of vodka or witch hazel. Once you have assembled all your ingredients, locate a container to store the toner in. Most drug stores sell small spray bottles and plastic containers that will work well.

Use a funnel to transfer the liquid into your final container. Secure the lid and you are ready to use your refreshing facial creation.

How to Use Your Toner

You should use your toner every day after you wash your face and before you apply moisturizer. It can also be used conveniently throughout the day. I would recommend saturating a clean cotton ball with toner and wiping it over the entire face. Repeat the process with new cotton balls until you can see no more traces of dirt on them. In this way, you more effectively wipe away residue. However, if you just want to decrease shine in between cleansings, try applying toner with a fine mist spray bottle. Just be sure to close your eyes tightly if you do so since the ingredients sting when they get into the eyes.

You will also get to enjoy your citrus mint toner's uplifting scent every time you use it. For everyone who craves the feeling of salon pampering but also loves a bargain, this is an ideal recipe to try.

Make Your Own Cutting Board Sanitizer

2010-09-12T16:14:00.000-04:00

Cutting boards are kitchen essentials. Use whatever board you are comfortable with, but keep in mind that Bamboo is one of the most durable and sustainable materials for cutting boards.

A Bamboo cutting board should be treated like one made of wood: Don't submerge it in water, and massage it with vegetable oil from time to time.

1/4 cup 3 % hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
4 drops grapefruit seed extract
4 drops essential oil of oregano
1 tablespoon baking soda

Mix the hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, grapefruit seed extract, and essential oil of oregano in spay bottle or bowl.
Sprinkle the baking soda on the cutting board.
Spray the board with or dunk a clean sponge in the mixture and scrub the board. It should fizz up a storm.
Wipe the board thoroughly with fresh water before using it.

Body Spritzer

2010-09-08T18:09:00.000-04:00

Body Spritzer

Add water or witch hazel to a spray bottle and add several drops of your favorite Essential Oil depending on how strong you want it (about 2-10 drops per ounce of water or witch hazel). Be sure to do a patch test to make sure you do not have any problems with the oil you have selected. Shake the bottle often while you spray as the water and oil will separate. Can be used head to toe (Do not spray it in your eyes or other sensitive places, of course).

Wonderful Hair Conditioner

2010-08-31T15:38:00.000-04:00

WONDERFUL HAIR CONDITIONER (non-toxic, of course).
All of our recipes are chemical free for natural beauty!

1 teaspoon almond oil
1 teaspoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together and stir thoroughly.
Massage into your hair and scalp.
Wrap your hair in plastic wrap or use a plastic shower cap
and leave the conditioner on your hair for 15 minutes.
Shampoo your hair as usual and rinse well.

This will yield 2 ounces, enough for one treatment.

Make Your Own Basic Wood Cleaner

2010-08-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

BASIC WOOD CLEANER

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap
A few drops jojoba or olive oil

Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Saturate a sponge with the mixture. Squeeze out the excess, and wash surfaces of tired and dirty wood. Dry with a soft cloth.

Natural Laundry Recipes

2010-04-15T13:03:00.000-04:00

Laundry Detergent Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Fabric softener To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying clothing is another alternative.

Stain remover 1 cup water, ½ cup baking soda, ½ cup hydrogen peroxide. Mix the ingredients and pour into spray bottles. Treat the stain spot and soak overnight.

Grass stain remover Dab a generous amount of vinegar into the stain first, was as usual. You can also wet the stain with water and cover with sugar. Soak for at least 1 hour and then wash as usual.

Mildew stains First, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the spots then sprinkle with salt. Let the garment dry in the sun then wash as usual.

Perspiration stains Combine a solution of water and vinegar in a 60/40 split quantity. Sponge onto the stain and wash as usual. Alternately mix the same ingredients using 1 quart warm water with 4 tablespoons salt and soak the garment in it. Wash as usual.

Peppermint and Orange Body Scrub

2009-09-20T18:03:00.000-04:00

1 pound of sea salt (fine to medium grain)

1 oz sunflower oil

3 oz jojoba oil

2 oz liquid soap base

1/4 teaspoon peppermint essential oil

1/3 teaspoon blood orange essential oil

2 teaspoons dried raspberry seeds

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and transfer into desired packaging.

Did you know?

2009-08-29T16:54:00.000-04:00

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that more than 150 chemicals found in ordinary household cleaning products are directly responsible for producing cancer, allergies, birth defects, and numerous psychological disorders.

Along with Natural Cleaning products, think about using HEPA Filtered Vacuum Cleaners, as well as, Hypoallergenic Micro-Fiber cloths and mop heads.

How to Make a Creamy Soft Scrubber.

1. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough pure Castile Soap to make a texture like frosting.

2. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. It rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit

Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist.

How to Make an All-Purpose SPRAY CLEANER

1. ½ teaspoon washing soda

2. A dab of pure Castile Soap

3. 2 Cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

Vinegar Recipe Ideas

2009-08-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

Vinegar Recipe Ideas

Add a small amount of vinegar to your sink dishwater when washing greasy pots and pans, and it will help cut the grease.

Clean out mineral deposits in your coffee pot by pouring in 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Follow up with a full carafe of plain water.

Pour a cup of vinegar into the bottom of your dishwasher when you are ready to run it through a full cycle. The vinegar will deodorize, sanitize and make the dishes and glasses sparkle.
Spray vinegar full strength on tile and grout. Let sit for a few minutes, then use a scrub brush to brighten grout. Vinegar will help reduce mildew in the bathroom.

Recipes for a Chemical Free Home

2009-01-10T23:41:00.000-05:00

Recipes for a Chemical Free Home
Healthy Beauty Recipes

Nail & Hand Care

For dry nails
2 tsp. gelatin
1/2 glass fruit juice
mix together, drink at once
repeat daily for atleast 6 weeks. Regularly, soak fingernails in a bowl of warmed olive
oil for about 5 min. Dry with soft towel, gently pushing back cuticles.

Dill And Horsetail Nail Bath
2 tb (30ml) chopped horsetail
2 tb (30ml) dill seed
1 c (225ml) boiling water
Pour the water over the two herbs and steep for at least an hour.
Strain the liquid into a bottle. Both these herbs contain silicic acid, which helps to
strengthen nails. Warm the mixture before using and soak your nails in it for ten
minutes every other day.

For weak nails
Massage wheat germ oil into cuticles.
Fingernail Treatments
1) Beat 1 egg yolk in a small bowl. Soak fingernails for 5 minutes. Rinse.
2) Forget the Palmolive Madge! Make a solution of pure castile soap and water in a
large bowl, soak hands and nails for about 10-15 minutes.

Dill & Horsetail Nail Soak
2 Tbsp chopped horsetail herb
2 Tbsp dill seeds
1 cup boiling water
Pour water over herbs, steep for 1-2 hours. Strain and bottle. To use: warm some of
the solution, pour into a small bowl, soak nails for 10 minutes.

Lady's Mantle Hand Mask
2 Tbsp finely ground oatmeal
1Tbsp lady's mantle infusion
1 tsp avocado oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp glycerin
Mix all to form a smooth paste. Apply to hands at bedtime. Leave on for 1/2 hour,
wash off and apply moisturizing cream overnight (wear gloves) Wash off in the
morning.

Cornmeal Hands Mask
Mix 1/4 cup corn meal with 3 Tbsp. milk. Heat over low heat until a paste forms. Add
1 drop almond oil. Let cool. Spread on hands, leave on for about 10 minutes. Rinse.

Lady's Mantle Hand Lotion
2 Tbsp of a strong infusion of lady's mantle
2 Tbsp glycerin
2 tsp carrageen moss (Irish Moss) melted in a little hot water
4 Tbsp vodka
10 drops essential oil of rose or geranium
Stir glycerin into melted moss. Add essential oil to vodka, then blend into the
glycerin mixture. Stir in lady's mantle infusion, blend well. Pour into jar, cap tightly.
Shake before using.

Heavy Duty Barrier Cream
4 Tbsp Unpetroleum Jelly (available in natural foods stores)
2 handfuls fresh elderflowers
Melt jelly, add elderflowers. Steep for 45 minutes, reheating the jelly when it
solidifies. Reheat until mixture is liquified, strain through a fine sieve into a jar. Cool,
then cap tightly.

Heavy Duty Gardeners Hand Cream
2 Tablespoons of shaved beeswax
1/2 Teaspoon of carnuba wax
2 Tablespoons of jojoba oil
1 Teaspoon of aloe vera gel
10 drops of Vitamin E oil ( or 4 capsules)
1 drop of your favorite essentail oil for fragrance
Melt the first four ingredients in a stainless steel pot on the stove or use a glass
pyrex cup in the microwave. Remove from heat and beat until cool, adding the
Vitamin E oil before mixture thickens. Continue beating until this mixture becomes
creamy. Add your favorite essential oil, continue beating until cream has completely
cooled. Spoon your cream into a jar, store in a cool dark place.

Banana Hand & Foot Cream
Dry hands and feet will become smooth and soft overnight if you mix:
Bananas
Honey
Lemon juice
Natural margarine
Smear on hands and wear white gloves to bed. Wash off in the morning. For dry
feet, smear the mixture on and wear heavy socks to bed, wash off in the morning.

Wheatgerm Hot Oil Fingernail Treatment
Soak fingernails in warmed wheat germ oil for about 5 minutes. Wipe off oil, then
massage nails. Strengthens weak and brittle nails.

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