Cocoa Butter Honey Lip Balm

Cocoa Butter Honey Lip Balm


Here's a quick rainy day project! DIY Lip Balm. This recipe is much like the other lip balms posted but uses olive oil and cocoa butter, which are both great moisturizers.

What you'll need:
2 tbls. olive oil
1/2 tsp. honey
3/4 tsp. beeswax — grated
1/2 tsp. pure cocoa butter
Essential oil of your choice (optional, mostly for scent purposes)
2-3 drops Vitamin E Moisturizer


Directions:
1. In a double boiler setup melt the  honey, olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter.
2. After the mixture is melted remove from heat and let cool for up to 3 minutes.
3. Stir in Vitamin E. Then, pour mixtures into lip balm containers.

This recipe is modified from one off of the daily green.
Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/diy-natural-beauty-products-recipes-461108#ixzz1xgDzmwzm

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent


What you'll need:
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbps salt
1 tbps washing soda
10-15 drops essential oil


Directions
1. In a saucepan combine water and vinegar over medium heat
2. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk it together
3. Allow mixture to cool and pour into container

Coconut Milk Shampoo

Coconut Milk Shampoo


As consumers we are used to shampoos that suds up and have a strong fresh scent. Little are we aware the suds that give us a nice feeling that our hair is getting clean are a marketing effect. Shampoo is another product that I tried making previously, and the outcome resulted in thickening my already thick hair and darkening and stiffening my hair. The coconut milk shampoo had some results of making some hair types waxy, but others noticed no difference, or it left their hair feeling softer than normal. It is, however, safer for your hair and the septic system! Give it a shot; you just could be finding a way to save money and preventing poor health.

What you'll need:
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup liquid castile soap
10-20 drops essential oil


Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients into an old shampoo container or jar
2. Shake well

*Use 1-2 tsp per use; wash hair as you normally would

Basic Lotion Bar

Basic lotion Bar

The concept of a lotion in bar form seems foreign. However, after making the lotion bar I have realized it is easy to use for a quick moisturizer without getting your hands all lotiony. It also is great to use after getting out of the shower, or first thing in the morning.

What you'll need:
2 oz Beeswax
1 oz Almond Oil
1 oz cocoa butter
Essential Oil
Vitamin E Oil

Directions:
1. Melt Beeswax and cocoa butter on the stove in a double boiler
2. Remove from heat once melted
3. Add the almond oil, essential oil, and vitamin e oil (vitamin e oil and essential oil amounts depend on personal preference for scent)


4. Pour mixture into a mold or muffin tin and let sit and harden before use.

Make up Remover Wipes

Make up Remover Wipes


The make up wipes are easy to make and contain the same ingredients as the liquid make up remover, just in wipe form. They are easy to use and work great!

What you'll need:
4 cups distilled water
Canister
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 tablespoons Castile Baby mild Liquid Soap

6 Tablespoons Olive Oil

*If the ratio of ingredients does not work accurately add more of one for your personal preference

Directions:
1. Cut Paper towel roll in half
2. Heat distilled water
3. Heat coconut oil
4. Mix castile soap and olive oil in canister
5. When Coconut oil is melted and distilled water heated, pour into canister
6. Mix ingredients
7. Place half paper towel roll in canister to soak

*After a few hours drain almost all excess water so the wipes do not deteriorate.
**Distilled water is used to prevent mold; use for up to two weeks.

Baby Wipes

Baby Wipes


It is important that prevention and a healthy lifestyle start early in life. These baby wipes are 100% natural and safe for use on babies.

What you'll need:
1 Role of Paper towels
Container of Canister
4 cups Distilled Water
2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
1-2 Squirts of Castile Liquid Baby Mild Soap

Directions:
1. Cut Paper towel roll in half
2. Heat Distilled water
3. Melt Coconut Oil
4. Pour water, melted coconut oil, and baby soap into container and place half the paper towel roll in container
5. After a few hours of soaking pour out any extra water but leave a little remaining at the bottom

Coconut oil- Natural antifungal, antibacterial, and soothing

*The use of distilled water is to prevent the wipes from molding

**Wipes stay good for a few weeks; if you will not use a whole half a roll, use paper towels until you get to your desired amount.

Jasmine Almond Lotion

Jasmine Almond Lotion


To my surprise, lotion is more complicated to make than one might think. The Jasmine almond lotion was my third attempt at making lotion. The first lotion I attempted was a whipped coconut butter lotion, and the lotion was found to be greasy. If it had not dried, it would get grease on clothing. The second lotion I attempted was a Lemon Shea Butter Lotion. This lotion works as a lotion, but it is in a solid form, and it's not supposed to be! The Jasmine Almond Lotion is more runny than a regular lotion and may seem sticky at first, but it has a great scent and works wonderfully.

What you'll need:
1/8 teaspon borax
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 cup sweet almond oil
1 tablespoon grated beeswax
3-5 Drops Vitamin E Oil
Up to 10 drops of essential oil (Jasmine)

Directions:
1. Combined borax and distilled water in a bowl
2. Heat almond oil and beeswax until melted
3. When the almond oil and beeswax is almost melted, heat water and borax mixture
4. Once heated and melted, slowly pour borax and water into the beeswax mixture while stirring
5. Allow to cool and add essential oils and Vitamin E.

*The cooling process takes at least a few hours. Once cooled, mix and store in refrigerator until beginning of use, good for up to 2 weeks.

This recipe is a moderation of a recipe from the app "Bath Recipes"

Dishwasher Powder

Dishwasher Powder:

What you'll need:
Borax
Washing Soda
White Vinegar
Container

Directions
1. Combine equal amounts of borax and washing soda into a container

*Use 1-2 tbsp per load (personal preference) & add 1 tbsp of white vinegar into same spot of dishwasher for shine

Liquid Laundry Detergent

Liquid Laundry Detergent

What you'll need:
-1 cup liquid castile soap
-1/4 cup aloe vera gel
-1/4 cup white vinegar
-1/2 cup water
-10-15 drops lemon essential oil

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients into a container and shake well

*Mix well before each use
**Use about 1/4 cup per load
***Works best for clothes that are not heavily soiled

Homemade Dish Soap

Homemade Dish Soap 


What you'll need:
-1 cup  liquid Castile Soap
-3 tbsp water
-a few drops of essential oil (if you are using unscented castile soap)

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together and pour into old dish soap container

Nana's Soap Scum Be Gone

Nana's Soap Scum Be Gone


This recipe works better than products purchased at a store to remove soap scum. This recipe is found originally from Rawsome Nana-Green Cleaning.

What you'll need:
-1 cup Baking Soda
-1 cup White Vinegar
-2 tbsp Dr. Bronner's baby mild liquid castile soap
-5-10 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions:
1. Mix all together in a glass container of spray bottle

*To Clean Toilet: pour in, let sit, then scrub

**To clean sink & tub: fill with enough water to make a lather, use cloth to scrub dirt, use rag to dry, add fresh lemon juice for a shine

Honey Lemon Lip Balm

Honey Lemon Lip Balm:


What you'll need:
-2 tbsp Olive Oil
-1/2 tsp honey
-3/4 tsp grated beeswax
-1/2 tsp cocoa butter
-Lemon Essential Oil
-Vitamin E oil

Directions:
1. Double boiler set up, melt oil honey wax and butter over low heat
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool
3. Mix in lemon essential oil and vitamin E oil
 4. Pour into lip balm containers.





















*This recipe was based on an iphone app known as Bath Recipes 

Jasmine Febreeze Alternative

Jasmine Febreeze Alternative:


After researching many organic recipes found for febreeze, I found that most of the contained the use of vodka. Since I am doing this project for my school, I decided to substitute the use of vodka for rubbing alcohol which works just as well. Also, the Jasmine essential oil can be substituted for any essential oil that you would prefer for your home. I also chose to purchase my baking soda at a natural food store simply because it contains less aluminum then regular baking soda.


What you'll need:
1 Cup distilled Water
2 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp rubbing alcohol
20-30 drops Jasmine essential oil

Directions:
1. Combined all the products into a recycled spray bottle.

*Since this product is organic, take into consideration that separation is natural; you may need to shake the spray before each use.

Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner

Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner:


This is a simple all-purpose cleaner that is cheap, organic, and effective. The citrus All-Purpose Cleaner takes little effort to make and is simple for busy households.

This product works great on countertops, sinks, and tables

What you will need:
Glass Jar and Cover
White distilled Vinegar
Orange Peels

Directions:
1. Fill jar about half full with vinegar (may add more later)
2. Add orange peels to the jar & leave jar sitting in the windowsill where sun can hit for two weeks
3. After two weeks, strain out oranges and pour your citrus all-purpose cleaner into a spray bottle.

*Saving up a few oranges worth of orange peels before starting project may work best
** You may add oranges or vinegar as you'd like during the course of the two weeks

Bleach Alternative

Bleach Alternative


Bleach is a product found in many households for a variety of purposes. It is common knowledge that bleach removes color or stains from clothes and clean toilets, kitchen sinks, and bathrooms. Bleach is known to brighten and remove odor from a large range of materials. It's great, right? What is not always thought about when choosing bleach to clean houses is its harmful effect in contact with skin and eyes.
Bleach can cause irritation to eyes, the respiratory system, and throat, if breathed or in contact with. If any amount of bleach gets mixed with ammonia or any other cleaning product, it releases a toxic dangerous fume to the air we breathe.

Having a bleach alternative is beneficial in many ways; it is safer for homes, humans, and the environment.

What you'll need:
-1 1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
-1 jug Distilled water
-1/2 Cup White Vinegar OR Lemon Juice
-15 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil

Directions:
1. In a gallon jug, or large recycled container add hydrogen peroxide, essential oil, and vinegar
2. Fill the remaining space in jug with distilled water

*Can be used to clean bath tubs, sinks, toilets
**add 1 cup to laundry load for a brighter result
*** For deep stains soak clothing in bucket or sink with Bleach alternative

Eye Makeup Remover

Eye Makeup Remover:

What you’ll need:

1 Cup distilled water

¼ tsp Dr. Bronner’s unscented baby-mild soap

1 tsp olive oil

Glass Jar

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake well.

For use: Dip cotton ball or q-tip into mixture and remove eye make up as you normally would. After, wipe your eyes with a dry cloth.  

Lavender Glass Cleaner

Lavender Glass Cleaner

What you'll need:
1/2 Cup Dried Lavender (or thyme)
1 Cup White Vinegar
1/2 Cup Water

Directions:
1. Combine Dried Lavender and White Vinegar in a jar and cover with a lid
2. Store for 2 weeks in a dark, cool, place for two weeks
*Shake jar every few days so contents won't settle
3. AFTER two weeks strain the mixture through a coffee filter
4. Transfer into plastic spray bottle and add 1/2 cup water


*For use: spray directly onto glass then wipe with newspaper for a streak-free shine

Small Space Air Freshener

Small Space Air Freshener 


This product is easy to use, cheap to make, and smells great.
It you have a small cupboard, fridge, or bathroom that needs a fresh smell, try out this recipe

What you will need:
Baking Soda
Essential Oil of your choice (I have used Lemon)
Small Container or glass Jar

Directions:
1. Fill Container about 1/4 full of baking soda
2. Add 10-15 drops of an essential oil

Cover container with plastic wrap or foil and poke holes in it to release scent.
You may leave the container uncovered if it is more convenient

*Shake the product every so often to keep the fresh smell present

Peppermint Toothpaste

Peppermint Toothpaste
As  mentioned at the start of my blog, there are many HARMFUL chemicals put into toothpaste. Some of the chemicals, such as glycerin glycol, are also used in Antifreeze. A chemical that is used in cars is not a chemical that should be in our bodies, or used in  a product that is used for one's personal care! The Top Ten Dangerous Toothpaste Ingredients- TopTenz.net , is proof that toothpaste isn't as "clean" as one would think for a product that is used to clean our teeth and mouth. Much like making the DIY Laundry Detergent and many of the other green cleaning and personal care products, making your own toothpaste is cheap and efficient. Below is a method of making your own toothpaste that will allow you to avoid using toothpaste with ingredients from the "top ten dangerous toothpaste ingredients":

What you will Need:
3 tbsp Coconut Oil
3 tbsp Baking Soda
25 drops of Peppermint (or your personal choice) Essential Oil
2 tsp. Vegetable Glycerin (Optional)

Directions
1. Mash Baking Soda and Coconut oil in a bowl until mixed well
2. Add the remaining ingredients by mashing into the baking soda, coconut oil mixture

*Scoop toothpaste into a glass jar to store.
**To use, scrape onto toothbrush. If more than one person uses toothpaste out of the same jar, use a spoon to spread onto toothbrush.


Tips to Remember When Using a Natural Homemade toothpaste:
-Baking soda does not have a good taste, but it is a very good material for whitening and cleaning teeth
-When purchasing Baking soda look for a organic baking soda which will contain the least amount of aluminum.
-If you brush your teeth before your tongue, the baking soda taste will not be as strong

This recipe is based on one found from Our Natural Journey- How to make your own toothpaste

Aloe Dog Shampoo

Gentle Aloe Dog Shampoo
Pets are members of  families. If humans and the environment are affected by chemicals, pets are too.
By using an organic homemade dog shampoo, you are increasing your dog's health, as well as your own every time you pet your furry friend.

What you will need:
1/2 Cup Liquid Castile Soap (I used baby-mild)
1/4 Cup Aloe Vera Gel
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 Teaspoon essential oil (Rosemary, or Jasmine, optional)
A few drops of Vitamin E Oil (I used but optional)

What the ingredients do:
Liquid Castle Soap- cleans dogs fur
Aloe Vera Gel- Moisturizes skin, prevents sores, prevents fur tangles
Essential Oil- Adds a fresh fragrance
     - Rosemary in particular- works as a natural flea repellent
Vitamin E Oil- Additional natural moisturizer

Directions:
1. In a bowl, stir together the soap and aloe vera gently enough to make the mixture suds.
2. Stir in the water, essential oil, and vitamin E oil, if using.
3. Transfer into an empty shampoo bottle or container and label

*To use wash and rinse dog as usual

**This is designed only for  DOGS

This recipe is from the book Lavender, Parsley, Peppermint, and Sage.