Easy to make Christmas gifts and everyday use.



One thing I have learned over the past is how to make homemade items or semi homemade and I thought maybe I could pass some of the easier recipes on how to make items for christmas presents or your own personal use. My husband and I like to live as much off the daily grid as possible and that includes making items for our everyday use.

This soap is great for removing dirt and oil from the skin without drying. Vanilla gives it a delicious fragrance and the ground almonds provide a beautifully textured soap. (Makes one bar.)

     1/3 cup whole almonds
     1 4-ounce bar Castile soap
     1/4 cup distilled water
     1 tablespoon almond oil
     1/8 teaspoon vanilla fragrance oil ( or whatever oils you prefer)

Grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor or coffee grinder and set aside. Shred the soap and set aside. In a heavy saucepan bring the water to a boil; then reduce heat to a simmer; Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond powder, almond oil, and vanilla fragrance oil, stirring until well blended. Spoon the soap into a mold and let set for five hours or until hardened..



Herbal  bath salts

1 1/2 cups Epsom salts
3/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup dried herbs (finely ground)

(another recipe)
For most bath salts recipes you can use your choice of Epsom salts or sea salt, with baking soda, if desired, or a combination of all three.
Example
1 cup of Epsom salts,
1/4 cup of sea salt,
2 or 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
A few drops of scented oil of your choice.
 
A little more or less of each ingredient is fine for most bath salts. Epsom salts and sea salt are soothing for tired muscles, while both will gently soften the water for a luxurious bath experience. You could also add a tablespoon or two of finely ground regular oatmeal for silky skin-softening water.
( I always put the mixture on aluminum foil to dry on my counter before placing them in a jar. Or I place the mixture on a mirror and put it outside at night during the full moon)


Lotion recipe

ingredients You Will Need
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup shaved or grated beeswax

 Fill a small saucepan with tap water and heat it over medium low to use as a water bath.
1.Mix the olive oil and beeswax together in a microwave and heatproof glass measuring cup.
2.Place the measuring cup containing the wax & oil mixture into the water bath and allow the wax to melt fully, stirring the two together completely.
3.Fill another microwave proof bowl or cup with 2 cups of water. Heat it in the microwave on high for 2 minutes or until boiling.
4.Add the boiling water to the wax/oil mixture. The lotion will now have the consistency of skim milk. If you wish to add an essential oil, do so now, mixing it in well by stirring with a spoon.
5.Allow the lotion to cool slightly. Stir with a spoon or whisk and pour the lotion into a container while it's still warm and easy to pour. Leave the container open to allow the lotion to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator.

Anyways this is nothing special just something I do at home and thought maybe you would like to try it.

Blessings