Monday, February 20, 2012

Multipurpose Baby Cream

I did it!  After a couple of experimental rounds I have finally created my own baby cream recipe!  This cream can be used as a diaper cream, dry spot/eczema treatment and/or all over moisturizer!  It's pretty thick, so how you use it would be up to you and your specific needs.  I do have to brag...little M has been using it for about a week now, plus a different variation for about two weeks before that, and (no kidding) no eczema patches are present on his skin!  His case isn't sever by any means, but he seriously has "normal" smooth and even baby skin all over since using this!

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 tbsp beeswax
1 tbsp coca butter
2 tbsp shea butter

2 tbsp water
1/2 tbsp grapefruit seed extract
2 tbsp sweet almond oil
1 tbsp jojoba oil
2 tbsp vegetable glycerine

1/8 tsp vitamin E oil
1/2 tsp calendula oil (in olive oil base)

Directions:

In a double boiler, melt together the first three ingredients.  In a second double boiler, melt together the second set of ingredients.  I don't have a double boiler, so I use 2 pots with boiling water inside and place large glass bowls over them.  It's not fancy, but it works for me!  Once each is fully melted/incorporated, pour each into one cool mixing bowl. Stir.   Add last 2 ingredients.  Continue stirring until cooled.  This step is important, as you want to make sure your liquids and solids fully combine and end up in a creamy consistency.  

It's seriously that easy!  The hardest part is finding all of the ingredients.  The startup cost seems high, but in time this will pay for itself compared to buying natural creams for my guy.  I actually like it for myself too!  It's a great intensive moisturizer for dry winter weather.  I have sensitive skin and have to stay moisturized, or else I end up itchy all over.  This even makes a great lip moisturizer...it even tasted sweet!  It smells delicious, too!  Like a subtle white chocolate and honey.  I've been experimenting with adding essential oils, but haven't yet been completely satisfied.  I guess that's my next step!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Waiting...

I love the fact that we live in a time where any little obscure thing I want is available, usually for a reasonable price, at the click of a button.  I have been particularly grateful since I have started to make my own household and body care products.  I can't imagine how much time it would take to locate some of these ingredients!  On top of that, I'm fairly confident that it would be much more expensive in stores.  The downside is the wait...I am not the most patient person when I am excited about something.  I placed an order on Tuesday from a new find of mine, Lucky Vitamin.  (This place has a great selection and awesome prices!)  Every day I'm checking my mailbox, even though I know my order was just shipped on Saturday.  But I'm so excited!  I'm planning to make bath bombs with G for his and little M's Valentines.  (An amazing pinterest idea!)  And I'm also planning to make a jasmine vanilla shea butter body lotion to give to my mom and the boys' teachers as V-Day gifts.  I will be posting the recipe, if all goes according to plan.  :)  Now I just have to wait for these last couple of ingredients... 

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Pediped Giveaway

This is my first time posting about a giveaway that's being offered on another blog, but I am so very excited about this one that I had to!  The Bragging Mommy is giving away a pair of Pediped baby/kids shoes!  This company sounds so fantastic and has so many adorable choices!  I've entered giveaways for these before, but never been lucky enough to win.  I haven't ever had a pair for my boys, but I have read enough reviews to feel pretty confident that they are great shoes!  I'd be especially excited to try them for little M, as he's still not the most secure walker.  Their shoes are tailored to different developmental stages from infants to (approx) age 7, so either of my boys could still wear their cute designs!