You: Why is she pairing a cooking ingredient with a cosmetics ingredient?
LisaLise: Because these 2 work real well together in a hand and body cleansing kind of way.

You’ll need:

• Cheesecloth (or ready-made organza bags)
• Cotton string
• Raw Oats
• Quality Soap of choice
• Lise’s easy-peasy tutorial

Thank me later.

The post DIY Raw Oat Hand Bags + Body Bags for Cleansing appeared first on lola zabeth.

DIY Whipped Coffee Body Butter

(via Soap Queen)

Ingredients

• 16 oz Coffee Butter
• 1 oz Rice Bran Oil
• 0.5 oz Tamanu Oil
• 6 mL Vanilla Select Fragrance Oil
• 3 mL Almond Cybilla Fragrance Oil
• 3 Glass Bail Jars

You can get the full tutorial for this recipe over at Soap Queen. However, if you’re looking for a staring point for your very own whipped body butter recipe, try these on for size (via Natural Beauty Workshop).

Basic Whipped Shea Butter

Ingredients:

• 30 grams Shea Butter
• 0.3-0.9 grams (1-3%) Essential Oil -or- 0.6-1.5 grams (2-5%) Fragrance Oil

Basic Whipped Hard Butter

Ingredients

• 20 grams Hard Butter (Cocoa, Kokum, etc.)
• 0.3-0.9 grams (1-3%) Essential Oil -or- 0.6-1.5 grams (2-5%) Fragrance Oil
• 10 grams liquid Carrier Oil (Sweet Almond, Fractionated Coconut, Rice Bran, etc.)

Basic Whipped Medium-Soft Butter

Ingredients

• 30 grams Medium-Soft Butter (Mango, Cupuacu, Murumuru, etc.)
• 0.3-0.9 grams (1-3%) Essential Oil -or- 0.6-1.5 grams (2-5%) Fragrance Oil
• 1.5 – 3 grams (5 – 10%) Wax

Basic Whipped Solid Oil 

Ingredients:

• 15 grams Solid Oil (Babassu, Coconut, Monoi De Tahiti, etc.)
• 15 grams Hard Butter (Cocoa, Kokum, etc.)
• 0.3-0.9 grams (1-3%) Essential Oil -or- 0.6-1.5 grams (2-5%) Fragrance Oil
• 3 – 6 grams (10 – 20%) Wax

Basic Whipped Soft-Butter

Ingredients:

• 30 grams Soft Butter (Aloe, Pistachio, Macadamia Nut, etc.)
• 0.3-0.9 grams (1-3%) Essential Oil -or- 0.6-1.5 grams (2-5%) Fragrance Oil
• 3 – 6 grams (10 – 20%) Wax

Basic Directions for Whipped Body Butters

1. Temper the butters if necessary. (More information on tempering and crystallization is included below, under “Important Tips”.)
2. Melt butters, waxes, and carrier oils together in a double boiler over high heat.
3. When the mixture is completely melted, remove the boiler from heat.
4. Add any aromatics or additives.
5. Using a whisk or hand mixer, whip the mixture continuously as it begins to cool.
6. Continue whipping the butter until it cools and thickens. Scrape the sides of the container as needed.
7. Don’t stop whipping until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy, like frosting.
8. Transfer the mixture to jars using a spatula or a frosting bag.
9. Allow the butters to cool, set, and harden completely before use.

Learn ways to “accessorize” your butters by using aromatics, additives, waxes and more at The Natural Beauty Workshop.

Are you a body butter babe? What are your fave ingredients?

The post DIY Whipped Coffee Body Butter + Basic Whipped Body Butter Recipes appeared first on lola zabeth.

Warning: this will require you to stop and slow down for a small block of time, putting all distractions aside. Multi-tasking is not allowed.

Women have been bathing in milk for centuries. Not only did it keep their skin luxuriantly soft and supple, but it also gave them a soothing, albeit temporary, respite from chasing after babies, cooking and taking care of their men. And now, many many years later, you too can enjoy this treat and take a temporary vacay from chasing after babies, cooking, taking care of your man, and other household joys.

To completely milk (pun intended) this gem for all that it’s worth, you positively have to commit. This means no TV, texting, tweeting or any other such stimulants. A good book is allowed, as is soft music. For added measure, lock the bathroom door, or put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Now that you know the ground rules, here’s what you’ll need:

Milk + Honey Bath

• 1 gallon of milk, whole vitamin D, the fattier the better; gentle exfoliation.
• 2 cups of epsom salts; draws toxins from the body, relaxes muscles.
• 1 cup of honey (softens); hydrating, antioxidant, anti-microbial.
• 1/2 cup of olive oil; nourishing and moisturizing.

Mix all ingredients on medium heat in saucepan.  Pour mixture into warm bathwater.  I suggest soaking for at least 15 minutes, 30 tops, or the natural acid in the milk could irritate your skin.  A quick rinse in the shower afterwards is also a good idea.  Want to give your lovely countenance the same treatment? Try this Milk + Honey Facial as well and let the self-gratification begin!

Have you ever bathed in milk?

The post DIY Milk + Honey Bath for for butter-soft skin appeared first on lola zabeth.

Ginger is a magical, but not terribly attractive, root that’s used in a variety of culinary and medicinal preparations. On a whim I picked up a “hand” of ginger at the market. What’s the deal with this little guy? I excitedly hurried home where a quick Google search evolved into a full-blown project.

So what makes ginger so remarkable, and why should you (and I) keep some in your kitchen so that happiness is just at your fingertips?

Health Benefits of Ginger Root

• contains cineole, which has been found to relieve anxiety and stress
• alleviates stomach aches and improves digestion,
• relieves pain by reducing inflammation much like aspirin and ibuprofen,
• has been found to treat cold and flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, cough, mucous, nausea, sore throat and body aches,
• may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells (University of Minnesota study); induces the death of ovarian cancer cells,
• helps improve the immune system, and
• may help prevent stroke.

Good health, of course, makes me happy. But stay with me here:

Ginger Root for Natural Beauty

• improves blood circulation (which creates its signature warming sensation) which could reduce the appearance of cellulite,
• contains a potent antioxidant known as gingerol that combats free radicals that cause pre-maturely aged skin,
• relieves symptoms of external inflammation including acne, psoriasis and burns, and
• contains antiseptic elements that may help to reduce bacteria that causes acne.

Okay, I know you’re anxious to start mixing it up, but first things first:

Selecting + Storing Ginger Root

When selecting ginger, pick a smooth hand with some weight to it. Wrinkled ginger is older and will be drier. If you plan to use the ginger within a week of purchase, place it in a paper bag and store it in the crisper of your fridge. For longer storage, go on and cut the hand into fingers, and peel them. Submerge the fingers in a jar of dry sherry, and it will keep in the fridge up to three months (more on that later).

Now onward!

1. Ginger Root Tea

This is probably the best and simplest way to experience ginger happiness.

Ingredients

• 1 hand of fresh organic ginger root
• 1 cup oz water
• agave nectar or honey
• lemon juice, optional

Peel the ginger. A potato peeler works well, but a metal spoon is also handy and produces less waste. Next, slice the ginger into thin wedges. Steep 6 – 8 slices of ginger root in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, or 25 minutes for a stronger brew.

Strain away the ginger slices and sweeten the tea to taste.

I prefer agave nectar, but honey is lovely as well. Squeeze a little lemon for added effect, and enjoy the pleasant “tingle.” When I drink ginger tea, I can feel anxiety slipping away with each sip.

If you like the idea of drinking the benefits of ginger, but prefer them delivered in a sexier package, try this out for size:

2. Blood Orange Ginger Root Fizz

Ingredients

• 3 blood oranges
• 1 lemon
• 1 handful of thinly sliced ginger root
• 5 tablespoons of club soda
• 1/4 cup raw cane sugar

Slice the blood oranges and lemon, and place in a pitcher. Toss in the ginger slices, and fill the pitcher with ice water.

Add the club soda and refrigerate overnight.

Enjoy ginger’s signature tingle—an awesome alternative to soda. Speaking of tingle:

3. DIY Ginger Root Hair Cleanser

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of green tea leaves (optional); recharges skin cells, treats irritated scalp
• 2 slices of ginger root; stimulate scalp circulation, anti-inflammatory properties treat scalp irritation
• 2 tablespoons of castile soap; mild cleansing.
• 8 ounces of water

Bring the water to a boil and steep green tea and ginger in it for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, strain away tea leaves and ginger, and funnel tea into a bottle.

Add castile soap, and mix well. As with all recipes, conduct a patch test to determine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Pour cleanser over tresses, massage into the scalp. Enjoy the tingle, rinse well and style as usual. Your scalp will send you a handwritten thank you note.

So remember what I was saying about ginger and how its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial magic help to fight acne?

4. DIY Ginger Root Aloe Facial Toner

Ingredients

• 3 slices of ginger root; reduces inflammation, attacks bacteria
• 1 oz aloe vera juice; moisturizing, humectant, ideally pH balanced for skin.
• 1 oz witch hazel; natural astringent
• 8 oz water

Bring the water to a boil and steep the ginger in it for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain away the ginger, and funnel 2 ounces of the tea into a bottle.
Add aloe vera juice and witch hazel, and mix well. Again, conduct a patch test—you never know what you may be allergic to. To use, pour a small amount of the toner onto a cotton ball and swab the entire face after cleansing. Kindly refrigerate the toner as it contains no preservatives. Plus, this feels so amazingly fresh when applied cool. It’s a great way to start the morning!

This next recipe is best reserved for a Friday evening. Cancel any plans you may have for going out, and instead spend it sloughing off the stress of the week with this:

5. DIY Ginger Root Detox Bath

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh, minced ginger root; promotes blood circulation.
• 1 cup epsom salt; draws toxins from the body, relaxes muscles.
• 4 tablespoons ground mustard powder; detoxes the tissues, relaxes the muscles, promotes sound sleep.

Peel, slice and dice the ginger into small cubes. Combine the minced ginger and remaining ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and transfer into a container.

Add two small scoops of the mixture to a tub of hot water. Swirl around (the mixture, not yourself, but dance about if you’re so inclined) until the mixture dissolves. Slowly lower yourself in the tub and soak for at least 15 minutes.

While this is certainly a lovely way to while away an evening, note that the ginger root may cause your skin to become flushed and tingly. If you become too warm, add cool water to the tub. Take your time getting out of the tub—detoxing is hard work and your legs may feel a bit weak. Follow with a glass of water to flush toxins from the body.

6. Ginger Root Infused Sherry

Earlier I recommended storing ginger root in sherry for long-term storage. When you finally get around to using the ginger, don’t toss out the sherry—this will add instant flavor to soup or sauces.

Now if you really want to take it there (your life, that is), try your hand (pun intended) at some simple gardening. Gardeners have been found to live longer and happier lives. If you’re planting ginger, well, you have a gift that just keeps giving!

6½. Growing Ginger Root Indoors

Why indoors? For starters, you won’t have to deal with frosty temperatures. Plus, ginger makes for a lovely house plant. To start, buy a fresh hand of ginger root from the market and soak it overnight in warm water. Plant the hand about 2 inches deep (“eye buds” pointing up) in a container filled with light, well-draining potting soil. The container should be at least 8 – 10” deep with a drainage hole. Next, add gravel at the bottom of the pot for even better drainage—ginger hates soggy roots!

Place the container in a sunny spot where it can soak up filtered (not direct) sunlight. Make sure to keep the roots uniformly moist.

Most importantly, be patient, grasshopper—it will take almost a year before you can reap your first ginger root harvest. The plant will grow anywhere from 2 – 4 feet high. Meanwhile, below the surface, sprouts will begin to poke its way through the soil. Harvest as much as your heart desires, but remember to re-plant a bud so that you can keep the party going, so to speak.

All of this tingly happiness can be yours—simply make ginger root one of your pantry staples.

Do you use ginger root? How do you use it? Don’t you feel happier already?

If not, here are 9 reasons why you should have s*x tonight (and tomorrow morning)!

The post Got the blues? 6½ ways ginger root will make you instantly happy appeared first on lola zabeth.

This body scrub is so easy to make and smells amazing. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed but not too minty as the soft vanilla bean aroma lightly perfumes your skin. Honey is a luxurious ingredient that helps moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin with its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and humectant properties.

Vanilla Mint Honey Scrub

Ingredients (click the links to shop ‘em)

• 1 cup fine sea salt or fine organic sugar
• 1/2 cup organic sweet almond oil
• 1/4 cup raw organic honey
• 1 organic vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 10 drops organic peppermint essential oil
• 1 tsp organic vanilla extract (optional)

Get the full tutorial at Mountain Rose Blog!

Are you a vanilla fan? Ever dabbed a little here and there?

The post Vanilla Mint Honey Scrub appeared first on lola zabeth.

I also imagined The Mister’s delight as he’d run his fingers along my soon-to-be smooth skin after using this body scrubber. Pineapple has a ton of bromelain, an enzyme with strong anti-inflammatory properties. Exfoliating with bromelain gently removes older skin cells to reveal younger, softer skin beneath. Here’s what I did:

Salty Sour Pineapple Peel Body Scrub

1. Cut the top off the pineapple making sure to leave about 1-1/2″ of flesh below the leaves. Do no throw away the top—more on this later.

2. Cut the flesh into quarters.

3. Cut the flesh away from the skin leaving about 1/2″ of flesh. Do not throw away the skin!

4. Cut into small chunks. Eat plain, sprinkled lightly with sea salt, or enjoy big girl style.

Now, about that smooth skin:

Drizzle the pineapple skin with a few drops of your fave essential oil. Sweet Orange pairs nicely with the citrus-y goodness of pineapple. Sweet Orange essential oil can soothe tired muscles, and its scent can be uplifting.

Sprinkle with epsom salts which contains magnesium sulfate that draws toxins from the body and relaxes the muscles. Lastly, hit the shower and use the pineapple peel to exfoliate, much like you would with a loofah roll. Rinse well and enjoy butter soft skin. If you refrigerate the pineapple peel, you can use once more (within a week).

And the pineapple top that we saved from earlier?

Place the top in a shallow bowl of water so that the flesh is halfway submerged. Sit the bowl in a sunny window for 2 days. Then remove the pineapple top from the water and plant it in a container with potting soil. In 2 years (patience, Grasshopper), your humble pineapple top will look like this:

Nice, huh? Want more pineapple-y goodness? Check out Haley of Derby City Naturals recipes for Pineapple Juice Toner, Pineapple Restoring Mask, and (wait for it) Drunken Sponge Bob for the 21-and-uppers!

How do you take your pineapple? Do you have a unique way of preparing it? Ever used it in your beauty regimen?

The post For the Mixtresses: Salty Sour Pineapple Peel Body Scrub appeared first on lola zabeth.

Honey & Lemon Foot Soak

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1–2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds

Get the full scoop on this beauty treat at Design Sponge!

The post For the Mixtresses: Honey & Lemon Foot Soak appeared first on lola zabeth.

Sweet Summer Perfume

Ingredients (click the links to shop ‘em)

• 10 drops organic Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops organic Roman Chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops organic Cardamom essential oil
• 1 drop organic Atlas Cedarwood essential oil
• 1 drop organic Geranium (Rose) essential oil
• 1 tsp organic Jojoba Oil

Drip all essential oils into a glass bottle, and roll between palms to evenly mix the oils. Add jojoba oil and roll again. Add additional essential oils if you desire a stronger perfume.

For more great summer-tastic beauty recipes from Mountain Rose, click here! 

The post For the Mixtresses: Sweet Summer Perfume appeared first on lola zabeth.

Thankfully, making your own baby powder is cheap, easy, and allows total control over what ingredients go on baby’s precious skin. Most commercial baby powders contain talc which is potentially carcinogenic, as well as artificial perfumes that can bother a child’s sensitive respiratory system. Crafting your own customized powder only takes a few ingredients and can be put together in just minutes.

Homemade Baby Powder

Ingredients (click the links to shop ‘em)

• 12 oz white clay
• 6 oz organic arrowroot powder
• 4 teaspoons organic marshmallow root powder
• 4 teaspoons organic comfrey root powder
• 2 teaspoons myrrh gum powder
• 1 teaspoon organic goldenseal root powder
• Optional: no more than 10 drops of organic sweet orange or lavender essential oil— keep in mind that these oils are highly concentrated, so less is best for baby.

Get the deets at The Mountain Rose Blog!

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DIY Summer Scrub (via The Natural Beauty Workshop)

• ½ cup fine grain natural salt or sugar
• 1 – 2 ounces carrier oil
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon essential oil, fragrance oil, or CO2 extract

Usage & Handling
It’s best to make scrubs to order, and use them right away, but if you have to store the scrub for any period of time here are some tips to keep is safe and fresh:

• Store your scrub in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place.  The refrigerator is ideal, but a cupboard or cabinet is fine too.
• Never handle the scrub directly.  Always use clean spoons or spatulas to mix, and scoop the scrub.
• Don’t take the whole jar of scrub into the shower or bath.  Instead, scoop a single portion into a breakproof container.
• Discard the scrub immediately if it changes in smell, color, or texture.
• Discard the scrub after three weeks, and make a fresh batch.
• Add a preservative, such as Grapefruit Seed Extract or Liquapar Oil to help reinforce it against microbe growth.
• Add an antioxidant, such as Vitamin E T50 or Rosemary Oil Extract to help keep the Carrier Oil fresh.
• If you plan to sell your scrub, consider having your formula professionally challenge tested.

Visit The Natural Beauty Workshop for more inspiration and info on selecting exfoliants and oils for your mix!

The post For the Mixtresses: Summer Scrubs 101 appeared first on lola zabeth.

It was only a matter of time before I used bourbon for something besides toasting the weekend. This gentle body scrub has become my fave indulgence. Although there is nary a whiff when the scrubbing is complete, the heady smell of bourbon while in the shower is nothing short of intoxicating.  If I had to describe the smell of bourbon, I would simply say ‘seduction’. Not sex, but the winks and knowing glances leading up to the act. This scrub is quite literally Beauty Under the Influence.

Bourbon Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Ingredients (click the links to shop ‘em)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar; gentle exfoliant, contains vitamin B and helps skin retain moisture.
• 1/ 2 cup epsom salt; gentle exfoliant, contains magnesium sulfate and draws toxins from the body, relaxes muscles.
• 1 tsp castille soap; mild cleansing.
• 4 tbs avocado oil; easily absorbed, containg antioxidants and essential fatty acids to moisturize and protect skin.
• 2 tbs bourbon; just because.

Store in an air-tight container.

The post For the Mixtresses: Bourbon Brown Sugar Body Scrub (seduction) appeared first on lola zabeth.

Below are a couple of very simple recipes from my good friends over at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Sweet Orange & Vetiver (click the links to shop the ingredients)

• 1.5 oz organic Witch Hazel extract
• 10 drops organic Sweet Orange essential oil
• 1 drop of organic Vetiver essential oil

Cedarwood & Juniper (click the links to shop the ingredients)

• 1.5 oz organic Witch Hazel extract
• 10 drops organic Cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops of organic Juniper Berry essential oil

Pour all ingredients into a 2 oz glass bottle and top with a little more Witch Hazel. Cap with a mister top and shake well before spritzing liberally under the arms. Reapply as needed.

Need more options? Here are other DIY deodorant recipes to ponder:

• Natural Deodorants (From Nature With Love): Includes some good deodorant making 101 information.
• The Best Deodorant/Antiperspirant You’ll Ever Use: Great information on the possible risks (or not) or using aluminum-based deodorants and antipersiprants.
• Crunchy Betty Homemade Deodorant: simple recipe, and an 8-day blow-by-blow acccount of how the deodorant performed, plus user reviews.
• How to make your own deodorant: Includes coconut oil (woot-woot!)
• Homemade Creamy Deodorant: Inspired by Lush’s Aromacreme.

What brand deodorant/antipersipiant do you uses? Would you, or have you ever made your own?

The post For the Mixtresses: DIY Natural Deodorant Sprays appeared first on lola zabeth.

DIY Hand Sanitiser Spray (via Easy Peasy Organic)

Makes 1/2 cup

The ingredients
1/4 cup vodka *or you can try 1/2 cup vodka to increase the disinfecting power
1/4 cup water
20 drops lavender essential oil*
20 drops tea tree oil (optional)
2 x 2 fl oz (59mL) spray bottles**

*feel free to use another essential oil you prefer … or a lesser amount of lavender. I like the potent lavender smell this quantity produces, and lavender itself has antibacterial properties, too … (as does the tea tree oil)

**and you can of course use a different-sized bottle. This is just my standard carry-around size.

Get the full deets on how to make this DIY recipe and many more over at Easy Peasy Organic!

Photo

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Mother’s Day is precious more than 10 ten days away. But don’t panic, here are a few DIY gift ideas for hurried mom’s like myself who would love an excuse to slow down and treat themselves kindly.

Mom’s Bliss Tea (via Mountain Rose Blog)
This tea is perfect for frazzled nerves or any mom in need of a mood boost. The skullcap and oat tops are classic nervine tonics that help support the nervous system during times of stress. Raspberry leaf is considered an important tonic herb for women’s health that’s rich in nutrients like iron, manganese, and niacin. The tasty addition of roses, vanilla, and cinnamon offer floral spiciness and inspire feelings of wellbeing. This tea can be sipped daily to maximize the pleasant effects.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts organic Skullcap Leaf
• 2 parts organic  Oat Tops
• 1 part organic Raspberry Leaf
• 1 part organic Rose Buds
• ½ part organic chopped Vanilla Beans
• ¼ part organic Cinnamon Chips

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together until the herbs are evenly distributed and place in a lidded glass container. Store in a cabinet away from heat, moisture, and light. To make a cup of Mom’s Bliss Tea, pour 1 cup of just boiling water over 1 tablespoon of the herb mixture. Allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

This idea and more can be found at the Mountain Rose Blog!

The post 5 calming gifts for mom appeared first on lola zabeth.

I was gonna make pesto with my fresh basil mint and sage, but instead used it to pamper myself. After showering and washing my hair with this fab-o, mulit-tasking cleanser that I just whipped up, I am so friggin’ clean, and smell good enough to have for supper! This cleanser also did a marvelous job scrubbing up my dirty fingernails after a day of gardening. Basil mint:

• provides vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, iron, copper, and potassium
• acts as an antioxidant and helps to fight free radicals, which age the skin
• provides gentle stimulation to the scalp
• feels so fresh and so clean on the skin and scalp.

• 2 oz Dr Bronners Magic Pure-Castile Soap Organic Baby Mild; mild cleansing.
• 2 oz basil mint leaves; scalp stimulation.
• 1 oz sage leaves; natural astringent.
• 1/2 oz unrefined organic coconut oil; conditions hair and skin.
• 6 oz water

Directions:

1. Cut the basil mint and sage into small pieces using herb scissors—or a knife. Place the cut herbs into a small saucepan and pour the water over them.
2. Bring to a boil and steep for 30 minutes.
3. Strain the herbs from the liquid using a strainer or cheesecloth.
4. Pour the herbal tea into a container. I used a mason jar (surprise, surprise). Add the castille soap and coconut oil. Shake well.
5. To turn a mason jar into a hand soap dispenser, poke a hole in the lid by putting the end of a screw driver on the lid, and pounding the top of the screwdriver with a hammer. Surprisingly, the screw driver will go through the lid pretty easily and doesn’t require a lot of elbow grease.
6. Place a soap pump salvaged from an old bottle of hand soap into the hole. Depending on the length of the straw, you may have to cut it down to fit into the jar. Enjoy!

What beauty products do you have that multi-task?

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