How to make mozarella cheese -
http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/2012/03/homemade-mozzarella-in-30-minutes/
http://www.chow.com/food-news/54705/make-your-own-mozzarella/
Here's a video -
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
CREAMY CRACK WARS! RELAXER REVIEW
So
my last relaxer was a nightmare. It was in the first week of February
and I used vitale which burnt the crap out if my scalp. It itched
fiercely for weeks.
It was very depressing.
So
for the next relaxer, I waited for the 2nd week of April (Thursday
11th) and used Optimum Care Salon Collection in super.
The results were
phenomenal. I combed out my new growth, based the area around my head
and applied the pre treatment lotion. I then worked the relaxer onto my
hair, taking the time to correct problem spots.
I
took longer than suggested on the instructions but the results were
great. My hair relaxed 95% of the way! The only problem spots I have are
at my right temple and a little section where old texlaxed hair needs
to be straightened.
For
the entire week, my hair was straight but had thickness and body. I
added oil once a day and occassionally applied moisture mix as well,
wrapping it every night.
Today
I put the rest of the relaxer pretreatment in my hair then washed. i
also used the relaxer shampoo just as a way to ensure all relaxer was
Out. Them I put keratin in my hair and left it for a while. The I
followed up with se con. My hair was silky. It air dried over the next
few hours. I then applied moisture mix and oil to seal, wrapped it up.
We'll see how it looks tomorrow.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Another Deodorant Recipe
This one works great!
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/10/make-your-own-all-natural-deodorant-stick-or-spray.html
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 1/2 Tablespoons beeswax pellets
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
10 drops each of Lavender, Lemon and Frankincense Essential Oils
Directions:
Add the coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to a small saucepan. Slowly melt over VERY low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add baking soda, and corn starch. Mix with a spoon until smooth and creamy in consistency, then add the essential oils and pour into your containers. Let stand to cool and solidify.
I was very pleased at how well this turned out. It has a great consistency and smells divine! But most importantly, after wearing it for a full day, it was every bit as effective as any commercial brand I have purchased.
And on a somewhat related, but not really related, subject….I just have to offer kudos to the makers of Old Spice for making the labels on their deodorant tubes so easy to take off! It makes repurposing containers SOOOO much easier! Labels that are practically FUSED to the bottle are one of my PET PEEVES!! (Makers of Dawn…are you listening?)
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/10/make-your-own-all-natural-deodorant-stick-or-spray.html
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 1/2 Tablespoons beeswax pellets
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
10 drops each of Lavender, Lemon and Frankincense Essential Oils
Directions:
Add the coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to a small saucepan. Slowly melt over VERY low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add baking soda, and corn starch. Mix with a spoon until smooth and creamy in consistency, then add the essential oils and pour into your containers. Let stand to cool and solidify.
I was very pleased at how well this turned out. It has a great consistency and smells divine! But most importantly, after wearing it for a full day, it was every bit as effective as any commercial brand I have purchased.
And on a somewhat related, but not really related, subject….I just have to offer kudos to the makers of Old Spice for making the labels on their deodorant tubes so easy to take off! It makes repurposing containers SOOOO much easier! Labels that are practically FUSED to the bottle are one of my PET PEEVES!! (Makers of Dawn…are you listening?)
Sunday, December 23, 2012
I Made Deodorant
Yes, I finally made deodorant for my daughter.
She has been using the Tom's brand lavender deodorant but it was making her itch. I had no idea how bad it was until I used a "natural" deodorant from Arm & Hammer once and have itched ever since!
I figured there was noway I could let her continue to be uncomfortable, the poor thing. As such I mixed up the following ingredients -
My daughter has used it and has not complained of any itching, thankfully. I will use it as well with the hopes of replacing the Arm & Hammer deodorant that I currently use. The next mixture will be cocoa butter-based given that cocoa butter melts at approximately 95 degrees, versus coconut oil which melts at around 75 degrees. The beeswax is an important component because it does not melt until approximately 120 degrees, so that means it will allow the deodorant to remain solid during the summer. And in Dominica, our deodorant will simply need to stay in a dark cabinet and not anywhere near direct heat such as a window.
She has been using the Tom's brand lavender deodorant but it was making her itch. I had no idea how bad it was until I used a "natural" deodorant from Arm & Hammer once and have itched ever since!
I figured there was noway I could let her continue to be uncomfortable, the poor thing. As such I mixed up the following ingredients -
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax beads
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of corn starch
My daughter has used it and has not complained of any itching, thankfully. I will use it as well with the hopes of replacing the Arm & Hammer deodorant that I currently use. The next mixture will be cocoa butter-based given that cocoa butter melts at approximately 95 degrees, versus coconut oil which melts at around 75 degrees. The beeswax is an important component because it does not melt until approximately 120 degrees, so that means it will allow the deodorant to remain solid during the summer. And in Dominica, our deodorant will simply need to stay in a dark cabinet and not anywhere near direct heat such as a window.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Home Made Deodorant
A link to another recipe - http://www.overatjulies.com/2012/08/diy-homemade-deodorantantiperspirant.html
There is an even better video on Youtube -
There is an even better video on Youtube -
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
I purchased Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay approximately 3 weeks ago. Oddly enough, I spotted it at the MOMs store and wondered what it was. I read the back of the container and made a mental note to do some research when I got home.
A peek on Amazon.com showed over 400 customer reviews with 4.5 out of 5 stars for a grade. I figured that I might as well spend $7.99 (pre-tax) and so the next day, I swung into the store and purchased it.
The first time I used it, I layered far too much of it on. It was super hard to remove and took far too long to dry in my humble opinion. Nevertheless, my skin felt nice and for the two weeks afterward, I had no pimples and my pores looked smaller.
I am using it again tonight and this time, I tried to make less of the concoction. I also put less on than the last time. I am hoping that this mask as well as the salt scrub will help to improve my skin and prevent acne.
I think I will use it approximately twice a month, while using my salt scrub once a week.
A peek on Amazon.com showed over 400 customer reviews with 4.5 out of 5 stars for a grade. I figured that I might as well spend $7.99 (pre-tax) and so the next day, I swung into the store and purchased it.
The first time I used it, I layered far too much of it on. It was super hard to remove and took far too long to dry in my humble opinion. Nevertheless, my skin felt nice and for the two weeks afterward, I had no pimples and my pores looked smaller.
I am using it again tonight and this time, I tried to make less of the concoction. I also put less on than the last time. I am hoping that this mask as well as the salt scrub will help to improve my skin and prevent acne.
I think I will use it approximately twice a month, while using my salt scrub once a week.
Friday, November 9, 2012
SELF RELAXER REVIEW 2
Well, I self-relaxed again at 13 weeks post relaxer.
This time, I took my time and relaxed my entire head in one sitting. Much better approach than the last time. Unfortunately, I still missed a spot, and a few spots that didn't relax the last time did not relax again.
That is rather frustrating. But, I hope that the next time I relax, I can tackle my trouble spots adequately.
To prep, I applied CO pomade tp the perimeter of my head and the tips of my ears. I then split my hair into 8 sections and began to apply the relaxer product. BTW, I used Vitale Olive Oil Super. I worked the product through my hair while wearing a pair of sturdy yellow house cleaning gloves. (Much better than the cheap ones that come in the relaxer box.)
After applying to my head (that took about 30 minutes), I stood in front of the mirror and worked the relaxer in as best as I could. Then I stood in the shower and rinsed - sadly a lot of the relaxer got on my face and I used my Neutrogena cleanser to wash it off immediately and repeatedly.
After rinsing, I shampooed 3 times and then used the mayonnaise conditioner that came in the box. I left that on while I washed my faced and did a quick rinse of my entire body and then washed it out. Then, I shampooed again. I followed that with mayonaise con as a DC for 15 minutes and rinsed. Then I put SE Con in my hair for less than 5 minutes, washed my body and rinsed it out.
My hair felt great - except for a few spots that felt rough and so I conditioned them again.
After washing, I applied the leave-in-conditioner and silk serum. I blowdried and then applied my moisture mix. I then took my flat iron and ran it through my hair - particularly the tex-laxed spots. Once done, I took my shears and took off approximately 1-2 inches of hair.
My hair looks and feels fine. I am hoping to relax on either the last Friday in December or the first Friday in January. I hope to tackle my tex-laxed spots first and then work on the rest of my hair.
I will apply my growth aid on Sunday and Wednesday with wash day to be Friday. Hoping to simply maintain the little length I do have. My hair looks crappy though. It lacks thickness and length. Quite sad.
This time, I took my time and relaxed my entire head in one sitting. Much better approach than the last time. Unfortunately, I still missed a spot, and a few spots that didn't relax the last time did not relax again.
That is rather frustrating. But, I hope that the next time I relax, I can tackle my trouble spots adequately.
To prep, I applied CO pomade tp the perimeter of my head and the tips of my ears. I then split my hair into 8 sections and began to apply the relaxer product. BTW, I used Vitale Olive Oil Super. I worked the product through my hair while wearing a pair of sturdy yellow house cleaning gloves. (Much better than the cheap ones that come in the relaxer box.)
After applying to my head (that took about 30 minutes), I stood in front of the mirror and worked the relaxer in as best as I could. Then I stood in the shower and rinsed - sadly a lot of the relaxer got on my face and I used my Neutrogena cleanser to wash it off immediately and repeatedly.
After rinsing, I shampooed 3 times and then used the mayonnaise conditioner that came in the box. I left that on while I washed my faced and did a quick rinse of my entire body and then washed it out. Then, I shampooed again. I followed that with mayonaise con as a DC for 15 minutes and rinsed. Then I put SE Con in my hair for less than 5 minutes, washed my body and rinsed it out.
My hair felt great - except for a few spots that felt rough and so I conditioned them again.
After washing, I applied the leave-in-conditioner and silk serum. I blowdried and then applied my moisture mix. I then took my flat iron and ran it through my hair - particularly the tex-laxed spots. Once done, I took my shears and took off approximately 1-2 inches of hair.
My hair looks and feels fine. I am hoping to relax on either the last Friday in December or the first Friday in January. I hope to tackle my tex-laxed spots first and then work on the rest of my hair.
I will apply my growth aid on Sunday and Wednesday with wash day to be Friday. Hoping to simply maintain the little length I do have. My hair looks crappy though. It lacks thickness and length. Quite sad.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Making my own cream
I plan on making my own cream/lotion. It is now winter and I need to seriously get with the program.
I have purchased beeswax beads and will use it to make my cream.
There are videos in a post below to help guide me, but I also need to learn how to make a 'decoction' that I will use in my cream. Right now, I am thinking of using rose petals to make my decoction.
I will place about 10-15 petals in boiled water and allow it to steep for 15 minutes, while collecting the steam within the pot. I will also use some mint and lime skins as well as well. The liquid will be used to make the cream.
The oil will be a mixture of grapeseed, jojoba, castor and olive oils.
Ingredients:
How to make a herbal decoction:
How to make a tincture/infusion:
I have purchased beeswax beads and will use it to make my cream.
There are videos in a post below to help guide me, but I also need to learn how to make a 'decoction' that I will use in my cream. Right now, I am thinking of using rose petals to make my decoction.
I will place about 10-15 petals in boiled water and allow it to steep for 15 minutes, while collecting the steam within the pot. I will also use some mint and lime skins as well as well. The liquid will be used to make the cream.
The oil will be a mixture of grapeseed, jojoba, castor and olive oils.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of oil
- 1 ounce of beeswax beeds
- tincture/decoction - 1 ounce + 1 cup of water
- hand mixer
- big bowl
How to make a herbal decoction:
How to make a tincture/infusion:
HAIR REPORT
For the last 3-4 weeks, my hair has been a tangled, knotted mess.
On Tuesday, however, I decided to take matters into my own hands and wash it. I shampood and then conditioned with se evoo con in a bottle and the dc'd with se con in tub. I left that on for approximately 15 minutes after applying it in sections and massaging it onto my strands. While in the shower, I used a small tooth comb to get out the tangles. This, as can be expected, resulted in a lot of hair loss. However, once done, I had no tangles.
I applied my silk serum, blow dried and then applied my moisture mix and sealed. I blowdried once more and had light, soft hair. Sadly, it was thin!
My hair has been thinning and rank with split ends. So much so that i have been overly tempted to do a big chop. I have decided, upon this last operation, to wait until tomorrow or Friday to attempt a relaxer. Once completed, I will straighten my hair and then take off at least an inch from the back and then dust everywhere else. If I can have collar bone length hair that is healthy, that will be just fine at this point.
It is super annoying to have yet another hair setback. This only confirms to me that I clearly cannot achieve longer healthier hair on my own, because no matter what I do, once I am about an inch or two from APL, I suffer a significant setback and have to lose hair.
When my hair is relaxed, I think I will go for 8-9 week stretches. This stretch has been very tough. I also will make sure I use my growth aid 1-2 times a week. I will ask Arlo to bring me some black castor oil when she comes in january and rely on that to help thicken my hair.
*sigh*
On Tuesday, however, I decided to take matters into my own hands and wash it. I shampood and then conditioned with se evoo con in a bottle and the dc'd with se con in tub. I left that on for approximately 15 minutes after applying it in sections and massaging it onto my strands. While in the shower, I used a small tooth comb to get out the tangles. This, as can be expected, resulted in a lot of hair loss. However, once done, I had no tangles.
I applied my silk serum, blow dried and then applied my moisture mix and sealed. I blowdried once more and had light, soft hair. Sadly, it was thin!
My hair has been thinning and rank with split ends. So much so that i have been overly tempted to do a big chop. I have decided, upon this last operation, to wait until tomorrow or Friday to attempt a relaxer. Once completed, I will straighten my hair and then take off at least an inch from the back and then dust everywhere else. If I can have collar bone length hair that is healthy, that will be just fine at this point.
It is super annoying to have yet another hair setback. This only confirms to me that I clearly cannot achieve longer healthier hair on my own, because no matter what I do, once I am about an inch or two from APL, I suffer a significant setback and have to lose hair.
When my hair is relaxed, I think I will go for 8-9 week stretches. This stretch has been very tough. I also will make sure I use my growth aid 1-2 times a week. I will ask Arlo to bring me some black castor oil when she comes in january and rely on that to help thicken my hair.
*sigh*
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