Baby Lew's Diaper Cream

                   

I started using only organic coconut oil on my little lady's bum after she was born in lieu of the creams & pastes that can be store bought. This was working for awhile but once we started introducing solids, her butt didn't always agree to only coconut oil. Enter mom, who is making natural alternatives to anything she can. I have come up with a cream that is working wonders! So naturally I named it after my little darling, Elinor aka Baby Lew. I use these simple, natural ingredients for so many things and they never disappoint.This cream is also cloth diaper friendly!

INGREDIENTS: (This blend makes approximately 4 ounces)
1/4 Cup Organic Coconut oil
1/4 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 TBS Organic Beeswax Pellets
1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops Melaleuca Essential Oil 

Spark naturals carries several glass jars you can use for storage, as well as the essential oils. As always get an extra 10% off your ENTIRE order at checkout with code: Nature

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add the coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax pellets into a glass mason jar.  Set the jar inside a saucepan filled almost halfway with water. Set to a medium-low heat, just enough to simmer & not boil. You want a slow melt here.
2.  Once completely melted, remove from heat, allow to cool, just as it begins to harden then add in Vitamin E & essential oils.  Stir all ingredients to combine. (a craft stick works great for stirring without losing some of the blend.)

3. Pour into jar(s), cover with a paper towel & allow to fully cool & harden.

Your Diaper Cream is now ready for use! 

Lavender Baby Wash

My sweet little lady (now 3 months) had baby rash aka baby acne shortly after she was born. Her pediatrician recommended using Dr. Bronner's baby mild instead of a popular brand baby wash since her skin was more sensitive. I smiled at her and said I had already been using it in the blend I am about to share. She said that it sounded like a great baby wash. Knowing her pediatrician even approved made me extra happy. 

As for tear-free, this blend is NOT. However, I don't find it hard to not get baby wash into my baby's eyes. I always wash her face first with plain water, then add soap to her wash cloth for her body. I do use this to wash her hair also. Again I just make sure it doesn't get into her eyes.

Ingredients:
 - 1/4 cup Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Castile Soap
 - 1 TBS Jojoba oil
 - 1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
 - 10 drops Spark Naturals Lavender Essential oil
 - distilled or purified water
 - 10oz foaming pump bottle

Add the 1st four ingredients to the bottle, swirl to blend, then slowly add in the water. Put the pump on and give the wash a good shake.

Since using this wash I've also noticed my little lady never lost any hair. I know my son did and I've heard it was common for babies to lose hair but she hasn't, even with getting cradle cap. Wondering if there is something in commercial baby wash that causes this to happen? 

After bath time I "lotion" her up with organic coconut oil, making her skin silky smooth. I put this on her face as well and it helped clear her baby acne way faster than when I used aquaphor for my son.

Another bonus use for organic coconut oil is applying it to baby's scalp when they have cradle cap. After liberally massaging the scalp with the coconut oil, thoroughly brush baby's hair and then wash just like you would with the nasty petroleum based baby oil that is often recommended. 

Don't forget your 10% off at Spark Naturals when using coupon code: Nature

DIY Baby Wipes

               

I definitely like to be frugal, who doesn't enjoy saving money?! But I also like to make it a priority to use natural ingredients, especially on our bodies. I have used this "formula" with my first baby (now almost 4) with great success. Now baby #2 is here and I've started making these natural baby wipes again & I have decided to add some essential oils to my blend for extra antibacterial properties!! They also help add a nicer smell to the wipes, always a plus =)

What you'll need:
a roll of paper towels, cut in 1/2 horizontally. I prefer the select a size towels to get more wipes, whichever type you choose, do not skimp out and get the cheapest brand. They need to be able to hold up!
2 & 1/4 cups distilled water
2 tablespoons melted organic coconut oil
1 tablespoon Dr. Bronner's baby mild castile soap
1 TBS alcohol free witch hazel
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Melalueca essential oil
an air tight container to store the paper towels in

** Spark Naturals is a great place to get high quality essential oils. Clicking either link will take you directly to that particular oil. At the time I made this blend Spark Naturals did not carry alcohol free witch hazel, but now they do!! And at a great price! Clicking the link for the witch hazel will also take you directly to their product. Don't forget to save an extra 10% off your entire order through Spark Naturals when you use coupon: Nature at checkout

Directions:
1. Place your 1/2 roll of paper towels in your air tight container.
2. In a separate small bowl add the melted coconut oil, castile soap, witch hazel, & essential oils. Stir together.
3. Pour 1 cup of your water evenly over the paper towels.  Next, pour the mixture evenly over the paper towels. Lastly, pour the other 1 1/4 cups of water over the paper towels & cover with the lid.
4. Wait 15 minutes for the blend to saturate the paper towels, remove the lid and you should easily be able to pull out the center tube. This also brings up the first paper towel to start.

                                   

• Using distilled water will help to prevent molding. If you don't have access to this make sure to boil & allow water to cool.
• Dr. Bronner's unscented baby mild is my go to baby wash because it is pure & gentle, making it the perfect fit for cleaning the baby's little bum.
• Witch hazel acts as a preservative & is also soothing on the skin
• Coconut oil is works as the moisturizer as well as having antibacterial properties
• The essential oils I chose are antibacterial and help to heal irritated skin & assist in relieving/preventing diaper rash.

DIY Natural "Neosporin" Plus

I call this natural neosporin plus because it can be used for more than just cuts & scrapes. I have found other uses, such as:

•  soothing bug bites
•  minor burns
•  dry/irritated nostrils (that come with the common cold)
• dry skin, especially knees & elbows 
• Also works for an all natural chapstick

This blend will make approximately 2 ounces.

INGREDIENTS:

2 TBS organic coconut oil

2 TBS organic extra virgin olive oil

1 TBS organic beeswax pellets

1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil 

10 drops Lavender essential oil 

8 drops Frankincense essential oil 

6 drops Lemon essential oil

6 drops Melaleuca essential oil

I purchase my essential oils through Spark Naturals because they offer high-quality, PURE essential oils. Clicking on each oil link will take you directly to that particular oil. Get 10% off your entire purchase @ Spark Naturals with coupon code: Nature 

Spark Naturals also sells 1 ounce glass jars as well as many other accessories (which the discount can also be applied also!)

                                        INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add the coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax pellets into a glass mason jar. (a 4oz jelly jar is large enough) Set the jar inside a saucepan filled almost halfway with water. Set to a medium-low heat, just enough to simmer & not boil. You want a slow melt here. 

2.  Once completely melted, remove from heat, allow to cool, just as it begins to harden then add in Vitamin E &the essential oils.  Stir all ingredients to combine. (a craft stick works great for stirring without losing some of the blend.)

3. Pour into jars, tins, or lip balm tubes, cover with a paper towel & allow to fully cool & harden. You could also just leave the blend in the jelly jar. I like to separate it so I can keep a little tin in my purse.

After the ointment has set, it is ready to use!

* All these essential oils are antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal.

Frankincense & Lemon also act as a coagulant, helping to stop bleeding from cuts/scrapes. Frankincense & Lavender also help aid in scar reduction.

* Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal & a moisturizer.

* Extra Virgin Olive Oil is filled with antioxidants & contains oleic acid - this substance easily penetrates the skin, and allows the oil to heal damage and improve texture.

* Beeswax helps to create a barrier over the skin to heal and protect.

* Vitamin E helps to prolong the shelf life.

When dealing with cuts & scrapes I generally like to use my boo boo spray first to clean the wound then follow up with this blend to seal and protect the area. 

Bedtime Linen Spray

Looking to get a relaxing night's sleep?  Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Here is my favorite linen spray combo I've created to spray on my pillowcases & sheets before I retire for the night. It smells SOOOO good and every time I use this spray I have a peaceful night's sleep. Another easy method for a great night's sleep is to diffuse Lavender & Vetiver at night.  

Lavender - Use aromatically for a calming effect. Helps assist with stress and other mental strains.
Vetiver - Use aromatically to calm anger and irritability along with relieve insomnia.

  Bliss (a proprietary blend of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood and Vanilla) - Use aromatically to help reduce the effects of stress on our bodies. Helps to induce a soothing, restful sleep.

BEDTIME LINEN SPRAY
- 2oz Glass Spray Bottle
- 18 drops Lavender
- 7 drops Vetiver
- 5 drops Bliss
- 1/2 tsp witch hazel
- distilled water

Add witch hazel & essential oils into 2oz glass spray bottle & gently swirl to combine. Then top off the bottle with distilled water. 

As always receive 10% off your ENTIRE purchase @ Spark Naturals with coupon code: Nature

BEDTIME DIFFUSER BLEND
- 8 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Vetiver

Add recommended amount of water your diffuser suggests and then drop in the essential oils. 

Spark Naturals also carries a variety of great diffusers! 

Make your own Petroleum free Vapor Rub & Vapor Roller

Vapor rubs are wonderful for helping break up congestion, soothing respiratory issues & opening the airways. Petroleum jelly (Petrolatum) is a base for many of the vapor rub (and cosmetic) products out there. Not only is it bad for the environment but it can also be contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) which are definitely not good for us. PAHs are linked to cancer, reproductive/development toxicity & endocrine disruption. They are banned for use in Europe & Canada. The United States currently has no requirement for refinement of petrolatum in personal care products. (SOURCE)  After reading all this information and knowing I could replace this byproduct with a natural source & have even better results I did just that!

Vapor Rub Blend:
1/4 Cup Organic Coconut Oil
1 heaping TBS Organic Beeswax Pellets
25 drops Respire Essential oil Blend
8 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
5 drops Marjoram Essential Oil 
4 ounce glass jar
(each link on the oil & jar will take you directly to that product on Spark Naturals website. Don't forget an extra 10% off your entire order at checkout with promo code: Nature)

Directions:


1. Put coconut oil & beeswax into a mason jar and set into a saucepan where water is filled about halfway up the mason jar. Turn the heat to medium-low to melt ingredients together, allowing the water to simmer, not boil.








2. Once coconut oil & beeswax are melted, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. While the coconut oil & beeswax are slightly cooling add the essential oils to the 4 ounce container.









4. Add the melted coconut oil & beeswax into the container and stir. I find using a craft stick works perfectly for this. After the mixture has been stirred, allow to fully cool & slightly harden.







5. Once the vapor rub has cooled & thickened, give it another good stir. After this is is ready to use!






For a more convenient carry with you blend... 

Vapor Roller Blend:
15 drops Respire Essential Oil Blend

10 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
8 drops Marjoram Essential Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil or other carrier oil (Grapeseed or Sweet Almond would be some other good choices)
1/8 Ounce Roller Bottle
(each link on the essential oils, carrier oils, & roller bottle will take you directly to that product on Spark Naturals website. Don't forget an extra 10% off your entire order at checkout with promo code: Nature)

Directions:
1. Add the essential oils to the 1/8 ounce roller bottle & top off with fractionated coconut oil! It's that easy. 
I like to keep this little guy in my purse for easy access on the go!!

* Respire is a blend of Peppermint, Melaleuca, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemon & Clove. This blend is great for respiratory issues, such as congestion and also protecting against the common cold & flu symptoms.
* Marjoram is also a great essential oil to help relieve congestion. It can also help relieve sore muscles & joints.
* Frankincense opens the airways and can help with voice loss, asthma, treating coughs & colds. Can also help with inflammation and bronchitis.

 I prefer to use Spark Naturals brand essential oils for their high quality, purity and no additives or solvents!!

DIY Lemongrass & Tangerine Liquid Dish Soap

I love my lemony fresh dish soap but I am always up for trying out new cleaning soaps, especially new fragrances! I read about this homemade liquid dish soap over at the Prairie Homestead and thought I would give it a try. 

In her recipe she uses her own homemade tallow soap, since I don't have any of this or know how to make it I decided on a bar of castile soap. I LOVE my Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap but the bar is quite expensive so I opted to try out Kirk's brand. (I got this bar for only $1.89 compared to almost $5 for Dr. Bronner's bar.)  For one batch of this soap I didn't even use 1/4 of the bar! 

INGREDIENTS:

~ 3 Cups water

~ 3 TBS finely grated castile soap

~ 1/2 tsp Super Washing Soda

~ 1 tsp Vegetable Glycerin 

~ 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil 

~ 15 drops Tangerine Essential Oil

Both Essential Oil links will take you directly to the Spark Naturals website & that particular oil! Don't forget to get an extra 10% off your order, use code: Nature at checkout!

(The original post also gave a few other variations of essential oil blends to try out!

**I used less lemongrass than the prairie homestead stated since it has a strong aroma & was overpowering the tangerine a bit.)

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Finely grate 3 TBS of your castile bar soap. As you can see there is still lots of bar left =) The finer the better, it makes it much easier to melt.

Step 2: Add the water, grated soap & washing soda into a pot. Set to medium heat and stir until everything is completely dissolved. 

Step 3:  Pour the blend into a glass jar then stir in the vegetable glycerin. WAIT until the mixture has cooled before adding in the essential oils. 
This is looking luxurious so far. 

Step 4: After the mixture has cooled add in the essential oils, give it another good stir, seal it up and let it set at room temperature for 6-12 hours, allowing the soap to thicken. 

Once it is all set, give it another good stir. It may seem pretty thick at first but will soften while stirring. For easy use pour your new soap into a soap container. (I reused an old squeezable 9oz dawn container I collected & cleaned from my mom, plus I have enough for a 2nd refill!) 

*NOTE* this is not a sudsy cleaning soap but definitely gets the job done! It rinses off the dishes with no problem & leaves no residue/buildup afterwards. It has a great consistency to it, not runny yet not too thick either! However, you may need to give the bottle a good shake every once in awhile if it does begin to thicken again. 

**This is NOT a dish soap for dishwashers, only handwashing**

Lavender & Patchouli Body Wash

I love coming up with new essential oil creations, especially for a body wash! It is way cheaper than store bought plus I know what is going into my body wash. 

No harsh chemicals for me =) 

I LOVE the smell of patchouli, maybe it's the inner hippie in me ;) So I knew I could easily add this essential oil to my body wash plus adding the lavender essential oil in made for a great combo!

I used the same ingredients from my wake me up body wash post as the base, just subbing out the essential oils.

(Patchouli has a very strong smell so I definitely needed less drops to get a good result.)

Lavender & Patchouli Body Wash:

• 1/2 Cup Castile Soap (I used baby mild this time since I was out of Lavender)
• 1 tsp Vegetable Glycerin 
• 5 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• Distilled / Purified Water
• Foaming pump (Still reusing my old Method pump)

Add the Castile soap, Vegetable Glycerin, & essential oils into the foaming pump bottle and slowly add in the water, making sure to leave enough room for the pump to fit in. Give the blend a good swirl & you are ready to smell like Patchouli =)

This blend smells so wonderful to me, you can of course change the amounts of essential oils used to get your own desired scent. I find, after I shower, this leaves a subtle aroma of the blend on me throughout the day.

Get your essential oils through SPARK Naturals & as always receive an extra 10% off your order with code: Nature