Tuesday, February 19, 2013

DIY Deodorant. Oh yes, I did...

I have been wanting to try a DIY deodorant for a long time.  So long in fact, I have two empty deodorant containers just waiting for use.  There is no doubt for me, that I would like to use something that isn't toxic, and includes natural ingredients.  The trick though, is, does it work?  Am I going to make this stuff, and stink like a dirty hippie half way through the day?  Well, high time I found out.

The chosen recipe:

1/4 c Baking Soda
1/4 c Arrowroot powder (or corn starch)
4-5 T Coconut oil
10 drops of essential oil
A container to put it in


Ready to go!

Start by adding in the dry ingredients.  I whisked them together to make sure they were well blended.


Well Blended!

Add in the Coconut oil.  I used a fork to blend in. Add in your Essential oil.  I used Lavender, a little Sandalwood, and some flowery, unknown oil that is not labeled, and I forgot what it was.  Both Lavender and Sandalwood have anti-bacterial properties, which I thought would be a perfect for a deodorant.  After you mix in the oil, just stir it up into a paste.

Sometimes pasty is good.

Next, put the mix into your container of choice.  I used my empty deodorant container after washing all the nasty commercial stuff out of it.

Ready to fill!

I filled this one up and still had a lot left so I got my other empty and filled that up too.  Notice my specialized tools.

Right tool for the job. Ignore bananas.

After filling, they looked like any other deodorant, but smelled lovely, and were safe enough to eat.  Eww, I know, but you could.  

Ready to de-stink.

I put both in the freezer to harden up for a bit.  The next morning, I grabbed one, put it on like regular deodorant, and squished my arms around.  There definitely seemed to be too much on, so I wiped some off, and put on my work shirt.  About 15 minutes later, I noticed that my underarms looked "wet" and realized that there was still too much on.  I still have to scrub it out to see if it stains, so I will have to get back to you on that.

Coconut oil melts at a very low temp so applying like normal was not a good idea. I wiped it all off and applied again, this time just swiping my fingers over the top and rubbing into my armpit. I went to work and the real test began.  

I want something that is non toxic and healthy, but also something that works.  Testing it at work would be proof enough for me as I work in a very fast paced bakery.  About an hour into my shift, I felt pretty good and warned my boss of my experimental deodorant project.  That made my pits fair game, though she never said a word about it.  When I got home, I smelled my underarms, and, to be honest, there was a little smell, but not anymore than with conventional deodorants.  I am thinking I may need a little more than I put on, so I will have to play with that. All in all however, a complete success!  I would probably recommend putting it in a jar or tin with a lid instead of deodorant tubes.  I hope you try this or some other recipe, and replace that nasty conventional stuff!
























Monday, February 11, 2013

Seeds Are Here!


Wow! That was fast! I got the seeds from Botanical Interests on Saturday, and the seeds from Bountiful Gardens today.  Not too shabby.  The packets from Botanical Interests have a ton of information on them, and even more on the inside.

Botanical Interests packets with beautiful illustrations

I am equally impressed with Bountiful Gardens.  They have some very unique seeds I didn't find anywhere else, and I love what they are doing.  I got my medicinal herbs from them as well as quite a variety of veggies.  Though not as pretty as the Botanical Interests packets, these have a simple, natural beauty that is undeniable. And, their descriptions and information is outstanding.

Bountiful Gardens packets

So, next thing is to start these bad boys!  I am on a pretty tight budget and ended up opting for free containers from work to start the seeds.  Our muffins come frozen in these and we throw them out everyday.  Seems like they would be perfect and the cost is definitely right. Each tray has 24 spots.

Free Ain't Bad!

The next thing I did, was finish clearing all the blackberry from my garden.  It was a chore to be sure, but I got it done, and dug out a 4' x 17' stretch.  Only a bajillion feet left. I am building garden muscles though, and that is good. 


No More Blackberry!

In Real Life, This Is 4' x 17", Pinky Swear.


My girls were out in force, trying to get any and all worms that were exposed from my digging.  I don't think a shovel full got turned without their being at least one worm in it. Good sign!  I decided to start keeping an egg count.  I have three chickens.  Two Red Stars, and a Turken. I got two eggs since I started counting yesterday the 10th.  They are very regular layers, each providing an egg a day usually. And, I no longer have any bugs in my yard.   


Garden Helpers

So, a good week! My goals for next week in the garden:

Dig out the rest of the garden
Buy fencing and put it up (to keep the chickens out)
Map out all my veggies
Dig out the beds in the front yard
Make a plan for herbs and medicinal flowers in the front yard or in containers
Trim everything else up.  


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Spring Is Coming!

I finally, actually, ordered all my seeds for the upcoming season.  I wish I had gotten my act together sooner, but alas, I did not.  But, my seeds are officially ordered and on their merry little way to my eager hands.  I am so excited, I can almost taste the green zebra tomatoes, the bull's horn peppers, ground cherries, and brandywines.

I also included some culinary and medicinal herbs like basil, parsley, meadowsweet, valerian, and lady's mantle.  I can't wait to make some pesto, or a meadowsweet tincture, Or put my ass to sleep with some valerian root.



I dug out some blackberry today in the garden that I missed at the end of summer.  I didn't get very far before my shoulder started hurting, so my hubby took over, and I gathered up those ridiculously pesky vines that he dug out and tossed in my direction.

It felt good to be in the dirt.

Here is my seed list for the upcoming season.  All Heirloom and Organic. This does not include seed I already have or starts I may or may not be talked into buying.


Lavender, English, Tall
Parsley, Italian Dark Green Flat
Pepper, Chile Ancho/Poblano
Tomato, Pole San Marzano
Tomato, Pole Principe Borghese
Tomato, Pole Green Zebra
Tomato, Pole Brandywine Red & Yellow
Tomatillo, Toma Verde
Gourd, Hard-Shelled Long Handled Dipper
Kale, Russian Red,  
Bean, Dragon Langerie Wax, Bush,  
Bean, Good Mother Stallard, Dry, Pole
Carrot, Juwarot
Cucumber, Lemon,
Pepper, Corno di Toro Red , Sweet
Spinach, Low Acid
Ground Cherry, Aunt Molly’s
Sunflower, Oilseed
Basil, Sweet,
Valerian
Feverfew
Meadowsweet
Herb, Lady's Mantle
Skullcap