The Health Show

So, visited the Health Show in RDS last Sunday with friends. Spent way too much money than intended, but it's all good :) Didn't know what to expect as it was my first time, but reaaaaly happy with my purchases and decided to save for next time already, because I stopped myself of buying matcha (the best, I know, but so expensive!) and natural cosmetics (not using any at the moment. plus I'll replace the ones I have once I run out. You know, replace one by one.) They're by Benecos, and I need to research them more before I buy. I bought some Nakd bars - the new ones are soooo good :) some essential oils, manuka honey (always good), lavera kids tooth gel without flouride - after my bid kid got flourosis I'll never get regular toothpaste for my little one!! Damn Irish water with added fluoride, why?? The purchase I was most excited about was Dr.Bronner's soap - after extensive research I chose it as a purest soap with million uses for it. I got a big bottle of it for 12€ so saved myself a few quid there. Once I got home I brushed my teeth with it (soappy but fine) and washing my hair with it (couldn't even put the brush in it) I knew it would be drying, but this? I didn't give up on it as a shampoo yet - I'll try a few more combos with this soap, like mixing it with coconut milk, aloe vera gel and even with regular shampoo if everything else fails. I also made a concoction for cleaning - one part H2O, one part my homemade vinegar with lemon and half the amount of Dr.Bronners. Works well, natural, what more could you want?

Home made lipbalm

When your lips are chapped and dry, don't reach for store-bought products containing parabens and petroleum. Mineral oils and additives dry out the sensitive skin, temporarily soothing, but in the end, resulting in the need for more and more product to keep lips luscious and moisturized. Instead, mix up one of these simple recipes in your home. Each stores well at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for up to six months. They make great gifts for friends and family, or provide a fun activity for a group gathering or sleepover.

Essential oils can be added to each of these recipes for scent and soothing properties. I recommend no more than 4 drops per ounce, meaning 4 drops maximum for the Simple Chap Stick, 10 drops maximum for the Basic Balm, and maximum 8 drops for the Lip-Saving Salve. In the latter two, you may also substitute cocoa butter for shea butter and add a drop or two of chocolate extract for a rich cocoa-scented lip treat!

Simple Chap Stick

Makes about 1 oz (4 1/4-oz chap stick tubes)
Ingredients

* 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup beeswax flakes or pellets
* 4 large-sized vitamin E capsules

Instructions

Place all ingredients in heat-safe measuring cup or bowl and place in double boiler, or a medium saucepan of water over low heat. Allow hot water to melt ingredients, but prevent from boiling. When all solids have melted, remove from heat and stir until well combined. Pour into chap stick tubes or lip balm jars and allow to cool completely, uncovered, before sealing or using.

Basic Balm

Makes about 2.5 oz (10 1/4-oz lip balm jars)
Ingredients

* 3/4 oz shea butter
* 2/3 oz jojoba oil
* 1/3 oz extra virgin olive oil
* ½ oz white beeswax flakes or pellets
* 1/4 oz candelilla wax flakes

Instructions

Place all ingredients in heat-safe measuring cup or bowl and place in double boiler, or a large saucepan of water over low heat. Allow hot water to melt ingredients, but prevent from boiling. When all solids have melted, remove from heat and stir until well combined. Pour into small lip balm jars or tubes and allow to cool completely, uncovered, before sealing or using.


Lip SAving SAlve
Makes 2 oz (8 1/4-oz lip gloss bottles)
Ingredients

* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 4 tsp soy wax
* 4 tsp shea butter
* 15 large-sized vitamin E capsules

Instructions

Place all ingredients in heat-safe measuring cup or bowl and place in double boiler, or a large saucepan of water over low heat. Allow hot water to melt ingredients, but prevent from boiling. When all solids have melted, remove from heat and stir until well combined. Pour into small lip gloss bottles and allow to cool completely before closing or using.
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