I've been holed up in my house recently working on getting my props and displays reading for my early childhood story-times and mini residencies with Gateway to the Arts. I had my first story-time today on Fletcher The Fox and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke.
Here's what I made for it:
Showing posts with label Homemade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homemade. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Facial Toner and Clay Mask
It's been a while since I've posted anything on homemade face care products, so since I was nearly out of toner, I thought--why not? And let's be adventurous and throw in a mask for fun!
First thing's first--toner. What is it? What is its purpose? Typically, toner is used to clarify the skin, remove any residue left after cleansing the face, restore the skin's pH balance, and "tone" the face by shrinking pores. Astringent is the strongest form of toner (over 20% alcohol), and although this toner has a small amount of alcohol in it from a bit of witch hazel I added, it's rather gentle overall.
pH balancer toner:
1 cup distilled water
3 Tbls. raw apple cider vinegar (AC)
1 Tbls. witch hazel
5 drops of essential oil (lavender, rose geranium, and tea tree are good for most types of skins)
First thing's first--toner. What is it? What is its purpose? Typically, toner is used to clarify the skin, remove any residue left after cleansing the face, restore the skin's pH balance, and "tone" the face by shrinking pores. Astringent is the strongest form of toner (over 20% alcohol), and although this toner has a small amount of alcohol in it from a bit of witch hazel I added, it's rather gentle overall.
pH balancer toner:
1 cup distilled water
3 Tbls. raw apple cider vinegar (AC)
1 Tbls. witch hazel
5 drops of essential oil (lavender, rose geranium, and tea tree are good for most types of skins)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Value of Value
Frugal, green, thrifty, "locavore," coupon-clipping, shop the sales--while all of these ideas are something I aspire for, I feel that often these ideals conflict with one another. What to do when your values are odds with the value of a dollar?
Take my recent food shopping for example. Yesterday, in preparation for a "trailer trash" party we were hosting (classy, I know), I went shopping for food at our local Giant Eagle. For a mere $20 and shopping strictly on the generic value brands (except the Oreos, which were one sale 2/$6), I bought:
Then this morning I went shopping at our local food co-op, the East End Co-op. We just recently joined in an effort to support a smaller, locally run operation which has lots of local and organic food. We had been going to Trader Joe's throughout the past year and really like that as well, although there's something about the lack of transparency with where they get their food that sometimes irks me. I will likely continue to go there to stock up on stuff as they have good organic and green products (we love their toothpaste!), but we're trying to spend our money more wisely these days. So with our 10% member discount on "member day" at the co-op, I spent $70 and bought:
We've also been going to the Farmer's Market in East Liberty every Monday since the beginning of the summer. Each week we bring $20 and hope to try new things, but frankly, once we buy peaches, half our budget is blown (but they are oh so sweet and juicy and absolutely worth it!). So even shopping at the Farmer's Market, too, has put me into more than one conundrum. Pay a little more for something we know is organic, or go to one of the bigger producers that is selling cabbage 2/$1? Now that we have our garden, it's been easier to make those decisions, but they are decisions nonetheless that reflect what I as a consumer feel is important.
Over time, I've noticed our move towards local and organic food start to add up. So what am I supposed to do? It's hard to put a price on the importance of eating local, supporting local business, attempting to buy bulk, and being more green, and at this point, I am willing to pay extra for making what I feel are more ethical spending choices. On the other hand, it's amazing all the food--albeit nutritionally bad food--that you can buy for just $20! It's really no wonder that our country has such a weird relationship with food once you begin to crunch the numbers. And while Jake and I have both lost weight because of our consumption of more vegetables and less food overall, man those oreos are delicious!
Jake reminded me the other day that although we're making this move towards more local, more organic, we still shouldn't forget to look in the sales ads that overtake our mailbox every Monday. With our freezer and dehydrator, we can stock up on veggies and fruits while they're in season, and take advantage of other sales for things we use every day. He's got a good point. And certainly the least I can do is at least look at all the paper the ads waste each week.
I am certain this debate will not end soon. I'm going to continue to struggle with this as I make more of a concerted effort to manage our finances, structure the meals of our house, and stay true to our values. So in the meantime, I'm going to go enjoy those Oreos while they're around and before Jake gets to them :-) Oreos with local milk, anyone?
Take my recent food shopping for example. Yesterday, in preparation for a "trailer trash" party we were hosting (classy, I know), I went shopping for food at our local Giant Eagle. For a mere $20 and shopping strictly on the generic value brands (except the Oreos, which were one sale 2/$6), I bought:
- (2) 8-ct. bags of hamburger buns,
- (2) packages of Oreos,
- (2) small cans of mandarin oranges,
- (1) container cool-whip,
- (3) 2-liters of soda,
- (1) half-gallon buttermilk,
- (2) boxes of instant vanilla pudding,
- (1) bag of potato chips,
- (1) frozen orange juice concentrate, and
- (1) box of Lean Cuisine pockets.
Then this morning I went shopping at our local food co-op, the East End Co-op. We just recently joined in an effort to support a smaller, locally run operation which has lots of local and organic food. We had been going to Trader Joe's throughout the past year and really like that as well, although there's something about the lack of transparency with where they get their food that sometimes irks me. I will likely continue to go there to stock up on stuff as they have good organic and green products (we love their toothpaste!), but we're trying to spend our money more wisely these days. So with our 10% member discount on "member day" at the co-op, I spent $70 and bought:
- 5 lbs. of bulk rolled oats (on sale)
- 3 lbs. of bulk yellow popcorn (on sale)
- 3.2 lbs. of bulk garbanzo beans (on sale)
- 1.6 lbs. of bulk raisins (on sale)
- 2 lbs. of pearled barley (on sale)
- .25 lb. of bulk ground cumin
- (1) 12 oz. package of Bike Fuel Coffee (on sale)
- (1) 32 oz. blueberry blend juice (on sale and used coupon)
- (1) jar of organic peanut butter (on sale)
- (4) boxes of Annie's Mac and Cheese (on sale)
- (2) lbs. of bananas
- (1) 32 oz. bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (on sale)
- (1) 8 oz. frozen blueberries (on sale and used coupon)
- (1) Seventh Generation dish soap (used coupon)
- (1) 1/2 lb. block of pepper jack cheese
- (1) 32 oz. container of plain yogurt
- (1) loaf of wheat bread from a local bakery
We've also been going to the Farmer's Market in East Liberty every Monday since the beginning of the summer. Each week we bring $20 and hope to try new things, but frankly, once we buy peaches, half our budget is blown (but they are oh so sweet and juicy and absolutely worth it!). So even shopping at the Farmer's Market, too, has put me into more than one conundrum. Pay a little more for something we know is organic, or go to one of the bigger producers that is selling cabbage 2/$1? Now that we have our garden, it's been easier to make those decisions, but they are decisions nonetheless that reflect what I as a consumer feel is important.
Over time, I've noticed our move towards local and organic food start to add up. So what am I supposed to do? It's hard to put a price on the importance of eating local, supporting local business, attempting to buy bulk, and being more green, and at this point, I am willing to pay extra for making what I feel are more ethical spending choices. On the other hand, it's amazing all the food--albeit nutritionally bad food--that you can buy for just $20! It's really no wonder that our country has such a weird relationship with food once you begin to crunch the numbers. And while Jake and I have both lost weight because of our consumption of more vegetables and less food overall, man those oreos are delicious!
Jake reminded me the other day that although we're making this move towards more local, more organic, we still shouldn't forget to look in the sales ads that overtake our mailbox every Monday. With our freezer and dehydrator, we can stock up on veggies and fruits while they're in season, and take advantage of other sales for things we use every day. He's got a good point. And certainly the least I can do is at least look at all the paper the ads waste each week.
I am certain this debate will not end soon. I'm going to continue to struggle with this as I make more of a concerted effort to manage our finances, structure the meals of our house, and stay true to our values. So in the meantime, I'm going to go enjoy those Oreos while they're around and before Jake gets to them :-) Oreos with local milk, anyone?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Honey honey!
No, this post is not about my personal honey (Jake), nor is it about the deliciousness of honey, although certainly I would never dispute this fact. This post is instead on the wonders of "honey honey" for the body.
The health benefits of honey: honey is a rich anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and has been used for centuries as a natural first-aid treatment. People who eat local honey are less likely to develop allergies as their body ingests local pollen, thus building a tolerance for local plants. Honey acts as a natural diuretic, is easy for the body to digest as it contains an equal amount of fructose and glucose in it, and is often used to treat throat and chest ailments in combination with other herbs. Honey is also a great skin softener when used in conjunction with milk. (*caution: while honey is great for children and adults alike, it should not be given to infants under the age of 1 due to the potential for infant botulism, while rare and can also be found in dirt and dust spores, can be debilitating*).
For these many reasons, I have tried to incorporate more honey into my life. For over a year now, I've been making my own face wash made from honey.
3 simple ingredients:
With 3 simple materials:
Combine all ingredients in measuring cup, stir well with spatula, pour into pump container, and that's a wrap.
Another use of honey that I just recently tried was as a first-aid treatment. On Thursday night, I burnt my hand. Sheer stupidity on my part--I reached for a plate that was sitting on the stove, next to a hot burner, thinking that there couldn't possibly be that much residual heat. Wrong! It stung and hurt like a you know what! I immediately ran it under cold water, and for 10 minutes held an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth in my hand--all the while trying to complete dinner! Then, I put on 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender has been used for centuries to treat burns and in general it is very soothing to all skin types. It is one of only two essential oils (the other is tea tree) that can be used undiluted on the skin without trouble for most people; otherwise, essential oils should also be diluted in "carrier oils" or in a water-based solution.
After the lavender, what did I put on next? You guessed it--honey! I slathered it on, licked the stuff of my fingers that ran away from my palm (an added bonus amidst the pain) and then wrapped it in gauze. Perhaps my burn wasn't as bad as I thought it was, but this burn healed almost overnight with no problem. I also believe that the honey helped to soften the skin that had been burned, making it more pliable and not so stiff. If you've ever burned your hand before you'll know it's not always easy to move your fingers and such with a burn! I will definitely be using this again for the next time I get burned, which is ultimately more often than I would like to admit. You think I would learn :-)
The health benefits of honey: honey is a rich anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and has been used for centuries as a natural first-aid treatment. People who eat local honey are less likely to develop allergies as their body ingests local pollen, thus building a tolerance for local plants. Honey acts as a natural diuretic, is easy for the body to digest as it contains an equal amount of fructose and glucose in it, and is often used to treat throat and chest ailments in combination with other herbs. Honey is also a great skin softener when used in conjunction with milk. (*caution: while honey is great for children and adults alike, it should not be given to infants under the age of 1 due to the potential for infant botulism, while rare and can also be found in dirt and dust spores, can be debilitating*).
For these many reasons, I have tried to incorporate more honey into my life. For over a year now, I've been making my own face wash made from honey.
3 simple ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup vegetable-based glycerin (a natural humectant and skin softener)
- 1/8 cup castille soap (I use Dr. Bronner's unscented "baby" soap)
 |
| Honey, Castille Soap (in a reusable bottle), and Vegetable Glycerin |
With 3 simple materials:
- Measuring cup
- Small rubber spatula
- Pump container (I used an old Neutrogena face wash bottle)
- funnel (optional)
 |
| Pump container, funnel (optional) measuring cup, and rubber spatula. |
Combine all ingredients in measuring cup, stir well with spatula, pour into pump container, and that's a wrap.
 |
| The gunk on the outside is from the old label. Boo for glues that won't come off! |
After the lavender, what did I put on next? You guessed it--honey! I slathered it on, licked the stuff of my fingers that ran away from my palm (an added bonus amidst the pain) and then wrapped it in gauze. Perhaps my burn wasn't as bad as I thought it was, but this burn healed almost overnight with no problem. I also believe that the honey helped to soften the skin that had been burned, making it more pliable and not so stiff. If you've ever burned your hand before you'll know it's not always easy to move your fingers and such with a burn! I will definitely be using this again for the next time I get burned, which is ultimately more often than I would like to admit. You think I would learn :-)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Homemade Laundry Detergent
On our move towards more green, more healthful, more simple living, we decided to start making stuff. Lots of stuff. From beauty products, to cleaners, to food preservation, we're trying to do our part little by little. What I've been amazed about in my research into natural products is how a few key staples--vinegar, honey, olive oil, baking soda, borax, glycerin, castille soap (like Dr. Bronner's)--can provide so much of what we need and use everyday. And the best part--if you make it, you know what goes into it. As I make new batches, I'll post the products along with their recipes.
I started making homemade laundry detergent last year. Even Jake can't say that it doesn't get the clothes as clean as any commercial cleaners! Occasionally I've gone back to Trader Joe's for some of their laundry detergent (phosphate-free, of course; phosphates are very harsh on the water supply), but what I love about this recipe is the sheer simpleness of it.
Mix all together.
And done. 2 Tbs. to a warm or hot wash. Stir it up in the water a bit to break up soap clumps before adding clothes.
Frequently asked questions:
But why make your own laundry detergent?
1. Better for the environment. Not only are you not using harsh petrochemicals, but you actually don't need as much as the commercial detergents call for (unless you have a very soiled or very large load). So a little does in fact go a long way!
2. Cheaper--I haven't done the math precisely, but estimates on the internet are anywhere from $.05 to $.10 per load. The average commercial detergent is approximately $.20 per load. Not bad.
3. Time--It takes 5 minutes. Think of all the time you can save by not figuring out what detergent is on sale, what detergent has the new hot scent, etc!
What about the information that says that Borax and Washing Soda are toxic?
Well, yes--don't eat it. You will get sick. But they are certainly far better for you than the other chemicals in commercial detergents. Some people have experienced skin irritation if it comes in contact with the skin. Wear gloves if you'd like extra protection, otherwise just use a spoon to stir it up.
What about fabric softener?
Guess what?? The answer is another staple--vinegar. It does the trick. Add a half cup per load during the rinse cycle and dry on the line or in the dryer as normal. If it doesn't get soft enough, add 1/3 of a fabric dryer sheet to the dryer. You don't need any more than that!
Where do I buy Borax and Washing Soda?
Borax can be found in most supermarkets, Target, Walmart, etc. Washing Soda is a bit more difficult. I can't find it anywhere in Pittsburgh except a very small chain, Kuhn's. So check out at the smaller chains or independent grocers in your area. If you can't find it there, though, washing soda is also called "soda ash," a chemical used in the pool business.
Can I make liquid laundry detergent?
Absolutely. I just personally the powder is easier to do. But if you'd like more information, check out the following websites:
http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/04/09/making-your-own-laundry-detergent-a-detailed-visual-guide/
http://www.domesticcents.com/saving-money/homemade-laundry-detergent/
I started making homemade laundry detergent last year. Even Jake can't say that it doesn't get the clothes as clean as any commercial cleaners! Occasionally I've gone back to Trader Joe's for some of their laundry detergent (phosphate-free, of course; phosphates are very harsh on the water supply), but what I love about this recipe is the sheer simpleness of it.
- 1 bar of Ivory soap (or Fels Napatha soap), finely grated
- 2 cups Borax
- 2 cups Washing Soda
Mix all together.
And done. 2 Tbs. to a warm or hot wash. Stir it up in the water a bit to break up soap clumps before adding clothes.
Frequently asked questions:
But why make your own laundry detergent?
1. Better for the environment. Not only are you not using harsh petrochemicals, but you actually don't need as much as the commercial detergents call for (unless you have a very soiled or very large load). So a little does in fact go a long way!
2. Cheaper--I haven't done the math precisely, but estimates on the internet are anywhere from $.05 to $.10 per load. The average commercial detergent is approximately $.20 per load. Not bad.
3. Time--It takes 5 minutes. Think of all the time you can save by not figuring out what detergent is on sale, what detergent has the new hot scent, etc!
What about the information that says that Borax and Washing Soda are toxic?
Well, yes--don't eat it. You will get sick. But they are certainly far better for you than the other chemicals in commercial detergents. Some people have experienced skin irritation if it comes in contact with the skin. Wear gloves if you'd like extra protection, otherwise just use a spoon to stir it up.
What about fabric softener?
Guess what?? The answer is another staple--vinegar. It does the trick. Add a half cup per load during the rinse cycle and dry on the line or in the dryer as normal. If it doesn't get soft enough, add 1/3 of a fabric dryer sheet to the dryer. You don't need any more than that!
Where do I buy Borax and Washing Soda?
Borax can be found in most supermarkets, Target, Walmart, etc. Washing Soda is a bit more difficult. I can't find it anywhere in Pittsburgh except a very small chain, Kuhn's. So check out at the smaller chains or independent grocers in your area. If you can't find it there, though, washing soda is also called "soda ash," a chemical used in the pool business.
Can I make liquid laundry detergent?
Absolutely. I just personally the powder is easier to do. But if you'd like more information, check out the following websites:
http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/04/09/making-your-own-laundry-detergent-a-detailed-visual-guide/
http://www.domesticcents.com/saving-money/homemade-laundry-detergent/
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
We are Granola
If you are what you eat, we are granola. We only recently began to eat a lot of it once we started making it ourselves. And I think the only reason we started making it is because people were calling us "granola" and "modern day hippies" and the like and it seemed weird that while in many ways we aptly fit these descriptions, we did not in fact consume granola. I had also been under the mistaken assumption that granola was somehow "bad" for you. While being a high-calorie food, thanks to complex carbohydrates, honey, and nut fats, it's also chalk full of nutrients, protein, and fiber. So the lesson here: moderation is key.
Well that's all been changed thanks to a wonderful foundation recipe that came in one of the Penzey Spice Catalogs. The recipe has been used so many times there's oil blots on it. It's very well loved. And let me tell you: moderation is hard. It's our morning staple cereal, and we top it off with yogurt and fresh berries if they're in a season. Delicious. But we also have a handful during the day if we need a pick me up. Delicious. Or as a little bedtime snack. Delicious. Frankly, it's hard not to eat it all the time.
This recipe is for a double batch. Store half in the freezer. Trust me--you'll need to make a double batch. It goes that quickly.
Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then take a small saucepan and combine the honey, water, sugar, vanilla, and oil. Cook over low heat until it just begins to bubble.
Pour the honey over the oats and mix thoroughly, scraping up the bits and pieces from the bottom of the bowl.
Divide the mixture between two large jelly rolls pans and spread out evenly. Baking for approximately 20-30 minutes (depending on how well you like it done--I like mine crunchy!). Stir every 8-10 minutes while baking.
Let the oat mixture cool completely. Once cooled, add in your dried fruit and store in refrigerator or freeze.
I've adapted this recipe to suit whatever I have on hand. I love to add cinnamon to it. I added steel cut oats (about 2 of the 6 cups) when I mistakenly bought them one time and then had no idea what to do with them. And I even have put in quick oats on occasion when I'm just a bit short (gasp!). And that's what I love about this recipe--it's versatility. And if it means that we--like the granola that we eat--are versatile, I'm flattered.
Well that's all been changed thanks to a wonderful foundation recipe that came in one of the Penzey Spice Catalogs. The recipe has been used so many times there's oil blots on it. It's very well loved. And let me tell you: moderation is hard. It's our morning staple cereal, and we top it off with yogurt and fresh berries if they're in a season. Delicious. But we also have a handful during the day if we need a pick me up. Delicious. Or as a little bedtime snack. Delicious. Frankly, it's hard not to eat it all the time.
This recipe is for a double batch. Store half in the freezer. Trust me--you'll need to make a double batch. It goes that quickly.
- 6 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick oats)
- 2 cups oat bran
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup wheat germ
- 2 cups nuts (almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, cashews, etc.
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 6 Tbs. canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups dried fruit (raisins, craisins, pineapple, apple, etc.)
Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then take a small saucepan and combine the honey, water, sugar, vanilla, and oil. Cook over low heat until it just begins to bubble.
Pour the honey over the oats and mix thoroughly, scraping up the bits and pieces from the bottom of the bowl.
Divide the mixture between two large jelly rolls pans and spread out evenly. Baking for approximately 20-30 minutes (depending on how well you like it done--I like mine crunchy!). Stir every 8-10 minutes while baking.
Let the oat mixture cool completely. Once cooled, add in your dried fruit and store in refrigerator or freeze.
I've adapted this recipe to suit whatever I have on hand. I love to add cinnamon to it. I added steel cut oats (about 2 of the 6 cups) when I mistakenly bought them one time and then had no idea what to do with them. And I even have put in quick oats on occasion when I'm just a bit short (gasp!). And that's what I love about this recipe--it's versatility. And if it means that we--like the granola that we eat--are versatile, I'm flattered.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Herbal steam bath for cough
So for my facebook friends, this is old news, but I started the blog while under a bit of duress from a nasty chest infection. As my husband says, "You sound SO attractive when you cough like that." I'm sure your mental picture is well-formed by that simple statement alone.
I've long been a fan of Ricola's natural herbal cough drops, but this time decided to try the herbal steam bath. I've read a lot about it, but never have given it a go myself.
I tried it when I came home from work early yesterday. I put about 15 drops of Eucalyptus oil (a natural expectorant) into a bowl of freshly boiled water. Put a white towel over my head and sat hunched over for 15 minutes.
Three things of note happened:
1. I opened my eyes to peer into the bowl to see what the oil looked like after I dropped it in. Heed the warnings. It burned like mad.
2. I immediately could not breathe in much. It also kind of burned my nostrils and air passageways. I did, however, begin to cough up gunk. Mission accomplished momentarily.
3. The burn went away and the smell mellowed as time went on. So did it's effects. While I did remain relatively cough-less for the next few hours, did it make my cough and the gunk go away? No. But it helped.
Then I tried it again this morning before work to test again it's efficacy, this time adding slightly fewer drops (10). This time:
1. I did not open my eyes. Success!
2. I did not cough right away. Success in that I was able to breathe in more of the fumes, but less gunk came out.
3. I still had a cough when I was done, but I didn't feel like death warmed over today as I was headed out to work. I had pep in my step, zip in my hip. I'll take any day.
Conclusion: will definitely use again in the future. May add additional oils, such as camphor (Vick's Vapor Rub, anyone?) and peppermint. Also very refreshing for your face. Splash on cold water when done and "voila!" Revived!
I've long been a fan of Ricola's natural herbal cough drops, but this time decided to try the herbal steam bath. I've read a lot about it, but never have given it a go myself.
I tried it when I came home from work early yesterday. I put about 15 drops of Eucalyptus oil (a natural expectorant) into a bowl of freshly boiled water. Put a white towel over my head and sat hunched over for 15 minutes.
Three things of note happened:
1. I opened my eyes to peer into the bowl to see what the oil looked like after I dropped it in. Heed the warnings. It burned like mad.
2. I immediately could not breathe in much. It also kind of burned my nostrils and air passageways. I did, however, begin to cough up gunk. Mission accomplished momentarily.
3. The burn went away and the smell mellowed as time went on. So did it's effects. While I did remain relatively cough-less for the next few hours, did it make my cough and the gunk go away? No. But it helped.
Then I tried it again this morning before work to test again it's efficacy, this time adding slightly fewer drops (10). This time:
1. I did not open my eyes. Success!
2. I did not cough right away. Success in that I was able to breathe in more of the fumes, but less gunk came out.
3. I still had a cough when I was done, but I didn't feel like death warmed over today as I was headed out to work. I had pep in my step, zip in my hip. I'll take any day.
Conclusion: will definitely use again in the future. May add additional oils, such as camphor (Vick's Vapor Rub, anyone?) and peppermint. Also very refreshing for your face. Splash on cold water when done and "voila!" Revived!
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