Spring Rain, Homemade Mosquito Repellent & Copycat Earth Paste Toothpaste Recipes

I hope your Memorial Day weekend was a great one.

Saturday I got the inside of my house in order so I could spend most of the rest of the weekend outside.

Sunday morning I took an early morning walk with a good friend.

The afternoon rains here in my part of New Mexico have been terrific.

We haven't used the irrigation system in a whole week!

You can almost smell the fresh after-it-rains smell just by looking at this picture.

On Monday we had a rainy day reprieve so we spent it working in the yard.

The guys worked on the soil prep and irrigation..

and I relished over colorful seed packets.

When we finished with the garden, my helpers and I drove over to Village Mercantile to pick up some replacement shrubs for the few plants that didn't survive the winter.

I don't know what this plant is called, but it's supposed to bloom beautiful blue flowers. That's how I pick 'em.  Colorful.

I finished the rest of the planting just in time for the afternoon rain.

This week we're restarting soccer.  Again.  For the 745th day this year.  We had a whole 2 week's break.  With all the rain we've been getting, the fields are thick with juicy blood sucking mosquitos.  To save myself and the rest of my peeps, I made some insect repellent.  I'm positive it's the best homemade insect repellent on the planet!  It's not sticky, stinky or full of deet.  This recipe works so well and smells so good that you'll be the most popular gal at practice.  Or camp. Or your own back yard.  Whichever.

DEET-FREE MOSQUITO REPELLENT

You need:

4 Tablespoons Vodka or Witch Hazel (Buy Witch Hazel here (or ABQ local here)
20 Drops doTERRA On Guard Blend (Buy it here)
5 doTERRA Lemongrass (Buy it here)
5 doTERRA Lavender (Buy it here)
5 doTERRA Peppermint (Buy it here)
Distilled or Boiled Water that has cooled
1 (4 oz) Glass Spray Bottle

Mix the first 5 ingredients in the bottle and give it a gentle shake.  Add water until liquids reach level just below bottle neck.  Give another gentle shake.

This insect repellent has a shelf life of 6 months.

COPYCAT EARTHPASTE TOOTHPASTE
Yields about a month's worth of toothpaste.

Natural toothpaste is so much healthier than the major name brands.  The mucous membranes beneath our tongue absorb everything in our mouths and super quick.  This absorption is a direct path direct to our bloodstream and after learning this, I decided the stuff in my major brand toothpaste wasn't cutting it.

Earthpaste is a great brand that comes in many flavors.  The Lemon Twist variety is a kids' favorite at my house.  I've listed the recipe below.  If you prefer to buy Earthpaste rather than make the copycat recipe, you can buy it here or here.

You need:

2 Tablespoons Bentonite Clay (Buy it here or ABQ local here)
    (Note: Bentonite Clay color varies.  If you prefer a white toothpaste, opt for
    a white clay (vs. gray) such as the Redmond pictured above.)
2-4 Tablespoons of Distilled Water (or boiled water that has cooled)
2 Drops of doTERRA Melaleuca Oil
12 Drops of doTERRA Lemon Oil
5 Drops of Lemon Liquid Stevia (approx. to taste)
Pinch of Redmond Real Salt (see below)

Mix the Bentonite clay and water.  Add the oils and liquid Stevia.  Store your toothpaste in a 4oz glass jar.  You can also store it in a zip seal snack size bag with one bottom corner snipped off.

If your paste dries out, add water to rehydrate.

OTHER VARIATIONS OF THIS PASTE:

DELICIOUS CINNAMON/CLOVE TOOTHPASTE
2 Tablespoons Bentonite Clay
2-4 Tablespoons of Distilled Water (or boiled water that has cooled)
2 Drops of doTERRA Melaleuca Oil
9 Drops of doTERRA OnGuard Oil Blend
3 Drops of doTERRA Clove Oil
5 Drops of Cinnamon Liquid Stevia (approx. to taste)
Itty Bitty Pinch of Remond Real Salt

MINTY FRESH MINT TOOTHPASTE
2 Tablespoons Bentonite Clay
2-4 Tablespoons of Distilled Water (or boiled water that has cooled)
12 Drops of doTERRA Peppermint Oil
5 Drops of Liquid Stevia
Itty Bitty Pinch of Remond Real Salt

Ready to get started with your own oils?  Yell "sign me up!"  and then Click here.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

The Wonderful World of Diffusing: Benefits and Tips & Tricks

I'm guilty of having candles in every color, size and scent.  You know me.  I'm a romance girl.  Besides, can we eliminate everything that is potentially toxic? Okay, well maybe not everything, but we can eliminate what we know a little at a time to help relieve some of the toxic overload our bodies are constantly fighting to reduce.

Candles can turn a musty, smelling room into a tropical paradise.  But as it turns out, the emissions from many candles is suggested to be as harmful to our bodies as second hand smoke.  300 million tiny air sacs in our lungs must constantly exchange air with the outside.  These air sacs can fill with potentially carcinogenic dyes, paraffins and perfumes.  It's especially important to eliminate potentially candle emissions around small children and those with asthma for these reasons. (source)

BENEFITS:
Diffusing with essential oils is a healthy, natural way to freshen the air in your home while providing some wonderful homeopathic benefits.  Each doTERRA essential oil is a natural extract of plants found to be beneficial in a holistic approach to better health.  Inhaling the essential oils can promote emotional well-being, holistic healing and offer better sleep.

We now have 5 diffusers in our home that, at any given time, can be found wafting wonderful combinations of citrus, woodsy and aromatic bliss.  I took this picture of Noah's nightstand after he was fast asleep.  His nightly pre-bedtime ritual involves getting his diffuser ready for bedtime with 4 drops of doTERRA Lavender and 3 drops of doTERRA Cedarwood.

HOW TO:
Given that each essential oil has its own health benefits, select the doTERRA essential oil or oils that are right for you and add them to your diffuser.  (I chose doTERRA because I found the greatest results with doTERRA oils.  I found their oils to be pure and high quality (not blended or diluted) and the company to be reputable. Oh, and doTERRA has a great community that is supportive and helpful.  I love the positive energy of my doTERRA family!)

The average diffuser usually requires 5-7 drops of essential oil along with water filled to a fill line imprinted in the diffuser's reservoir.  Start by filling your diffuser with water (tap or filtered water is fine) and adding your oil using care around wood furniture.  I like to use a wash cloth on my nightstand to protect the wood finish.

NOTE: Since heat damages the integrity of the oils, use a diffuser that diffuses without heat. While diffusers also help to add moisture to the air, a regular vaporizer or humidifier won't work for diffusing oils.

Here are just a few diffusing blends to try:

And a new diffusing new favorite in my house is 6 drops of doTERRA White Fir and 1 drop of doTERRA lavender.  At bedtime.  Sleep on.

MY FAVORITES DIFFUSERS:
When purchasing a diffuser, these are the things to look for:

1. You want a diffuser that diffuses with a fine mist. The finer the better, since finer mist is easier for your body to inhale therefore gaining the most benefit from your essential oil.  Finer mist also means that a larger concentration of essential oil stays in the air longer.

2. An automatic shut off feature is awesome.  These types of diffusers usually turn off after the water and oil has depleted from the reservoir.

3.  If your diffuser has lights, make sure there is a feature to use the diffuser with a "lights off" option.

4.  Check the product description to see what the recommended square footage is for that particular diffuser.  (I have found the diffusers below to work well in room areas of up to approximately 500 sq feet in size.)

Here are my personal favorites:

doTERRA Aroma Lite Diffuser

You can buy it here

Also available at wholesale cost here

NOW Foods Ultrasonic Diffuser

(Up to 4-6 hours of diffusing)

You can buy it here

NOW Foods Faux Wood Diffuser

(Up to 8 hours of diffusing!)

You can buy it here

GreenAir Spa Vapor
Up to 3-4 hours of diffusing
You can buy it here

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR DIFFUSER:

Many diffusers have intake holes beneath the unit that take in air for operation. Place your diffuser on a flat, hard surface such as a ceramic coaster or saucer for maximum air intake.  (If you are using a wash cloth or protective cloth for your furniture, place the towel beneath your coaster.) Having your diffuser operate with intake vents well ventilated will preserve the life of your diffuser.

Clean your diffuser every 6-7 uses.  I add pure white vinegar to the reservoir (fill about 1/3 to the fill line) and diffuse outdoors or near an open window to avoid the strong smell of vinegar indoors.  Once the diffusing cycle has depleted the vinegar in the reservoir, rinse your diffuser with medium hot water and let reservoir air dry uncovered.

MORE ABOUT OUR HOME AND MY MAD LOVE FOR DIFFUSING

I've been known to diffuse for our furry friends...

Diffusing offered Honey some post-surgery recovery back in April.  To comfort and calm her, I diffused 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of Serenity. I also applied doTERRA lavender to her paws diluted with doTERRA fractionated coconut oil. She loves diffusing so much that when she sees me filling the diffuser on my bedside table, she knows it's bedtime and immediately starts to paw the bedside as her way of saying "let me up!" (Note: Consult with your vet about oils and your pets safety.  Click here for more info about animals safety .)

Thinking about diffusing makes me want to grab my diffuser and hold it tightly in my clutches.  Because I'm in love.  It's soothing, the oil combinations are endless and I am taking better control of my family's health and well being. And when you try diffusing with doTERRA essential oils, you'll be in love too.

To get started with your own doTERRA, click here.

It's time for bed.  

Sleep tight.

~Charlene

Copycat Recipe Series: Burt's Bees Peppermint Lip Balm & Lush Dream Cream

I'm back from 9 days in Colorado where I spent time cleaning out my late parents' house.  It was a good trip, other than it rained and snowed 4 out of the 9. That made for some fresh-nessssss given that I only packed 1 pair of pants and 8 pairs of shorts.  I'm a habitual bad packer.

My sister Sally (say that 10 times fast) has a beautiful home and I get to bunk in her guest room with this heavenly view.

The drive up there from Albuquerque isn't bad either.  Here's a pic that I snapped along the roadside. How's this for some nesssss?

Now that I'm back in my own kitchen, I thought I'd share some copy cat recipes that mimic some of my favorite products.  Making your own toothpaste, lip balm and lotion products sounds complicated, but it's not.  There is a basic set of ingredients that you can purchase that will make many household health and beauty products.  (I'll cover this in a super helpful future post.) Over the next week, I'll be sharing several copycat recipes including:  Burt's Bees Peppermint Lip Balm (below), Earth Paste toothpaste (coming later this week) and Lush Dream Cream (also below). To make sure you don't miss a post, subscribe by email above on the right.

First things first. I purchase most of my ingredients from local places here in Albuquerque like La Montanita Coop.

The staff is friendly, they know their stuff and if you don't find something in stock, they will special order for you.  How's that for local outstanding customer service? (Talk to Willy if you're on the westside. I call him Mr. Saaavy.) Plus, they have locations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Gallup.

Shopping local is the way to go and it's always my first choice because I form relationships with local retailers who I know I can trust.  If you live in a rural area or an area without a health nut store, you can purchase many basic items through online reputable companies.  If you want to use therapeutic grade essential oils, I do not recommend purchasing them online through an unknown source for the same reasons you wouldn't purchase your medications online through an unknown source.  Safety is super important.  While you can sometimes find essential oils in grocery stores, they're usually watered down or blended.  That means less effective.  You get what you pay for.

DIY Burt's Bees-inspired Peppermint Lip Balm
(Let's call our version The Bees Knees Lip Balm for the sake of violating any patent or trademark laws.)
Makes Approximately 20 Tubes of Lip Balm
Takes 10-15 minutes plus 30 minutes of set time

You'll Need:
4 Tablespoons of Beeswax (La Montanita Coop in Albuquerque or on Amazon here)
1.5 Tablespoons of Pure Unrefined Shea Butter (on Amazon here)
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil (La Montanita or Amazon here)
1 Tablespoon of Cocoa Butter (La Montanita or Amazon here)
12 Drops of doTERRA Peppermint Essential Oil (Buy it from yours truly here)
8 Drops of doTERRA Rosemary Essential Oil (Buy it from yours truly here)
Liquid Peppermint (or plain) Stevia (La Montanita)
20 Lip Balm Tubes (on Amazon here)
Piece of Wax Paper to work on
2 nestable pots/pans (or double boiler) (or 1 pyrex measuring cup and one small pot big enough to fit the measuring cup in)
2-3 Plastic disposable pipette syringes (this item is optional) (On Amazon here)

Make it like this:
1.  Remove the caps from the tubes and make sure the wind mechanism is lowered fully in each.
2.  Melt the first four ingredients in a double boiler in your stove.
3.  Remove the melted mixture from the burner and add Stevia to taste.

4.  Stir in 12 Drops of doTERRA Peppermint Oil if you used plain liquid Stevia (or 8 if you used Peppermint Stevia)
5.  Add 8 Drops of doTERRA Rosemary Oil.
6.  Using your pipette or syringe (or by pouring with a steady hand - this is where the Pyrex measuring cup method works great because of the pour spout), pour your Bees Knees lip balm mixture into the tubes and let sit for at least 30 minutes to harden/set.

TIP:  For Easy clean up, slightly remelt any wax residue in your pot and wipe out with a paper towel before washing with water.


DIY Lush-inspired Dream(y) Cream
(Let's call our version Dreamy Cream for the sake of violating any patent or trademark laws.)

You'll Need:

1/8 Cup Raw Cocoa Butter (La Montanita or Amazon here) (You can also use shea, avocado or mango butter.)
1/8 Cup Olive Oil (La Montanita )
1 Tablespoon Glycerine (La Montanita )
1/4 Cup Oat Milk  (La Montanita  or see make-it-yourself instructions below)
1/8 Cup Rose Water, Cooled Boiled Water OR Distilled Water (Find Rose Water at La Montanita)
1/2 Tablespoon of Vitamin E Oil (La Montanita)
2 Drops of doTERRA Melaleuca Oil (Buy it from yours truly here)
2 Drops of doTERRA Roman Chamomile (optional) (Buy it from yours truly here)
2 Drops of doTERRA Lavender (Buy it from yours truly here)
6 oz. Glass lidded container (La Montanita or at Target or on Amazon)

Make it like this:
1.  Melt your butta.
2.  Stir in your olive oil and your vitamin E oil.
3.  In a separate bowl, mix your oat milk and water togetha.
4. Add your water/milk mixture to the butta/oil mixture.*

* Here's a great way to get your oils and water/milk to mix:
- Turn the heat off underneath your double boiler and let your container with your oat milk and water mixture warm in the water in the pan for 3-5 minutes so it heats up a smidge.  (Make sure it's in a heat safe measuring cup or other container).
- Slowly add your oat milk and water mixture to your oil/butter mixture bit by bit. Keep on mixing while you keep adding gulps of oat milk.
- Blend until it looks fairly smooth.

Now where were we?  Oh.  Right.

5.  Add the glycerine.
6.  Add your doTERRA oils and mix the whole batch of stuff really well.
7.  Grab a Dove Chocolate Bar and the latest issue of People Magazine.
8.  Put your mixture in the fridge uncovered for about 10-15 minutes.
9.  Remove your cream from the fridge.  It should appear thicker.  Beat with an electric hand mixture for a few minutes to whip it up into thicker dreamy goodness. (Be patient.  This step takes time.  Sometimes you'll need to whip for 7-10 minutes or more.)

10.  Transfer your Dreamy Cream to the jar.
11.  Indulge by rubbing the cream all over your body and then eating another Dove bar.  (I do not recommend rubbing the Dove Bar all over your body and eating the Dreamy Cream. It can cause unnecessary and embarrassing concern by spouses or neighbors.)

I hope you enjoyed this post.  For more information about healthier home and family with doTERRA oils, contact me here.  I'd love to send you some free samples to see if doTERRA is right for you.  (Plus, there are usually some great incentives involving freebies for new wholesale account holders. Just ask me.)

~Charlene Shaulis

PS:  Join my private group on Facebook OR connect with me on Pinterest using the links above...

A Fun New Recipe! Homemade Toothpaste to Keep Your Pearly Whites White

This week I'm mixing up a little toothpaste in my kitchen.

What?   No, really.  In all my spare time.

I've done some research on commercial bought toothpaste and before I get chatty on you, let me cut to the chase with the recipe in case your a cut-to-the-chase kinda gal.





DIY Healthy Essential Oil Toothpaste

Prep Time: 5-10 Minutes
Yields: Approximately 30 Day Supply

Here's what you'll need:


• 1/3 Cup Bentonite Clay (You can find this at your local health nut store or online here. Another great alternative is Redmond's Betonite Clay.  If use the Redmond's brand, it already has real salt, so you can eliminate the salt from this recipe.)
• 1/4 Cup Boiling Water
• 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Redmond's Real Salt (unrefined and loaded with natural minerals, this salt can be found in your grocery aisle or online here)
• Stevia (to taste) (I add about 1 1/2 tsp because I like my toothpaste sweeter. The Stevia acts only as a sweetener in this recipe.) 
• doTERRA Essential Oils (see below for description of benefits and recommended oils) (I recommend a approximately 40-50 drops total with this recipe, adding slowly in the event you like slightly less.  Also, peppermint is pretty strong, so I don't recommend adding more than 10 drops of peppermint.)
• One 4 oz. or 6 oz. glass jar or quart size (or smaller) freezer quality resealable plastic bag


Here's what you'll do:


1. In a small bowl, mix all of your powdered ingredients together.

2. In another bowl, heat water until it just reaches a boil.  Add the coconut oil to the water and stir until melted.

3.  Combine your powdered mixture with your water/coconut oil mixture and mix with a hand held electric mixer.

4.  While mixing, add in your essential oils.

5.  Transfer your paste to your container and store on your counter (and out of direct sunlight) for up to one month.


For easy clean up, wipe out any coconut oil from your dishes and utensils using paper towels. Then load in them the dishwasher.

This recipe is a wonderful, healthy alternative for your gums and mouth and yields approximately 30 days worth (if you brush twice daily). Store your toothpaste up to 60 days on your counter and out of direct sunlight. You can alter and adjust the recipe based on personal preference. For example, coconut oil will soften slightly at room temperature but the betonite clay will help firm it up some. If you want your toothpaste firmer, add a bit more clay or a little less coconut oil. Also, if you want the paste sweeter, add more Stevia ... and so on.

If you are allergic to coconut oil, try eliminating the coconut oil altogether and altering the water amount to get the consistency you want. You'll also want to sub in 4 drops of doTERRA Melaleuca in exchange for the coconut oil.





Here's how you use it:  

Take a swipe of toothpaste from your jar with your finger or a wooden tongue depressor and stick it on your toothbrush.  A slightly larger pea-sized amount should do. Brush away.  The toothpaste will feel thicker than what you're used to because of the coconut oil, but remember - the oil is binding and helps remove bacteria and other unwanted junk from your mouth (see below).

Tip: My dentist always recommends flossing before you brush.

Another Tip (I'm full of 'em): If you are worried about coconut oil and the effects of clogging in your drain, let the hot water run while you spit and for 10 seconds afterward, or spit into your trash can.

Why I like this DIY Recipe or DoTERRA's On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste:

We absorb our toothpaste ingredients by way of the membranes beneath our tongue. And then there's the stuff we swallow.  This post is a little lengthy, but I really think it's important to do my research. Here's some information I think you'll want to know.

Here are 3 main hidden dangers found in the common commercially manufactured toothpaste:

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Gives toothpaste the foaming effect when you brush. While there are studies that suggest SLS can cause cancer, the biggest most immediate concern is that when mixed with other compounds (such as drugs you might be taking), the mix can toxic. (Dr. David Hill, Medical Researcher, Biochemist and Chiropractor.)

2. Sodium Flouride (aka flouride).  Dentists have encouraged the use of flouride to defend against tooth decay for as long as we can remember.  Flouride is a bi-product of aluminum manufacturing and is also used industrial pesticides. According to Akron Regional Poison Center, ingesting 1/10 of an ounce of flouride can kill a 100lb adult.  Ingesting even the tiniest amount of flouride commonly causes nausea, vomiting and diarrrhea. Flouride has also been shown to cause dental flourosis among a host of other more serious health issues to the body. (Flouride Action Network)

3. Triclosan.  Recent studies show that Triclosan is linked to cancer cell growth and regulators are now debating on whether to put Triclosan in soaps, children's toys and other products, yet we continue to put in our mouths.  (Bloomberg).

I started using doTERRA's On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste about 5 months ago and I'm hooked.  It's so good, if you try it, you'll be hooked. eMail me for a sample or click here to purchase.




More Tips for the DIY Recipe Above:

For those of you DIY gals who are making your own, you can make a toothpaste similar to the OnGuard version above using the OnGuard essential oil blend (my favorite because it has cinnamon, clove, orange, eucalyptus and wild orange!)

You can also try some of these doTERRA essential oils in individually or in combinations:

• Peppermint— a powerful anti-oxidant and great for a razzle dazzle toothy tingle
• Eucalyptus—antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory
• Cinnamon—antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and can help with inflamed gum tissue
• Clove—antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and an amazing antioxidant, the highest antioxidant essential oil. It is approved by the Dental Association for use as a dental anesthetic.   It’s great for killing Candida.
• Lemon—antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
• Orange—antiseptic and antioxidant
• Rosemary—antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral
• Melaleuca - for antibacterial qualities. Try 6-8 drops.  This one is not a flavor enhancer, but it may also help tighten up gum tissue.


More Info - here's why the other stuff is great for making toothpaste:

Bentonite Clay is an alkaline full of minerals which your body can benefit from during use.  (It's that absorb under the tongue thing again.)  This clay is used for many health benefits and the benefits to your mouth in particular are that it is a binding, swelling clay that acts like a porous sponge.  When mixed with water, it draws in toxins and keeps them there.

Coconut Oil whitens teeth and has lauric acid which is has anti-microbial agents helping to fight bacteria and tooth decay. It also has the benefit of drawing bacteria from the mouth and gums.

Redmond's Real Salt is a huge source for trace minerals. Trace minerals have been found to aid in the regeneration of your teeth.  Nope.  I'm not kidding. (Read more here.)

Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the Stevia leaf.  It will make your toothpaste sing with sweetness!  If you're too sweet already, it's an optional ingredient and you don't have to use it.

I hope you've enjoyed this post.  Happy brushing!

~Charlene