Eye Make Up Remover

Since I really am not worth much on the functioning scale until I've had at least one cup of coffee, I hopped online Tuesday morning while my coffee maker was hard at work. Monday had been another late night meeting, so I simply collapsed without much effort when I finally got home. This meant I resembled a raccoon who stuck its poor little paw in an electrical socket. My hair is most uncooperative.

Trolling through Facebook and checking the day's weather is the norm for morning like these. While perusing my FB feed, I ran across this post from Jillee on eye make up remover.

Due to my complete lack of interest in shopping, I was out of many things, including eye make up remover so I was not looking forward to getting rid of the eye liner and mascara smudged around my eyes. This seemed serendipitous.

I had most items on hand so off to the kitchen I went. I pulled out a small plastic container, a spoonful of coconut oil, and Lavender EO. I don't have any Vitamin E oil or Geranium (at least until my Oil of the Month from Spark Naturals arrives soon).  My theory is to give it a whirl and if I like it I can then add the Geranium and Vitamin E.

Guess what - it worked wonderfully!  I used a Q-tip to apply it thinking I was going to have to go to town scrubbing with a cotton ball. Nope. The Q-tip was black and brown almost immediately! I did use a cotton ball to remove the excess oil and go after the little bit of  really stubborn eyeliner on my left eye. I'm sold.

I also like her tip about using a small jar for travel purposes. Going to make some more once that Geranium and Vitamin E are residing at home!

Slower Postings

The summer is a busy time for me. Many service trips and travels. I will probably have slower postings for the next few months. My plan is to post three times a week. Plus that Sunday quote.

Just wanted to give any of you readers a head's up!

EO Price Comparison Chart

As I was enjoying a day of actively doing nothing yesterday and pondering what my next project supply needs will be, I was doing comparison shopping between Spark Naturals and Mountain Rose Herbs. The tedious task of jumping between sites eventually annoyed me. Thus, I defaulted to my favorite pastime - spread sheets. Yes, I am that big of a nerd.

So to help you out, you can access this pdf of a comparison of EOs between Spark Naturals and Mountain Rose Herbs. It surprised me quite a bit. Remember also that Spark Naturals has a flat shipping rate which is helpful if ordering just one or two items. Mountain Rose Herbs has more expensive shipping, but their more comprehensive product line may mean you head to their site for other supplies.

Sunday's Quote

In memory everything seems to happen to music.

Tennessee Williams

May you find new memories today, be they large or small that bring a smile and a bit of music to your life.

Fabric Softener

As it seems there is a constant stream of information on how the contents of everyday household products are dangerous, I have really started to incorporate as many homemade options as possible.

Fabric softener was one I questioned. Can these alternatives really soften the fabric? Will it work on things I don't put in the dryer, but dry on racks?

I have used vinegar off and on, not 100% thrilled with it. Items that I leave out of the dryer - jeans, cardigans, and so forth sometimes were a bit to stiff for me.

If you want to try vinegar, I just use the fabric softener ball and fill it with about a half cup of white vinegar.

What I gave a try this week for the first time is a very simple option from Everyday Roots. I chose to omit the EOs in the recipe. I may add them in the next batch, mostly out of curiosity.

The results of this option are much more my thing. Both the items from the dryer and the rack are soft and definitely work with my preferences.

My Obsession

I have a problem. I have a bit of an obsession with Mason jars and other fun glass jars.

At least my obsession has practical applications. I use large Mason jars to store dry goods in my teeny, tiny pantry cabinet. I use the other smaller sizes for the lotions I make. I have a jar of buttons with my sewing materials. When I make a bag of dry beans, I use jars to divide up the cooked beans and freeze for later use.

While I do worry about my clumsiness coming out to play and resulting in the breaking of jars, with more appearing to show that plastics can be harmful, I figure phasing out the plastic is a good bet.

While the branded Mason jars can be challenging to find outside of buying new at the store, I found a few tips for creating a collection of glass jars:

1. Put the word out to your friends, family, coworkers. Periodically a bag of jars appears in my office. I bring in baked goods or homemade pickles as thanks.
2. Save the ones you use - jelly, sauces, etc all come in jars - make use of 'em!
3. Watch rummage sales and estate sales. Our church has a rummage sale and periodically I can nab some there.

Those Little Irritations

It happens to the best of us, something irritates your skin. You get one of those annoying itches that just won't go away but isn't due to anything in particular. Your skin gets dry and itchy.

Welcome Lavender!

I put lavender in pretty much everything. Particularly if it is going to serve as a moisturizer or lotion. It is soothing both to the skin and a peaceful scent.

In my purse I carry a small roller bottle that contains about 8 drops of Lavender and the remainder of fractionated coconut oil (as the carrier oil). This has been helpful when I get those little itches and irritations. I've even shared it with others and despite their skepticism, they had to admit it helped.