Enjoy soft lips with this simple lanolin lip balm recipe. It’s perfect for the harsh winter when dry lips need extra moisture. And bonus: it’s easy to make, better than commercial lip balms, and 100% natural! 

I’ve been making lip balm for over 11 years. I love this homemade lip balm recipe, honey lip balm, and shea butter lip balm. But when I want something extra moisturizing for chapped lips, lanolin is a great way to do that and always provides immediate relief.

Today, I’ll show you how to use lanolin to make a beautiful balm. 

Key Takeaways

• Best Ingredients – To make this recipe, you’ll need beeswax, shea butter (or mango butter or cocoa butter), oil of choice (like olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil), and lanolin. 
• Minimal Equipment – You’ll need lip balm tubes or metal tins, a small saucepan, a heat-safe bowl, and a stovetop. 
• How Much This Recipe Makes – This recipe makes 4 ounces of lip balm. You can divide this between four 1-ounce lip balm containers or make one 4-ounce jar. 
• Flavor Options – Personalize this natural lip balm recipe by adding your favorite essential oils, like peppermint or lavender essential oil. 
• Shelf Life – Homemade lip balm lasts for up to 12 months!
• Great Gift – Like my other lip balm recipes, the finished product is a great gift. 

Before You Get Started: What You’ll Need

You’ll also find the full recipe, instructions, and links for my favorite ingredient brands in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons shea butter – provides the critical moisturizing relief my lips crave in the drier months. Rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and ultra-moisturizing properties. Alternatively, cocoa butter (hydrating and rich in vitamin E, chocolatey scent) or mango butter (rich in fatty acids, ultra-moisturizing) are great substitutes. 
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil – nourishes and provides extra moisture for the skin. My favorite oil options are sweet almond, olive, sunflower, avocado, jojoba, and coconut oil. 
• 2-3 teaspoons beeswax pellets – the glue that holds the oil and body butter together and creates a solid product. The wax also provides a protective barrier to the skin and may also help to soothe the skin.
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid lanolin – This natural ingredient is extracted from sheep’s wool. It protects the skin’s natural barrier and locks in moisture. Lanolin may also be substituted with vitamin E oil. 
• 5-10 drops of essential oils (optional) – peppermint or lavender are great choices for lip balm. The essential oil adds a lovely scent and flavor.

Equipment

• Small saucepan – creates a double boiler by adding water to the saucepan and placing a heat-safe bowl on top to protect the oil and butter from burning. 
• Small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup (glass or metal)- to create a double boiler and melt the ingredients. I’ve found that a glass measuring cup that can sit in the small saucepan (above) works best as it has a spout for pouring the melted wax into lip balm tubes. Other options include a glass bowl or metal mixing bowl; however, they are more challenging to use if you’re making lip balm tubes, as they need a spout for pouring. 
• Lip balm containers – This recipe will make four 1-ounce tubes or tins or one 4-ounce jar. You’re welcome to use tins, tubes, or cosmetic jars for this recipe. 

How to Make Lanolin Lip Balm: Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1 Combine Shea Butter & Beeswax – Combine the shea butter and beeswax in a glass bowl.
• Step 2 Melt Ingredients – Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally.
• Step 3 Add Oil, Lanolin, and Essential Oil – Turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the pot. Add the carrier oil, lanolin, and essential oil.
• Step 4 Pour – Place a towel on a surface, then place the lip balm container on the towel (this will protect your surface). Pour the mixture into lip balm containers and sit for a few minutes until formed. The lip balm will set as the mixture cools, so working quickly during this step is essential. 

Application Tip: Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

How Long Will This Lip Balm Last? 

Homemade lip balm will last about 12 months—store at temperature. 

How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes 4 ounces of the final product. Divide the lip balm between four 1-oz small jars or tubes, two 2-oz tins or small jars, or one larger 4-ounce tin. 

How to Make Moisturizing Vegan Lip Balm 

To make this basic lip balm vegan, you must substitute two animal-based ingredients: beeswax and lanolin. 

• Beeswax Substitute: Instead, use a plant-based wax, like soy wax, carnauba wax, or candelilla. 
• Lanolin Substitute: Instead, vitamin E oil. 

What to Avoid Doing

• Don’t Use “Hot” Essential Oils – Some essential oils can irritate the skin and cause the skin to feel an uncomfortable burning sensation. Avoid “hot oils” such as cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, and lemongrass.
• Citrus Oils – ​ Citrus oils, like sweet orange or lemon essential oil, are photosensitive and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Skip these oils if you’ll be in the sun a lot.
• Don’t Add the Essential Oils When Melting The Ingredients – Essential oils quickly evaporate when exposed to high temperatures. Wait until the ingredients have melted and are away from the heat source before adding the essential oil. 

Print

Lanolin Lip Balm

Enjoy soft lips with this simple lanolin lip balm recipe. It's perfect for the harsh winter when dry lips need extra moisture. Makes 4 ounces.

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword lanolin lip balm

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Cost $3 for 4 ounces

Equipment

• 1 small saucepan
• 1 Small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup (glass or metal) I like this option for easy pouring
• lip balm containers lip balm tubes or metal tins (1-ounce size is ideal)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons shea butter or mango butter or cocoa butter
• 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid lanolin or vitamin E oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil or your favorite essential oil

Instructions

• Combine Shea Butter & Beeswax – Combine the shea butter and beeswax in a glass bowl.
• Melt Ingredients – Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally.
• Step 3 Add Oil, Lanolin, and Essential Oil – Turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the pot. Add the carrier oil, lanolin, and essential oil.
• Step 4 Pour – Place a towel on a surface, then place the lip balm container on the towel (this will protect your surface). Pour the mixture into lip balm containers and sit for a few minutes until formed. The lip balm will set as the mixture cools, so working quickly during this step is essential. 

How to Use:

• Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

Video

Notes

How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make? This recipe makes 4 ounces of the final product. Divide the lip balm between four 1-oz small jars or tubes, two 2-oz tins or small jars, or one larger 4-ounce tin. 

How Long Does This Recipe Make? Store at room temperature for up to 12 months.

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Moisturizing Lanolin Lip Balm Recipe

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DIY Shea Butter Lip Balm Recipe

The post Moisturizing Lanolin Lip Balm Recipe appeared first on Live Simply.

Our family spends a lot of time outdoors during the summer. The late summer sun and hot weather is an invitation to stay up later and enjoy meals on the grill, summer snack boards, homemade popsicles, and evenings in the backyard. And with summer comes one thing none of us love: bugs and mosquitoes.

Ingredients

Print

DIY Homemade Bug Spray Mosquito Repellent (Essential Oils)

Say hello to a homemade bug spray that repels mosquitoes and other annoying insects. The easy recipe is budget-friendly, simple to make, and includes only 3 ingredients: witch hazel, oil or glycerin, & a done-for-you blend of essential oils (no need to buy multiple essential oils).

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Bug Spray Repellent, Homemade Bug Spray

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Cost $5

Equipment

• 1 4-ounce spray bottle or larger

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup witch hazel or high-proof vodka
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, OR aloe vera gel may be used instead
• 72 drops Plant Therapy's Shield Me Essential Oil Blend (suitable for ages 2-10+) OR Nature Shield (suitable for adults)
• 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Optional

Instructions

• Pour the witch hazel (or vodka) and essential oil blend of choice (either Sheild Me OR Nature Shield) into a 4-ounce or larger spray bottle. Add vanilla extract if using.
• Add the glycerin (or oil or aloe vera gel). Secure the lid on the bottle and shake to incorporate the ingredients.

To Use:

• Shake the bottle before each application. Spray the bug repellent on the skin, rubbing on the skin if needed. As with any homemade remedy, I highly recommend testing this spray first on a small area of the skin. Make sure your skin doesn't react to the essential oils before applying liberally.
• Store away from sunlight and use within 3 weeks.

Video

Notes

This is NOT a sponsored post with Plant Therapy. I’m a happy customer and love their oils. If you know of a similar essential oil blend by a different brand, feel free to use that. The key is to use a blend specifically created to deter mosquitoes and other bugs. 

Optional Vanilla Extract: There is some evidence to suggest that vanilla extract may deter bugs since mosquitoes, gnats, and other bugs hate its scent. If you want to add vanilla extract to this recipe, make sure it’s pure with no added sugars or flavorings. The only ingredients of pure vanilla extra are: vanilla beans and alcohol. I suggest adding about 1/2 tablespoon. 

Pregnancy: Citronella and eucalyptus are NOT recommended while pregnant. Always check with a professional before using any essential oils during pregnancy.

Easy Roll-On Recipe Variation

 If you’re short on time or ingredients the essential oil blend can easily be diluted with fractionated coconut oil (or another oil) and then applied directly to the skin. Use the recommendation on the Plant Therapy bottle for dilution and this dilution chart to figure out how many drops of essential oil per tablespoon of oil should be used. OR, you can buy a pre-diluted roll-on bottle of Shield Me or Nature Shield.

More Natural Body Care

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Exfoliating Homemade Lip Scrub Recipe (2 Ingredients)

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DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe (For Everyone)

13 Best Non Toxic Shampoo & Conditioners (All Hair Types)

DIY Shea Butter Lip Balm Recipe

The post Homemade Bug Spray Mosquito Repellent (Essential Oils) appeared first on Live Simply.

• What is CBD?
• Hemp versus marijuana
• What you need to know about the history and politics of this “new fad.”
• Who should take CBD, why, and when?
• What are the benefits of taking CBD?
• Is there regulation for CBD products?
• What to look for when purchasing CBD products
• The best way to take CBD
• Safety, precautions, dosing considerations
• A recipe to make with CBD

• Free Real Food Starter Guide and Crash Course
• Gretchen Lidicker Website
  Follow Gretchen Lidicker on Instagram
• Gretchen’s Book: Every Day CBD Oil
• Charlotte’s Web
• Garden of Life
• Bloom Farms
• Lord Jones Royal Oil

The post Podcast 050: CBD Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Live Simply.

• What does detoxing mean?
• Why is detoxification important?
• Are there particular symptoms/signs that the body is overwhelmed with toxins? Are there dangers to the body not detoxifying?
• What are the different channels of detoxification?
• What are some things we can do in our daily lives to help our bodies detox?
• Are there symptoms/signs that the body is detoxing well?

• Free Real Food Starter Guide and Crash Course
• Joyous Health Website
• Follow Joy McCarthy on Instagram
• Follow Joy McCarthy on Facebook
• How to Dry Brush Video from Joyous Health
• The Joyous Cookbook: Joy’s New Cookbook
• Joyous Health: Joy’s First Cookbook
• Joyous Detox: Joy’s Second Cookbook

The post Podcast 047: Why and How to Detox the Body with Joy from Joyous Health appeared first on Live Simply.

I truly believe that when we take the time to nourish our bodies with nutrient-rich food, manage our stress, prioritize sleep, and move our bodies, we feel good and don’t get sick as often because our bodies and immune systems are equipped to handle “attacks.”

I know, this isn’t always easy in the go-go-go culture we live in today, but I believe it’s important. Instead of turning to the newest “superfood” or quick-fix on the market, why not adjust our lifestyle choices so they support our long-term health and well-being?

In our family, I can usually tell when we haven’t been taking care of ourselves because we start to feel sluggish, tired, worn out, and are more susceptible to getting sick.

Now, keep in mind, I’m not a doctor. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a doctor or specialist for specific concerns. I think you know that. What I share here on the blog is based on my own research and what I personally have found to be helpful for myself and my family.

1. Consume Homemade Broth/Stock

Homemade broth/stock is rich in immune-loving minerals.

I regularly roast a whole chicken for dinner. After roasting the chicken, I place the extra meat in a storage container (to enjoy for lunch or dinner) and the remaining bones and water in the Instant Pot. In a few hours, the most amazing homemade broth/stock awaits. If I’m short on time, my favorite store-bought options are Kettle and Fire (shelf stable) and Bonafide Provisions (freezer section).

Use broth/stock to make soups (try this chicken and veggie soup), cook rice, or as a nutrient-rich drink (warmed up in a mug).

2. Sleep, Rest, and Decrease Stress

Sleep is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system. Getting proper sleep at night (which I know can be hard, I have two kids) and carving out time for enjoyable, restful activities is so important. This also means learning to put your phone down and minimizing the constant need to “be on.” This podcast episode (from Today is the Day Podcast) is a good one about sleep.

One of my favorite weekly activities is a weekly detox bath. This is the perfect time to set my phone aside and relax, even if it’s just a 10 minute bath.

I’ve also been learning to saying “no” to activities that aren’t necessary in life, and I’ve been teaching my kids the importance of resting versus always being on the go. This is part of our family’s self-care practice. Many times, our schedules are too jam-packed to rest. This podcast is a must-listen for rethinking a practical approach to self-care.

3. Enjoy Nutrient-Dense Food

This means avoiding ultra-processed food as much as possible and eating real food. Nutrient-dense, real food is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, all of which the body needs to thrive and maintain a healthy immune system. This is also why packing healthy lunches (that aren’t packed full of processed and sugary foods) is so important for kids!

When we feed our body real food, we may still need a box of tissues from time to time, but illness probably won’t come knocking on “our door” as much as it would if we were filling our bodies with nutrient-less, ultra-processed food. Real food gives to the body versus taking away from the body.

As Dr. Mark Hyman recently stated, “In a world with packaged artificial food, filled with chemicals and labels with false gimmicks, it might be surprising that food can act as medicine. But when you choose REAL food you are actually feeding your body medicine; you’re using your kitchen as a farmacy to create great health and prevent disease.”

Learn about what “real food” is here.

4. Consume Fermented Foods

Probiotics are naturally found in fermented and cultured foods. The good bacteria in these foods make for a happy gut, and a happy gut means a happy immune system. Personally, I prefer to get my probiotics from food versus relying on a supplement.

Consuming probiotic-rich, fermented foods can be delicious and easy to do on a daily basis. Here are some fermented foods to try:

• fermented salsa
• sauerkraut (should be found in the refrigerator section)
• kefir (Maple Hill Creamery is my favorite brand)
• yogurt (go for plain, grass-fed yogurt with active cultures)
• kombucha (Health-Ade is my favorite brand)
• kimchi
• fermented carrots

Simply adding yogurt or kefir to a daily smoothie (try this one) is an easy way to get probiotics in your diet.

I highly recommend listening to this podcast episode from season 2 all about fermented foods.

5. Move Your Body

This doesn’t need to be an intense exercise routine. In fact, overexercising actually can cause the body to be in a state of stress, which isn’t good. Instead, opt to simply move. Take a walk around the block, take an online pilates class (I love The Balanced Life), take a kickboxing or Barre class, stretch, or run around with the kids. Movement is a great way to “detox” the body and decrease stress.

6. Wash Your Hands

Getting in the habit of washing hands (we use Dr. Bronner’s) after an outing is a good practice to start at home, particularly with kiddos.

I’m not a big fan of hand sanitizer or over-sanitizing (that’s a huge problem today), but I do carry homemade hand sanitizer or a store-bought option from Dr. Bronner’s during cold season or while traveling.

1. Rest 

As I mentioned before, rest and sleep are so important. When I feel run down, my first reaction is to make sure I’m getting plenty of rest. This means saying “no” to extra activities, getting to bed earlier, and maybe giving myself an extra few minutes to sleep in the morning instead of waking up extra early. This may also look like drawing a detox bath to rest and “sweat it out” for a few minutes.

I believe it’s also important that we teach our kids to recognize when their bodies need extra rest and to honor this.

2. Broth 

There’s a reason why Great-Grandma always made chicken noodle soup when a cold hit the family. It’s because the chicken broth/stock is nutrient-rich and full of the minerals and vitamins the body needs, particularly when fighting off a cold.

Since I’m the head cook in the family (trust me, Dustin and I both agree this is the best thing for our marriage, lol), I usually don’t feel like making chicken noodle soup when I’m sick, so I stick with sipping straight-up chicken broth from a mug. When the kids or Dustin are “under the weather,” this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup or this Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup are my go-to recipes to make.

3. Buried Treasure ACF Supplement

This is a liquid herbal supplement that I swear by when my body feels run down or when a cold is coming on. This supplement tastes AWFUL, but it’s incredibly effective at supporting the immune system. I don’t take this on a daily basis, just when I feel something coming on or have a cold (to reduce the duration). There’s an adult and kid version of ACF. You can find ACF at health food stores, Whole Foods, and online (Amazon, Vitacost).

4. Soothing Honey and Lemon Sore Throat Tea

At the first signs of a cold, I turn to a simple homemade tea recipe made with 100% natural, real food ingredients: honey, lemon, ginger, and mineral-rich salt. This tea is soothing (thanks to the honey), boasts a healthy amount of Vitamin C (thanks to the lemon), helps relieve a sore throat (thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of gingerols and shogaols in the ginger), and provides a touch of beneficial minerals to a tired body (hey, salt!). Pretty impressive for a cup of tea that costs about a buck (or much less depending on your ingredient prices) per cup and takes only 5 minutes to make. While this tea may be labeled sore throat tea, it can also be enjoyed as an early morning drink or an afternoon pick-me-up. No sore throat required!

Of course, this goes hand-in-hand with staying hydrated with lots of water.

• Homemade Hand Sanitizer Spray: A simple spray for when you need to wash your hands and don’t have soap and water.
• Homemade Hand Sanitizer Gel: Want a gel instead of a spray? This recipe is for you.
• Natural Ways to Boost the Immune System: My tried-and-true ways to naturally maintain a healthy and happy immune system.
• Homemade Elderberry Syrup: A homemade remedy that’s delicious and beneficial.

The post 6 Natural Ways to Keep Your Immune System Healthy appeared first on Live Simply.

If you’ve followed Live Simply for a while, you probably know that in the beginning days of the blog I shared a lot of homemade skincare recipes.

When we began our real food journey, which naturally brought about changes to our body and home products, there weren’t many companies making clean skincare products.

By “clean,” I’m referring to products made with non-toxic or natural ingredients, which are made by companies that are transparent about these ingredients. Because of this, I had to learn how to make my own products. I wasn’t going to let a lack of choices in the store stand in my way of making changes.

It’s encouraging to see the shift in the products available today. With the expansion of the internet and online bloggers and shops, it’s easier than ever to find clean skincare products. Now you can find makeup, nail polish, skincare products, and even cleaning products made with full transparency and safer ingredients.

Today, we have the choice between making a product or purchasing a product. That’s amazing! I welcome this choice.

Because of this, I’ve shifted my focus here on Live Simply from 100% homemade products (when it comes to skincare, body care, and cleaning) to also talking about store-bought options.

Today, most of the products I personally use come from companies, like True Botanicals, OSEA, and Marie Veronique. I recently shared my personal skincare routine here on the blog.

That said, there are some things that I still love to make: bath salts (for my weekly mama time ritual) and clay masks. And, recently, I’ve added eye masks to this list.

There are a ton of store-bought options out there, and a few that use more natural or non-toxic ingredients. My favorites include: 100% Pure and Acure. Store-bought masks can be pricey, particularly if you enjoy them on a regular basis like I do. That’s where homemade eye masks come into play.

Homemade eye masks only cost a couple of dollars to make, and that’s for over 12+ eye masks. The average store-bought mask set costs between $4-7, for a one-time use, so that price difference can’t be ignored. And that’s why I’m sharing today’s recipe with you. Plus, it’s super cool to think that you can make your own eye masks, right?!

You’ll also need cotton facial pads. You know, the cotton pads used to remove makeup or apply a facial toner.

To start, use a food processor or blender to blend the cucumber and liquid down to a mushy liquid substance. Since the mixture is super thick, the pulp needs to be strained into a sieve, leaving behind a cucumber juice.

Once you have the cucumber juice, cut the facial pads in half and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Dip a facial pad in the cucumber liquid, one at a time, and transfer to the parchment paper. I usually get around 15-20 mask sets from this liquid. That’s a lot of future masks for only a couple of dollars.

Place the sheet pan in the freezer and freeze the eye mass for about 30 minutes, or until firm. Transfer the masks to a freezer-friendly container or bag and store in the freezer for future puffy eye relief.

Once your eye masks are stashed away in the freezer, they’re ready to use. Anytime you need some extra help in the eye area–something cool for de-puffing or extra hydration–just pull a set of eye masks from the freezer and apply under your eyes.

Now, here’s the thing. The eye masks are coming directly from the freezer, which is FREEZING cold. This means the masks are going to be FREEZING cold. Plus, they won’t be very pliable.

If you prefer, set the eye masks on the counter for a few minutes, until they lose that extra chilly factor and are easier to work with. I personally don’t mind the initial cold experience.

Also, at first the eye masks may not stick well to your skin. Just keep adjusting as needed until they stick well enough to not need any assistance. This may take some fussing at first, but I promise they will stick so you don’t have to hold them against your skin for 15 minutes. Nobody has time for that.

The goal is apply the masks when they’re cold and leave them on the skin as long as desired. I find the masks to be so soothing, once they stick, that I don’t want to remove them.

I find the masks to be very soothing and an instant wake-me-up in the morning, along with being super hydrating and incredible at de-puffing. There’s no limit to how often the eye masks may be used. I’ve used them as often as I feel the need for some pampering or de-puffing.

Print

Homemade Eye Masks

Create your own homemade, de-puffing eye masks with simple ingredients: cucumber and a liquid of choice (water, rose water, aloe).

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword eye masks

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Chill 30 minutes minutes

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/2 cucumber no need to peel or remove seeds
• 2 TB liquid of choice such as: aloe vera gel or juice, rose water (or rose water), filtered water
• 6 mint leaves optional, or as many leaves as desired
• 8-10 round cotton facial pads I've purchased mine from Whole Foods. Most stores sell cotton facial pads.

Special Equipment:

• food processor or blender
• sieve
• medium bowl
• sheet pan
• parchment paper

Instructions

• Cut 8-10 cotton facial pads in half. And line a sheet pan with parchment paper (or wax paper--just something the frozen eye masks won't stick to). Set aside.
• Cut the cucumber into slices or chunks. The size doesn't matter, just make sure your blender or food processor can easily puree the cucumbers.
• Add the cucumber slices, liquid of choice (such as: rose water, filtered water, or aloe vera gel or juice), and (if using) the mint leaves to the food processor or blender. Keep in mind, my blender doesn't handle such a small amount of food well, so I go with a food processor. This will depend your blender.
• Blend the mixture until smooth (about 30-60 seconds).
• Place a sieve over a bowl. Pour the mixture through the sieve to separate the pulp from the juice. Discard the pulp. Alternatively, you could add a small amount of the pulp to honey or yogurt and make a facial mask. Just a thought for stretching this pulp even further.
• Place a halved cotton pad in the juice for just a couple of seconds. Remove the pad from the liquid and gently squeeze out any excess liquid. Then place the pad on the sheet pan. Repeat until you've used up all the liquid.
• Freeze the eye masks until solid, about 30 minutes. Then pull the frozen eye masks away from the sheet pan and place in a storage container or bag and freeze until needed.
• The eye masks will keep in the freezer for a few months (I'm guessing about 3 months, although I've used mine much faster).

To Use:

• Remove 2 eye masks (a set) from the freezer. Apply to the skin, under the eyes.
• The eye masks are coming directly from the freezer, which is FREEZING cold. This means the masks are going to be FREEZING cold. Plus, they won't be very pliable. If you prefer, set the eye masks on the counter for a few minutes, until they lose that extra chill factor and are easier to work with. I personally don't mind the initial cold experience. Also, at first the eye masks may not stick well to your skin, just keep adjusting as needed until they stick. This may take some fussing at first, but I promise they will stick so you don't have to hold them against your skin. Nobody has time for that!
• I find the masks to be very soothing and an instant wake-me-up in the morning, along with being hydrating and incredible at de-puffing. There's no limit to how often the eye masks may be used. I've used them as often as I feel the need for some pampering or de-puffing.

The post Homemade Cooling Eye Masks (For Puffy Eyes) appeared first on Live Simply.

Carrie has quite the story. In 2009 she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, which through lifestyle changes she has been able to reverse. Today, she shares her incredible story and we dive deep into the topic of thyroid disease and Hashimoto’s. Carrie shares some of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s, why it’s important to listen to your body and warning signs, what to ask for when getting lab work, how often to get your thyroid checked, and the impact of diet and lifestyle choices on Hashimoto’s.

Listen On iTunesListen On Stitcher Listen On Spotify

• Deliciously Organic (website)
• Follow Carrie on Instagram
• Follow Carrie on Facebook
• Join Carrie for a free webinar
• Carrie’s Cookbook: Deliciously Organic
• Carrie’s Cookbook: The Grain-Free Family Table
• Carrie’s Hashimoto’s Story
• Thyroid Resources on Carrie’s Website
• Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
• Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon

Q1: Tell us about yourself.

Q2: You were diagnosed with Hashimoto’s back in 2009. Can you tell us more about what exactly is Hashimoto’s.

Q3: How did you know something was “off” with your health. 

Q4: What steps did you take to reverse your Hashimoto’s? What worked for you?

Q5: It’s been almost 10 years since you were diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. What is life like for you today? What does your lifestyle/diet look like today? 

Q6: What are some of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s?

Q7: If someone is experiencing some of these symptoms, what are the first steps you would recommend taking? 

Q8: Can you share about getting down to the root cause and why this is important? 

Q9: When it comes to checking on your thyroid, are there specific labs people should be requesting? How often should we be getting our thyroid checked via labs?

Q10: Can you share more about normal ranges for labs? And when there should be concern?

Q11: Something I hear you talk about often on Instagram is adrenal fatigue and stress and how they relate to thyroid disease. Can you share more about this.

Q12: What steps can a person take to improve symptoms if they’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s?

Q13: One of the questions that came in from readers was how to naturally heal Hashimoto’s. Can you speak to this?

Q14: A big part of your story is going grain-free. You’ve written two cookbooks to help people embrace grain-free cooking, too. Why is cutting out grains so important when you have Hashimoto’s?

Q15: Cutting out grains is a huge diet shift for many folks, what tips do you have for someone who needs to cut grains from their diet?

The post Podcast 039 Hashimoto’s: The Importance of Listening to Your Body and The Power of Lifestyle Choices with Carrie From Deliciously Organic appeared first on Live Simply.

Baths are touted as the ultimate form of self-care. My goal isn’t to promote this stereotypical form of self-care (which you can find all over Instagram). I believe self-care is about more than a bath experience. It’s a lifestyle choice.

Self-care is about saying, “I’m going to intentionally take care of myself so I’m fueled up for this life I get to live.” When we do this, we’re better able to serve as a mom, wife, girlfriend, sister, teacher, boss…whatever you’ve been called to in this season of life.

I’ve found that thinking about self-care in terms of 3 lifestyle categories, or lifestyle questions, is helpful. Doing this makes self-care more approachable for everyday life.

• Category 1 Simplify: How can I simplify my life to promote self-care?
• Category 2 Add: What can I add to my life to promote self-care?
• Category 3 Delete: What can I delete or delegate in my life to promote self-care?

I shared all about this approach to self-care on the podcast.

What I’ve added to my life has changed based on the seasons of my life. A couple of years ago, I added barre classes to my routine to get more exercise. Then, last year, our schedule as a family changed and I had to find a way to exercise closer to our home and the kids’ school.

In the past, baths haven’t been something that I’ve considered as self-care, but over the last few months, they’ve become something that I’ve added to my life and look forward to on a weekly basis.

I’m not here to tell you that you have to take baths. Or that baths are the ultimate form of self-care. What you add to your life, in the name of self-care, is entirely up to you. Do what makes you feel good, what recharges you, what fills up your tank.

If a bath is something that appeals to you, something you would like to add to your life, today’s post is for you. Let’s talk about my favorite bath ritual…a detox bath.

A detox bath is a way to relax, recharge, and “detox” from all the things that may be pulling you in a million different directions. It’s a way of saying, “For the next few minutes, I’m going to put my phone down and shut my mind off. I’m going to relax and recharge.”

It’s okay to do that.

In fact, I would say this is essential for our well-being.

Is it essential to take a detox bath? No, absolutely not. But it is essential to take breaks, to turn off the ringer or email notifications, to unplug from constant stimulation. For me, that’s what a detox bath is all about.

A detox bath starts with a bathtub and warm water. Bath salts, in the form of epsom salt or sea salt, are added to the water, along with clay and/or apple cider vinegar.

Salt

You can use either epsom salt or sea salt to make to bath salts, or you can use a combo of both. Epsom salt is not technically a salt like sea salt; rather, it’s a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Epsom salt is commonly used to ease muscle soreness and calm tension. Epsom salt is easy to find at most stores. Bags or boxes are usually sold in the supplement section or near the pharmacy.

Sea salt (not table salt) is rich in naturally-occurring minerals. Bathing in sea salt may help restore drained minerals that are essential to the body. Sea salt can be found in most stores.

Personally, I usually go with epsom salt to make my bath salts. But I’ve also experimented with half sea salt and half epsom salt, or just 100% sea salt. The choice is up to you. Go with the option that you enjoy the most–this may take some experimenting, or you may want to go with both.

Aromatherapy (Optional) 

Along with epsom salt and/or sea salt, you can add an aromatic experience with essential oils. You can also create this experience with dried herbs, but I’ve found herbs to be an annoying addition because the tiny bits stick to the bathtub after draining the water. Leftover bits mean that I have to now clean my bathtub, after a relaxing bath. See the irony in this?

You can go with one single essential oil, a combo of essential oils, or a blend of oils (such as the blends from Plant Therapy or your favorite essential oil company). I usually go with a single essential oil, like lavender essential oil (relaxing and promotes restful sleep). Other single essential oil options: orange, frankincense, bergamot, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Avoid essential oils that can irritate or burn the skin, such as: cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, and clove.

It’s important to dilute the essential oils used in your bath salts. It doesn’t matter what brand you use, you need to dilute, dilute, dilute. We’re talking about very potent substances. Natural, but also potent. So let’s talk about what you need to dilute the essential oil(s) for safe usage…

Carrier or Nourishing Oil (Optional) 

If you want to add the aromatic benefit of essential oils, which just takes the bath to the next level, mix the essential oil(s) with a carrier/nourishing oil, such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil. This step helps the oils disperse evenly throughout the bath water (once you take a bath).

The carrier oil shouldn’t make your bathtub slippery since we’re talking about a small amount mixed with a large amount of salts, but if it does, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over your tub once you’re done with the bath and the water drains. Use your hands to rub the baking soda over the surface, or a sponge, and then rise it away with water. (PS: I use this method to clean our bathtub each week. No special cleaning formulas needed. Read more about how I use baking soda to clean my home, here.)

Clay and/or Apple Cider Vinegar 

Clay, naturally found on the earth, is considered to be a detoxifying ingredient. This is a regular ingredient in facial masks that are designed to help de-congest the skin.

Apple cider vinegar is another popular detox bath option. The water will smell like vinegar for the first few minutes, but then the smell disappears.

Personally, I find the clay to be a lovely addition and my go-to option. Sure, it makes the water murky, but I don’t mind that aspect. I find the odorless clay mixes well with the hot water. I recommend using bentonite clay (I’ve linked my favorite brand in the recipe) or French green clay.

While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they’re still worth adding to the bath salts.) While the bath is filling up, I grab some water which I’ll drink during the bath. Since I usually sweat during the bath, it’s important that I keep myself hydrated. It’s best if the water is room temperature versus cold. I also make sure to drink lots of water post-bath as well.

I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath.  You might need to use your hands to help swish the salts around until fully dissolved.

Once the bath salts are added, add the clay or apple cider vinegar (or both). If you’re using bentonite clay, it’s important to avoid metal utensils. I usually add between 1/4-1/2 cup of clay per bath.  At first, the clay may look chunky in the water, but it should distribute after a few minutes. The clay won’t ever fully dissolve, so the bath water will appear a bit muddy or dirty. This is normal.

Once the bath is over and the water has drained from the tub, there will be clay (if using clay) remaining on the base of the tub. I usually turn the shower on for a minute to help the clay make its way to the drain, using my hand to aid in the process if needed.

I’ve found that it’s best to take this kind of bath before bed, due to the tired feeling that can occur. I find this to be healthy–it’s like a natural melatonin for the body. It’s amazing how our body is able to naturally relax when we unplug and detox from all the things that keep us stimulated. Trust me, the work emails can wait until tomorrow.

Before resting, I always make sure to drink plenty of water. I highly recommend you do the same after a detox bath. You don’t want to feel tired because you’re dehydrated. You want to feel ready for bed because you’re relaxed.

If stepping into the bathtub once a week seems like too much, then only take a detox bath when you feel overly stressed or need some “me time.”

Last week, I was battling a cold and sinus infection and took a detox bath, twice. I honestly think the detox baths helped me tremendously. I was able to relax and sleep better after the baths. That said, typically, I find one bath a week is the perfect ritual for me.

Find a ritual, a rhythm and routine, that works for you. Or, just use a detox bath on occasion when you feel the need to relieve tension.

I’m not a medical expert and I’m definitely not claiming that a detox bath is going to somehow solve all your woes. Actually, it probably won’t. This is simply a bath ritual that I’ve come to love and found to be incredibly therapeutic.

Taking time to relax and recharge and detox is a good thing.  It’s good for the body, mind, and soul. And it’s particularly important that we intentionally take the time to do this–whatever this may look like for you. Maybe this is a long walk after dinner or a weekly bath. That, my friend, is what taking care of yourself is all about. It’s about intentionally caring for ourselves, and this looks different for every single person.

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Detox Bath

A detox bath is a way of removing toxins from the body. Toxins don't just show up in the chemical form (as many of us might think about), but also in the form of stress, tension, and constantly being attached to our phones (social media, email). This can take a toll on our body. Also, a side note, our skin is our largest organ so soaking in a warm bath is a great way to sweat and pull toxins that have built up.A detox bath is a way to relax, recharge, and "detox" from all the things that may be pulling you in a million different directions.

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword detox bath

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 bath

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups homemade bath salts
• 1/4-1/2 cup bentonite clay or French green clay Or 1/2-1 cup apple cider vinegar

Special Equipment:

• non-metallic utensil for measuring the clay, if using bentonite clay

Instructions

Make Bath Salts:

• First, you'll need to make the bath salts. I shared an entire post about this, so I recommend reading this post first. To do this, you'll need a jar and 4 cups of epsom salt or sea salt (or a combination of both epsom salt and sea salt to equal 4 total cups), 1 TB nourishing oil, and 5-20 drops essential oil of choice. 

  Pour the salt of choice into the storage jar. In a small bowl, combine the nourishing oil of choice and essential oil of choice (between 5-20 drops, depending on aroma desired). Pour the oil blend into the bath salts and carefully stir to blend everything together. Seal the jar and store away from direct sunlight.

Take a Detox Bath:

• To take a detox bath, fill a bathtub with very warm water. Of course, use common sense when it comes to the temperature of the water. 
• While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they're still worth adding to the bath salts.) I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath. You might need to use your hands to swish the salts around until fully dissolved. 
• Add the clay (and/or apple cider vinegar) to the bath water. 
• I try to soak in the tub for about 20-30 minutes. That said, do what works for you. The goal is relaxation and stressing out about timing isn’t going to help you get in the zen zone. 
• While soaking, be sure to drink plenty of water (preferably room temperature water since you're in a hot bath). You will sweat. This is normal. Of course, use common sense. This is how I take a detox bath. If you don't feel well, trust your instincts, use common sense, and get out of the bath. 

The post How to Make a Homemade Detox Bath appeared first on Live Simply.

In this season, we’re going to talk a lot about food, from keto–which is a very interesting episode and not something I practice but something many folks had questions about–to living in a food desert to food prep and budgeting tips to getting kids involved in the kitchen and excited about trying new foods. We’re also going to talk about a holistic approach to natural wellness, that goes beyond the food we eat. We’re going to dive into the topics of skincare, essential oils, exercise, haircare, and non-toxic cleaning.

To kick off season 2, I’m sitting down with Robin from The Balanced Life to talk about exercise. So many of us make goals this time of year, and many times those goals revolve around health and exercise. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of exercise or feel like you don’t have time to exercise, today’s episode is for you! 

I absolutely love Robin’s balanced, body-positive, mindful approach to exercise. Robin shares about her struggle with body image and how she overcame this struggle, how she discovered pilates, the benefits of pilates, easy ways we can get in a workout session at home (even with kids in the bathtub), what self-care looks like to her, and more. 

Listen On iTunesListen On Stitcher Listen On Spotify

• The Balanced Life
• The Balanced Life: Follow Robin on Instagram @thebalancedlife
• The Balanced Life: Watch Robin on YouTube (Workout Videos)

Q2: You openly share about your struggle with body image and your relationship with food and exercise. How did you overcome this struggle? I think many women struggle with this, what advice do you have for someone struggling right now with their body image and food/exercise relationship.

Q3: What does a healthy lifestyle look like for your family right now? 

Q4: How did the Balanced Life come to be? And what is the Balanced Life all about?

Q5: How did you discover pilates? What made you fall in love with this form of exercise?

Q6: For those listening who aren’t familiar with pilates, can you share more about what exactly pilates is? What makes pilates unique? And the benefits of pilates.

Q7: Your mission is to help women transform their relationship with exercise and healthy living by choosing grace over guilt. Tell us more about this. What does choosing ‘grace over guilt’ look like? What does this mean?

Q8: Your a mom to four little people and you run a full-time business. I think many of us feel like we just don’t have the time, particularly as moms, to fit exercise into our schedule. How do you prioritize exercise in your life? How do you find time to exercise? And what’s your advice for moms who want to make exercise part of their life, but feel like they don’t have the time.

Q9: Can you share some tips for creating an exercise routine?  

Q10: How do you find a balance between life, exercise, and healthy eating? Particularly as a mom and business owner?

Q11: Let’s talk about some exercises women can start doing right now. I think we oftentimes feel like if we’re going to exercise, we need to join a boutique or gym, or go somewhere and sometimes that’s the excuse we use to not move our bodies. You show us so beautifully on your site and through your Sisterhood membership, that you can exercise well at home. Can you share some exercises women can/should do at home?

Q12: You’re not just about teaching women pilates, but also how to love their bodies. Can you explain more about this. 

Community Questions

What do you do if you hate exercise and constantly try but it fizzles out?

I have four children and we homeschool–exercise is needed but I have trouble squeezing it in. Help!

The post Podcast 027: A Balanced and Body Positive Approach to Exercise with Robin from The Balanced Life appeared first on Live Simply.

Dena joined us back in episodes 18 and 19 to talk about hormones. I’ve heard from so many of you that her episodes changed the way you look at your body, your periods, and also the way you take care of yourself.

I asked Dena to join me again to talk about two highly requested topics: adrenal fatigue and birth control. In today’s episode, Dena shares what we need to know about adrenal fatigue, how to identify adrenal fatigue, and how to recover. Dena also shares the effect birth control–and there are a number of birth control methods–can have on our hormones, post-birth control syndrome, and hormone-friendly forms of birth control.

Listen Here

You can listen to the podcast episodes here on the blog, iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play.

Leave a Review

Leave a Review
Reviews are critically important for a new podcast. Reviews tell iTunes that people are listening and also helps new people find the podcast. To leave a review, click on the button above and then click “Write a Review” (you’ll have to scroll down to see this option). Also, while you’re over in iTunes, be sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified when new episodes launch.

Show Notes

• Dena’s website: Back to the Book Nutrition 
• Instagram: @backtothebooknutrition
• Facebook: Back to the Book Nutrition 
• Reach out to Dena for a coaching consultation
• Dutchtest.com
• 8 Simple Steps to Balance Hormones
• Why and How to Track Your Basal Body Temperature
• 8 Nutrients Depleted by Hormonal Birth Control 
• Post Birth Control Syndrome
• Hormonal Birth Control Side Effects
• Daysy Fertility Tracker
• Kindara Fertility App
• Ovia Fertility App
• Episode 018 with Dena: Hormones 101
• Episode 019 with Dena: Naturally Approaching Hormone Imbalances

It’s a full episode today, full of so much information. Today is the last guest episode for season 1. Thank you to all the amazing guests that have joined me on the podcast. On Thursday, the show finale, I’ll be answering your questions. Because today is the last guest episode, it’s much longer than a usual 30ish minute show.

Adrenal Fatigue

Q1: Tell us about adrenal fatigue. What is adrenal fatigue? What causes adrenal fatigue?

Q2: How can we identify if we have adrenal fatigue? What are the signs and symptoms?  

Q3: Why do you think so many people are experiencing adrenal fatigue today? It seems to be a common issue, particularly for women.

Q4: How does someone begin to recover from adrenal fatigue? 

Birth Control

Q5: There are many forms of hormonal birth control out there, from the traditional pill to patches to injections to an IUD. Share your thoughts on birth control and the effect they can have on a woman’s hormones.

Q6: I didn’t realize hormonal birth control can deplete nutrients from the body until I read your recent blogpost about this. Can you share more about this?

Q7: Tell us more about post-birth control syndrome. And how a woman can recover from this after quitting hormonal birth control.

Q8: If a woman is going to get off hormonal birth control, and doesn’t want to get pregnant during this time, what are some safe forms of birth control that won’t negatively affect hormones.

The post Podcast 025: Hormone Health Encore Adrenal Fatigue and Birth Control with Dena from Back to the Book Nutrition appeared first on Live Simply.

Dena is back on the podcast talking about hormone imbalances, ways to determine an imbalance, how to naturally balance hormones, and how to support and love our hormones. She also answers your questions about hormone health.

Listen Here

You can listen to the podcast episodes here on the blog, iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play.

Leave a Review

Leave a Review
Reviews are critically important for a new podcast. Reviews tell iTunes that people are listening and also helps new people find the podcast. To leave a review, click on the button above and then click “Write a Review” (you’ll have to scroll down to see this option). Also, while you’re over in iTunes, be sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified when new episodes launch.

Show Notes

• Dena’s website: Back to the Book Nutrition 
• Instagram: @backtothebooknutrition
• Facebook: Back to the Book Nutrition 
• How to Know If Your Period is Normal
• Dutchtest.com
• 8 Simple Steps to Balance Hormones
• Why and How to Track Your Basal Body Temperature
• Reach out to Dena for a coaching consultation

Dena is a registered dietitian and holistic nutrition coach. Keep in mind, today’s episode is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a doctor or specialist for specific concerns about your needs.

Q1: How can a woman know for sure if her hormones are imbalanced? If she’s experiencing a few symptoms, what are the next steps to confirming this?    

Q2: What kind of tests are available for testing hormone levels? What should people be asking for when going to their doctor? Is this something a conventional doctor will order if requested? 

Q3: Should we be thinking about taking a hormone test at certain times in our lifetime, or only when experiencing some symptoms?

Q4: What can we do, as women, to support our hormones on a daily basis to avoid an imbalance? 

Q5: In general, how long does it take to recover from a hormone imbalance?

If you missed last week’s podcast episode about self-care, now is a great time to go back and listen. Last week’s episode on self-care and this week’s episodes on hormones go hand-in-hand. Intentionally taking care of ourselves is absolutely necessary. Self-care is about a lifestyle, not a one-time spa activity or bubble bath. Last week I shared how to approach self-care from a practical, balanced approach by asking yourself three questions.

The post Podcast 019: Naturally Approaching Hormone Imbalances with Dena from Back to the Book Nutrition appeared first on Live Simply.

Think of today’s podcast episode as a class on hormones 101. Dena answers the question, “What exactly are hormones?”and explains the purpose of our hormones. Dena also shares how our lifestyle choices affect our hormones and what causes hormones to become imbalanced.

Listen Here

You can listen to the podcast episodes here on the blog, iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play.

Leave a Review

Leave a Review

Reviews are critically important for a new podcast. Reviews tell iTunes that people are listening and also helps new people find the podcast. To leave a review, click on the button above and then click “Write a Review” (you’ll have to scroll down to see this option). Also, while you’re over in iTunes, be sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified when new episodes launch.

Show Notes

• Dena’s website: Back to the Book Nutrition 
• Instagram: @backtothebooknutrition
• Facebook: Back to the Book Nutrition 
• Live Simply, The Podcast Episode 002: My Wellness Story 
• How to Know If Your Period is Normal
• Live Simply, The Podcast Episode 017: Rethinking Self-Care
• Reach out to Dena for a coaching consultation

Dena is a registered dietitian and holistic nutrition coach. Think of today’s episode as a class on hormones 101. Keep in mind, today’s episode is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a doctor or specialist for specific concerns about your needs. 

Q1: Tell us about yourself and your story. 

Q2: What exactly are hormones?

Q3: What’s the purpose of our hormones?

Q4: How do our lifestyle choices affect our hormones?

Q5: What causes our hormones to become imbalanced? What are the symptoms of an imbalance?

Join me again next time as Dena comes back on the podcast to talk about hormone imbalance, including ways to determine an imbalance, how to naturally balance hormones, and how to support and love our hormones. She also answers your questions about hormones.

If you missed last week’s podcast episode about self-care, now is a great time to go back and listen. Last week’s episode on self-care and this week’s episodes on hormones go hand-in-hand. Intentionally taking care of ourselves is absolutely necessary. Self-care is about a lifestyle, not a one-time spa activity or bubble bath. Last week I shared how to approach self-care from a practical, balanced approach by asking yourself three questions.

The post Podcast 018: Hormone Health 101 with Dena from Back to the Book Nutrition appeared first on Live Simply.