There are some great masks and exfoliators on the market, ranging from just a few dollars to over a hundred dollars for a 4 ounce tube or bottle. I shared a few of my favorite store-bought options in my body care book.

If you like to save money, and enjoy the art of making something, then making your own masks and/or exfoliators is the way to go. 

Today, let’s talk about making a homemade exfoliator. I’ve rounded up my favorite homemade exfoliators, all of which cost just a few cents to make and can be made in under 5 minutes. 

I like to exfoliate my face once a week, in the morning. Occasionally, I’ll use an exfoliator twice a week when my skin is feeling meh. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, which, when left on the skin, can block pores and cause skin to look dry and dull. I also like to mask once or twice a week. Both of these practices make a big difference in the overall condition of my skin. 

1. All-Over Sugar Scrub

Pantry Ingredients: Sugar and Oil  

This scrub may be used on the entire body, including the face and lips. For this reason, I like to use this scrub in the shower. The sugar sloughs off dead skin cells and gets the blood flowing to the skin. Sugar also naturally hydrates the skin. It’s important to use a very fine sugar when making this exfoliator. This scrub may be too abrasive for acne-prone or sensitive facial skin (see the next two options for a better fit). 

2. Gentle Oat Exfoliator  

Pantry Ingredients: Oats, Almonds, Salt, and Liquid (oil, water, etc.)

This exfoliator was inspired by S.W. Basics. The ground oats, ground almonds, and mineral-rich salt gently remove dead skin cells. The final product is incredibly gentle on the skin, making it an ideal facial exfoliator even for more sensitive skin.

3. Gentle Baking Soda Exfoliator

Pantry Ingredients: Baking Soda and Liquid (water, hydrosol, or milk)

Baking soda may be used as a gentle exfoliant on the face. Just like with the oat exfoliator, the powder must be mixed with a liquid to create a paste before applying it to the face. For a liquid, I prefer milk (cow’s milk or coconut milk) or water (or rose hydrosol).

The post 3 Made-From-the-Pantry Products that Naturally Exfoliate the Face appeared first on Live Simply.

1. Drink plenty of water each day. I carry a reusable water bottle all day, and drink from it often.

2. Enjoy natural fat, as part of a real food lifestyle, on a daily basis: avocado, grass-fed butter, coconut butter, olive oil, etc.

3. Sleep at least 7 hours each night.

4. Exercise on a regular basis. Sometimes my exercise for the day is as simple as taking a walk around my neighborhood or stretching. Other times, I enjoy a barre or kick boxing class. The goal is movement each day.

5. Dry brush. Dry brushing supports the lymphatic system (a huge part of the immune system) and naturally detoxes the body. A few times a week, before or after a morning shower, I brush my skin (yes, my whole body) with a body brush (I found my brush on Amazon). I start by brushing the top of my feet and legs, then work upward towards my stomach, and then focus on my arms. The entire process only takes a couple of minutes.

6. Enjoy a face mask. I like to use a face mask once or twice a week. A mask helps to improve the overall appearance and condition of the skin, and it’s a cue for my body to rest for a few minutes.  The mask you choose to use depends on the ingredients you have on hand and your skin, and if you want to make your own or purchase a mask from the store. Personally, I use the Clay Acne Mask on a weekly basis, and occasionally a seasonal food-based mask.

7. Exfoliate. I like to exfoliate my face once a week, in the morning. An exfoliator is used to slough off dead skin cells and get the blood flowing to the skin.

These practices require intention on my part. Because without intention, my days become too full and busy for self-care.

Besides movement, my favorite self-care practice is definitely using a mask or an exfoliator on my face. Applying such a treatment to my face makes me feel like I’ve visited a spa, which ranks high on my list of relaxing activities.

I’ve shared a few natural masks and exfoliators here on the blog and in my body care book. Today, I want to add one more exfoliator recipe to the blog (this recipe comes from my book) in hopes that you’ll have quite a few options for your own self-care time.

This recipe is so easy and you probably already own the ingredients needed: baking soda and a liquid. My favorite liquid is milk. Other options, include: a hydrosol (try rose water) or plain water. The liquid used is up to you, based on what your skin responds to the best.

Print

Gentle Baking Soda Facial Exfoliator

A gentle, two-ingredient facial exfoliator made with kitchen ingredients. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Baking Soda Facial Exfoliator

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 minutes minutes

Servings 1 application

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 TB baking soda
• 1 tsp milk, water, or hydrosol

Instructions

•  In a small bowl, stir together the baking soda and liquid.

To Use:

• Wet your hands. Gently massage the exfoliator on the face using circular motions, for about 30 seconds. Rinse the face clean with water and a washcloth. Follow-up with a moisturizer. 

The post Gentle Baking Soda Facial Exfoliator appeared first on Live Simply.

Back in 2014, when Live Simply was just a few months old, I shared a recipe for homemade toothpaste.

Three years later, I’m ready to revisit that recipe and give it some new life with new photos and a few ingredient adjustments. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to call this refresher toothpaste recipe. Here were my options…

1. Delete the original post, and use the same name for the new post. <–That would be similar to riping a page out of a personal journal.

2. Come up with a new recipe name. <–And possibly confuse future readers.

I decided to take a little inspiration from Apple (i.e. iPhone 3,4,5,6,7…), and named today’s recipe, Minty Homemade Toothpaste 2.0.

The biggest difference between my original recipe and today’s recipe is the amount of toothpaste that’s made.

When I first started making body products, I felt the need to go big. Meaning, I felt like recipes should make a lot of product. Over the years, I’ve changed my thinking. Now, I tend to focus on making smaller batches of homemade products to keep the ingredients fresh and the products safe. Balms and butters (recipes that rely solely on butters, oils, beeswax, and sometimes essential oils) are the exception to this rule.

Smaller batch products are used quickly (they don’t sit around for a year in a medicine cabinet), so they’re made often (reducing any risk of spoilage). I know, this sounds time consuming, but it isn’t.

At this point, I only make a few body products at home since there are quite a few quality products on the market, and the products I still make are incredibly easy to whisk together. Currently, I make today’s toothpaste recipe, a clay facial mask, a facial exfoliator, and a face moisturizer. That’s pretty much it at the moment (other than the occasional vapor rub and boo-boo cream). For the rest of our needs, I purchase trusted products from the store or market. <–That’s what simple, natural living looks like for me at the moment.

Okay, back to toothpaste…

My original toothpaste recipe was inspired by Earthpaste, which a few years ago was one of the only non-toxic toothpaste options on the market. Since 2014, natural toothpaste options have increased. Today’s new and improved recipe is based on trying these newer products, along with testing out some of the homemade samplings from the vendors at the local market.

In this improved recipe, clay (a cleansing, detoxifying ingredient) and coconut oil (antibacterial) are used to clean the teeth. Distilled water is added to thin the toothpaste and keep it from tasting like a skillet smothered in coconut oil. Salt is added for the minerals and cleansing benefits, and the peppermint and tea tree essential oils are added for antibacterial properties. 

Unlike my original recipe, this toothpaste isn’t super salty–which was a big turn off for a lot of folks (including my hubby). I get it, no one wants to feel like they’re brushing their teeth with a salt shaker. I personally love the taste of this new and improved version. The fresh, minty taste is refreshing and my teeth always feel so clean after brushing.

Before I share the recipe, let me just say that I realize that not everyone wants to use homemade toothpaste (that includes my hubby and kids). Maybe you have your doubts about how effective it is, or you don’t like the idea of brushing your teeth with oil or clay, or you’re just not ready to go that hippie (yet). Or, maybe you just love squeezing your paste from a bottle featuring printed words. Friend, I completely understand!

The do-it-yourself recipes shared on Live Simply are, for the most part, the recipes I’m using (or have used) on my own body. I share the recipes to chronicle what I’m making and loving, and also to show others just how easy it is to make some products at home. You don’t have to make toothpaste in your kitchen in order to live a natural lifestyle. There are quite a few non-toxic toothpaste options on the market today, ranging from clay-based pastes (like Uncle Harry’s and Earthpaste) to more Crest-like toothpastes (some of the Tom’s products rank well on the EWG website and Dr. Bronner’s). In a few weeks, I’m going to share a round-up of my favorite natural toothpaste options.

Print

Minty Homemade Toothpaste 2.0

In this recipe, clay is used to clean teeth, along with coconut oil (antibacterial), distilled water (to thin the toothpaste), peppermint and tea tree essential oils (antibacterial), and a bit of salt. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Minty Homemade Toothpaste 2.0

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1 ounce

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 TB bentonite clay
• 1 TB distilled water
• 1 TB coconut oil melted, or at least softened
• 1/2 tsp salt fine, mineral-rich salt
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil

Special Equipment:

• non-metallic mixing bowl
• non-metallic mixing spoon
• storage jar

Instructions

• Add the clay, distilled water, melted coconut oil, salt, and essential oils to a small, non-metallic mixing bowl. Stir to combine the ingredients. 
• Spoon the toothpaste into a small storage jar. Seal the jar. Store the toothpaste in the fridge between uses*. 

To Use:

• Scoop a small amount from the jar onto your toothbrush. You can use your toothbrush to do this, or a small utensil. Brush as normal, spit, and rinse. 
  

Notes

*This is a very small batch recipe--making enough to last just a couple of weeks. Keeping the toothpaste in the fridge does cause it to clump (due to the coconut oil). I personally don't have an issue with this. Do what you're most comfortable with--keeping the toothpaste on your counter, or in the fridge. 

Feel free to decrease the salt amount to 1/4 teaspoon if you feel it's too salty. 

The toothpaste will be runny, but it will firm up in the fridge or a cooler home. If you want a thicker paste, you're welcome to add more clay, adding just a few pinches until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thick, which can happen in a cold environment, add a splash (or two) of warm/hot water to the paste and stir.  

As with any toothpaste, this isn't meant to be swallowed. 

Want to make the transition to non-toxic toothpaste, but don't want to go the homemade route? No problem! Here are my favorite (store-bought) toothpaste options. 

The post Minty Homemade Toothpaste appeared first on Live Simply.

For a long time I believed a DIY myth, “I don’t have the time or money to make homemade products like cleaners and deodorant.”

The myth was broken the day I ventured into making my first ever DIY: foundation powder. I soon realized that I could make other homemade products with the bentonite clay used in the simple foundation recipe. That realization (or lightbulb moment) opened the door to homemade face masks and toothpaste, both of which were made with bentonite clay. I slowly started to add ingredients to my DIY toolkit and discovered a great truth: With just a few basic DIY ingredients multiple homemade products used for multiple purposes can be created for a fraction of the cost of store-bought products.

One of my all-time favorite DIY ingredients, baking soda, costs just pennies per ounce and can be found in nearly every home. Baking soda is used in most homes for baking; however, it can and should be used for so much more! Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and stain-remover. It also neutralizes irritants and toxins, polishes and cleans, and even whitens teeth and laundry. I recommend purchasing a large bag of baking soda for DIY projects to help save even more money. I purchase the large Arm & Hammer Baking Soda bag from Amazon or Costco.

Learn More: 19 Frugal Cleaning Hacks With Baking Soda

If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the idea of making homemade products, I recommend starting small. Remember, small steps lead to a doable long-term lifestyle! Here are my top tips for how to get started…

8 Money-Saving DIY Recipes Using Baking Soda

Anti-Itch Cream: This recipe is made with just a few effective ingredients, including baking soda! Baking soda is added to help neutralize acid and soothe itching.

Easy DIY Carpet Deodorizer with Lavender: Kiss that funky carpet or rug odor good-bye with this easy homemade solution. When used as a homemade cleaner baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors.

DIY Homemade Deodorant with Lavender: Baking soda not only cleans carpets and rugs it also works to fight stinky armpits. This homemade deodorant uses the odor-fighting power of baking soda to keep your pits smelling and feeling fresh all day long.

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Carpets? Check. Armpits? Double check. Toilet bowls? You betcha! This homemade cleaner works with the power of baking soda, castile soap, and hydrogen peroxide to clean and freshen even the dirtiest of toilet bowls.

DIY All-in-One Bathroom Cleaner: I set up a couple of rules when I first started making homemade products. Rule #1: A product must work just as good, if not better, than the store-bought alternative. I’m happy to report this homemade bathroom cleaner falls under the “if not better” category. Let’s hear it for baking soda!!

DIY Homemade Soft Scrub: While we’re tackling the bathroom let’s turn our attention to the tub. This cleaner doesn’t require elbow grease or sore muscles…it’s naturally powerful! The baking soda and hydrogen peroxide pack a double punch leaving behind a sparkling tub every single time.

Simple Homemade Toothpaste: From itching to cleaning and now teeth. The slightly abrasive nature of baking soda helps clean teeth and scrub away plaque. If you have children, I recommend trying a kid version toothpaste.

4-Ingredient DIY Citrus Air Freshener: Let’s not forget about the fresh power of baking soda in a stinky room. Yep, baking soda works to neutralize odors which why it’s added to this super simple DIY air freshener.

More Cleaning Recipes

SEE ALL

DIY Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent (3 Ingredients)

DIY Natural Laundry Scent Booster (Just 2 Ingredients)

Simple Homemade Fabric Softener (4 Ways)

14 Best Natural and Non-Toxic Laundry Detergents

Simple DIY Homemade Candles for Beginners

19 Frugal Natural Cleaning Hacks With Baking Soda

The post 8 Money-Saving DIY Recipes Using Baking Soda appeared first on Live Simply.

“This is perfect! Yes!”

That was my reaction last weekend after discovering an army of aggressive ants attacking my right leg while exiting the soccer field. Dustin and the kids turned around, everyone was ready to go home after a hot morning at soccer practice, but my reaction couldn’t be ignored. I quickly brushed off the remaining ants coming in for a full-skin invasion, and immediately looked up at Dustin, “I can’t believe it! This is perfect timing.”

“You really have to watch where you’re walking. Are you okay?” Dustin replied.

I could tell by his reaction that he thought I was upset, “Yes, I’m good. Actually, I’m semi-allergic to ants, red ones I believe. These are black ants. The good news is I can finally work on developing a homemade anti-itch cream. You know, a calamine-like lotion without a million nasty ingredients.”

Dustin looked at me with a “you’re crazy” glare in his eyes, but responded with the least likely to end up on the couch response, “Great, so you’re okay?”

PS: I don’t make him sleep on the couch. Totally joking about that one. We have a chicken coop…

Immediately upon arriving home, the work of creating an effective homemade anti-itch cream began. I tried several formulas, all while fervently itching my battle wounds (it’s a good things I keep DIY recipes simple). I began mixing bentonite clay (to draw out any nasties from the bites and heal my skin), baking soda (to neutralize acid and soothe itching), witch hazel (to reduce pain and itching), and coconut oil (hey, I was making some raw brownies, so…).

My first two creations were anything but desirable. The coconut melted on my warm skin, and soon bentonite clay was being tracked throughout our house. Good thing we’re in the middle of a giant construction zone/kitchen remodel.  The second creation wasn’t much better. Reducing the coconut oil created an unpleasant dry powder.

The third attempt resulted in sweet success. The addition of shea butter, one of my favorite DIY ingredients, helped the anti-itch solution stick to my warm skin and, working with the other key ingredients, reduced my painful itching.  Not only did the third cream-based solution reduce my itching, it also appeared to help clear my bites and reduce their size. My discovery was so exciting, I made multiple batches to share with family and friends–“Oh, okay. Thank you for another mason jar.” They’ll get me someday.

Homemade anti-itch cream takes just a few minutes to make and only requires simple, natural ingredients you can actually pronounce. Because each ingredient is shelf-stable, the cream can be made in advance, so it’s ready to be used the moment a bug or plant attacks.

Before we part ways today, I think it’s only appropriate to give credit where credit and inspiration are due. Thank you flesh-eating ant colony, I owe this DIY to you!

Print

Homemade Anti-Itch Cream

Homemade anti-itch cream takes just a few minutes to make and only requires simple, natural ingredients you can actually pronounce. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Anti-Itch Cream

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 1 -4 ounce jar

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 3 TB shea butter
• 1 TB coconut oil A different nourishing skin oil (olive oil, jojoba, etc.) may be used, if needed.
• 1 TB dried calendula Calendula is often sold in the bulk spice section at many health food stores.
• 1 TB beeswax pellets
• 2 TB baking soda
• 2 TB bentonite clay
• 2 tsp witch hazel
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions

• In a double broiler (or a pot filled a quarter of the way full with water and a heat-safe bowl over the top), melt the coconut oil. Add the dried calendula. Place a lid over the top of the double broiler. Over medium heat, infuse the herbs in the oil for 30 minutes.
• Separate the herbs from the oil by straining the oil through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the calendula (or compost in a garden). Wipe the double broiler to remove any leftover herbs. Return the infused oil to the double broiler. Bring the heat back to medium-high (enough to get the water underneath boiling). Add the shea butter and beeswax to the infused oil, and stir until melted.
• Remove the pan bowl from the heat. Add the baking soda and benonite clay to the liquid, and stir until the mixture resemble mud (really, mud!). Add the witch hazel and essential oils, stirring to combine.
• Pour the cream into a jar (this recipe will make enough to fill a 4-ounce jar). Within minutes the cream will solidify into a spreadable lotion.

*Dried calendula is optional in this recipe. Calendula is infused into the oil for a healing addition; however, a perfectly good anti-itch cream may be created without this herb.

PS: If you’re wondering what’s up with the yellow dye on my left hand, I juiced turmeric the morning of this photoshoot.

The post Homemade Anti-Itch Cream appeared first on Live Simply.

True friends care about the way you smell, which is why I’m writing today– I care about you! 

For many years, I was hesitant to stray away from commercial deodorant (think: Dove and Secret). My hesitation was rooted in two main issues: my physical address and a deep commitment to avoid body odor at all costs. When you put the two together–Florida and body odor– the results are far from lovely.

A couple of years ago, as I sat on my living room couch nursing my second child, my new mama alarm sounded. Now, this alarm wasn’t of the panic variety. More like a good alarm that triggers great change.

I had known for many years that most commercial deodorants were loaded with less than ideal ingredients, particularly formulas with aluminum, but due to the two factors we talked about earlier, I was hesitant to try alternative choices. My thinking changed as I sat staring into the blue eyes of my nursing baby. I thought about the number of times Londyn nursed a day (too many to count…she was quite the milk drinker) and the deodorant that was applied close to my breasts, and therefore, my nursing babe. Change had to be made!

Research commenced. I knew a natural, effective deodorant must exist, and making my own was definitely out of the question at the moment. After much research, I discovered a brand called Primal Pit Paste.  The ingredients were super clean and the deodorant was produced in Tampa (AKA: a Florida deodorant!). I purchased my first bottle of lavender deodorant and instantly fell in love. For over two years now I’ve been faithfully purchasing Primal Pit Paste from my local health food store or online.

Since my first natural deodorant purchase, I’ve learned how to make many (not all, but many) homemade products. After my latest jar of deodorant ran out, I decided to take a look at the ingredient list before tossing the bottle in the trash: shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, baking soda, arrowroot powder, lavender, vitamin E oil. The “I can do it” spirit burned within my body as I read each ingredient. Because I make lotion, toothpaste, and bake muffins/bread, I already owned every single ingredient needed to make a copycat of my favorite natural deodorant.

The thought of conquering an activity I once deemed impossible was such a huge celebration (once the recipe was perfected) that I couldn’t just stop with one jar. Oh no, I created deodorant for family, friends, and neighbors. Yea, don’t make your neighbors deodorant; they will think you’re crazy!

“True friends care about the way you smell, which is why I’m writing today– I care about you!” Drumroll….

And now for the homemade recipe that says, “I want you to smell amazing, naturally. I love you!”

Print

DIY Homemade Deodorant with Lavender

DIY deodorant that makes you smell nice!

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Homemade Deodorant

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 ounce jar

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2 TB coconut oil same oil used for cooking
• 3 TB beeswax pellets
• 3 TB baking soda
• 2 TB arrowroot flour starch
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil Substitute additional lavender in place of the tea tree, if desired.

Instructions

• In a double broiler (or a bowl placed over a pot filled 1/4 way full with water), over medium-high heat, bring the water (underneath the bowl) to a slight boil.
• Add the shea butter and coconut oil to the top bowl. Once the shea butter and coconut oil melt, add the the beeswax and stir frequently until all the ingredients are liquid. Remove the bowl from the heat.
• Quickly add the baking soda and arrowroot powder/flour. Stir the baking soda and arrowroot into the liquid ingredients. Add the essential oils, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
• Pour the deodorant into a 4-ounce Mason jar. The deodorant will solidify as it cools.

Notes

To Use: Scoop a small amount of deodorant from the jar and apply to your armpits. I avoid using this deodorant after shaving due to the baking soda. I opt to shave at night so I can use my deodorant in the morning.

The “where to buy” links provide links to the actual products I use. As always, I recommend shopping around online and at local stores for the best prices and products you love. Find my favorite DIY ingredients and tools, here.

Adapted from Primal Pit Paste.

Baking Soda Note: I’ve been using a baking soda deodorant (Primal Pit Paste) for over two years without any issue. My homemade copycat recipe also includes this ingredient. If you’re concerned about irritation, replace the baking soda with additional arrowroot powder/flour. I personally need the extra “protection” baking soda provides thanks to my extra sweaty and stinky genes and the Florida heat.

More DIYs You May Like:

DIY Homemade Bug Spray

DIY Honey Face Wash

DIY Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm

The post DIY Homemade Deodorant with Lavender appeared first on Live Simply.

Suspicion and independence started to set in six months ago.

First, he started to sniff the green smoothies. “It’s green!”

Then, the waffle sandwiches started to come into question, “Is there nut butter in here? I just like jelly now.”

Finally, the bath.

What used to be a simple process of warming the water, tossing in a cup of sleepy-time bath salts, and enjoying a few songs and rub-a-dub in the tub, was met with suspicion, “What are those? I don’t like rocks in my bath anymore.”

Okay, so Piper has a point. Maybe a couple?

First, he’s getting to be a big boy, like almost kindergarten big. This whole big boy business means he wants to be more involved in the little details of his life, like the color of his smoothie. He also has new found opinions, such as not liking peanut butter.

Second, who likes rocks in their bath? And yes, they weren’t really rocks, but in his four year-old boy mind, they certainly qualify as rocks. Round? Check. Throwable? Check.

I’m embracing this new stage of independence. It’s actually rather exciting to hear things like: “I love this!” or “Mom, this is the best bread ever!” Those little opinions mixed in with the respectful, “Mom, I’m not a big fan of your green smoothies anymore…” make this little stage of new independence much more doable.

Every crunchy mom (AKA: natural-loving, coconut oil-obsessed, “I make my own toothpaste” mom) knows that when Plan A doesn’t work, there are always two ways to drink a smoothie and boost the immune system at bath time.

Since Plan A simply doesn’t work anymore: “Here, drink this! You’ll love it!” I’ve moved on to a new plan: community involvement.

Here’s how the new plan looks.

“Hey Piper, I’m going to make a smoothie. Would you like some? Okay, let’s look in the fridge and see what we can add to make it super delicious.” Then, the hunt begins. Sometimes the smoothie ends up green, sometimes red. But the goal is usually met: nourishing an independent four year-old. Community involvement at its finest.

This approach has also been applied to the bath. I explained to Piper that the salt and oils I add to his bath add good things to the water and help him fight off any extra germs that may want to hang out and play. Of course, he was totally fine with the idea, but the rock dilemma had to be solved. (PS: I promise, I wasn’t putting rocks in my kids’ bath. Just a nice little cup of espom salt and essential oils.)

The solution?

Homemade Immune-Loving Bath Fizzies. 

Bath fizzies are just as fun as they sound (which means they are the perfect way to win over a four year-old): little balls (fizzies) that fizz when added to water. Bath fizzies pack the same salt as my sleepy-time bath salts, but with a magical fizzy ingredient: citric acid. I realize citric acid sounds a bit scary, but it’s nothing more than a natural acid found in citrus. Citric acid, when added to water, creates a fizz, providing homemade bath salts with a magically-fizzy property.

To boost the immune-loving qualities to Piper’s bath fizzies, I add Plant Therapy’s Immune Boom Essential Oil, a blend specifically formulated to help boost kids’ immune systems with: Lemon, Palmarosa,Dill, Petitgrain, Copaiba and Frankincense carteri. The Immue Boom Essential Oil is a new blend introduced by Plant Therapy as part of their amazing new line of kid-safe essential oils formulated with the help of aromatherapy expert Robert Tisserand for kids ages 2-10.  The line not only includes this immune blend, but also oils for tummy aches, Eczema, allergy symptoms, headaches, and more. You can view the entire line here. PS: Right now, you can pick up many of Plant Therapy’s products on sale during their 25 Days of Christmas which ends on December 20th. 

The super fizzy properties of the homemade bath fizzies have been a hit. In fact, Piper requests fizzies added to his bath regularly and enjoys watching as each one bubbles in the bath and releases immune-loving properties. I promise, these fizzies will be a hit in your house too, whether you’re creating an immune-boosting bath for a suspicious independent four year-old or the perfect stocking stuffers for family members.

Print

DIY Homemade Immune-Loving Bath Fizzies

The super fizzy properties of the homemade bath fizzies have been a hit. In fact, Piper requests fizzies added to his bath regularly and enjoys watching as each one bubbles in the bath and releases immune-loving properties.

Course DIY

Cuisine Body, Crafts

Keyword Bath Fizzies

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Rest/Dry 1 day day

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 Fizzy's

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup arrowroot flour starch organic corn starch can be subbed if desired
• 1 cup citric acid *
• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup mineral-rich bath salts or epsom salt
• 2 TB water
• 3 TB Plant Therapy's fractionated coconut oil a different nourishing oil can be subbed
• 20 drops Plant Therapy's immune boom

Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk together the arrowroot, citric acid, baking soda, and bath salts.
• In a small bowl, mix together the water and coconut oil. Slowly, one tablespoon at a time add the liquid to the dry ingredients. The salts will begin to bubble once the liquid is added, so quickly mix the liquid, after each addition, into the dry ingredients. Once all the liquid is added, the ingredients will feel like wet sand.
• Stuff the wet salt mixture into a mold (I found one at IKEA that I use for making fruit and veggie gummies, like this), pressing the salts down into the individual molds. Let the salt mixture rest in the molds for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and place the fizzies on a cookie sheet or flat surface. Let the fizzies dry for 24 hours before packaging.
• To use, drop desired number of fizzies into a warm bath or foot soak. I like to use 5-6 bath fizzies in a bath.

*Cream of Tartar can be used in place of citric acid. To use Cream of Tartar, simply use 1/2 the amount called for, so 1/2 cup cream of tartar versus 1 whole cup. Adjust the liquid as needed.

Different oils may be subbed based on your needs, such as: lavender for a sleepy-time bath.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Plant Therapy. The opinions and photos expressed are completely my own. As a blogger, I’m privileged to partner with companies making a difference in the natural and real food world.  I only endorse companies and products I 100% love and believe in. I’m not an affiliate for Plant Therapy, I simply enjoy their oils. 

More DIYs You May Like:

 DIY Homemade Kids’ Body Wash

DIY Homemade Playdough

Homemade Vapor Rub 

The post DIY Homemade Immune-Loving Bath Fizzies appeared first on Live Simply.

A couple of months ago, the normal twenty minutes of play was extended. Not by my doing, but the kids seemed to be really enjoying their time together. Check-in or sit and savor the last few drops of coffee?  As any practical mom would do, I raised my voice enough to be heard from the bottom of the stairs, “Are you two okay up there?” Silence. I put down the coffee (it was hard) and walked upstairs. I quietly peeked down the hall and saw her, covered, mouth full of pink paste.

Londyn had successfully broken away from playtime with Piper, wondered into the bathroom, and grabbed the bottle of kid-friendly “natural” toothpaste. The bright pink color and strawberry-flavor was just too appealing for a two year-old. And when anything is that appealing, much like chocolate, the only logical thing is to attempt to eat and cover yourself with the entire tube. I caught her just in time, most of the paste covered her body and the sticky hand-printed walls.  I’m sure she ingested a small amount too. The idea of a child loving toothpaste so much that she viewed it as an edible treat, candy, terrified me.

I’ve been making and using homemade toothpaste for over a year. I’ve noticed an incredible difference in my dental health. Ditching the commercial paste has proven to be a wise decision. My kids are less than fond of my homemade concoction.  The taste is “too hot” for their liking. (“Too hot” is Piper’s way of saying a food is too salty.) With the desire to make brushing teeth an enjoyable experience, I’ve been buying a popular “natural” brand of toothpaste: pink, strawberry-flavored, and super kid-friendly. Never giving thought to homemade “kid” toothpaste until Londyn’s scary toothpaste adventure.

Today, my kids use homemade toothpaste. A recipe very similar to my peppermint paste, but made kid-friendlier. So, what’s different? In the kid-friendlier recipe, I omit the salt and use less baking soda, reducing the salty taste. My kids aren’t a fan of peppermint, so I turn to a kid-friendly and safe essential oil, sweet orange. The addition of stevia adds a bit of sweetness, just enough to make teeth-time enjoyable.  A recipe I can feel good about my kids using without the temptation of viewing toothpaste as edible candy.

Do I guarantee your kids will love this paste? No, I don’t. In fact, if your kids are used to processed, overly- sweetened paste adorned with lovable cartoon characters, it will take effort and time to get used to a homemade version. In the beginning my kids were skeptical. How did I transition them from pink slime to homemade paste? Here are a few tips:

1. Transition Slowly. My kids weren’t keen on the whole cold-turkey thing. I started putting a small amount of homemade paste on their toothbrush, followed by the commercial paste on top. Slowly, every couple of days, I decreased the amount of commercial toothpaste, adding more homemade paste. Eventually, the commercial paste was no longer needed. They also stopped trying to eat or “drink” the toothpaste once the transition took place. Toothpaste is now viewed a something we use to brush our teeth, not a treat.

2. Squeeze Bottles. I recently learned about these GoToob squeeze bottles. They’re amazing! I was hesitant to spend the money, but I’m glad I did. They’re soft and squeezable, very similar to a toothpaste tube. I bought the three pack, one for the kids’ toothpaste, one for mine, and the extra for homemade lotion. The squeezeableness (shhh, let’s pretend that’s a word) of the tube makes homemade toothpaste much more desirable for my kids. I think they feel “normal.”

3. Make it Together. Just like real food, getting your kids involved in the process of creating is always a win. This recipe is simple enough kids can assist in the making.

Print

Homemade Kid Toothpaste

A homemade toothpaste even the kids will like. Made with simple, natural ingredients.

Course DIY, Homemade

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Kid Toothpaste

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup coconut oil soft but not melted
• 1 TB baking soda
• 1 TB bentonite clay
• 1/4 tsp liquid stevia
• 4-10 drops sweet orange essential oil Lemon or Peppermint are also an option if that's more appealing to your kids.

Instructions

• In a medium-size bowl, combine the coconut oil, baking soda, and clay. Mix thoroughly.
• Add in the remaining ingredients and mix.
• Store in a jar or for squeezable toothpaste, use these.
• Note: When mixing bentonite clay, please use a wood or plastic spoon. Bentonite clay should not come in contact with metal because it deactivates the clay.
• The consistency of this recipe can vary depending on the temperature where the toothpaste is stored, due to the nature of coconut oil. This toothpaste isn't meant to be stored long-term, so I recommend making small batches frequently.

I’m sure someone will ask about baking soda being abrasive. I personally, after much reading, feel safer using baking soda than commercial toothpaste. It’s much less abrasive than commercial toothpaste, even the organic options. You can read more information and view a chart here.  Also, if you’d like to skip homemade toothpaste and purchase a “cleaner” store-bought option, I love Nature’s Gate or Earthpaste (both are available at health food stores, or online).

The post Homemade Kid Toothpaste appeared first on Live Simply.

This recipe was originally shared in 2014. Since that time, I’ve experimented with ways to improve this recipe, based on my own experience and reader feedback. In 2017, I shared a new and update recipe. Check out the new recipe, here. 

Remember those chocolate chip cookies I posted this week? Yes, those ooey-gooey little bites of pure joy. It’s time to draw it back a little, finish up that last little crumb smudged with chocolaty goodness and talk about teeth and toothpaste. I know, a bit of a downer topic after talking chocolate, but I promise, you’ll want to stick around.

Growing up, I regularly visited the dentist, received protective sealants, braces, and cleanings. You could say the dentist and I were quite the BFF’s, maybe more like BDF’s (Best Dental Friends). My teeth were well-cared for, thanks to my parents.

With as many dental treatments as I received over the years, you’d think my teeth would be cavity-free and gorgeous. Cavitiy-free? I have many. Gorgeous teeth? Well, they are nice looking. Not once did I ever stop to think about what I was putting on my teeth and how it effects those pearly whites.  For nearly twenty-eight years, I never once thought there was a different way to care for teeth. After all, commercials, the dentist, and pamphlets, tell us we need commercial toothpaste, two times a day, followed by a thorough washing of bright-blue mouth wash. And if that commercial toothpaste irritates your teeth, then the industry will sell you “special” commercial toothpaste.

After delving into Dr. Weston A Price’s book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration and changing our diet to include lots of good fat, quite the shocker for a former margarine-loving vegetarian, I realized food has the power to heal and restore health. The difference real food made for our tired bodies, our son’s Apraxia, and even our dental health was amazing. Even with the real food change I continued to use commercial, processed products for our personal hygiene.

Here’s the thing about real food, natural living, getting back to simple, whatever you want to call it, eventually you start questioning all products. One day you pick up that bottle of lotion, after enjoying a nice glass of kombucha, and wonder, “Why can’t I pronounce anything on this bottle?” Soon, that bottle gets tossed and you’re experimenting with the same coconut oil used to make brownies, rubbing it all over your dry legs.

It doesn’t stop there, soon you’re tossing the foundation powder and whipping up a cocoa mixture to apply to your face. That foundation powder leads to body wash, homemade neosporin, vapor rub, and laundry soap. Your medicine cabinet resembles a hodge podge of natural ingredients and little mason jars with the only labels being hand-written. Your husband lovingly calls you “the witch-doctor” and your friends call you “crazy”.

Don’t think it will happen, friends? Give it a bit of time. Soon, you’ll be there too.

Today, I’m sharing a new recipe. One you can easily whip up with that hodge podge of natural ingredients. A recipe to replace yet another chemical found in our homes, toothpaste. A homemade toothpaste that’s revolutionized my teeth and dental health. This recipe is made with benonite clay. The same clay used to make foundation powder, rich is potassium and calcium and effective at removing toxins. Baking soda and coconut oil help to whiten and clean teeth. Mineral-rich salt is also added.  Stevia and peppermint essential oil add a delicate, sweet peppermint flavor to the salty mixture. Each ingredient comes together to create a homemade toothpaste that cleans and nourishes teeth, in a simple, chemical-free fashion.

Print

Simple Homemade Peppermint Toothpaste

Homemade toothpaste made with simple ingredients. 

Course DIY, Homemade

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Peppermint Toothpaste

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 3/8 cup coconut oil soft, but not liquid
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp bentonite clay
• 1/2 tsp liquid stevia optional
• 5-7 drops peppermint essential oil the amount will depend on taste preference

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the coconut oil and baking soda. Mix thoroughly.
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix.
• Store in a jar and scoop with a small spoon (to prevent bacteria from entering the container). For a squeezable toothpaste, use a squeeze bottle.
• Note: When mixing bentonite clay, please use a wood or plastic spoon. Bentonite clay should not come in contact with metal because it deactivates the clay.
• The consistency of this recipe can vary depending on the temperature where the toothpaste is stored due to the nature of coconut oil.

Notes

This recipe was originally shared in 2014. Since that time, I've experimented with ways to improve this recipe, based on my own experience and reader feedback. In 2017, I shared a new and update recipe. Check out the new recipe, here. 

The post Simple Homemade Peppermint Toothpaste appeared first on Live Simply.