Baby Bump Cream - Coconut and Apricot

I have a very close friend of mine (Sister from another mister) who is expecting her little baby girl to arrive in March.. You may remember I was knitting some bootees a few months back in preparation, you can see that here.

Since I have started making potions for the body I have been thinking over and over about making something that contains Vitamin E oil so that pregnant friends of mine may use this on their bellies during the incubating months.

Here is a recipe I made especially for my lovely Ona - However it is a very basic cream and I think all pregnant ladies would love this :)

This recipe makes approximately 2 small jars full.

Ingredients:

4 Tbl Apricot Kernal Oil
4 Tbl Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
2 Tbl Beeswax
2 Tbl Vitamin E Oil
1 Tbl Cocobutter
1/2 tsp Pure Lanolin
10 Tbl Water
2 tsp Vegetable glycerin
30 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Method:

1. In a double boiler over a very low temperature melt together the apricot oil, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E oil, cocobutter and lanolin. Once the beeswax has completely melted take off heat and leave to cool.
2. At the same time measure out the water and vegetable glycerin into a separate pot and also place on a very low heat and stir till the two ingredients mix together. Take off heat.
3. Now with both pots off the elements, let them cool for approximately 10 minutes. you will notice the oil mixture will start to go a cloudy colour.
4. In a food processor quickly scrap the oil mixture in place the lid on (but remove the centre piece), and set the processor to a slow speed.
5. The oil mix will start to thicken.
6. Slowly pour the vegetable glycerin mix through the whole in the lid and keep the processer on at a low speed.
7. It should all mix together and make a creamy white lotion.
8. Take off speed and add the sweet orange.
9. Mix through and then turn the processor on a slow spin for the last time.
10. Remove and scrap into jars.
11. Let the cream completely cool before placing the lids on.

This is a delicious cream!

Enjoy x

Sunday morning facial

After 2 nights out and 1 of them where I ended up being rather sick.. I decided that my poor body not only needed a bit of a detox but my skin was feeling tired and drawn so I decided to go about creating a morning facial.

It is very simple to follow and I found all ingredients already present in my house so I do hope those of you who like it will be able to re-create it easily in your own homes!

I would recommend this for all skin types but especially for those needed a bit of hydration after a hard week or busy weekend.

So the complete facial consists of:

Cleanser
Facial steam
Mask
Moisturiser

1. Cleanser
This is a very basic simple recipe but also acts as an exfoliant to the skin. This is not a cleanser to be stored but rather just make the amount you want to use and discard anything left over.

1. In a food processer whizz 3-4 whole almonds (raw), only pulse maybe 4-5 times as you have to be careful with almonds not to process them to a butter!
2. Put the processed almonds in a small mixing bowl and add 1 tsp of milk, mix until it makes a spreadable paste
3. Leave for a minute to thicken.
4. Massage into your face using your fingers for a couple of minutes.
5. Rinse off face and lightly pay-dry your face with a towel.

2. Facial steam
You can change the ingredients of this steam according to what you prefer and required for your skin. I am using Apple Cider Vinegar in this recipe as it helps to restore the natural pH level in your skin.

1. Boil 3 cups of water with 1/4 cup of Apple Cider vinegar in a pot.
2. Once boiled take off heat and add 3-4 lavender heads, 3 tsps of fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs of fresh mint.
3. Place the lid on the pot and let it brew for 5 minutes.
4. Get a large towel and place it over your head and shoulders so that it covers the pot also (creating a tent like structure), breathe in deeply and relax.
5. Stay like this for 10 minutes and enjoy the relaxing smells..

3. Mask
With this recipe I make up a great lot of the dried mix and just add 1-2 tsp of the mix with cream as I go. So just beware that this recipe makes a bit and can be stored in a zip-lock bag for months.

1. Whizz in the food processer 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 5-6 whole almonds (un-roasted) and 1/8 cup of sunflower seeds. Process till it makes a chunky powder - It does not have to be perfect!
2. Place the processed mix into a mixing bowl and add 2 tsp of finely chopped rosemary leaves and a small dash of cinnamon
3. Put in a zip-lock bag for storage
4. Mix 3 tsp of the mix with 1-2 tsp of cream so that it makes a spreadable paste - leave to thicken
5. Spread all over your face and neck and leave for 20 minutes
6. Rinse your face well!

4. Moisturiser
This is a very basic moisturiser which I use all day long - it is so refreshing through this hot weather and smells so good :) You can purchase Vegetable glycerin from Huckleberry Farms, this product is a carbohydrate derived from plant oils and helps to replenish the moisture in your skin.

1. In a jar place 1/2 cup of water, 2 tsp vegetable glycerin and 6 drops of lemon essential oil
2. Shake well and put in a facial spray container.
3. Every time you use this shake it well before spraying on your face.

Fresh and clean!