Au naturel

So, I had to update the little note book I had for writing down my ideas. Actually, Elbi devoured it, but in hindsight it was far too small.

Olive oil page

Home made body scrubs page

reusing coffee grounds

This self-sufficiency / natural turn in our lives takes a lot of time, (even if not a lot of ingredients!) and my book needed the upgrade.

Top favourites for the house and avoiding palm oil as well as many chemicals include, olive oil, vinegar, lemons and bicarbonate of soda and that is one house cleaned, refreshed and ready for action! There is a lot to learn and remember, but writing it all done helps!

It does take time to prepare things...if only I could eliminate the days I have to work....

This morning, I actually tried to make air freshener - just lemon juice, water, bicarbonate of soda and some nice smelly oils. It's really watery when you spray, but, it's great!!

I also have some lemon zest soaking in vodka - that too will make an air freshener in just a few days...or just lemon vodka....!!!

Left - green tea, vinegar, tea tree oil toner
Right - Olive oil
Centre - Lush hair cream/conditioner

Oh, and I have given up making my own shampoo...it was too tricky for someone in a hurry. I decided to stick to all things Lush. They are even eliminating palm oil from their products, so you know it's a company you can rely on! Must not forget the fact that it smells divine!!!

Scrubs

So, in Bali, we had a bottle of olive oil going spare. I think we cooked just the once, but it was so much easier (and cheaper) to eat out, so we had some ingredients to spare.

I did not want this oil to go to waste. I was convinced that we could do something better with it than throw it down the sink.

So, I started googling like crazy!

I found many options.

Olive oil makes for a great conditioner for the scalp. You can simply massage it in for 5 or 10 minutes and then leave it to do its work. You should wear a shower cap to a) style it out and b) (most importantly) not get anything covered with oil.

Now, here is where it gets exciting.

Olive oil and sugar together form a great body (and face, according to some) scrub.

Olive oil & Sugar

I use it on my lips. It scrubs, but it's gentle enough not to make your lips sore or go bright red.

It is great for the body too (especially the legs). The oil hydrates the skin and the sugar gently exfoliates, leaving a very polished feel. Not only is it cheap, but it is simply divine. You can add essential oils too for that extra scent.

Honey, lemon & sugar

Another lovely body scrub is the very simple mix of honey, lemon juice (fresh, of course! Orange also works well.) and sugar, once again.

This is lovely and smells great in the morning; the citrus is vibrant, the honey is soothing and the sugar, well, scrubs.

You need good pots!