Whipped Orange Body Butter

Hello!!

Following in my theme this year of giving the gift of health and beauty by making home made products using essential oils.

Here are the ingredients for :

Whipped Orange Body Butter

1/2 cup cocoa butter

1/8 cup coconut oil

1/8 cup grapeseed oil

30-35 drops Orange EO 

Directions:

Melt the cocoa butter, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil down and whisk them together.

Pour the mixture into a glass mixing bowl and place in the fridge to cool.

As the mixture cools it will harden. Once the mixture has congealed, add 30-35 drops of Orange essential oil.

With the mixture at room temperature, whip it all together. I used my electric mixer... I suppose you can just use some amazing elbow action if the need be.

Use a spoon and fill your containers.

It made approximately 6 oz, filling these two 4 ounce mason jars up about 2/3.

This body butter smells so scrumptious that some of my family actually tasted it. It will provide more than one benefit thanks to the Orange essential oil.

I haven't been able to stop using this cream since I made it. I already notice my hands getting softer.

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Pumpkin Pie Spice Sugar Scrub

Howdy!!

Following in my theme this year of giving the gift of health and beauty by making home made products using essential oils.

Here are the ingredients for :

Pumpkin Pie Spice Sugar Scrub

1c sugar

1/2c sweet almond oil

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

2 drops Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil 

3 drops Nutmeg Essential oil 

This scrub smells absolutely delicious and will provide more than one benefit thanks to the Cinnamon Bark and Nutmeg essential oils.

I won't lie, when I tested this on my face I couldn't resist licking it off my lips. So yummy! And totally safe thanks to the quality of my ingredients.

I can't wait to give these to my family! I included the recipe so they can make more when they need. 

I also included these directions:

Rub gently to exfoliate skin. Rinse off sugar. Pat dry. Massage in remaining oils.

Use every 3-5 days depending on your skin's needs and area being scrubbed. 

(Face skin ususally needs more time between scrubs than feet.)

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Vanilla Honey Lavender Sugar Scrub

Hello there!! It's that time of the year... the season of giving.

This year I am excited to give the gift of health and beauty by making my loved ones home made products using essential oils.

I spent a good while yesterday researching the oils that I was considering for recipes and I tailored the for what may actually help boost the health of those on my "nice" list.

Here are the ingredients for :

Vanilla Honey Lavender Sugar Scrub

1c sugar

1/2c sweet almond oil

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsp raw, unfiltered honey

5 drops Lavender essential oil 

This scrub smells lovely and will provide more than one benefit thanks to the Lavender essential oil.

I can't wait to give these to my family! I included the recipe so they can make more when they need. 

I also included these directions:

Rub gently to exfoliate skin. Rinse off sugar. Pat dry. Massage in remaining oils.

Use every 3-5 days depending on your skin's needs and area being scrubbed. 

(Face skin ususally needs more time between scrubs than feet.)

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Grain Free Pseudo Tortillas

Hello there!

I came across a recipe for simple tortillas and decided to make adjustments to make them grain free.

I was happy with flavor but I couldn't exactly wrap it around breakfast to make a burrito. However, these worked out great to have on the side and will be awesome for some "huevos rancheros". I thoroughly enjoyed them with my eggs, chorizo, potatoes, and cheese on top. So although I can't call them true tortillas I decided to share the recipe nonetheless.

Behold:

Grain Free Pseudo-Tortillas

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 cup garbanzo bean flour

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

First whisk your dry ingredients together in a bowl. The add your dry ingredients, eggs, and water to a blender and blend until mixed well. You can pour the mix directly from the blender to a hot flat pan. It's very much like making pancakes only you aim to make these thinner. You can "swirl" the pan to help thin out the batter a bit. Let cook until you see bubbles and then flip and cook the other side.

Serve up with a meal the way you would use a flat bread or "tostada".

Enjoy the yummy goodness!! 

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Lemon Oil vs Sticker

Howdy!

I know that I mentioned how Lemon Essential Oil eats up petrochemicals... and I have heard that it will melt stickers right off of things. But I was still somehow surprised when it worked.

A few weeks ago I bought a mini grater from World Market. I wanted it mainly to grate ginger to add to cooking and for teas. The sticker was very inconveniently placed inside the itty-bitty grater... and boy was it STUCK. You can see the corners where I scratched and scratched attempting to remove the sticker.

Then a stroke of genius! Of course... I needed to put a few drops of lemon essential oil. So I added a drop on each side and rubbed it in to be sure the sticker was covered. I left it to sit for about 15-20 minutes. When I returned to see how it worked I expected to still give some effort in scratching it off. I thought I would be able to get it all off but not all in one piece. And then I picked at it...

As you can see, the whole sticker came off in one piece. All that is missing is what I originally scratched off. There was minimal residue left over. This came off when I washed it. (I always let dishes soak in water with Thieves cleaner and then wash with a sponge and blue Dawn.)

My mind is blown and I am beyond impressed with Lemon Essential Oil right now.

Hooray for oily success!!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Cream Cheese Curry Eggs

Hi there!

I have been craving curry eggs for at least a week! I don't often cook "real" food around here, but I was just so inspired to have another recipe to share here.

Ever since turning to a grain free lifestyle my meals have been high protein, low carb, and contain more healthy fats.

This is what I made for breakfast today:

Cream Cheese Curry Eggs

Ingredients for 2 servings:

5 Eggs

Approx 2 oz cream cheese

Curry powder to taste

1 avocado (on the side)

Beat the eggs and curry in a bowl.

Put you cream cheese in the pan and then add the eggs.

As the cream cheese heats up  it will melt and spread as you scramble and cook the eggs.

Serve with a side of 1/2 an avocado and you have yourself one delicious, filling breakfast.

Have a yummy day!!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Peppermint Essential Oil

Howdy! The next oil featured in my series on the Everyday Oils Collection is 
Peppermint

I want to start by saying that I am not here to tell anyone to get of their medication. I’m not a medical professional and cannot legally diagnose, cure or treat. If you are under the care of a physician, consult them first before diving in. Let it be known that this is for informational purposes only. To practice medicine requires a license…To promote good health does not.

That being said, let's get in to what I love about Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil from Young Living is so potent that 1 drop is as effective as 26 cups of peppermint tea. I grew up drinking "hierbabuena" whenever I had a tummy ache. My mom would brew this tea from fresh peppermint leaves straight from our backyard. Its no wonder peppermint oil is used to support digestive efficiency and soothe digestive issues. It can also soothe aches and studies show that it can improve concentration and mental sharpness. 

Here are my top 10 11 9 uses for Peppermint Essential Oil
(Update 12/8/14 I am making a personal choice to no longer ingest oils. I have removed 2 reasons here where I had suggested doing so. I will write a blog post explaining my why behind this choice.)

1 - In My Shampoo (recipe here)
2 - Support the immune system which in turn keeps allergies at bay 

4 - Freshen Breathe

6 - Support Digestion
7 - Diffused alone or mixed with other oils for improved concentration while I work.
8 - Relax Tense Muscles
9 - Aches
10 - When my head hurts
11 - To Kill A Craving

Happy oiling!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Lemon Essential Oil

Hey! The next oil featured in my series on the Everyday Oils Collection is 
Lemon

I want to start by saying that I am not here to tell anyone to get of their medication. I’m not a medical professional and cannot legally diagnose, cure or treat. If you are under the care of a physician, consult them first before diving in. Let it be known that this is for informational purposes only. To practice medicine requires a license…To promote good health does not.

That being said, let's get in to what I love about Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of the lemon, not from the pulpy, acidic juice. This is important since the vitamins and nutrients are in the rind itself. Lemon oil is full of antioxidants which promote healthy immune function. It is used in many natural cosmetics because it is useful in cleansing the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Lemon oil eats up petrochemicals... feel free to test this yourself by adding a drop to a styrofoam cup or over a balloon. Anyone who has ever drank from a plastic bottle has ingested petrochemicals. I am pretty sure that we have all drank form plastic multiple times in our life. On that note, only add to containers that are glass, ce5ramic, or stainless steel cups/bottles. 
Another item of note: Avoid exposing skin to the sun or UV light within 24 hours of using lemon on the exposed area.

Here are my top 7 5 uses for Lemon Essential Oil
(Update 12/8/14 I am making a personal choice to no longer ingest oils. I have removed 2 reasons here where I had suggested doing so. I will write a blog post explaining my why behind this choice.)

1 - Air freshener (recipe here)
2 - Support the immune system which in turn keeps allergies at bay 
3 - Cleanse Skin Irritations 
4 - Cleanse


7 - Diffused alone or mixed with other oils for wonderful, fresh air

Happy oiling!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

PanAway Essential Oil Blend

Hi there! The next oil featured in my series on the Everyday Oils Collection is 
PanAway

I want to start by saying that I am not here to tell anyone to get of their medication. I’m not a medical professional and cannot legally diagnose, cure or treat. If you are under the care of a physician, consult them first before diving in. Let it be known that this is for informational purposes only. To practice medicine requires a license…To promote good health does not.

That being said, let's get in to what I love about Young Living PanAway Essential Oil Blend

PanAway is a blend of Wintergreen, Clove, Helichrysum, and Peppermint. "Wintergreen has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Helichrysum is a powerful anesthetic and analgesic and reduces pain from inflammation and muscle spasms. Clove is used in the dental industry to numb gums and kill pain. Peppermint has powerful pain blocking, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties." (Essential Oils pocket reference, 6th Edition, page 168)

Here are my top 10 uses for PanAway Essential Oil Blend

1 - Achy joints
2 - Sore muscles
3 - Post-Exercise 
4 - Tingling pains
5 - Sprains
6 - Cramps
7 - Bruises
8 - Age-Related Pain
9 - Dog's Hip Pain After Injury
10 - Dog's Age-Related Pain 

Happy oiling!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Grain Free Banana Nut Muffins

Howdy!

I interrupt the previously scheduled blog post for a special recipe.

Enjoy this video for a yummy grain free banana nut muffins recipe brought to you by Madison's Kitchen.

Madison is my friend's little girl and she has just started her own cooking channel on YouTube. Please watch and subscribe to her channel to show this little one some support.

Click here to subscribe to Madison's Kitchen.

Not only is Madison adorable while she cooks up some yummy breakfast, but she keeps with the "healthy" theme and breaks into dance to show how she exercises.

It's a must watch.

Ingredients:
1 cup coconut flour
5 eggs
5 tablespoons butter, melted (1/2 stick)
3 chopped bananas
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup walnuts

I hope you enjoyed our special guest and her recipe. I will be trying this recipe myself as soon as I get myself more coconut flour.

Until next time...

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Lavender

Howdy! The next oil featured in my series on the Everyday Oils Collection is 
Lavender

I want to start by saying that I am not here to tell anyone to get of their medication. I’m not a medical professional and cannot legally diagnose, cure or treat. If you are under the care of a physician, consult them first before diving in. Let it be known that this is for informational purposes only. To practice medicine requires a license…To promote good health does not.

That being said, let's get in to what I love about Young Living Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is often referred to as the "Swiss Army knife" of essential oils because it has so many uses. It is highly regarded for skin and beauty and can be used to soothe and cleanse cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. While Lavender can help relax, it can also boost stamina and energy. Did you know it takes 170-250 pounds of lavender plants to make just 1 pound of Lavender oil? The thought brings a  whole new appreciation.

Here are my top 10 11 uses for Lavender Essential Oil

1 - I use it day and night after washing my face and applying my Lavender serum
2 - Soothe and boost immune systems when seasonal allergies strike
3 - relax my mind and body during my cycle
4 - support normal sleep by diffusing at bed time
5 - ease daily stressors
6 - soothe a bruise
7 - soothe minor cuts and scrapes
8 - my pets skin care
9 - soothe a stye
10 - for skin imbalances in my body oils and creams
11 - in my hair serum

Happy oiling!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Thieves Blend

Hello! I am excited to begin my series on the Everyday Oils Collection with a post on 

Young Living Essential Oil Thieves Blend

The history of this blend says that it was created based on four thieves who survived the Black Plague. They were able to go into the infected homes and come out without catching the illness. When they were caught, they were offered a lighter sentence if they admitted how they had managed such a thing. Turns out these men were spice traders and had knowledge of the natural defenses provided by plants. Their recipe was used to create this blend.

Thieves Blend is made from:

Clove - known for immune-enhancing properties

Lemon - powerful antioxidant known for it's ability to act as a natural solvent and cleanser

Cinnamon Bark - reputation for supporting the digestive system

Eucalyptus Radiata - many health promoting properties

Rosemary - naturally energizing, may be beneficial for helping restore mental alertness when fatigued

I want to start by saying that I am not here to tell anyone to get of their medication. I’m not a medical professional and cannot legally diagnose, cure or treat. If you are under the care of a physician, consult them first before diving in. Let it be known that this is for informational purposes only. To practice medicine requires a license…To promote good health does not.

That being said, let's get in to why I am in love with Thieves blend. There is a reason why Young Living made a whole product lines for Thieves. You can get foaming hand soap, hand purifier, spray, wipes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, mints, lozenges, and household cleaner all made from natural ingredients and including Thieves oil blend.

Thieves has been university tested for it's cleansing abilities and is highly effective in supporting the immune system.

Let's face it... these days we can all use an immune boost... I am sure you agree.

Here are my top 10 14 12 uses for Thieves Essential Oil Blend
(Update 12/8/14 I am making a personal choice to no longer ingest oils. I have removed 2 reasons here where I had suggested doing so. I will write a blog post explaining my why behind this choice.)

1 - natural deodorant

2 - rub a drop on my feet every other morning and night to help support my immune system

4 - to diffuse in my room (especially when someone in the house is sick and I am avoiding it)

6 - to soothe sore, bleeding gums

7 - I keep the spray in my purse and spray cuts...

8 - ...and in case I need to freshen my breath

9 - spot treatment on skin irritations

10 - cleaning everything and anything with the household cleanser

11 - keeping my mouth in tip top shape with the oral care products

12 - washing/purifying my hands

13 - eliminating pet odors

14 - immune boost for my pets

I love that Thieves smells like Christmas!

This blend definitely belongs in the Everyday Collection. Not a day goes by that I don't use the oil or products multiple times. 

Happy oiling!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Starting My Mean Green Cleaning Arsenal

Hi there!!

I was finally able to take a moment from my day to make Thieves household cleaner sprays. I have heard so many awesome reviews on Thieves products and I am beyond excited to finally be able to use them.

For those of you who are not yet familiar with Thieves household cleaner, let me fill you in on the important details. 

It is made of plant-based ingredients (including Thieves essential oil and Lemon essential oil) and uses a biodegradable formula. It is highly concentrated and will surprise you how far you stretch it by the cap-full. This household cleaner is strong enough to clean your toilet and safe enough to clean your dog. My friend even uses this in the kiddie pool to keep mosquitoes out without having any worry about the girls swimming in chemicals.

There are suggested usage ratios on the bottle but I did some asking around and these are the recipes I decided on using.

I bought a pack of commercial grade spray bottles at Sams. I love these sturdy bottles!!!

For the bathroom cleaning spray I used:

2 caps Thieves cleaner

6 drops Lemon EO 

4 drops Thieves EO

Fill with water

For the kitchen cleaning spray I used:

1 cap Thieves cleaner

3 drops Lemon EO

2 drops Thieves EO

Fill with water

For the linen refreshing spray I used:

1 caps Thieves cleaner

Fill with water

I am so excited to try these out when I do my housework tomorrow! I will admit, I already sprayed the couches because I couldn't wait to try them all out until tomorrow.

Here is a photo-op with my new cleaning arsenal.

I need to get a "squeeze" bottle so I can make a "soft scrub" type cleaner. I also want to make some laundry detergent. I hear you can simply wash a load with 1-2 caps of Thieves cleaner alone... it's just after years of washing clothes with conventional detergent I struggle with the thought of washing with only 1 tablespoon of cleanser. I am going to make a detergent mainly because I need to trick my brain to being okay with the change.

I am one step closer to ridding my life of chemicals!

Happy (safe and healthy) cleaning!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Safe and Effective Air Freshener

Hello, hello!

Next in my mini-series of DIY recipes is a very simple, inexpensive air freshener.

Why would I consider making my won air freshener? Do an internet search of "dangers of air fresheners" and make your own informed decision. 

"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most store-bought air fresheners consist of formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol pollutants [source: EPA]. The agency's "Indoor Guide to Air Quality" also notes that air fresheners "release pollutants more or less continuously" [source:EPA]."

Do you want to breathe in "fresh" air full of pollutants, chemicals, carcinogens, and toxins? Or would you rather breathe in TRULY FRESH air using only a few dollars and absolutely no chemicals?

I cleanse and freshen the air in my house using only distilled water and therapeutic grade essential oils. Nothing more, nothing less. Absolutely nothing else. 

Ingredients:

Distilled water

8 drops Lemon Essential Oil

8 drops Purification Essential Oil

Add both the Lemon and Purification Oils to a 2 ounce glass spray bottle. Fill the rest with the distilled water. Shake well before each spray. This takes care of unpleasant odors with 3-5 sprays. It not only smells delicious, but is safe enough to spray all over yourself without fear of what you may be absorbing. 

I want to try some recipes out for Fall scent air fresheners... I just love all the Fall scents but can't bring myself to purchase any brand now that I know I can make my own safe spray.

Now to take a deep breathe of delicious, truly fresh air!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

DIY Shampoo - Safe and Sudsy

Hi there!

You may remember that I mentioned that I had made my own shampoo. I have now washed my hair a few times and feel comfortable sharing the recipe with you. I had to make one adjustment before I settled on a recipe that worked for me.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup pure castille soap (I use Dr. Bronner's)

1/2 cup distilled water

3 tablespoon baking soda

5 drops Peppermint essential oil 

5 drops Melaleuca Alternifolia essential oil

Add all ingredients to your bottle and shake gently. I say gently because it will bubble up a bit with the shaking. It would be a good idea to make a habit of giving the bottle a quick jolt prior to each use. This will be more watery than you are used to with conventional shampoo, but it's a small price to pay for the health benefits.

If you have not yet read the ingredients on your shampoo, I urge you to take a peek. Something you don't know? Lots of things you can't pronounce? Look them up here at Skin Deep. It may change your world.

It changed mine!! I am now researching a natural recipe to make lipstick. I love red lip stick more than any other make up... okay well maybe not more than my eyeliner but still ALOT. I would prefer wearing it knowing I'm not poisoning my body. I will keep you posted on this venture..

Until then!

XOXOX

Lily Bean

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Howdy!

If there is one thing I absolutely love, it is orange creamsicle shakes!! My absolute favorite is at Ruby's Diner... It is always especially delicious when enjoyed on the Huntington Beach pier locations while watching the ocean. Oh how I miss that!! I wish my friends could send me a shake in the mail!

I found a recipe for orange cookies that called for orange zest... but I had no oranges. Then the lightbulb went off!! I figured why not try my Orange essential oil... Boy am I ever glad I did! The orange and vanilla in these cookies remind me of my favorite shake at one of my favorite places: and that's how these Orange Creamsicle cookies were born.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw, unfiltered honey
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup coconut flour
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
25 drops Orange essential oil

Whisk together the salt and coconut flour. Add the honey, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange essential oil and mix for 2 minutes.

Let the dough sit for about 5 minutes then drop by the tablespoon-ful scoops onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your fingers to flatten the dollop down and shape in a circle. (You should put some butter or olive oil on your finger so the dough doesn't stick.)

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes

Let cool on sheet for 2 minutes before placing and a cookie rack to cool completely.

Yield 36-40 cookies.

I learned not to fear cooking with my essential oils.

I am scheduled to present my first ever educational class on oils this week. I am thinking I will make a batch of these to take with me to share with the host and her guests. What a great way to showcase a great way to use the oils!

Wish me luck!!!

XOXOX

Lily Bean