Herb Softening Hair Rinse

Lately I've been trying to go no poo. I've been doing it for around 4 months and I do like it.
I still wash my hair but with Dr.Bronner's once a week. Then I do my homemade hair rinse a few times a week. Sometime everyday. Just depends on if I went to work out or not.

Here is how I make my awesome hair rinse.


4 Cups. water
1/2 Cup. Rosemary (Dried or fresh)
1/2 Cup. Lavender ( Dried or fresh)
1/2 Cup Mint (Dried or fresh)
3 tsp. borax
3 Cups. apple cider vinegar

1.Bring the water to boil in a large pot.
2.Once you’ve reached a rolling boil. Add the Rosemary, Lavender, and Mint.
3.Put it on low for about 1 hr.
4. Turn the stove off and let it steep for 2-4hrs. .or longer,the longer, the stronger).
5. Take out the herbs and turn the stove back on low to heat the water.
6.Once the water is heated turn it off and add the borax. Then stir
7. Add the apple Cider Vinegar, Stir again.
8. put into a container and you're all done.

I let my rinse steep overnight before straining out the herbs. This makes for a VERY potent rinse

I put mine in a old gallon juice bottle. I double the recipe when I make it tho. Then I put it into a squirt bottle and keep the bottle in my shower.

To use: After shampooing and conditioning, or as your sole hair product, pour the rinse over your hair, making sure to soak it through completely. Finish off with a final
rinse of clean water, if desired (the liquid is a brownish “tea” color, so it may stain a light-colored towel if you don’t rinse with clean water).
Or, simply leave the rosemary rinse in your hair and dry and style as usual.

The smell of the vinegar goes away and you are left with the smell of the herbs. I have dark hair so I don't know if this would darken lighter hair or not.

You can change the herbs for other herbs that you like the smell of better or just use 1 herb. Make sure it = 1 1/2 Cups or more.

I have all of this in the yard so I normally use fresh and more then the 1 1/2 Cups posted.

If you try this let me know what you think :)




Forever N Always

Homemade Vapor Rub

Did you know the store bought Vapor rub isn't that great for you? It's made with Petrolatum, Eucalyptus oil, Mineral oil, Coconut Oil, Rosemary leaf oil, Peppermint oil,Lavender oil.. Petrolatum is not good for you I'm going to make a blog post later on explaining why I say that.
If you're looking for something you can do yourself here it is.

Homemade Vapor Rub.

Ingredients

5 TB Coconut oil
2 TB Cocoa Butter
1 1/2 TB Beeswax
30 drops eucalyptus essential oil (for children use Eucaylptus Radiata or Eucaplytus Citriodora)
12 drops each of essential oils: peppermint, lavender, and rosemary
5 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, over low heat, add the coconut oil and cocoa butter. Melt.
2. Once melted, add the beeswax. Melt.
3. Remove the pan from the heat.
4. Allow the mixture to sit in the saucepan for 5 minutes. This will allow the mixture to cool so the oils aren't damaged.
5.After 5 minutes, add the eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree oils to the coconut oil mixture. Combine with a spoon.
Pour the mixture into jars..

 This recipe will make one 4 oz. jar of vapor rub. As the mixture cools in the jar the liquid will solidify,
 making it a creamy, spreadable rub.


This recipe will keep for a year.

It's that easy to make your own. :) Hope you enjoy.

Note don't use on babies younger then 3 months.

If you don't want to order from Amazon here is the link to Vitacost.  

Vitacost say ''Share the health and save even more with Vitacost Rewards! When you 

refer your friends and family, you'll each get $10 off at Vitacost.com''. So by using the link posted above you'll get a $10 credit for the site enjoy!!!

Forever N Always

Remineralizing Toothpaste

I just use a teaspoon or tablespoon, depending on the size batch I want, so the recipe would read 5 TBSP calcium powder,2 TBSP Baking Soda,  and so on.

5 parts Calcium powder
2 parts Baking Soda
3 parts Xylitol Powder- .
3-5 parts coconut oil to get desired texture
Storage Jar * I use these Here*
Optional
Grinder for the Xylitol
Essential Oil's


How To Make Natural Remineralizing Toothpaste

1. Mix all powdered ingredients (calcium, Baking Soda, Xylitol) well in a bowl. If you are starting with calcium tablets,
powder them in a food processor. If you are starting with capsules, dump them out into the bowl. If you want it to be more like store bought tooth paste grind the Xylitol up.

2. Add Coconut Oil one part at a time until you get desired consistency.

3. Add any optional ingredients, including Essential Oils for flavor (my favorite is Peppermint, Spearmint)

4. Store in small container like These.

 To use, either dip clean toothbrush into it, or use Popsicle stick or spoon to put it on the toothbrush.


There you have it homemade tooth paste. Everyone who has tested this for me likes it better then store bought. I feel like this gets my teeth so much cleaner.

If you don't want to order from Amazon here is the link to Vitacost.  

Vitacost say ''Share the health and save even more with Vitacost Rewards! When you 

refer your friends and family, you'll each get $10 off at Vitacost.com''. So by using the link posted above you'll get a $10 credit for the site enjoy!!!

Forever N Always

101 Uses For Coconut Oil

Here are all the uses I can find for Coconut oil but I'm sure there are more.

1. In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
2. Taken supplementally for daily energy
3. As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
4. On the skin as a basic lotion
5. In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
6. In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
7. As an eye-makeup remover
8. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
9. In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
10. To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
11. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
12. To support healthy thyroid function
13. In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
14. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
15. As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
16. In homemade lotion recipes
17. To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
18. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
19. As a delicious tropical massage oil
20. It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism
21. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
22. As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
23. Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
24. Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
25. Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
26. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
27. As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
28. On feet to fight athlete’s foot or fungus
29. In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
30. Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
31. There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
32.  With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
33. In natural Homemade Sunscreen
34. In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
35. In a filling and energy boosting Brain Powder Smoothie
36. Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
37. Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
38. There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
39. Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
40. Can help improve insulin levels
41. Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
42. Can help improve cholesterol ratios
43. Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
44. In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
45. As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
46. Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
47. Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
48. After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
49. Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat
50. As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
51. As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
52. In natural homemade diaper cream
53. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
54. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
55. To season cast iron skillets
56. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
57. Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
58. Can help resolve acne when used regularly
59. Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
60. I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
61. On split ends to de-frizz
62. A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
63. By itself as a great tanning oil
64. Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
65. Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
66. Can help improve sleep when taken daily
67. Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally
68. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
69. To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
70. It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
71. Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
72.  Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
73. By itself as a natural deodorant
74. By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
75. For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
76. Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism
77. In homemade vapor rub
78. As a safe cooking oil for deep frying
79. A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion
80. Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
81. As a completely natural baby lotion
82. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
83. Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
84. Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush
85. Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
86. Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
87. Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
88. When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
89. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
90. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
91. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
92. On cuticles to help nails grow
93. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
94. Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
95. Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
96. In any recipes where vegetable oils are used
97. Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
98.  To treat yeast infection. Soak a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
99. Naturally clears up cold sores
100. Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
101. Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness

Please feel free to share how you use it.

You can buy Premium Quality: Extra virgin, unrefined & unbleached from non-GMO coconuts; No solvents (hexane-free), non-hydrogenated, no trans fat. Coconut Oil Here


I am a affiliate for Amazon So if you buy anything buy clicking on the link above I will get a small amount of money. This will not increase how much you pay it just helps me keep this blog up.
Forever N Always

If you don't want to order from Amazon here is the link to Vitacost.  

Vitacost say ''Share the health and save even more with Vitacost Rewards! When you 

refer your friends and family, you'll each get $10 off at Vitacost.com''. So by using the link posted above you'll get a $10 credit for the site enjoy!!!

Valentine's Day Sensory Bin

Hey everyone I'm trying so hard to start doing things with the boys again so hopefully I will be posting more. :) YAY!

I made a trip to Dollar Tree earlier to get some stickers for the kids in our children's church to make  Valentine's Day cards Sunday. When there I found alot of things I could use for a sensory bin for the boys which is where this came from. I'll post some pictures of the card the kids make if I remember my cam. that day. :)

I'm not sure what these are but I thought they were cute.

The tops are soo fuzzy!!!

White fake rose petals 

Red fake rose petals.

Sparkly foamy hearts

Pink hard plastic hearts

Red hard plastic hearts

Everything all together

I added the bucket so Eli could put everything in it using the hole.

Our front door right no.

 Eli loved playing in this bin. Some of the things ended up in the bucket but his favorite thing to do was throw the rose petals everywhere.

After they got done playing these silly boys wanted to take pictures. Enjoy.

I love my silly boys.








Forever N Always

Spring bath

 This week is spring week so we've been doing things with spring and flowers and bugs.
Tonight I did a flower bath for the boys.

Forever N Always

Outside Sensory Bin

So after a lot of rain we finally got a day of sun shine :) After being stuck in the house for so long I wanted to do a sensory bin using things from outside. I got Nita to take Eli and Ray outside with buckets to pick some flowers and get some grass. While they did that I was inside making a bird nest using pine needles and plastic eggs .. After the boys played with the bin I put everything but the eggs into our compost bin so it was a win. win.

We also put in plastic bugs.

Forever N Always

Pom-Pom Caterpillar

So I saw Pom-Poms at the store the other day and I just knew they would be great for the boys to play with. It wasn't till I got home that I came up with just what to do with them tho.

Pom-Pom Caterpillars are so easy to make and cheap too. 

What you will need.

A leaf print out ( Just google till you find one you like.

Pom-Poms 

Glue

Googly eyes

Marker, color pencil, crayon, just something to color with

What to do.

Once you have got the leaf you wanted and printed it out

have the kids color them. Both Eli and Ray used markers.

Then I had the boys choose what pom-poms they wanted to use.

After we got 6 big pom-poms out I put glue on the paper and let the

boys put the pom-poms on top in the order they wanted. After we got the

big pom-poms on we took 4 little ones and made antennas with them. Then 

comes the eyes and mouth.. That's it :) The one Eli and I made we sent to 

Joshua in a care package so he could see it. :)

Sorry I don't remember what site I got mine from.

This is Eli's leaf. 

Yes he tried eating it.

This is Ray :)

He wanted a smile and nose

Forever N Always

Home made play dough fun

We love play dough and I love making it homemade I have a post on how to make it here. On this post I'm just going to show some of the cool things we've made with it. SO keep checking back some updates.

My mom made this one.

Nita is so weird :) I love my sister

Nita

Nita

My mom

Again My crazy sister did this.

Mine :)

Nita

Forever N Always