Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Handmade Hand Lotion ~ Tidbits


I've been wanting to try this recipe all year, and finally got around to making it.  I don't have the preservative for the updated recipe, and I used lemon essential oil (organic of course).


I found the recipe at A Sonoma Garden if you are interested in it.  Her site has many recipes too.

My initial plan was for gifting extended family, but one brother has a baby and Mom babysits.  I didn't think handling Baby B with essential oil hand lotion was a good idea.  I haven't made the recipe without the oil, but I am thinking I could simply make some unscented.     

My girls and I love lemon, so we opted for that essential oil, but lavender or orange would be nice too.   We'll give this a "whirl" and see if we like it first.  I don't like to gift anything I haven't tried first.  It was very easy to make, so I hope it turns out to be a nice (and beneficial) lotion.

The only problem is finding decent jars for the lotion.  I may end up simply using canning jars.  Next, I must look into the preservative and see if it's safe. 

Critter update:  so far whatever was under the house has left.  We think anyway.  One brave soul will be taking a flashlight and making sure, but we may just get some marshmallows anyway.  I told Hubby about the tip on marshmallows and raccoons.  


Hubby update:  He's on the mend, but refuses to be seen by the doctor.  The swelling has gone down and it hurts a lot less, so that is a good thing.  I warned him of a fracture too.  


Sadie update:  She's doing so well, she comes to us now and begs for her homemade food.  I'll be calling the vet today to find out when her stitches (and staples) come out.  Her next batch of food will be beef, peas and a different grain.  I really do feel the food makes a difference.  I am praying we can continue to do this, and possibly for the other dogs.  I do feel commercial dog food (and cat food) is full of unhealthy ingredients.  In this past year, Mattie has gotten cancer, Jesse had a tumor removed, and now has another one, and then Sadie's health issues.



Mattie was sitting on Daughter's Army bag, which was on a box of items she shipped home.  It was so cute I had to take a picture.  We are not the only ones patiently waiting for her arrival, ha ha! 

4 comments:

Susan said...

Thank you for the link to the hand lotion recipe. I am curious to see how you and your daughters like it. I have been looking for an easy recipe and this seems perfect. Where do you get your essential oils? I agree with your feelings about pet food. I try to buy high-end kibble and supplement with homemade. It's pricey, but the alternative is pricier.

Mama Pea said...

As far as jars to put your hand lotion in, have you seen those jelly (canning) jars that are low and fat? Their wide mouth would be good for dipping in to get a blob of the lotion. An expense to buy but if you end up having to use canning jars anyway . . .

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Susan, I get my oils from Mountain Rose Herbs, but I did locate a health store that sells oils as well. We do buy a higher quality dog food (soy free). We have large dogs, other than Jesse, so they do eat more (making homemade pricey too). It's frustrating.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Mama Pea, I forgot about that style of jars. I gifted cinnamon-honey-butter for Christmas in those jars. I'll have to dig around and see if anyone returned those to me.