Buh-Bye B.O.! Homemade coconut oil deoderant

As we use up the rest of our stockpiled deodorant, we began searching for a more natural alternative to keep the B.O. away.  Of course, we all know that I have an unrelenting love for coconut oil, so it was only fitting that a natural substitution would have to include my favorite ingredient. 

Another benefit to this homemade deodorant is that it is gentle and nourishing to the skin, while combating body odor and decreasing perspiration.  Everyone in our home has sensitive skin, so this is sort of a big deal to me!

 

Homemade coconut oil deodorant

What you’ll need:

6-8 Tablespoons solid organic coconut oil
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch (arrowroot is preferred)
few drops essential oil of your choice for fragrance (optional)

What to do:

1.       In a bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and arrowroot powder (or corn starch). 

2.       Slowly add coconut oil and combine with a spoon, mixing until the past is firm yet pliable (much like the texture of commercial deodorant). Mix in a few drops of essential oil, if desired.

3.      Spoon into an empty deodorant stick or a small plastic lidded container. 

This recipe makes about 1 cup of homemade deodorant, and should last two adults between 2-3 months with regular, daily use. 

Get FIT: Getting started on your fitness journey

It seems like just about everyone I know is on some sort of health kick.  I know several who are going the juicing detox route, others that are on some diet or another, and still others that are just trying to be more active.

I’ve tried to get fit and lose weight several times before, but the diets never stick.  I tried Slim Fast, the Special K diet, and banned sweets.  None of those things stuck.  After the initial excitement wore off, life kicked back in and I would wind up reverting back to old eating habits.  It’s difficult to resist that double bacon cheeseburger and fries when the rest of your family is eating it. 

This would lead to anger at myself over not having control.  I’d look in the mirror, and see a stomach that still wasn’t flat no matter how many crunches I did.  Thighs that touched when I wished they wouldn’t.  I hated how fat I had gotten, and no amount of praise from my husband was going to change the fact that every time I looked in the mirror, I saw how much fat I needed to lose.

 

I started back onto my own health journey nearly two months ago, around the time we were planning our move.  Apparently, one stressful thing in my life wasn’t enough, so I decided to throw in a good dose of self-deprivation.  Only this time, it doesn’t really feel like I’m missing out on anything.  In fact, I’m gaining something so much more.

What has changed my outlook on diet and weight loss, you ask? 

I’ve gained a new perspective of what health means to me.  Before, I was doing it to lose weight.  To be skinny again.  Sure, I wouldn’t mind fitting back in a size 3 jeans eventually, but my goal is no longer superficial. 

There are several reasons why I am dedicated to getting healthier, and in future posts I will expand on some of those.  For now, I would like to give a few tips, tricks, and thoughts to reflect on when it comes to health and fitness. 

 

 

Get FIT: Getting Started

• Decide what health and fitness means and looks like to you.  Are you just wanting to shed a few inches to fit into that dress?  Are you wanting to gain strength and endurance?  Decide what your goals are.

• Determine your motivation, and reflect on it often.  Make a motivation board, or stick a note to your bathroom mirror.  Keeping your goals and motivation at the forefront of your mind will encourage you to follow through with your diet and exercise plans.

• Partner up with a friend.  Being accountable to another person increases the likelihood that you'll follow through with that grueling ab workout. 

• Change your focus.  Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, celebrate the changes in your body.  Maybe last week you couldn't do a push up to save your life, and now you can do ten.  It may not feel like a lot now, but you are making progress!  Hang in there!

• Don't hate food.  There's nothing wrong with indulging from time to time, but view your food as fuel.  You can do 1,000 crunches every day, but if all you're putting into your mouth in refined and highly processed, chances are you aren't going to see that six pack of rock hard abs any time soon.

• Keep a food and exercise log.  This can be a great visual as well as a learning experience.  I love using MyFitnesspal, which you can check out here.  Knowing triggers can help you a ton, and if you are able to "see" your choices laid out, you might rethink that sugary donut and the large cappuccino. 

• Know that small changes add up.  If the task of a complete overhaul seems a bit daunting, start small.  Swapping whole wheat bread for white or changing one snack a day to a fruit or veggie increases your nutrient intake and lowers the amount of processed food in your diet.  Instead of adding that calorie laden creamer to your next cup of coffee, stir in a spoonful of delicious coconut oil. (Read some more great uses for coconut oil here.)

• Don't drink your calories.  Aim to drink 2 liters of water each day.  Measure it out to help yourself keep track, and add some fresh lemon or lime juice.  You could also try one of those recipes for homemade vitamin water that seems to be everywhere on Pinterest.  (If you do, let me know how they turn out!)

• Get enough sleep.  Rest is when your body heals itself. Aim for 6-8 hours a night.

• Get moving.  Whether it is doing burpees during a commercial break or a walk around the neighborhood, anyone can start exercising. 

• Include strength training in your workouts.  Muscle uses more calories than fat does, just to simply sustain itself.  You may initially gain some weight, but this new muscle is going to help you burn off some more of that unwanted fat.  It's worth it in the long run.

• Don't neglect cardio.  Get that heart rate up!  Improves heart health, circulation, and boosts your metabolism.  Do some circuit training and combine both cardio and strength exercises.

• Love your body.  Your body is an amazing machine, just the way it is!  As you begin to fuel it with better food and exercise it, you will be astonished at it's own healing capabilities and the things it can do! 

This list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope that it can be a starting point for some, and a motivation for others. 

Are you on your own fitness journey?  Share your experience with me in the comments!

Homemade Vapor Rub

As I've said before, coconut oil is sort of an obsession with me.  Its great for your hair, skin, and nails.  We use it as an every day lotion, but it really comes in handy when cold season hits.

Growing up, I can remember my mom slathering me in Vick's VapoRub.  It's one of my favorite things when I'm feeling under the weather, but taking a look at the ingredients put a stop to its use.  I no longer like using petroleum based products, which lead me in search of a natural alternative.

And what do you know?  I discovered yet another use for my beloved coconut oil!

The stuff is amazing, I tell you!

 

Homemade Vapor Rub

 

What you'll need:

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
small plastic container with a lid

What to do:

1.  Add the coconut oil to your plastic container.

2.  Add 5-7 drops of your essential oil and stir together.  If it isn't strong enough to your liking, add more essential oil in 2 drop increments until you reach the desired strength.

3.  Once it's all mixed up, slather it on your chest* (and feet, if you're like me!) and inhale as you drift into a restful sleep!* When using for babies and children, use half the amount of essential oil, or dilute already made Vapor Rub with more coconut oil before application.

 

To Make Homemade Whipped Vapor Rub, follow the recipe for Whipped Coconut Oil, adding your either eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil into the bowl before whisking.
 

Whipped Coconut Oil

One of my favorite ways to use coconut oil is topically, from an all over moisturizer to an intensive conditioner for my hair.  This is a super simple recipe for whipped coconut oil to be used for beauty, and best of all there is only one required ingredient.  Yep, just one.



Even for skin care, make sure you are using food quality organic coconut oil.  Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs what you put on it, so make sure you slater on the good stuff!

Homemade Whipped Coconut Oil

What you'll need:

1 cup organic coconut oil, a little below room temperature

a few drop of your favorite essential oil, for fragrance (optional)

What to do:

1.  Place your ingredients into a bowl.  Do not use melted coconut oil for this, as it will not whip up properly. It must be solid.

2.  Mix on high speed with a wire whisk for 6-8 minutes, or until whipped to a light, airy consistency.

I suggest using an electric mixer for this step.  Do not use a blender or food processor, as they tend to get too hot and melt the oil.

3.  Spoon whipped coconut oil into a glass jar for storage.  Keep at room temperature, or in the fridge if your house is warm enough to melt the oil.

This will stay soft even when cool and shouldn't become hard like coconut normally does when it gets too cold.


This recipe is wonderfully easy and customizable.  Use it instead of lotion for the whole family, as a conditioner, and  shaving cream.  This recipe can also serve as the basis for Homemade Vapor Rub. 

My Top 10 uses for Coconut oil

 

Anyone close to me has had to endure my borderline obsession with coconut oil.  They've had to listen to me rant and rave about the wonderful properties and varied uses this beautiful oil.  Seriously, the stuff is pretty amazing though, and so versatile. 

 

For about a year now, it has been a staple in our home.  What started as a natural alternative to many remedies for pregnancy woes and newborn needs has turned into a life changer.  It is moisturizing in addition to having anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.  Not to mention, it tastes amazing.

 

From dietary and medicinal uses to beauty and hygiene, here are

My top 10 uses for coconut oil

 

1.  As an all natural lotion for the entire family.

It smells amazing and absorbs easily into the skin.
Use it as is, or whip up a batch of whipped coconut oil.
(Find the easy recipe for Whipped Coconut Oil here.)


2.  As a natural alternative for butt cream for baby, and as an ingredient in my homemade baby wipes.This stuff cleared up my sons HORRIBLE yeast diaper rash in a day,
and hasn't had another rash since I switched to using it whenever I notice irritation. 

 

3.  As make-up remover and a great facial moisturizer.

Bonus:  it also helps to clear up break outs when used regularly, and has a natural SPF of 4.

4.  Use it as "Gunk Remover".Mix it with enough baking soda to form a paste and smear it over the sticker or residue.
Let it set for 15 minute or so, then wipe the gunk away with a wet washcloth.

5.  In the shower.Coconut oil works wonderfully in place of shaving creams or gels,
and you moisturize while you shave.
It also works wonderfully as a deep conditioner.

6.  To help with the healing of injury and infection.

Coconut oil helps to clear up yeast infections when applied
topically as well as when taken internally.
After the initial heat has left a burn, the application of a little
coconut oil helps the injured skin to heal.
 

7.  In homemade vapor rub.

One of our favorite things when we have colds is to slather this stuff on.
(Find out how to make it here.)

8. As a homemade deodorant.

Either alone, or mixed with baking soda and your favorite essential oil.

 

9.  As a luxurious massage oil.Relaxation!

 

 

and, last, but certainly not least,

 

10.  To EAT! 
Coconut oil is great for cooking because of it's high smoke point. 
Use it to stir-fry, substituted for vegetable oils in your recipes, as an alternative
to butter on bread, or simply by the spoonful!  YUM!

 

 

These are just a few of my favorite uses for coconut oil!  What are some of the ways you use it in your home?

 

Be sure to check back as I add links for some great recipes for the goodies mentioned in this post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hammond Family

Several weeks back, about the time we moved to Fort Worth, we had an amazing opportunity to catch up with Chris's Aunt Kelly.  She is an amazing, sweet lady, and offered to take pictures of our family! The pictures came out great, and I wanted to share them with you!



Shania and Kenzie were wearing their matching dresses that day.



They had so much fun chasing the chickens around the yard.



And Cole got to meet his first horse.  He doesn't look too happy about it!



My handsome men!  



Love the pop of color on this one.  Shania is looking beautiful.



Kenzie jumping and dancing around.  She's such a happy, fun girl.



This makes my heart swell in happiness. 



Simply me.






Chris's grandfather, Chris and Cole.  It was wonderful seeing them all together.



Chris, Cole, and I along with his Aunt Kelly and his Grandpa.





I absolutely love how the pictures turned out, and am so grateful that Kelly was able to capture a special day as we all spent time together.  The girls loved seeing the horses and chickens at their great grandpa's house, and we all enjoyed seeing family. 

Easy Mama... Getting past feeling unappreciated

Nearly six weeks ago now, our family moved from a little town in New Mexico to Fort Worth, TX.  My husband made this decision, and after much prayer and discussion, we decided that this was the direction God was taking our family. 

Overall, I love our new city!  There is so much more for us to be able to go and do as a family.  There has also been so much that God has opened up for our family, that it’s unbelievable!  As with any time you’re heading out the direction that God is leading you, the devil will try to make things more difficult and derail you.  We’ve had several mishaps, from our new electric company accidently charging us twice our deposit amount and having to refund it to some hurtful comments from some close to us. 

I’ve been having an extremely difficult time dealing with some of this.  I have felt very hurt, and personally attacked, by a lot of what has been said.  And I have been dealing with it in all the wrong ways.  At first, I was taking it to God and discussing things with my husband, and I felt better.  But as it has continued, I’ve felt like my feelings don’t really matter.  I’ve felt like I’m dealing with this alone. 

Add to that, the kids normal but aggravatingly crazy behavior at times, the stress of having sick kids for a couple of weeks, the laundry piling up, all that needs to be done around the house, and wanting to explore our new city, and I feel like I’m running on empty.  This stress is carrying over to my attitude.  I have been snippy with my kids, frustrated with my husband, and on the verge of tears a lot of the time any more. 

This isn’t me.  Sure, I can get this way from time to time, as we all slip up.  But this overwhelming sense that I don’t have anything in life together isn’t normal. Yesterday morning, I was frustrated with my husband before he went to work, and I almost didn’t give him a real goodbye because I was so upset.  I had to run outside as he was about to pull out of the driveway to apologize and tell him how much I love him. 

I think the devil deserves a roundhouse kick right to the throat. 

I’ve been getting hurt, upset, frustrated, and mad at the wrong people.  Yes, I may be justified in some of my feelings, and certainly others need to evaluate their own actions, but that isn’t something that I can control.  This is Satan’s goal.  He sees the blessing, and he is bent on destruction. 

All too often, we are quick to get defensive when others wrong and offend us.  Instead, maybe this is God’s way of putting us through his refining fire.  Although it may not change the fact that we find things hurtful, we do not have to face these things alone. 

My goal now is to deal with these in an appropriate way.  Instead of getting hurt and closing myself off, I want to take it as an opportunity to show God’s love and display his grace.  Instead of getting frustrated that no one seems to appreciate the home cooked meal or the fact that their laundry is done, I need to do it unto the Lord. 

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23

In heading Christ’s call to follow him, we are able to break through even the most difficult circumstances.  We can also separate people’s actions from them, knowing that sometimes they are unknowingly aiding the enemy’s purposes.  Instead of getting mad at the person, we should deal with the source:  Satan.

“For though we live in the world, we don’t wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with aren’t the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have DIVINE POWER to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take Every Thought and make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-6.