DIY Itchy Stix for Bug-Bite Relief

There still is plenty of time to celebrate summer by doing all of the outside activities from camping to gardening.  When you participate in these type of activities you are going to get nibbled by some creepy crawlies.  Would you like to make a homemade anti-inch sticks to treat the discomfort of pesky bug bites.  I found an easy Itchy Stix for Bug Bite Relief that is easy to apply form and makes it convenient for letting older kids to self treat.  The ingredients are all natural and can be used on scrapes, scratches and other minor boo-boos.

More questions about preservatives!

Have you wondered if citric acid is a preservative?  And how much preservative should you use?  Well good news! I found a post from Point of Interest about his very subject.  More Questions about Preservatives answers all of the questions about preservatives that you may have so take a look to see if your question is there.  I always wondered about Citric Acid.

Formulating Scrubs and Body Butters

Jodi Chen from the Empire Rose Soap Co. wrote a guest posting on the Soap Queen's blog site titled Formulating Scrubs and Body Butters. So if you are new to making your own scrubs and body butters this is for you.  Even if you are a veteran at making these products you may want to check the information anyway to see if there is a piece of information you can use.

Vespa Melt & Pour

Have you ever been to Rome and rode around the city on a Vespa? Even if you have not here is an adorable melt and pour soap project from The Soap Queen called Vespa Melt and Pour.  This is an advanced project.  I guess what makes it an advanced project is that you need to create the scooter shaped mold with Flexy Fast Molding Putt.  It is a fast drying and easy product to work with. It perfect for creating a wide variety of mold shapes.

Superman Bath Fizzies Recipe

Calling all comic book fans....Is Superman your favorite superhero? Love bath fizzies? Here is a recipe from Nature's Garden called Superman Bath Fizzies. You can make your fizzies into most any shape....they do not have to be round. This recipe makes 30 mini sized bombs, but if you make them larger then you will get a lesser yield.

Melon Cupcake Soaps

Cupcakes are still hot.  I love the idea of a cupcake soap ever since I took Ruth Esteves' class on how to make cold process cupcake soaps a year or so ago.  But if you are not a cold process soap maker, here is a melt and pour tutorial from Wholesale Supplies Plus called Melon Cupcake Soaps. Melon scents are always a summer favorite so it would be the perfect party favor to give out or give out as gifts to friends and family.

Revitalizing Solid Perfume

The push to cram every activity you can while you have the time seems like it cannot fit everything in.  Maybe you need something just a little sweet to keep you going? Well, would you believe that pure plant aromatics can life you up?  Yes, it can.  Just stop smelling the flowers and start wearing fragrances that you love can help boost your mood and keep your energy up. Here is a great solid perfume recipe from The Mountain Rose called Revitalizing Solid Perfume that could just do the trick.  Make this easy solid perfume and simply apply a bit on your neck and pulse points and enjoy.

Neroli & Shea Blossom Solid Perfume

The Soap Queen has been running a series on Roman Holiday bath and body product tutorials on her site.  If you loved her series on the Roman Holiday products here is another one you make wanted to try  - it is a recipe on how to make Neroli and Shea Blossom Solid Perfume. This easy solid perfume project uses Neroli and Shea Blossom fragrance oil to transport you to the city of Rome.  Part of the Roman Holiday series, this fragrance features notes of bergamont, lime, jasmine and cedar.

Natural Beet Blush Recipe

It is has been a quite along time since I took Lori Nova's Mineral Make-up class.  In her class we used alot of different minerals to create a blush, foundation and eye shadow.  I took her class at DeAnza College way back in 2008. She still teaches this class at her studio in Point Richmond a couple time a year. If you are interested in taking this class, check out The Nova Studio Website  But if you are looking for a quick recipe to try, I found this Natural Beet Blush recipe from Nature's Garden that looks quite interesting that used beet root for coloring.

Sunflower oil in lip balms

Do you have some extra Sunflower Oil that you do not know what to use it in?  Here is a recipe from Point of Interest called Lip Shimmer Stick Base that you can use it in.  This recipe basically goes by percentages so you will need 52% liquid oils. So if you want to take a chance and figure out how much of the ingredients.

Tile Inlay Cold Process Tutorial

When I saw this Title Inlay Cold Process Tutorial on the Soap Queen site I thought it was totally cool!  In my crafting experience I have only done one title mosaic and that was way back when I worked at the Event Coordinator for the Michael's store in Redwood City.  Within the various building techniques and styles, the mosaic is among the most popular and recognizable. Created by placing small, multi-colored pieces of stone within cement, mosaics can be found in many Roman buildings.This tutorial was inspired by intricate mosaics, this Tile Inlay Cold Process project is sure to wow. With a cold process base and pieces of melt and pour to create the design, this soap brings together both soaping techniques.

Olive Oil + Castile Soap tutorial

Here is the next installment in the Roman Holiday series from the Soap Queen.  This time the subject matter is about Olive Oil and Castile Soap. If your ever wanted to learn about Olive Oil then this installment is for you!  I think these castile cube soaps are adorable for gift giving.

Olive Oil Scrub Tutorial

The Soap Queen has started a new series on her site called Roman Holiday.  And the first project in this series is a simple Olive Oil Scrub.
According to the Soap Queen, this scrub is perfect for the legs and body.  It is scented with the warm citrusy Neroli and Shea Blossom which leaves a wonderful light scent that is perfect for summer.  Remember that this is an oil scrub so be careful when getting out of the bath or shower because it can make the bottom of your tub or shower slippery.

Lavender & Yarrow Baby Wash

According to Natural Beauty Workshop, when it comes to baby care, less is more. Baby's delicate skin can be incredibly sensitive. Harsh detergents, chemical additives, and synthetic dyes and fragrances can do a lot to upset the balance of your little one's health. This recipe for Lavender and Yarrow Baby Wash uses all-natural Organic Castile Soap diluted with gentle Hydrosols to cleanse baby's skin gently. Just a few drops on a washcloth is all it takes to bathe baby from head to toe. It can even be used as a baby shampoo. 

DIY Red, White & Blue Lotion Parfait

I know that the fourth of July has passed but I found this recipe from Bath Body Supply called DIY Red, White and Blue Lotion Parfait that would be patriotic for anytime of the year.  This project is fun and unique twist to an ordinary lotion recipe.  I really like the layered look of this lotion. I think it would be a great hit for a summer project to get the kids involved in,

Natural Diapering Spray & Re-Usable Baby Wipes Tutorial

According to Natural Beauty Workshop, making your own re-usable baby wipes is an easy way to cut down on waste in your nursery. Baby wipes are simple to make, and can be created very inexpensively. Look for coupons and sales at your local fabric shop to save on flannel and terrycloth, or shop online for bargains. If you'd like your wipes to be as green as possible, consider using organic cotton flannel and terrycloth to make them. To learn how to make Natural Diapering Spray and Re-Usable Baby Wipes, click on the link and it will take you immediately there.

Bronzing Lotion Recipe

Can yo believe that it the middle of July already?  There is still alot of summer to have some fun.  Here is another summer loving recipe from the Soap Queen called Bronzing Lotion.  Check out the other recipes from this bronzing series from the Soap Queen.  If you wear nail polish, then you should check it out.

Magical Shimmer Stick

Have you ever heard of a shimmer stick?  Well, this recipe for a Magical Shimmer Stick from the Soap Queen will give you a beach ready glow.  It is made from a nourishing combination of oils and a tried and tested assorted of micas that adds a little shine as it moisturizes.

Coconut Cream Pie Cold Process

Do you dream of coconut pie?  If you are a coconut cream pie lover or know someone who is and you love to make cold process soap, then you should check out this cold process soap recipe from the Soap Queen called Coconut Cream Pie. If you have been dreaming of an exotic vacation, this soap tutorial will take you to your favorite tropical beach getaway.

Blackberry Fizz Emulsified Sugar Scrub Recipe

Love using sugar scrubs?  My favorite is the single use sugar scrub cubes. But recently I found a recipe from Nature's Garden Candle called Blackberry Fizz Emulisified Sugar Scrub that looks really interesting enough that I just may want to try it really soon.

Beautiful Bronze Lip Tint Tutorial

Tired of paying alot of money for a lop tint? Did you know that it is pretty economical to make your own? This Beautiful Bronze Lip Tint tutorial from the Soap Queen is really easy to make. It starts out with a pre-made base that you can purchase but if you already have a lip balm recipe that you like to make I do not see a reason why you could not used instead.

DIY Cherry Bomb Bubble Bars

Have you ever heard of Bubble Bars?  I have not but I found this recipe on the Bath Body Supply blog called DIY Cherry Bomb Bubble Bars that looks interesting.  According to Alison, Bubble bars (solid bubble bath) have become immensely popular due to name brand boutiques bringing them into the mainstream. However, most online formulations contain DEA which is banned under Prop 65 in California. This reformulated version of our most popular original bubble bar formula is free of DEA. 

Cotton Candy Cold Process Soap

Since it is summer time and you know what time it is?  Fair time. With all the fair treats out there, one stick out in my mind - Cotton Candy.  I have to be honest one of my favorite scents that I use in my products is Pink Sugar. It smells a lot like Cotton Candy.  One of the sites I follow is The Soap Queen and recently she posted this cold process soap recipe called Cotton Candy. Since I really like this fragrance I will definately have to try and make this soap recipe.

Lip Balm: All Natural Pink Grapefruit

Do you love grapefruits? Use lip balm?  Here is a recipe from Wholesale Supplies Plus called All Natural Pink Grapefruit.  This is an all natural lip balm that will help protect your lips from outside elements while moisturizing and soothing sensitive lip area.  But just be aware that this recipe uses grapefruit essential oil which is photosensitive and should not be worn outside during the daytime. Just to let you know that this is an easy recipe that makes 16 tubes of balm so you can give these out as gifts.

Raspberry Zinger Bath Fizzies Recipe

When I saw this recipe for a Raspberry Zinger Bath Fizzies from Nature's Garden, I immediately reminded me of those non-Hostess snack treats that I saw in the store when I was a child. I could not remember the name of the company who made them but someone on Facebook reminded me it was Dolly Madison. The picture of the finished product made me hungry but I had to snap out of it and had to immediately share it with you. This recipe makes about nine slices of Zinger Bath Fizzies that you can use all yourself or share them. I know that I would like to try to make these one day and give them as gifts.

Sizzling Summer Hair: Leave-In Argan Oil Conditioner

To follow-up to yesterday's post on making your own shampoo, you may need to use a conditioner after you shampoo your hair.  The Soap Queen also has a Leave-In Argan Oil Conditioner. You can either use this conditioner like a leave-in detangling spray or as a traditional wash-off product.  This conditioner has hair nourishing Carrot Extract, as well as DL-Panthenon, which is more commonly known as pro vitamin B5.

Sizzling Summer Hair: Argan Oil Shampoo

It has been awhile since I took the hair products class at The Nova Studio. In the class we learned how to make an argan oil shampoo. I enjoyed using the shampoo from the class but never attempted to make it.  I think it is because the cost of Argan Oil. But I found this Argan Oil Shampoo recipe on The Soap Queen's site.  This shampoo is particularly loving to your scalp.  Argan oil has long been used as an additive to hair products because if its high content of vitamin E and essential fatty acids. This recipe is meant to be for a beginner and it only takes 15 minutes to make.

All Natural Herbal Deodorant Recipe

Would like to get off using the commercial brands of deodorant and use something more natural?  Here is a Herbal Deodorant Recipe from Mountain Rose that is a practical alternative. As you read the ingredients, you will find that this is not the normal wipe on deodorant.  It is a very easy recipe to make.

Lip Balm - Sweet Orange

Love to use lip balms?  Here is a creamy lip balm from the recipe files of Wholesale Supplies Plus called Sweet Orange that is great for any time of the year. Just to let you know that all citrus essential oils including sweet orange are photosensitive so do not wear this lop balm outside. You may want to find an orange candy flavored oil as a sub if you plan to wear this outside.  The sal butter and the sweet almond oil ingredients in this recipe will moisturize and leave your lips soft and smooth.

Sizzling Summer Hair: Pink Sea Salt Beach Spray + Hairstyle

After you have shampoo'd and condition your hair, it is time to finish your hair regiment with a Pink Sea Salt Spray.This recipe relies on dead sea salt and pink sea salt to give your hair body and volume while enhancing any natural waves or curls.  And if you are looking for a new hair style check out the one that The Soap Queen has supplied.

Snow Cone Soap Loaf

Last year when I went to the Marin County Fair over the 4th of July weekend it was so darn hot.  I saw someone walking with a gigantic snow cone.  I asked her where she got it.  It was fantastic because of all of the flavored flavors to choose from and it was the best five dollars I ever spent.  I saw this recipe for a melt and pour soap loaf recipe from Wholesale Supplies Plus called Snow Cone Soap that totally reminded me of the fair a year ago.