Monday's Money Saving Tip!

Have you ever searched online to find a recipe for making homemade skin and hair products?

If you said yes- than you know how overwhelming it can be to search through all the web sites, blogs, pins, and articles, to find just the right ingredient to fix whatever issue you may have.

Is this some kind of ‘new’ trend?  Has the need to be beautiful, AND save money, become the world’s ‘latest’ obsession?

Obviously, the answer for both is- NO!

Back when I was growing up-(yes, before computers,) there were magazines that were just as jam packed with beauty secrets, as the Internet cloud is today.

As a teen, I spent hours and hours, flipping through the glossy pages of Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Redbook- envious of all the gorgeous models with their shiny hair and dewy complexions.

I wanted that look, and those glorious magazine articles told me EXACTLY how to get it-AND on a budget.

I was thirteen years old, when I tried my first ‘homemade’ recipe.  The article promised my hair would be so shiny, that folks would have to put on their sunglasses, every time I walked by.  All it took was one, simple ingredient-baby oil.

Either I didn’t read the article’s instructions correctly or something went terribly wrong, because I spent the next three days wearing a stocking cap to school!!  My hair was so greasy that mom made me wrap my head in a towel before I went to bed, so I didn’t mess up the pillowcase!

One would think the humiliation would have been enough to make me never try ‘homemade’ recipes again-but of course, it wasn’t.

Mayo, beer and egg whites (this one might have worked-had I not blow dried my hair afterwards)-you name it and I tried it on my precious locks.

And that was nothing-compared to all the MANY tips I tried on my skin!  But, I won’t bore you with those details-other than to say-there is nothing ‘cleansing’ about REAL mud-and oatmeal can may unclog your pores, but it does just the opposite for your sink drain.

Did I learn my lesson once I grew up?

Of course not!  How else would I know that there are thousands of homemade recipes out on the web today?

I not only KNOW they are out there- I’ve actually tried them all!

Just ask hubby.  He’ll tell you some pretty funny-and VERY embarrassing stories of my ‘homemade beauty’ escapades.

So, am I against ALL homemade beauty recipes?  

No!

I truly believe that using simple household products can be beneficial, and by doing so, you can save a whole lot of $$$.

But sadly, after years of research, and endless failures, my list of homemade solutions, has dwindled down considerably.

Here are my top 5 homemade skin treatments!

1. Organic Coconut Oil-  I don’t care if it has been pressed, squeezed, or stomped on by sterilized feet-just give me a simple jar of Trader Joe's-(6.99 for 16 oz. jar, and I’m happy!

Now, I know there is a lot of chatter going on about the health and dietary benefits of coconut oil, and that’s great.  Frankly, I haven’t found any ‘tasty’ way to get it from the jar to my stomach- otherwise I would gobble it up in a second!

But, I have absolutely NO problem getting it on my skin!  In fact- I am so OBSESSED, that I lather it on every time I step out of the shower!  My skin loves me for it too!  It’s not greasy or smelly or anything hideous at all and it leaves my skin feeling (and looking) like a baby’s bottom!!!  (That’s good-right?)

Twice a week, I go all out and mix this amazing oil with one more ingredient.

2. White sugar-a natural exfoliator.  Again-I don’t use refined, fine, or anything fancy-just plain white sugar.   I mix 1 part coconut oil, to 2 parts sugar.  (I also use this on my face once a week-but I do so gently-and not around the eye are, as I have sensitive skin.)

I like to store this in a tightly sealed container in my shower.

On occasion-when I’m looking to ‘spice’ things up a bit, I will add in one or two other ingredients.

3. Vanilla- when I want to use the scrub in a relaxing bath. I use REAL vanilla right out of my pantry, but I do so sparingly-(1 TBLS.), and I mix it well.  Anymore and you might find your skin is a bit....Sticky!

When I want something a bit more...invigorating- I’ll squeeze in...

4. Lemon juice-(Caution-use this only when you shower-there is no delicate way to say this-other than lemon juice and private parts do not MIX!)

***Second Warning- some folks say sugar may cause problems for those who have issues with candida.  I personally do not know if this is so-but if it is- I would recommend you substitute sugar when you want to use the scrub in a bath-for...

5.  Salt- You could use regular salt-but I recommend the healing benefits of Epsom salt.  (I also use this for my Peppermint Foot Soak)  It’s cheap-(under $4.00 for a 3 lb. bag at Wal-Mart),and very soothing.

I would love to hear about your success stories (and yes, failures) in using homemade recipes!  Until then- thanks for stopping by!  Happy Monday!