I did it!

It's been a long process with a lot of trials and errors. No, not the training and running and race-attempting (future post). What I'm talking about is the very rewarding process of making lotion. Whipped body butter, to be exact. And I did it!

I have incredibly sensitive skin and recently learned that I am actually allergic to dyes and nickel (in other words: hair dye and costume jewelry). So I've started a mission to replace my cosmetics, hair and skin care products with alternatives that are free from fragrances and unnecessary chemicals.  I stumbled upon a website that ranks cosmetics with regard to these criteria. Using that site, and a bit of google, I have so far replaced many of my daily essential products with friendlier alternatives:

bare minerals mascara

Benefit liquid cheek/lip color - benetint

this balm looks and feels really nice

Hourglass concealer- this little tube is pricey but will last forever

I don't know if it is related, but since I made these cosmetic switches, my skin has been much less rashy.

Ok, but on to the lotion, ahem- body butter. I'm going to share the recipe, but this doesn't mean I won't still gift you some, so act surprised and pleased!

Basically, this is what you need:

beeswax, shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil (not shown), coconut oil, and some essential oils (for this batch I infused the oils with fresh rosemary)

HOW TO:
1. in a heavy pot on the stove, melt 8oz shea butter (or cocoa butter), 2/3c coconut oil, 1/3c total vitamin E oil and jojoba oil, and 1 Tbsp beeswax.
2. let cool in the freezer till it is a soft solid
3. whip in a Kitchenaid mixer until it is buttery
4. add essential oils (only a few drops- make sure you use real oils and not synthetic fragrances).
5. pour into wide-mouthed mason jars and cool in the fridge. Pour leftovers into empty babyfood jars to store in your desk, or empty eye cream tubs for your travel bag.

This butter will last you months.  It is totally natural, no weird unpronounceable ingredients. You could eat it if you wanted to. It's safe and gentle for baby's skin, growing mama's belly, but strong enough to really treat dry spots. You can purchase most of the ingredients at a natural foods store, or online at mountainroseherbs.com. Cocoa and shea butters are very heavy so shipping can add up. We live about 1 mile from a Caribbean market where I purchased the 8oz packages for $5 each - and no shipping! If you're in Pittsburgh- its the market on S Highland and Center Ave.