DIY SUNSCREEN RECIPE

After reading a few articles and hearing stories from people about the cancer causing properties of store bought sunscreen, (read here and here)  we decided this summer we would make our own.  I know it's a bit late in the season, but we tested out 4 different ratios of oil to zinc oxide before determining that this was the best one. This recipe shouldn't be the end-all and be-all answer to your sun prevention needs. I usually wear a hat and cover up when I am outside, as well as keeping a diet rich in anti-oxidant foods. That really is the best way to minimize your risk of skin cancer and premature wrinkles, while keeping it all natural. But I think this recipe is a great addition to my normal sun protection tactics, and I could see a difference on days when were were out in the yard gardening.  If you want to substitute some of the oils in the recipe here's a handy chart of natural SPF.

Ingredients: (1 oz = 2 Tbs)
Most of these can be purchased at your local market or health food store,
if not click each ingredient for a link on where to buy online.
1 ounce shea butter
2 ounces beeswax (makes it more waterproof)
1 1/2 ounces coconut oil
1/2 ounce wheat germ oil
1/4 ounce raspberry seed essential oil
1/4 ounce carrot seed essential oil
1 Tablespoon vitamin E oil
1 1/2 Tablespoons zinc oxide powder
1 1/2 Tablespoons liquid aloe vera

Directions:
1. In a double boiler, over low heat, melt the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly prior to adding the vitamin E oil, zinc oxide powder, and essential oils. I poured my mixture into a glass jar to allow it to cool faster.
3. The oils and aloe will incorporate easily, but stir the zinc oxide until it completely dissolves.
4. Then pour  mixture into a push-up or roll-up dispenser, you can get something similar here. You can re-purposed  used deodorant containers for this recipe too.
5. Allow your sunscreen to cool and harden overnight. If you are out in the sun for long periods of time, or swimming reapply often.

Notes:
If you don't need your sunscreen to be waterproof you can use less beeswax. If you aren't going to be using this around water you are probably okay with just 1 oz of beeswax.

SPF numbers are pretty insignificant when it comes to differences in sun protection. SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. SPF 30 blocks 96.7 percent, SPF 15 blocks 93%.
You'll want an SPF of more than 15 to block UVA and UVB rays, Zinc oxide blocks both UVB,UVA2, and UVA1 rays. More info on UVA and UVB here.

You could easily spend close to $30-$40 for all of the ingredients that you wouldn't already have if you don't make your own beauty product regularly, but you could get 4-5 batches before you'd run out of some ingredients. Keep in mind you can team up with friends and go in on the ingredients together.

ALOE + ROSEWATER FACIAL SETTING SPRAY

The summer heat has really started to set in, which means my makeup is usually melting off my face.  A few weeks ago I talked to an esthetician who recommended a facial setting spray and listed a few brands she liked. She said it basically sets your makeup for the day and can really help those with oily skin. After reviewing some of her recommendations I wasn't loving some of the ingredients. But renewed my search when a day of heavy yard work left my fave looking like Gangie - See here for reference.  I then came upon a product that was not only ingredient friendly, but I thought I could make myself. If you aren't into making your own beauty products you can buy it here. 

Ingredients:
Witch Hazel
Green Tea
Rose Water
Aloe Vera (natural, in liquid form, not the gel)
Distilled Water
Essential Oil

Directions:
Pour 1/3 cup witch hazel into a 3 oz misting bottle (usually in the travel section of the drug store). Then  add 3 tablespoons of green tea, strained. Next combine 1 tablespoon of both aloe vera and rose water.
Add a few tablespoons of distilled water, and a few drops of essential oil if you prefer, it is for fragrance only.

After applying your make-up, Lightly spritz face and let dry, don't touch your face or move. (I made the mistake of looking down and got mascara on my under eye area)

ECO FRIENDLY MASCARA

About 85% of my medicine cabinet is organic, homemade, or all-natural beauty products. But when it came to mascaras, there always was a hole to fill, I have light colored lashes and  faking pretty-looking lashes with "green" products was harder than I thought. If it didn't clump everywhere, I looked like a raccoon by days end, and no one should be rocking raccoon eyes, sorry Taylor Momsen.  But I finally got tired of using a product on my face with petroleum-based ingredients - that's just crazy!

I have tried a few products, and here are some I think are worth recommending-  and one that I am in love with! There's even a bonus these are all great mascaras for sensitive eyes. Without further ado, here are my picks for a great mascara that won't break the bank or the planet.

I had only tried Origins skin care products before, but this Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara caught my eye, being all-natural and vegan. It is highly pigmented and has caffeine, ginseng & carnuba palm to help eyes appear brighter and livelier. It doesn't clump, or get spiky, but remains very soft- a huge selling point for me. One of the best options hands down!

I pretty much bathe in Josie Maran’s argan oil. So, of course when I saw the GOGO mascara, I knew it would be perfect. It lived up to all of its hype, volume and thick lashes is what you'll get. I noticed it tended to clump if I over applied, which is how I had to use my old mascara. You only need one coat with this product to get great coverage.

I don't expect to find green beauty products in the drugstore, so this was a surprise for me. Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut Mascara didn't necessarily give me the kind of results from Origins, but I was impressed by the boost that it gave to my lashes. Also to note, 70% of the ingredients come from organic farming, and this is the first fiber formula mascara to use completely natural fibers.

BANISH UNDER EYE CIRCLES NATURALLY

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you get up, look in the mirror, and you look like you didn't sleep a wink. It only takes one person saying, "You look exhausted," or "Are you sick?" before you realize you probably look like Taylor Momsen. Well those unsightly dark under eye circles can say a lot about your health. Too much caffeine, stress, lack of sleep, and vitamin deficiency can be just a few culprits.  Here are some natural remedies to remove under eye circles.

Chamomile Tea Bags- Steep some chamomile tea bags in hot water, then rinse in cool water to create an eye-pack. Just putting these on your eyes for about 20 minutes will help reduce puffiness and can help diminish dark circles quickly.

As Cool as a Cucumber- Sliced cucumber on your eyes isn't just for the movies, it is a trick used by many  spas in luxury facial treatments. Just a couple of ice cold slices on your eyes will help reduce puffiness and tighten and tone the under eye area. (If you are in a rush and don't have a cucumber lying around the back of a cold spoon can have the same effect, in a pinch.)

Drink up, and Go Salt-Free- Too much salt usually leads to fluid-retention, which  can lead to puffiness under your eyes. Remember to drink plenty of water and reduce your salt intake, it will help you flush out toxins. You'll notice a visible change in just a day.

Dark circles under the eyes are more prominent because that area is so delicate and thin. You can improve your overall skin tone and appearance with a healthy diet and exercise, but when those stressful times and sleepless nights start to take their toll, just take care of the problem with a natural remedy for long-term benefits.

HOMEMADE LOTION

Winter is killing me right now, I have Spring fever like you can't imagine. John made fun of me the other day for taking a nap in the sun spot on the floor like a cat, its that bad. I have been trying to find simple ways to help combat the cold-month blues. One was getting my skin ready for spring! I love this simple DIY lotion recipe it only has 2 ingredients and its just about as natural as you can get. Coconut butter is an great moisturizer and promotes elasticity in skin, and extra virgin olive oil is filled with vitamin E. If you can't find coconut butter at your local market here is a great one.

All you have to do is mix two teaspoons of coconut butter and about 8-10 drops of extra virgin olive oil together in a bowl. Just apply a nice even layer anywhere your skin needs that added boost of moisture. I like to give my knees, elbows, and feet just a bit more attention. I like to make it in small amounts so that there isn't a lot left over. If you do have some extra, cover it and pop it in the fridge. (Be sure to label it, I have a whole shelf designated to beauty products in the fridge so John doesn't  accidentally eat my face masque or hair conditioner.)

GIVEAWAY: PINK COLLAR SHOP

I am excited to be hosting an awesome giveaway once again. This time from the fabulous, Aubree Hegdahl, owner of the Pink Collar Shop, and creator of Herbivore Sweets. Aubree makes, from scratch, Vegan-friendly soaps, natural lotions, soy candles, sundries, and other yummy beauty products. She lets nature do the work, and never uses any artificial colorants or dyes. The products are inspired by nature’s charm, and her inner “foodie.” Here's what she has to say about her favorite products:

The Vegan Peach Tea body butter has always been a best seller of mine, it’s a thick whipped cream made with raw shea butter. Using it for dry weather, it gives you that extra punch of moisture when you need it most. The formula is paraben free and vegan-friendly, with an original recipe of delicious essential oils of peach tea and a hint of ginger.

The Mango Peach Salsa is for the foodie’s enjoyment! The soy blend candle is a unique, fresh scent that adds a positive ambiance with the fair-trade soy wax and the sweet blend of Mango Peach Salsa.



SO HERE IS HOW TO ENTER:
1. Like Style me Green AND The Pink Collar Shop on Facebook 

2. After you've done these 2 things leave a comment below telling us what scents you love to mix, or you'd love to see in future beauty products.

*If you don't have a blog or Google account please leave an email with your comment, so we can notify you if you're the winner!

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRIES
1.  Follow Style me Green on twitter/pinterest, be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 2 extra entries).

2. Mention this giveaway on twitter/facebook/personal blog, be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 3 extra entries).

3. Follow Aubree on instagram @thepinkcollarlady or Erika @erikablank be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 2 extra entries).

4. Pin this giveaway on pinterest, be sure to leave an additional comment on this post (up to 1 extra entry).

The giveaway ends Monday, November 5th at 11:59 PM.
One winner will be selected using random.org and will be notified by email.

*Remember you have to comment to be entered, if you don't comment you can't win.

FACE IT: NATURAL FACIAL RECIPES

What's there not to love about by DIY face masks and facials? They are all natural, affordable, and super easy to whip up in your kitchen! I prefer a home facial to a store bought one because I know what I am getting. Do you ever read the shampoo bottle labels while sitting in the tub, or your food label while you are waiting for your microwave dinner to finish? I do- and half the time I was baffled by the ingredients, and I hate that. On a quest to discover new beauty techniques and homemade recipes I have stumbled upon these gems. Great recipes whose main ingredients gently nourish and heal skin. And I came across one similarity, of all the homemade masks out there, almost all of them include the essential components yogurt and honey. Here's why:

Yogurt contains high amounts of Lactic Acid, successful in refining pores, exfoliating the skin and stimulating collagen production. Unlike most other exfoliants that are harsh (like salylic acid), it gently cleans the skin and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Plus, its thick and creamy texture lends a paste-like consistency that's great for a mask.

Honey is an all natural humectant, that means it holds in water to help keep the skin soft and moisturized. It also functions as an antimicrobial agent and can even be used to treat minor burns and cuts. An anti-irritant, it's also gentle enough for sensitive skin too. On top of it all, it makes a great binder for all the other ingredients in the mask, and it doesn't taste too bad either.

It doesn't matter what type of skin you have—there's a DIY recipe out there for you that incorporates both of these miracle foods.

DRY SKIN: Moisturizing Mask

- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (the fattier the better)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-2 tablespoons cooked & cooled oatmeal

Mix everything together until it forms a smooth paste. Spread over the face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with a warm washcloth.

IRRITATED SKIN: Calming Mask

- ½ cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel or juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ peeled cucumber
- A few drops of chamomile oil

Mix everything in a blender. Leave on face for 10-15 minutes.

BLEMISHES/ACNE: Aspirin Mask

- 5 uncoated aspirins
- 2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 dollop honey

In a bowl, mix the honey into the yogurt. Drop the aspirins into the yogurt, and wait for them to dissolve (if you'd like you can also add water to help the tablets dissolve faster). Mix into a paste, and leave on the face for 10-20 minutes.

DULL SKIN: Cleansing Scrub

- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Mix everything together. Rub gently onto face for 1-2 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Note: Do not use if you have an allergy to one of the ingredients listed in the recipe. 

HOMEMADE SPA RECIPES

I love to be pampered, who doesn't. And I have found that I can have a super relaxing and rejuvenating experience while pampering myself in my own home. On Sunday evenings I turn my bathroom into my sanctuary. We used to call it a "beauty symposium" when we were kids. We would get our hair curled and our nails painted, we loved it! Now as an "adult" I still enjoy my Sunday night spa time. After my shower I go to town scrubbing and exfoliating and here are some of my little secret recipes.

Bath Soaks:
Add a cup of strongly brewed peppermint tea to the water for an herbal soak, or Add some Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils. I like to change the oils based on my mood.

Avocado Facial:
Mix 1 tbsp mashed avoado, 1 tsp honey, 3 drops apple cider vinegar and a little sesame oil.
Rub onto your face leave for 10 min. then rinse with water.

Foot Scrub:
Mix equal parts granulated sugar and olive oil and rub into feet. I also like to use a pumice stone on my heels and bottoms of my feet to get them super smooth.

To Exfoliate Elbows and Knees:
Cut an orange in half and rub onto knees and elbows, this sounds so bazaar but it actually works!

For Dry Skin:
For my all over skin I use coconut milk, not oil and rub it into my skin. On extra dry areas, cuticles and elbows I will rub in a few drops of olive oil.

For Puffy Eyes:
Use chamomile, green, or black tea bags, then steep them in boiling water and refrigerate them. Place them over the eyes for about 5-10 min.

Mascara Remover:
3 drops olive oil on a cotton ball, gently rub eyes and rinse with water.

Teeth Brightening:
Make a paste with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda. Brush your teeth with it, then rinse. I like to rinse my whole mouth with hydrogen peroxide once a week as well, but I'm a anti-germ freak!

Acne Spot Treatment:
A few drops of organic honey and a pinch of cinnamon. mix together and dab on any blemishes. Leave on for about 10-15 min then rinse off. You will notice they have gotten smaller in the morning.

NATURAL SPLIT END TREATMENT

I hate split ends, they make your hair look dry and tired. If you have split ends it usually means your hair is not getting enough nourishment and moisture. Harsh shampoos, going out in the sun, blow drying, straightening, dyes, and bleaches all dry out your hair. There are a few things that can help improve the health of your hair if you aren't yet willing to go shampoo-free.

- Eat foods high in vitamins A, B, C, E and K to keep your hair from unnecessary breakage. Try adding more sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, carrots, oranges, and plums to your diet.
- Use a natural leave-in conditioner in your hair before brushing. One of the worst things you can do is start brushing through your hair with a hairbrush when your hair's still wet. You'll end up with breakage, frizz and split ends to show for it. I use a honey leave in conditioner. Mix 2 tbsp  honey in 4 cups warm water and apply it to your hair after you shampoo/ condition.  Leave it in your hair. It will control hair dryness/frizz.
-Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water each day, full glasses, not sips. When you aren't hydrated, your whole body suffers. Your skin and hair will show signs of dehydration, and dry hair and breakage are two of the most obvious signs.
-Avoid using shampoos that contain alcohol as it dries out hair. Use shampoos that contain natural ingredients. Excessive washing with harsh shampoos makes your hair ends dry.  Also, do not use hot water to wash your hair.
-Let your hair dry naturally, this saves energy- and if you are going to use styling tools will cut down on the amount of heat you are exposing your hair to later. Having said that, try to avoid styling tools if you can. I usually leave my hair straight and only use an iron for special events. There are natural ways to curl your hair, try rollers or a sock bun with damp hair.
-If all else fails, shave your head- okay so that may be a bit too drastic. But, give this egg rinse a try about twice a month. It's pretty easy, and if you are set on sticking to shampoo and conditioner it will give your hair shine and moisture without using manufactured products.

Egg Rinse:
Mix egg yolk in 3 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp honey. Gently massage this mask in your hair and cover with a shower cap. Leave it on for half an hour and wash it with a mild alcohol-free shampoo.

ROSE FACIAL TONER

It was a super slow DIY weekend, I maybe watched a little too much Olympic coverage and, John was sick, so I will have to update you all with some great furniture and jewelry how-tos next week, but in the mean time, here's a recipe for facial toner that I live by. I used to just use witch hazel because it gently cleanses pores and helps remove the last traces of dirt, oil, and makeup. It always left my skin feeling soft, moisturized and refreshed. But, recently I started adding rosemary because it stimulates circulation to skin, and helps clear and revitalize congested or sluggish skin. The rose petals just make it smell great!

 Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups witch hazel
1/2 cup dried rose petals
5 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Instructions:

Mix ingredients together making sure it is all blended well. Strain. Splash, or dab with cotton ball on your face after cleaning skin. Make sure to store in an airtight container.

NATURAL BUG REPELLENT

I never use bug spray, but after being bitten by what I am sure was 1,000 mosquitoes, I was super determined to find a great insect repellent for the summer. I didn't want to buy any sprays that contained DEET (read about DEET here and why it's not good) and after doing some light research I determined there aren't many products you can buy on the market, that are natural repellents. So,in my usual fashion, I decided to make my own. Homemade repellents will repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours). Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, recipes that contain multiple essential oils tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. See a list below of essential oils that can be used as insect repellents.

• Citronella Oil
• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
• Cinnamon Oil
• Castor Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Clove Oil
• Geranium Oil 

The key is you need a base to mix all of your oils with. Like, witch hazel, alcohol, or oil. To make the repellent strong enough to keep away the bugs, but gentle enough for kids and animals, a 10:1 ratio works best. Mix 10 parts base with 1 part essential oils. You can choose a variety of oils to mix, but if you don't want to experiment at home, or you hate math like me, here is a fool proof recipe- just combine the following ingredients and pour into a small spray bottle:

-1 ounce witch hazel
-1 ounce grape seed oil
-35 drops citronella essential oils
-20 drops eucalyptus essential oils
-15 drops lemongrass essential oils
-15 drops lemon essential oils
-15 drops cedar essential oils

LEMON BLACKHEAD REMOVER

I'm always on the lookout for natural beauty tips. Recently, a friend told me about this black-head remover and I wouldn't have believed it if it hadn't of come from a trusted source. I can't tell you how annoyed I am with black-heads on my nose. I have pretty fair skin, and its usually clear when I eat well- but I ALWAYS have black-heads on my nose, I have tried everything and never had success. But this really worked for me.

You just need half lemon, put 3-4 drops of honey on it. Now, rub the lemon on your face for some time, make sure you emphasize on the black-head prone areas like nose, chin etc. Leave the lemon and honey mixture on your face for 5 minutes and then wash it with cold water. You will be able to see the results immediately. The lemon juice will also fade other marks and spots on the face, and the honey will moisturize.

CLEAN HAIR WITHOUT SHAMPOO

I get so many questions from people about my hair that I thought I'd address them here. First of all I should tell you I don't get haircuts often, maybe twice a year. But I do clip any split ends that pop up to keep it looking healthy. 

Please excuse this grainy phone photo, it was late at night, and yes those are my PJs

Do you color your hair? 
I used to get highlights in the top, but I don't color it anymore. I had one bad experience that we call the "cartoon character" phase, so never again. The remnants of the highlights are still growing out. But I do use THIS recipe for natural highlights in the summer.

What products do you use for hair care?
I don't use traditional shampoo or conditioner. It might sound gross, but once you convert you will never go back. My hair always looks clean and healthy. Healthier than its ever looked. See my recipes at the end of this post for exactly what I mean.

How do you get your hair to curl the way it does, and keep in the curl?
I just use my 1" curling iron as a wand, I don't use the little snappy handle at all, just keep it closed. I don't use any products on it once its curled. I live in a dry enough climate that humidity is not a concern, and I feel that it just looks more natural.

Here's How I go shampoo free and why:
You have to understand that shampoo is stripping away everything on your hair-the good and the bad. Its a detergent that is filled with chemicals that we have just been conditioned (no pun intended) to accept. Just think about it, for thousands of years people didn't use shampoo. Most shampoos also contain mineral oil, which is a byproduct when gasoline is distilled from crude oil. It’s added to shampoo to thickly coat the strands, giving hair an artificial shine.

Baking soda and Vinegar Rinses:
I start with a baking soda rinse. Baking soda works wonders on hair, along with its other many household helps. It’s gentle, it’s the weakest alkaline, and it clarifies hair from chemical buildup. Use 1 TBS baking soda and 1.5 cups of water. I shake it up in an old shampoo bottle. I have thick hair so if you have fine hair you could try less baking soda.  Then just wet hair in the shower and start the rinse at the scalp and work your way down the hair will naturally get cleaned once the scalp is clarified. Then, I rinse it out, just like I would shampoo.

Apple cider vinegar is a mild acidic, working well to counteract the baking soda, and thus acts as a great replacement for conditioner. It detangles, seals the cuticle, and balances the hair’s pH. I use the ratio,  2 TBS Vinegar and 1.5 cups of water. Shake, shake, shake. Just put it on the ends and let it sit for a bit before you rinse it all out.
There is a period of time that lasts a few weeks where your hair reacts by producing excess oil. This is normal, your hair has been over producing oil for so long that it has to slow down.  If you find that your hair is still too oily try using less vinegar, or not using it all together. Some people also use lemon juice instead of vinegar for their acidic rinse, but I feel like its too acidic for me. If your hair feels too dry, use less baking soda.

*UPDATE: After getting a few questions on this I should clarify that, I found  I needed an extra rinse of vinegar, but I have a lot of hair. So you may not need to go to those lengths. If you find that you want your hair a bit silkier try an avocado mask for your hair, or use coconut oil to hydrate dried ends or your scalp.   There is a lot of trial and error associated with going poo-free, but I wish you all good luck!

NATURAL TEETH WHITENING

I have two go-to methods for teeth whitening at home. The first I never thought would work until I tried it. I love both of these recipes, you can avoid the high price tag that comes with at home whitening kits. And the chemicals in most commercial whitening kits, strips, gels, and systems can actually harm your teeth.A simple rinse of lemon juice and salt solution can work wonders for whitening your teeth at home, who would have thought?

To whiten with lemon and salt, just stir up a solution of three parts lemon juice and one part salt, and swish. Be careful not to swallow the solution, especially if you are on a low sodium or low acid diet!
If you have sensitive teeth, or an open sore in your mouth this rinse may be too strong for you. Pay attention and use your own best judgment.

If you want to boost your whitening power you can swish with hydrogen peroxide, and brush your teeth with a paste made from baking soda and water. I usually just wet my tooth brush and dip it into a small bit of baking soda, and whatever sticks to the brush is what I use to brush the top teeth with, then I rinse the brush and repeat for the bottom teeth.

Don't swallow hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.

NATURAL HAIR BRIGHTENER

In the summer when I know I will be out in the sun for about an hour or so I make this recipe for natural highlights. Its so easy and after a few applications its really noticeable and gives your locks a fresh sun kissed look.

Ingredients

1 cup of lemon juice
3 cups chamomile tea (brewed & cooled)

I mix into a squirt bottle and spritz the crown of my head before I go outside to garden or on a hike. If I am going to just lay out in my backyard I pour over damp hair then let sit for an hour while I sit in the sun. Once you are done you should rinse it out of your hair, and follow with whatever conditioner you usually use.  The lemon juice will dry out your hair, so you don't want to leave it on forever. Plus its only doing its job if you are in the sun.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Mother's Day is soon approaching, and I know I struggle with fun ideas for gifts for my mom. I mean what do you give the woman who gave you life- a toaster, umm no... The pinnacle of my Mother's Day gift giving success came in 2005- The Lord or the Rings Collector's Edition DVD boxed set. I will never come close to the success of that gift ever again, well until they release The Hobbit. Nudge, Nudge, Peter Jackson. But Style Me Green is here to save the day with a few eco-friendly and affordable gifts for the mom(s) in your life.

1. Rifle Paper Co's botanical journals are gorgeous and eco friendly. They are made in the USA from FSC certified paper.

2. I love watching Brent and Josh "The Fabulous Beekman Boys," but I love their home-made goat milk soap even more! My favorite is the wild poppy seed, but there are so many fantastic options you can't go wrong!

3. This gift never fails-potted plants. Whether you give her a gift card to select her favorite buds from her local nursery or pick them out yourself, it is definitely a gift that will keep on giving all summer long.

4. Etsy is full of great shops where you can personalize jewelry for mom. I love the idea of doing a monogram charm for each child.

5. You can never go wrong with a gift from the heart. Service is a great way to show you care. Wash her car, give her a foot rub, or help out in the yard. This is a gift for any age and any financial situation that is always a success.

6. Butter London has a great selection of eco friendly nail lacquer that comes in so many fun colors. My favorite is Tea with the Queen.

NATURAL NAIL STRENGTHENER

Between DIY projects, gardening, and work I struggle with having long strong nails. Its become a joke in my home that I can't go a week without breaking a nail. In fact, I even made it part of my "New Year's Resolution" to figure out how to have strong, healthy, unbreakable nails- that's how much of a joke it is. After trying out a few natural suggestions, I made a small batch of nail strengthener and it worked like a charm!   I rub it on all my fingernails about twice a week. I also found that using a little bit of bees wax lip balm on my finger nails after I shower or wash dishes helps keep in moisture too. They have been doing a lot better and I haven't broken or chipped a nail in 2 weeks, knock on wood...

Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp castor oil
1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice

Mix them all together in a small container and rub onto your nails.

AVOCADO DEEP HAIR CONDITIONER

Ingredients:
1 small jar of real mayonnaise
1/2 of an avocado

Instructions
Put the mayo and avocado together in a medium bowl and mix, it is easier to use your hands.  When it turns a minty green color you've got it. Smooth into hair all the way to the tips. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head in a towel. Leave on for 20 minutes. If you want a deeper conditioning put a hot, damp towel around your head.

If you have really long hair like me you probably only want to conditioning at the ends. To do this I cut the ingredients in half and apply only to the ends and just wrap them. John laughed at me the entire time I was doing this, but we had 1/2 an avocado that was going to go bad so it was win win! I love how shiny may hair was and it really helped my frizzy ends.

DIY BEET JUICE LIP BALM

Many of us spend lots of money on makeup every year. However, money isn't the only thing we're spending on makeup. Makeup production sucks up some of our precious resources on this planet. Remember this?

But making your own cosmetics is not impossible, and once you have a few key ingredients you can make a variety of different products. Lip gloss, for example, is a relatively simple cosmetics product to make yourself. Not only is it perfectly suited for your own lips, it makes for a wonderful gift as well.

Here's a basic recipe:

¼ cup of beeswax

¼ cup of castor oil

2 tbsp on sesame oil

2 tbsp of beet juice

Melt the beeswax. Remove it from the heat and add the oils. Then add however much beet juice you wish for coloring. Store this in a container in your refrigerator.

This makes a great lip gloss and the best part is...you know exactly what is in it!

BLUEBERRY FACIAL DIY

I love making beauty products from natural ingredients, a lot of times that means using food. I can usually find everything I need in my pantry or refrigerator. I love this facial treatment because I always have the ingredients on hand, and its so simple.

Blueberries are known for their antioxidant power, and they are filled with vitamin C and E. This treatment is awesome for adding hydration to the skin, and leaving it super soft. If you are looking to get rid of dead skin just add about a tsp of sugar to the ingredients for extra exfoliation qualities. The hardest part is trying not to eat the berries while you make it.

Ingredients
1/4 cup local organic blueberries (they provide the most antioxidant power if they were just picked)
1 tbsp raw organic honey
1 tbsp organic olive oil

 Directions
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend well.
2. Evenly apply all over the face, leaving room around the eyes and mouth.
3. Leave the masque on for 5 minutes allowing it to fully sink in hydrating and nourishing the skin.
4. Remove the masque with a damp cloth.