Homemade

  • Holistic Wellbeing

    DIY Itchy Bug Bite Balm: Natural Relief for Summer Bites

    A simple and natural bug bite balm for those itchy bug bites. Find out why making a homemade, natural solution to your itchy bites might be the best solution.

    Summer is a season that so many of us look forward to, it’s a time for adventure, exploration, and enjoying the great outdoors. We love spending time outside all year round but there is something wonderful about spending that time outside in the beautiful weather of summer too. However, as great as summer and the extra time outside can be, for many of us we have the inevitable: itchy bug bites. As one of those unlucky people who doesn’t just get a normal reaction to a bug bite, but instead can have a bad reaction. Fear not though because I want to share with you this amazing homemade bug bite remedy which takes those itches away that you can make easily at home, with all natural ingredients, no chemicals in sight, unlike the equivalent shop bought varieties.

    This is what I love about being able to DIY our own products, the freedom of being able to personalise our products and avoid chemicals, which is the preference for our family. I find it so much fun being able to create products that help our day to day problems, but also suit our low toxic lifestyle, not to mention crafting an effective, natural remedy for those pesky bug bites.

    One of the greatest benefits of making your own products is the control you gain over the ingredients. Store-bought products often contain a mix of chemicals that are not only hard to pronounce but can also be harmful to your health, your skin and the environment. By making your own balm, you’re eliminating the potential exposure to harmful substances and reducing your environmental footprint. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your product, and you can rest assured that it’s gentle, safe, and tailored to you and your family’s needs.

    So often people question the effectiveness of products that don’t include harsh chemicals, but its quite the contrary! Nature offers a bounty of potent ingredients that can soothe, heal, and protect, remedies that have been used to hundreds, if not thousands of years. For instance, essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and tea tree are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties. Combined with the moisturising qualities of coconut oil and beeswax, you have a balm that’s not only going to relieve the itchiness but will also help speed up the healing process.

    Today I want to share the step-by-step process of creating your own itchy bug bite balm but also provide insights into the benefits of each ingredient. You’ll discover how the harmonious blend of these natural ingredients will provide immediate relief from bug bites, leaving your skin soothed and refreshed.

    I am also hoping to inspire you to embrace the wonderful world of DIY, appreciate the potency of natural ingredients, and realise the satisfaction and independence that comes with making your own skincare solutions. Stay tuned to learn how to create your itchy bug bite balm and kiss those summer nuisances goodbye!

    Make your bug balm

    Each of the ingredients plays a crucial role. Coconut oil and beeswax form the moisturising base of your balm. Beeswax helps to solidify the balm and lock in the oils on your skin. The essential oils are the real stars when it comes to soothing bug bites. Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, and tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that can prevent infections.

    Recommended ingredients:

    1. Beeswax blocks
    2. Coconut Oil
    3. Vitamin E Oil
    4. Lavender Essential Oil
    5. Tea Tree Essential Oil
    6. Amber Jars

    Here’s how to make your own itchy bug bite balm:

    1. Melt the Base: Using a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and beeswax together. Stir the mixture occasionally until it’s fully melted and well combined.
    2. Add Essential Oils: Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then add your essential oils. Stir well to make sure the oils are fully incorporated into the mixture.
    3. Pour into Container: Pour your balm into your chosen container (a small amber jar works well) and let it cool completely. As it cools, the balm will harden and turn into a soft, solid consistency.
    4. Apply as Needed: Whenever you have an itchy bug bite, apply a small amount of your DIY balm to the area. The soothing properties of the balm will help relieve the itchiness and reduce inflammation.
    5. Store for up to 1 year: You can store at room temperature for an easy to apply balm.
    DIY Itchy Bug Balm

    DIY Itchy Bug Balm

    Active Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes

    Materials

    • 1 cup of beeswax
    • 1 cup of coconut oil
    • 2 tsp of vitamin E oil
    • 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
    • 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil

    Instructions

    1. Melt Coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler until both become liquid. You can make a double boiler by placing a glass dish over a pan of boiling water. You can also use the microwave to melt these.
    2. Once the coconut oil and beeswax are melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool.
    3. When cooled add the essential oils and stir.
    4. Add the vitamin E oil and mix until a soft paste.
    5. Decant into amber jars and leave to set.

    Notes

    This can be stored for 1 year.

    Recommended Products

    As an Amazon Associate, and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Category: Holistic Wellbeing

    Remember, this balm is for external use only and should not be used on broken skin or deep wounds. As with any new skincare product, it’s a good idea to do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have any reactions to the ingredients.

    Why no DEET?

    DEET, short for N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, is one of the most common active ingredients in insect repellents. However, increasing concerns are arising about its potential health and environmental impacts. Prolonged exposure to DEET has been linked to skin irritations, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and, in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness. It’s also worth noting that DEET’s efficacy can be overestimated; it doesn’t kill bugs but merely disorients them. On the environmental front, DEET is not easily broken down in the environment and can have toxic effects on wildlife, especially aquatic ecosystems where it’s most likely to accumulate. Moreover, DEET is a plasticiser which can damage some plastics, fabrics, and surfaces. For these reasons, it may be worth considering natural and sustainable alternatives to DEET, that are gentler on our bodies and the environment.

    So, there you have it! Your very own DIY itchy bug bite balm. Not only is it simple to make, but knowing exactly what’s going into your balm allows you to avoid unnecessary chemicals found in many store-bought options. And as a bonus, this balm is not just for bug bites. Its nourishing and soothing properties make it an excellent option for minor skin irritations, dry skin, or even as a natural lip balm.

    Embrace the beauty of summer, enjoy the great outdoors, and when the inevitable bug bites come, know that relief is just a dab away!

  • Holistic Wellbeing

    Unleashing the Deliciousness: The Power of Homemade Healthy Gummies for All Ages

    A blog post about the benefits of homemade gummies. Whether you want to make them for your nutritional daily vitamins, or just as a healthy snack for your and/or the kids, then read on. This simple recipe will help you create tasty gummies that you’ll want to make again and again.

    Gummies, those delightful, chewy treats loved by kids and adults alike, have long been a popular choice. However, the store-bought varieties often come with a laundry list of artificial ingredients, excessive sugars, and little nutritional value. But fear not! The solution lies in creating your own homemade healthy gummies. Join us as we explore the benefits of crafting these delectable treats in your very own kitchen and discover why they surpass their store-bought counterparts in every way.

    Nutritional Control

    One of the most significant advantages of making your own gummies is having complete control over the ingredients. By using high-quality, wholesome components such as fruit juices, natural sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup), and nutrient-rich gelatin or plant-based alternatives, you can create a snack that nourishes and energizes. Say goodbye to artificial colors, flavours, and preservatives that often dominate store-bought gummies and are no good for our health.

    Customisation and Flavour Variety

    Homemade gummies offer endless possibilities when it comes to flavours and combinations. From classic fruity delights like strawberry, orange, or raspberry to more exotic blends like mango-lime or blueberry-pomegranate, you have the freedom to tailor the taste to your liking. Our favourite at the moment (and particularly through the winter months of cold and flu season) are elderberry and honey, to help our immunity naturally. You can also experiment with adding extra nutritional boosts such as vitamin C, probiotics, or even sneaking in some vegetable purees for added nutrients.

    Portion and Sugar Control

    Commercial gummies are notorious for their high sugar content, which can contribute to health concerns, as well as being filled with ingredients that maybe aren’t the best for us, making them somewhat counterproductive. By making your own gummies, you have the power to control the amount of sugar added as well as the ingredients you use, allowing for healthier alternatives. Plus, with the ability to customise portion sizes, you can promote mindful snacking habits and avoid excessive consumption.

    Sneaking in Nutrients

    Homemade gummies present an excellent opportunity to sneak in additional nutrients that benefit both kids and adults. You can incorporate ingredients like freshly squeezed fruit juices, pureed vegetables, or even superfood powders to elevate the gummies nutritional profile.

    Fun and Educational Activity

    Engaging in the process of making homemade gummies can be a wonderful bonding experience for families. Involving kids in measuring ingredients, mixing flavors, and pouring the mixture into molds can cultivate a sense of curiosity and excitement about healthy eating. As they witness the transformation from liquid to chewy treats, they become more aware of what goes into their food and develop a deeper appreciation for wholesome choices.

    Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly

    Crafting your own gummies can be a cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. Purchasing bulk ingredients and reusable silicone molds can save money in the long run, while reducing packaging waste associated with single-use commercial packages. Embracing homemade gummies not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.

    How to make your own healthy gummies

    Indulge in a guilt-free treat with our delightful and nutritious homemade gummies recipe. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body with this easy and fun recipe.

    Healthy Homemade Gummies

    Healthy Homemade Gummies

    Prep Time: 1 minute
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Additional Time: 6 hours
    Total Time: 6 hours 6 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 200ml of fresh juice⁣
    • 2 tbsp of manuka honey⁣
    • 2 tbsp of gelatin⁣

    Instructions

    1. Simply heat your favorite juice (avoid boiling) in a saucepan
    2. Add your honey and stir until perfectly combined.
    3. Remove the pan from heat, sprinkle in the gelatin, and stir until dissolved.
    4. Then, pour the liquid into moulds.
    5. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, and voila! You have your very own stash of deliciously nutritious gummies. ⁣⁣

    Notes

    Gummies are fresh and will store, in the fridge for around a week - 10 days.

    Category: Snack

    By choosing homemade healthy gummies over their store-bought counterparts, you unlock a world of benefits. From nutritional control and flavor variety to portion management and sneaking in extra nutrients, creating your own gummies puts you in the driver’s seat of your snacking choices. So, embark on this delicious journey, gather your loved ones, and unleash your creativity in the kitchen. Indulge in the wholesome delight of homemade gummies that nourish your body and soul, and redefine the way you snack for both kids and adults.

  • Natural Home

    Toxin-free cleaning sprays you can make at home

    A post about how to make your own toxic free cleaning sprays at home. Including recipes and tips.

    Brown amber spray bottom for cleaning sprays

    Over the last couple of years myself and my family have been on a journey to change our lives around. Life can very quickly fall into living as everyone has done before you, but for us we wanted to make a real lasting changing. Whether it be the way we live, living with less, creating an intentional life or living a natural, toxin free way of life. It all feeds into the way we want to live our lives.

    Whether we realise it or not, we are surrounded daily with fragrances, scent, toxins and chemicals, all which effect our health, wellbeing and can go on to effect us long term. It’s been a journey of discovery as we work out what is good, bad and damn right ugly when it comes to the products we bring into our home.

    Learning more about the way these toxins and chemicals effect has been eye opening and has led to us completely changing how we do things in our home. So many of what surrounds us all in our every day life is an allergen, endocrine disruptor or worse, a carcinogen (cancer causing compounds).

    When you look into it, it is actually horrifying.

    It encouraged us to make a huge change and start looking at ways we could change everything around our home.

    Removing the toxins

    Toxins in our food, drink, products and homes are so ingrained in everything we have do, it’s actually a little overwhelming knowing where to start. We’ve been passionate about eating well and the food we put into our bodies for a while, so in that sense we are used to knowing what is good and bad. However, finding out almost everything in our home was awful was a journey I wasn’t ready for.

    In a Mrs Hinch inspired world, cleaning with toxin filled home cleaners are the norm, and while it’s not a trend I got myself involved in, it’s worrying the toxins that we’re surrounded with every single day.

    Creating my own toxin free cleaning sprays

    Despite it sounding like a big undertaking, making your own toxin free cleaners for your home is absolutely something that is super simple, and you might actually find that you have everything already in your home. This simple multi purpose cleaner can be used across your home, whether it is wiping down your surfaces, cleaning your bathroom, deep cleaning your kitchen or cleaning your windows. First you will want to get yourself a bottle, these brown glass bottles work best as the help to stop the cleaner going rancid, especially as you might choose to use essential oils to fragrance your cleaning sprays.

    Other than that, all you need is water and white vinegar.

    How to make your own multipurpose toxin free cleaner

    Homemade all-purpose cleaning spray

    Homemade all-purpose cleaning spray

    Active Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes

    Materials

    • 1 Brown glass bottle
    • 1 cup White vinegar
    • 1 cup water
    • 30 drops Essential oil of your choice I like orange or lavender

    Tools

    • 1 Brown Glass Spray Bottle
    • 1 Funnel

    Instructions

    1. Add all the ingredients to the bottle via the funnel.
    2. Shake and use.

    As you can see, this is a super simple recipe and it really works wonderfully in all manner of cleaning around the home.

    It is important to note that vinegar based cleaners should never be used in conjunction with bleach as this will cause a toxic reacton, that can be harmful to your health. You can find out more information on this online.

  • Simple Living

    So you want to host your own tea party?

    So you want to host your own tea party but don’t know how? Trust me, its really very easy! All you need to do is follow a few simple tips and you can create an afternoon tea/high tea that is worthy of the Ritz (but for a quarter of the price).

    Firstly, Decorations!

    Decide where you’re going to hold your tea party, if its a nice day and held during the summer season you might want to consider holding it outside in the beautiful sunshine, maybe under a gazebo or just inside at your dining table will work just as well – in fact 99% of our tea’s we have held have been held at the dining room table and they’ve been amazing. Wherever you decide to hold it, table decoration is key.


    – Lay out a nice table cloth, I like to use a soft pink table cloth and then lay a lace table cloth over the top.


    – Pick some mats that will highlight your table cloth, whether they are the same colour or contrasting, whatever you do from the table cloth upwards should all tie in together.


    – We gave every guest a tea plate (For their sandwiches and cakes), a cup & saucer (for their tea), a knife (primarily for their scones, and spreading the clotted cream & jam), a cake fork (for their cakes, obviously!) and a napkin, which was also in a chintzy pattern which matches the table mats somewhat.


    – On the table we had our cupcake stand, the sandwich stand, a selection of teas, sugar pots, milk in jugs, a plate for the scones, mini pots of jam and some clotted cream in tiny pots. As a little extra we scattered a little confetti over the table.

    Next, the food!

    Lets face it, the food is the main reason for the afternoon tea, and while the pretty looking table certainly helps, the food is the place where you can really shine.

    The sandwiches should be small, dainty and not overfilled. They should be small enough to eat in 2-3 bites. What you fill them with is totally up to you, but try and cater for everyones tastes.

    Here are a few suggestions:
    – Cream Cheese & Cucumber
    – Salmon
    – Egg Mayonaise (with or without cress)
    – Chicken Salad
    – Ham (with or without Mustard)
    – Tuna

    One suggestion I do have for the sandwiches is make sure you don’t have too many fillings if you have just a small group. A big group would be fine for all six fillings, but with a smaller group maybe just pick 4 out of those six.

    The scones were an idea I came up with to incorporate a West Country tea with an Afternoon Tea (I am half a West Country girl afterall), and of course we had to serve them with a selection of jams and clotted cream, just to get that real Cream Tea vibe.

    Now, to Dessert!

    Mmmm, my favourite part!

    For dessert, as tempting as it may be, don’t go overboard with the options. A couple of different selections of cakes or cupcakes will do, along with one larger cake if that works for your group. Also, don’t forget to provide alternatives for anyone with allergies or intolerances.

    The look of your cupcakes and the way you display them will really add to the look of the table. There are so many different types of cupcakes that you really can pick a few flavours which you know will go down well.

    The Tea!

    The tea we offered was a selection, and my best advice is to buy the Twinnings selection box. If you buy the boxes of tea individually the cost can really soar, but Twinnings do a selection box of 5 different teas (Assam, Lady Grey, Earl Grey, Ceylon and English Breakfast) and you get 5 of each, and that is more than enough for a small tea party, and gives everyone a varied choice. Also I put little jugs of milk and little sugar pots on the table too, and don’t forget to provide somewhere for the used tea bags too!

  • Holistic Wellbeing, Natural Home

    Relax & Refresh – Homemade natural bath salts recipe!

    Want to make your own bath salts?

    A couple of weeks ago I shared with you my amazing wake-me-up sugar scrub and today I have another homemade bath product, this time it is relaxation bath salts using my favourite essential oil.

    Taking care of your skin!

    Like I mentioned in my previous post about my homemade sugar scrub (which FYI is totally great for your morning shower as it is perfect at waking you up and getting you ready to face the day) that I am very fussy about what I put into and onto my body. While the sugar scrub is great for using before or during a shower, these bath salts are perfect for adding to a bath, a perfectly relaxing bath.

    Essential Oils

    I wanted these to be completely relaxing so I had a look at my essential oil collection and stumbled upon my It Works essential oil “Chill”, which is perfect for relaxation. Chill has the perfect blend of calming lavender, clary sage, tangy grapefruit and copaiba, plus its 100% clean and natural and as an added bonus it is non-GMO too. So with all this in mind, let’s get onto how to make your own homemade bath salts.

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups of Rock Salt.
    • ½ a cup of coconut oil as a carrier oil. I used this coconut oil.
    • 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice.
    • A clean, dry container to store it in.

    Making the salts is actually very simple, you just need to mix everything together in a bowl until you are confident that everything is well mixed together and the salt is full coated. Once you are satisfied you can decant the salts into a clear container. I like to use these glass jars as they are perfect for storage and for keeping things fresh.

    Why I love bath salts!

    Bath salts are perfect for diffusing essential oils within the water of your bath, are easy on your skin and with the carrier oil help to keep your skin soft too. You can also use salts as a scrub (I recommend a finer salt than rock salt) which like the sugar scrub will help to remove dead skin cells and help you get a smoother skin. The addition of essential oils in these bath salts not only creates a relaxing aroma but also provide a number of healing properties, physically, mentally and emotionally.

    Have you ever tried making bath salts before? What are your favourite essential oils to add into it? If you try this recipe let me know how it turns out in the comments below.

  • Food, Snacks & Sides

    How to hand make your tomato ketchup

    Why you need to hand make your tomato ketchup

    Tomato ketchup is the main ingredient to life, there are so many things that are just made infinitely better with the addition of this sauce. It might sound like it could be ok for you (because tomato is a fruit and we’re constantly told that these are good for us right?) but some of the ingredients can be seriously questionable, with many main brands, if not all of them, putting far too much sugar in their sauces.

    Tomatoes & Apple Cider Vinegar

    Tomatoes themselves have a whole host of health benefits, with impressive amounts of Vitamin A, C and K as well as vitamin b6, folate and thiamin. They are also important for preventing gallstones, reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels as well as helping to manage the effects of diabetes. This recipe also uses the much alluded Apple Cider Vinegar, and if you haven’t added this must have to your diet yet then you must start! It can help with acid reflux, helpt with gastro issues, lower your blood pressure, support weight loss and improve diabetes. It has incredible healing compounds too!

    If you are a tomato ketchup lover but don’t love the idea of all the added nonsense, including sugar and salt, and also do not like the idea of something that has been “messed about with” to remove the sugar and salt, then read on. You can easily make your own tomato ketchup from home, with just two ingredients! While it might not taste exactly like your old supermarket bought ketchup I promise you will get used to it and I promise this is so much healthier for you. With all that said, it is on with the recipe!

    Homemade Tomato Ketchup

    Ingredients

    • Tomato Puree
    • Apple cider vinegar
    Homemade Tomato Ketchup

    Homemade Tomato Ketchup

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Ingredients

    • Tomato Puree
    • Apple cider vinegar

    Instructions

    1. Add you desired amount of tomato puree into a bowl.
    2. Add teaspoons of vinegar to taste until it has a slight kick.
    3. Mix until you reach your desired taste and consistency. You can even blend some tomatoes into a puree yourself if you wish.

    This is a simple sugar and salt free version of your favourite condiment!

  • Holistic Wellbeing, Natural Home

    Rise & Shine – Homemade natural sugar scrub recipe!

    Want to make your own sugar scrub?

    When it comes to skincare I am very fussy about what I put onto my skin. It is the same with food, I am, in general, fussy about what I put onto and into my body. Having run out of my favourite peppermint sugar scrub recently (and it is no longer on sale – shock, horror!) I decided that it was time for me to jump in and make my own, knowing all I would need essential oils (which I already have and love), a carrier oil and some sugar! While completing this project I was also making some relaxing bath salts at the same time, so I knew that I wanted to try a sugar scrub that would be perfect for that morning shower, something to brighten your day and wake you up.

     

    Essential Oils?

    While I was looking through my ever-growing collection of essential oils I came across “Boom” and immediately knew that this was the one that would be perfect for a project like this. Boom is the perfect essential oil for days you just need to get up and go – when you need a little extra get up and go! It has sharp peppermint tones as well as citrus notes that will help you feel wide awake, refreshed and ready for whatever the day is about to throw at you. I love these essential oils by It Works because they are 100& pure, uncut and unadulterated oils, meaning they are 100% what they say they are, contain naturally occurring ingredients and do not have any synthetic chemicals of substances.

    It is really simple to make your own homemade sugar scrub and all you need is a few simple ingredients. Once you have made one batch you will want to try more – I promise, it is addictive.

     

    So, let’s get to the main event, how to make your own sugar scrub.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 ½ cups of sugar (you can use any type, I used caster sugar because its fine).
    • ½ a cup of coconut oil as a carrier oil. I used this coconut oil.
    • 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice. I chose the It Works Boom Essential Oil.
    • A clean, dry container to store it in.

    All you need to do is weigh out your ingredients and mix them together until you feel confident that everything is well mixed together. When all mixed, decant it into your container (I chose a glass container) and use a couple of times per week.

     

    Why are we loving this sugar scrub?

    Sugar scrubs are great on your skin when used 1-2 times per week. They are easy on your skin (and less rough than a salt scrub – however you can make your own bath salts, more on that coming soon) and helps you to remove the dead skin cells and this will help you to achieve smoother skin. For the skin coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser, helping to keep your skin smooth and soft. It is also naturally antibacterial and antifungal too. The essential oils are organic compounds which are extracted from plants and provide a number of different healing properties, from physical to mental to emotional health.

     

    Have you ever tried making a sugar scrub before? What are your favourite essential oils to add into it? If you try this recipe let me know how it turns out in the comments below.