Blueberry Thyme Soap - Stormy Ocean Wave!

Blueberry Thyme Soap - Stormy Ocean Wave!

I saw this recipe online at one of my favorite soaping sites, and thought it was so pretty I must give it a try.  It has all the great ingredients of a good homemade, handmade soap like, castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, sweet almond oil and sunflower oil.  I loved the texture that the added red sandalwood powder gives, and of course, the blueberry thyme fragrance is just delightful.

My soap didn't turn out quite as pretty as it should have because I neglected to read the instructions carefully enough and I added too much black oxide making the soap much darker in color than it should have been.  Hence the name Stormy Ocean Waves.

It was fun to make, it's always fun to try out a new soap recipe.  The excitement of having to wait to unmold and cut into bars to see how it turned out makes the process so much fun.

Blueberry Thyme Soap - Stormy Ocean Wave!

I have this loaf for sale at the Shelby, NC Foothills Farmer's Market.  Stop by and give us a look see.

Carpe Diem! Lil and Bill

Coconut Oil Soap - da Lime in da Coconut

Coconut Oil Soap - da Lime in da Coconut

Welcome to the newest soap here at the Farm!  I do love a soap that is simple, quick to cure, and as gentle as it comes.

This soap breaks the rules of soapmaking.  It's made with one oil, coconut oil, and it uses aloe juice in place of water.  It makes a smooth and creamy lather that cleanses well and leaves your skin soft and hydrated.  Normally, this soap would be considered a no-no, but in this formula it works, and it works beautifully!  This soap is 20% superfatted.  That means there's 20% of the coconut oil free floating within the soap (that the lye hasn't converted into soap) to moisturize your skin, so it's not drying at all.

If you've read any of my other posts, you are aware of the tremendous benefits of coconut oil.  It's moisturizing, cleansing, antibacterial, and is an antioxidant, all so good for your skin.

Coconut Oil

The other major ingredient in this soap is aloe juice.  The aloe juice replaces water that is usually used in soaps.  The aloe juice helps this soap to be soothing, healing, and is an antioxidant and antibacterial, all to help promote healthy skin.

Aloe Juice

That is it, a simple, pure, and unadulterated bar of soap that anyone can use.  Can I just say that the coconut lime fragrance is refreshing, and reminds me of Spring, Sun, Beach, and things growing green.  

Coconut Oil Soap - da Lime in da Coconut

I will be making this soap in at least one more fragrance, it will be a soft delicate scent that we all love and recognize, Baby Powder.  Stay tuned, it's coming soon!


Carpe Diem! Lil and Bill

Goat Milk Spa Soap with Charcoal and Rose Kaolin Clay

Here it is, the face soap that will be great for your skin and will complete the facial care system we have happening here on Wit's End Farm Blog.  The basis of all good skincare is clean skin, and I said I was coming up with a good soap that includes Kaolin Clay that will help to draw out the impurities from deep within your skin.  Here it is.  We have been using it here for a while, and all reports are in with a grade of A+.

Goat Milk Spa Soap with Charcoal and Clay

This soap starts out with a basic goat milk soap recipe, then we add in the activated charcoal and the kaolin rose clay.  The fragrances in this soap are just divine.  You can just imagine being transported to the most luxurious spa you've ever experienced, while staying right there in your own home.  And, it's so much less costly!

Let's look at the benefits of the ingredients in this soap:

Goat Milk

Goat Milk:  Goat milk soap is wonderful for people with dry or sensitive skin, or conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also perfect for healthy skin that wants to stay that way. Unprocessed, raw goat milk contains the following benefits:  (1) Goat's milk contains precious skin loving minerals like selenium and  (2) it is loaded with vitamins, particularly vitamin A, the most important vitamin for the skin.  (3) As with other milks, goat's milk contains lactic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA.  It is both an anti-aging wonder and a lifesaver for dry and sensitive skin.

Activated Charcoal

Mint Emulsified Sugar Scrub

Mint Emulsified Sugar Scrub

Let me start out by saying that I love, love, love this scrub.  I have made many a scrub, but this one tops them all.  It's a gentle scrub, great for the face, and leaves your skin feeling soft and slightly energized.  The fragrance is soft and delicate, and the sugar provides a gentle scrub.  I found the recipe on one of my favorite supply websites, Wholesale Supplies Plus.  It's a winner in my book, and here's why:

Avocado Oil

• Avocado Oil:  I've extolled the benefits of this wonderful fruit oil before, but it's so good I'll share it again.  Cold pressed avocado oil is one of the richest sources of beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.  Not only is avocado oil extremely good at hydrating and softening your skin, it is often recommended as an effective treatment for acne and blackheads, eczema and other forms of skin inflammation.  It's an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It also facilitates in the healing of scars, diminishing of spots, removal of stretch marks and shrinking of large pores. Avocado oil can increase collagen, reduce wrinkles, and heal damaged skin.  The avocado, actually a fruit, is rich in proteins and fats, sterolin, lecithin and potassium. The natural oils in an avocado can penetrate deep into the skin, helping to soften and hydrate dry and flaky patches.

Mango Butter

• Mango Butter:  Mango Butter is extracted from the fruit kernels of the mango tree. Pure Mango Butter is thought to exhibit excellent moisturizing properties while countering the drying effects of bar soaps and cleansers! Mango Butter is well suited for use in homemade sugar scrubs, lotion bars, soaps, cuticle creams and more!  In skin care, we love mango butter for its moisturizing essential fatty acids. It's rich in oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated omega-9 acid; and stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. These are ingredients that the skin readily recognizes, absorbs, and uses to help add moisture to the skin.  It both tightens and firms while providing super nourishment to the skin.

Lavender Clay Face Mask

Lavender Clay Face Mask

Most facial masks that I've used leave my skin feeling dry and taught, or the more gentle ones don't seem to do much.  I have a recipe for a facial mask that is so gentle, but still very effective, that you may want to use it every day, but probably don't need to.  It's full of nourishing ingredients along with ingredients that will pull impurities from your skin without leaving it dry or taught.  Lavender Clay Face Mask has the ingredients that will increase collagen and reduce wrinkles, it will ease inflammation and moisturize, it won't clog pores, and will prevent free radical damage, it absorbs excess oils and stale sebum, and helps to prevent aging via magnesium.  Simply apply to a clean and dry face, wait for it to dry, twenty to thirty minutes, then rinse off and apply moisturizer.  May I recommend my Revitalizing Night Cream!  I love the way my skin has responded to these latest products.

Let's take a look at what's in this little amazing jar:

Avocado Oil

• Avocado Oil:  Cold pressed avocado oil is one of the richest sources of beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.  Not only is avocado oil extremely good at hydrating and softening your skin, it is often recommended as an effective treatment for acne and blackheads, eczema and other forms of skin inflammation.  It's an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It also facilitates in the healing of scars, diminishing of spots, removal of stretch marks and shrinking of large pores. Avocado oil can increase collagen, reduce wrinkles, and heal damaged skin.  The avocado, actually a fruit, is rich in proteins and fats, sterolin, lecithin and potassium. The natural oils in an avocado can penetrate deep into the skin, helping to soften and hydrate dry and flaky patches.

Argan Oil

Revitalizing Night Cream

Revitalizing Night Cream

We have a new baby born here on the Farm!  No, it's not what you are thinking, but it is still very exciting!  I haven't made a new face cream in quite a long while.  I've been feeling like I needed something different, something better.  So, I hit the Internet and began to look around for some new and better ingredients that would do what I needed them to do.  And, voila, here it is!

Revitalizing Night Cream is exactly what it's name says it to be.  After cleansing my face at night and applying the new cream to my face, I woke up the next morning in love with my skin.  I am excited to see where this cream will take me.  I believe it's the best face cream I have made, and far better than much of what is available out there in the retail market place, and a far better value.

Come along with me and let's look at some of the ingredients in this little miracle-like jar:

The Aloe Vera Leaf

• Aloe Vera Juice:  To start, there's no plain distilled water in this formula.  I decided to see how much better it might be if I used all Aloe Vera Juice to replace the water.  We all know the benefits of Aloe Vera to the skin., it treats sunburn, it acts as a moisturizer, it treats acne, it fights aging, it lessens the visibility of stretch marks, it's nutrient rich for good health, it soothes in periodontal disease, it aids in digestion.  Aloe Vera has wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin inflammation and promote the growth of new cells.

The Jojoba Plant

Headache Relief Ointment

So, are you tired of taking pills to get relief from those nagging headaches?  Me too.  I have discovered a formula that may be helpful to you.  It's an all natural and chemical free application.  It works on tension headaches, sinus related headaches, allergy headaches, migraine headaches, and is said to work on that 'time-of-the-month' headache also.  I don't know about you, but I'm game to try anything natural that will help relieve a headache that is not a pill.

Headache Relief Ointment

The practice of using essential oils is thought to stretch back to ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, with each society contributing. Several oils specifically have shown promise in alleviating headache pain. These oils work by reducing inflammation, reducing stress or anxiety, encouraging healthy sleep habits, managing hormone levels, and minimizing sinus pressure or allergies.

Let's look at what's in this little bottle, and why and how it works:

• Mid Chain Triglycerides Liquid - This is a liquid oil derived from Coconut Oil. It is comprised of short chain fatty acids, and is extremely stable with an almost indefinite shelf life. It's an excellent emollient that provides a smooth and silky feel. It is a non-greasy oil that is easily absorbed into the skin. It's all natural, yay!  It works as a great carrier for essential oils.

Coconut Oil

• Peppermint Essential Oil - Migraine.com says that Peppermint Essential Oil is known to be both calming and numbing. It is believed that these properties cause it to be beneficial for people who suffer from migraines and other types of headaches.  For some people, applying Peppermint Essential Oil to the forehead and temples serves as a natural medication for migraines or other types of headaches.  Applying to the base of the neck can be helpful for alleviating some tension headaches. 

Peppermint

Vitamin Hydrating Spritzer!

Vitamin Hydrating Spritzer

This is the latest and newest product to come from the farm!  I think I am going to love this new product that can be used throughout the day to refresh, moisturize, tighten and revitalize your face. You can spritz it on clean skin, moisturized skin, and also over your foundation while you're at work, shopping, eating out, or just hanging at home.  I have mine right on my side table, and reach for it several times a day.  I love the fragrance, and the soft dewy feeling it gives my skin, not to mention the amazing anti-aging benefits.

Let me tell you what is inside this little wonder bottle.  It is just full of good things for your face.

Rosewater is made from the rose petals

Rose water:  It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps with acne, dermatitis and eczema, helps to maintain skins pH balance, helps to heal scars, cuts, and wounds, aids in removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores, helps to tone and cool the skin.  It has been said that Cleopatra used it to keep her skin dewy and supple during her reign.

Homemade In-Shower Moisturizer!

This is a wonderful, carefree style moisturizer that works quite nicely along with our Ocean Breeze Dead Sea Salt Soap, which is, incidentally, a beautiful exfoliating soap bar.  They're both scented mildly with coconut fragrance that can whisk you away to the sea shore for a relaxing moment in time.

In-Shower Moisturizer!

This lotion works right in the shower while your skin is still full of moisture from your shower. Just put it on while you're still wet, massage it in, then rinse off and gently pat dry. It's chock full of good, wholesome ingredients that will pamper your skin after an invigorating scrub with either our Ocean Breeze Soap, or anything else such as a loofah, etc.  

Now let's move on to discussing the ingredients and their absolutely glorious benefits to you:

Apricot Kernel Oil is a lightweight oil that is high in Vitamin A, rich in Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid. It has an excellent texture that is great for all skin types. It exhibits skin softening, moisturizing properties and is therefore recommended for skin that is dry, irritated or has prematurely aged.

Apricots and their Kernels

Homemade Anti-Aging Super Serum

This brand new product has been in testing for months, and we are finally ready to put it out there for you to try.  We think you will be extremely happy with the results.

Anti-Aging Super Serum 1 oz.

Some of the ingredients in this formula were very new to me, and as I researched them I found that some of them are very new to the industry, while others are tried and true oldie goldies.  Bear with me while we explore the benefits of each ingredient in this formula.

Chamomile Flowers and Tea

Chamomile Tea poses powerful healing, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and moisturizing properties. It also proves to be very effective in treatment of acne, wounds and scars on the skin surface. It accelerates the healing process of minor wounds and also has disinfectant properties. It was initially used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans as a healing salve for treating wounds. Chamomile tea is an excellent all-natural skin bleach. It helps to lighten your complexion and helps to make it more radiant. It tightens the pores and reduces the severity of many problems of the skin. Because of its calming and antioxidant properties, chamomile tea is found to be very effective in soothing skin irritation and eczema. Placing cooled chamomile tea bags under the eyes helps in reducing eye puffiness.

Photos of before and after Hyaluronic Acid use

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body.  It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the eyes and joints.  It can hold up to 1000 times it's weight in water.  Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues, including the skin.  The Hyaluronic Acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory.  The Hyaluronic Acid that we use is pure Hyaluronic Acid - no parabens, vegan and is made in the USA.  Hyaluronic Acid is used for healing wounds, burns, skin ulcers, and as a moisturizer when applied directly to the skin. There is also a lot of interest in using Hyaluronic Acid to prevent the effects of aging.  In fact, Hyaluronic Acid has been promoted as a "fountain of youth".

Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the "plant of immortality". Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the Aloe Vera plant . It has been found that Aloe Vera does in fact have many properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions.  It's good for flaky or dry skin, hair and scalp problems, and sunburn through its powerful ability to heal. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps to retain and replenish moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, it assists the skin  in faster healing. Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for those with oily skin. For women who use mineral-based make-up, Aloe Vera acts as a moisturizer and is great for the face prior to application. Giberellin, a hormone in Aloe Vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring. It fights aging and lessens the visibility of stretch marks.

Witch Hazel Flower

Homemade Ocean Breeze Dead Sea Salt Soap

I first saw this soap on Pinterest posted by Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen, and I immediately liked the idea of a salted soap. Unlike my standard shampoo bars, this one is a simpler soap, but with the added benefit of salt nutrition and exfoliation by the way of Dead Sea Salt. So, I decided to give it a try, and my version of it is this one.

It's made with coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, and shea butter.  Added right at the end is a handful of Dead Sea Salt for the nutrition and exfoliation benefits and then sprinkled on the top to make for a beautiful soap bar that is so good for your skin. According to the San Francisco Salt Co., "Dead Sea Salts contain 21 minerals including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. These essential minerals naturally occur in our bodies but must be replenished, as they are lost throughout the day. These minerals are known to treat, detoxify, and cleanse our bodies."  

Handmade Rose Petal Soap!

A Beautiful Rose!

Roses. What woman doesn't love roses...the fragrance, the beauty, the softness of the petals. I think that roses are one of the most beautiful flowers on earth!  I love getting roses from the love of my life.  I love getting any flowers at all, from anyone at all, but, there's just something very special about a vase full of roses.

The sad part comes for me when they're spent and it's time to throw them away. I tend to keep them way beyond the last vestures of beauty because I resist parting with them.  Well, my friends, I have discovered a way that we can keep our roses and enjoy their lingering fragrance and delicate softness for months and months while using them to pamper ourselves and benefit our skin.

Handmade Rose Petal Soap!

To clarify, this is not a soap recipe or a tutorial on how to make soap.  This is a couple of ideas for you to incorporate into your very own soap recipes if you so desire.  

DIY Antibacterial Facial Cleansing Soap

I've been doing a bit of research whilst looking for a facial cleanser that will have a significant impact on acne.  It seems that charcoal has the ability to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin.  In so doing, it can help to relieve certain forms of skin problems.  Charcoal is a safe, gentle and natural ingredient that you may want to try.  It will not harm your body, some even advocate taking charcoal internally.  I, personally, haven't gone there yet.

Gentle Antibacterial Facial Cleansing Soap

I decided to use a pre-made soap base, or melt and pour (MP) soap, for this project.  I used a combination of Coconut Milk soap, and Aloe Vera and Olive Oil soap. The benefits of coconut for the skin are many.  As discussed in several other product blogs I have written, coconut is a moisturizer, antibiotic, multivitamin, and has anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and an anti-oxidant properties. Coconut Milk provides deep and real moisture. It helps strengthen underlying tissues and helps remove excessive dead cells on the skin's surface.  

DIY Happy Hens Herbal Mix!

Oh my goodness, it smells so good!  I love mixing up these herbs and giving it to my girls every day.

I have found that the hens love this nesting box mixture of herbs I have concocted with the help of Treats For Chickens.  I purchased their Nesting Box Blend, and loved it so much that I determined to figure out how to make something like it.  It smells so good, and helps to keep away mites, lice, and other pests, like spiders and mice who don't like the scent of mint.  I just sprinkle a pinch or so into their nesting boxes daily. You can also sprinkle it around the perimeter of the coop if you need a little extra protection against those pests.  It's a great little extra I enjoy doing for them just to say thanks when I collect their eggs each day.  Who wouldn't want to snuggle down into a cozy bed of fresh hay that smells of lavender, mint, eucalyptus, etc.?

7 oz. Jar of Herbal Mix

I love chickens!  My hens are special to me.  They provide my family with eggs, plus some extra to sell to help offset the cost of their feed.  Poultry is a fairly easy backyard hobby that can be very rewarding.