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

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

DIY Summer Feet Foot Balm is Back!

I'm re-blogging a previous post as Spring is just around the corner, which means us ladies will be breaking out those sandals once again.  When I first began constructing this formula, I found that it had a bit of a grainy texture.  It didn't affect the performance of the product, but it could feel unpleasant to some.  I have since learned how to avoid having that happen.  I won't bore you with the details, but it has to do with the shea butter being melted and cooled in a specific way.  This is a product that I use faithfully, and think you may want to give it a try.

Here's a quick note on how to easily use this product:  Get about a dime's size in the palm of your hand and rub hands together to emulsify, then apply to clean damp feet with a massaging motion. Step on a towel or mat for a moment, or put on a pair of socks or slippers, and your feet will thank you!

Summer Feet Foot Balm!

My niece asked me a few months ago if I had a product specifically for feet.  I did not at that time.  Which got me to thinking about how everyone loves my Cuticle Cream, and how I love the way it makes my cuticles, and lips, feel so soft and healthy.  Even though I regularly used a callus remover tool, my feet were not in great shape.  I refuse to wear sandals unless my feet look good.  Since I've had my hip replaced, the Doctor and the nurses suggested I stay away from getting pedicures at nail salons to avoid the chance of infection.  So, I decided to use my Cuticle Cream as a jumping off point, and see what I could do to make a great foot balm.

I am extremely pleased with the results.  I made it softer and easier to spread, and added some great essential oils to make those tired feet feel invigorated, renewed, and pampered.  The only thing I will do different next time is to blend just a bit better as I can feel that the oils and the harder butters and beeswax have separated a little. You can barely see the polka dots on the surface in the photos. Those areas are a little softer than the rest.  But, it all gets mixed up as you apply.

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.  

Homemade Shampoo Soap Bar!

Luxurious Shampoo Bar!

I have spent a lot of time researching homemade shampoo.  I have even tried a couple of my own recipes, without much success.  Not too long ago I came upon this recipe from Great Cakes Soapworks for a Fabulous Shampoo Bar Recipe.  I have always used salon quality shampoos and conditioners, therefore I was a bit apprehensive at first.  We ladies can be very protective about our hair, but I went for it and made up a batch of her recipe, and wow, was I ever pleasantly surprised!

Hot Process Soap Making!

Hot Process Soap Making!

Making hot process soap is no easy task!  It does take some time and experience to get it right, and to get the artistic component down.  My first effort at making hot process soap was the Apple Crisp recipe.  I cooked the soap way to long, I had difficulty determining when it had reached the proper stage called saponification.  I had real problems when it came time to mold.  It was way too dry, and seized up when I began to mix in the additives.  I have since learned that I could have added water.  A whole bunch of the bars crumbled into pieces when slicing them.  Others may have thrown out the entire batch, it did cross my mind, but I just couldn't bring myself to waste all that good stuff!

Homemade Joint & Muscle Massage Oil

Homemade Joint & Muscle Massage Oil

Do you have joints or muscles that hurt?  Joints that just ache, muscles that hurt from overuse or strain?  I do.  My hands, my thumb joint on my right hand, and my back are the worst.  My husband will massage my hand for me at night, which is where my thoughts turned to making a wonderful massage oil.  How much better it would feel with healing oils, herbs and spices to just soak right in there where it's needed the most, to help the healing and repairing along.  Let me say that there's something to be said about the said healing properties of herbs.  The commercial rubs just aren't that helpful.

So, I did my homework, and came up with this fabulous healing herb massage oil.  It's designed to target the problem, and get right in there to work on what's ailing you.  Make some for yourself, or click the button right at the bottom of this post.

New Homemade Rejuvenating Facial Scrub!

New Rejuvenating Face Scrub!

I'm calling this formula New Homemade Rejuvenating Facial Scrub for several reasons.  One, I have taken out the Apricot Seed Powder, and replaced it with two types of wonderful salts.  I have incorporated much of the ingredients that I have found to be excellent for rebuilding skin cells, like:

Homemade DIY 'Summer Feet' Foot Balm!

Summer Feet Foot Balm!

My niece asked me a few months ago if I had a product specifically for feet.  I did not at that time.  Which got me to thinking about how everyone loves my Cuticle Cream, and how I love the way it makes my cuticles, and lips, feel so soft and healthy.  Even though I regularly used a callus remover tool, my feet were not in great shape.  I refuse to wear sandals unless my feet look good.  Since I've had my hip replaced, the Doctor and the nurses suggested I stay away from getting pedicures at nail salons to avoid the chance of infection.  So, I decided to use my Cuticle Cream as a jumping off point, and see what I could do to make a great foot balm.

I am extremely pleased with the results.  I made it softer and easier to spread, and added some great essential oils to make those tired feet feel invigorated, renewed, and pampered.  The only thing I will do different next time is to blend just a bit better as I can feel that the oils and the harder butters and beeswax have separated a little. You can barely see the polka dots on the surface in the photos. Those areas are a little softer than the rest.  But, it all gets mixed up as you apply.

Homemade Outrageous DIY Face Cream!

Homemade Outrageous DIY Face Cream!

I'm calling this new face moisturizer "Outrageous" because the products in this one are not your normal go-to items.  This new combination will make your skin appear younger and you'll be looking so very fresh in no time at all!  This moisturizer has five brand new products that will soften, plump, even out skin tone, and make you glow.  Sounds too good to be true?  Not at all.  I've been using a couple of these products for quite a few months now, my skin tone has improved, and the fine lines and wrinkles have been minimized.  I am very, very happy with this new moisturizer.  Here's what I used:

Homemade Cuticle Cream/Balm

Homemade Cuticle Cream/Balm

I discovered this cuticle and nail cream quite by accident.  You may remember the painter/instructor Bob Ross who used to have a TV series on teaching how to paint with oils.  I always enjoyed watching him because he made it look so easy.  I'm not a painter by any stretch of the imagination, so the way he painted looked like magic to me.  He always said that there were no mistakes in painting, only "happy accidents".  Well, this product is a "happy accident".

It started out as a lip balm, but the flavor and color weren't working well for me.  So, one day I was in the car going somewhere and noticed my cuticles looked a bit dry.  While applying the lip balm, I decided to put it on my nails, and, surprise, a great cuticle cream was born!

Outrageous DIY Anti-Aging Face Serum!

This is the latest of the greatest, my new Outrageous line!  This product has the best of the best ingredients that I could find.  I'm looking forward to this formulation doing great things.  Here's what is in it:

Outrageous Anti-Aging Face Serum!

• Emu Oil benefits are known throughout the world through scientific study and testimonials of happy customers. Research and history show that Emu oil has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine by the Aborigines of Australia. It was used for arthritis pain relief, to heal wounds, burns, sunburns, and to reduce the pain, itch and swelling of insect bites and stings.  Scientific studies of Emu Oil indicate that it has healing properties in many different ways.   Emu oil has been shown to reduce the depth and length of fine lines and wrinkles in many studies as well as being moisturizing as a natural skin softener. It has been proven to be the fastest and most penetrating oil for the skin, as well as a transdermal carrier for any other added therapeutic ingredients for skin care.  Emu Oil is gentle for all skin types, non-toxic and natural, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and hypo-allergenic (non-irritating), so it is great for people with sensitive skin and allergies. Emu Oil is effective in its anti-inflammatory properties.  It's been compared to medication such as ibuprofen, except without the negative side-effects frequently common with traditional prescription or corticosteroid based anti-inflammatory medications.  Emu oil comes from the backfat of emus, having a lot of fatty acids including omega-6 and omega-3.  It also contains Vitamins A and E which are known for helping maintain the skin.