Homemade lip balm recipe

Ahhhhh it's that time of year again.... Cold and blustery.... Mixed rain and snow.... Dry skin, chapped lips and creaking bones...
I'm not big on most of the high priced body butters, lotions, balms and such that most folks are shelling out big bucks for at department stores and natural markets. Over the years I have developed and been using simple made at home recipes :) So much more cost effective and my favorite part is that I am in control of what goes into it.
I want to share a few recipes I've developed but don't want an excessively loooooong post so I'll go at this one recipe at a time!

So here's my simple lip balm recipe:

1.5 oz beeswax
1.5 oz cocoa butter
1 oz Shea butter
1 oz castor oil
1.5 oz sweet almond oil
1 tsp vitamin e oil

I use a starfrit kitchen scale and put my 2 cup glass measuring cup on the scale... Then hit tare... Then I add each ingredient in the order I wrote down here, hitting tare in between each addition. Then place the measuring cup into a small saucepan half full with simmering water. When everything is melted you are done the base. From here you can add flavour oils, some honey for sweetness, essential oils, or leave it as is. I typically remove some of the base to a smaller bowl and add essential oil before putting it into containers... I find that you can reuse old Chapstick containers once you've washed them with hot water and soap... Or you can find lots of online stores with new lip balm tubes and tins.



*you can adjust the recipe to your liking by substituting different oils and butters.... Don't have sweet almond? Use hemp seed oil... Don't have Shea butter? Use mango butter.... Try experimenting! Come up with your own signature recipe!
**my oldest daughter likes a tint in her balm! Here we added a sliver of lipstick to the base and made a layered balm... Each layer has a different scent and colour!

Next post I will put up a recipe for a moisturizing whipped body butter that can also be left unwhipped and poured into tubes to create a solid lotion stick.

Shameless Promotion of an Etsy Community

I am so incredibly happy to be part of a diverse, thoughtful and supportive online community on Etsy called the Alberta Street Team. It's a wonderful network of talented Albertans (and even some folks who aren't here anymore but have a connection with this province). Twice a year (spring and fall) we have a big group sale where participants offer deals in their Etsy shops. As the team grows, the list gets longer! Lets show some support and get shopping! I know I have my eye on a few things ;) If you buy something, c'mon back and let me know what you bought, I'm snoopy like that. Lol!

ALBERTA TEAM FALL SALE
*Please check all Shop Announcements for Specific Sale Details*

Accessories, Clothing, Bags and Purses
www.etsy.com/shop/DearAnge 10% off excluding custom orders (code TEAMSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/nanabrowns 20% off (code TWENTY)
www.etsy.com/shop/ecsquared 15% off (code TAKE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/DonnaDStore 20% off excluding custom (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/VinAlly 15% off (code ALBERTATEAM15)
www.etsy.com/shop/CoutuKitsch 15% off (code FALLSALE15)
www.etsy.com/delectablydeviant 15% off (code FIFTEEN)
www.etsy.com/shop/Sybillinart 10% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/hopscotchboutique 15% off (code ALBERTA2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/WarhorseStudios 10% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/poppyandmum 20% off excluding custom & wholesale (code FALLSALE2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/hooped 15% off (code 2012FALLSALE)

Art, Fine Art, Photography, Home Decor and Housewares
www.etsy.com/shop/doodledewdesigns 15% off (code ALBERTATEAM15)
www.etsy.com/shop/MagpieQuilts 10% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/TheLittleShopaholic 20% off (code 20FALLOFF)
www.etsy.com/shop/VinAlly 15% off (code ALBERTATEAM15)
www.etsy.com/shop/SnowmanCollector 10% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo 20% off (code SALETIME)
www.etsy.com/shop/laughterandsand $5, $10, $20 Sale Sections
www.etsy.com/shop/HornCatCreations 25% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/wildeyessigns Buy 2, Get 1 Free (see shop announcement)
www.etsy.com/shop/JamiesBeads 15% off (code 15OFFJAMIESBEADS)
www.etsy.com/shop/MollyandVi 10% off (code ABFALLSALE10)
www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns 20% off including custom (code ALBERTASALE20)
www.etsy.com/shop/j2studiosphotography 20% off
www.etsy.com/shop/xheather 10% off excludes custom over $50 (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/PolargirlVintage 15% off and local pickup (code VINTAGE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/DottyDesign 15% off (code DOTTYFALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/Sybillinart 10% off (code FALLSALE)

Bath, Beauty, Edibles and Pets
www.etsy.com/shop/AHSC 15% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/Maplecreeksoap 20% off (code TWENTY)

Ceramics, Pottery, Glass, Crochet, Knitting, Needlecraft and Quilts
www.etsy.com/shop/juliechristie free shipping (code SHIPFREETOME)
www.etsy.com/shop/MagpieQuilts 10% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/BlueTopazStitchery 10% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/CustomCottonEtc See Sale Section
www.etsy.com/shop/kimberleyscrafts 10% off (code ATEAM10)
www.etsy.com/shop/TheWickedPotter 10% off (code FALLSALE10)
www.etsy.com/shop/castillejacotton 15% off excludes special orders (code FALL15)

Children and Toys
www.etsy.com/shop/nanabrowns 20% off (code TWENTY)
www.etsy.com/shop/BareNecessitiesKids 10% off excludes custom & coupons (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/laughterandsand $5, $10, $20 Sale Sections
www.etsy.com/shop/wildeyessigns Buy 2, Get 1 Free (see shop announcement)
www.etsy.com/shop/hopscotchboutique 15% off (code ALBERTA2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/littlegoldenbirdie 20% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/poppyandmum 20% off excluding custom & wholesale (code FALLSALE2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/kimberleyscrafts 10% off (code ATEAM10)
www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns 20% off including custom (code ALBERTASALE20)
www.etsy.com/shop/BabySassBabyStuff 10% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/BirdieAndDot 15% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/DewdropDreams2012 10% off (code FALL2012)

Jewelry
www.etsy.com/shop/RedGingerDesigns 20% off (code ALBERTAFALL20)
www.etsy.com/shop/juliechristie free shipping (code SHIPFREETOME)
www.etsy.com/shop/DonnaDStore 20% off excluding custom (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/DearAnge 10% off excluding custom (code TEAMSALE)
www.etsy.com/delectablydeviant 15% off (code FIFTEEN)
www.etsy.com/stonewillowjewellery 15% off regular priced items (code SALE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/CoutuKitsch 15% off (code FALLSALE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/junquete 10% off (code FALLSALE10OFF)
www.etsy.com/shop/TheWickedPotter 10% off (code FALLSALE10)
www.etsy.com/shop/DottyDesign 15% off (code DOTTYFALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/WarhorseStudios 10% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/JamiesBeads 15% off (code 15OFFJAMIESBEADS)
www.etsy.com/shop/DubbeleDutch 10% off (code ABTEAM10OFF)
www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie 15% off excluding custom (code FALLSALE2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/hooped 15% off (code 2012FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/TheWickedShop 15% off (code FALLSALE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo 20% off (code SALETIME)
www.etsy.com/shop/BirdieAndDot 15% off (code FALLSALE)

Paper Goods
www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen 20% off excludes custom (code FALLSALE20)
www.etsy.com/shop/doodledewdesigns 15% off (code ALBERTATEAM15)
www.etsy.com/shop/TheLittleShopaholic 20% off (code 20FALLOFF)
www.etsy.com/shop/mycraftsbydeb 20% off (code FALLSALE2012)
www.cherscustomcubby.etsy.com 15% off (code ABTEAM15)
www.etsy.com/shop/TheWickedShop 15% off (code FALLSALE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/squirrelstock Reduced Prices (gift with TEAMSALE mention)
www.etsy.com/shop/HornCatCreations 25% off (code FALL2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/symatadesigns 10% off excluding custom (code FALL2012)

Supplies, Vintage, Bridal, Wedding and Celebrations
www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen 20% off excludes custom (code FALLSALE20)
www.etsy.com/shop/junquete 10% off (code FALLSALE10OFF)
www.etsy.com/shop/CustomCottonEtc See Sale Section
www.etsy.com/shop/PolargirlVintage 15% off and local pickup (code VINTAGE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie 15% off excluding custom (code FALLSALE2012)
www.etsy.com/shop/squirrelstock Reduced Prices (gift with TEAMSALE mention)


Thanks for checking them out.

Oh, almost forgot..... Here are a couple of collage type photos of some things I've made lately :)

Turkey Day!

Okay.... Progress.
So let's move forward to the day of the big turkey feast...
Remove your turkey from the brine and rinse it really well with cold water.... you are removing the excess salts that are sitting on the surface of the turkey. If you skip this step (which I arrogantly have.... once.... I love salt and I thought it would be good...) it basically ruins any chance you have of making a decent gravy.
Okay.... Phew, that was work. Now pat it dry. I use paper towel.
Now.... You've already infused loads of flavour so season it if you like.... stuff it if you like... but don't add salt.
Next I place my turkey in the roaster and wrap it up in bacon.
And that's that. Now you can roast it.
I am doing a trial run with a stand alone roasting oven... It's my Mom's, thanks Mom! If I like it I might buy one. It will free up my oven for side dishes.

So, Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy your turkey and be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving

With my favorite meal of the year rapidly approaching I thought I would take a moment to document the process as I go.
So..... With 2 prep days to go before I make turkey dinner I make a homemade brine.... Yes, I brine my turkey :) I find that it makes a very noticeable difference in the taste and texture of the meat.
Here's what I used this year... And I say this year, because cooking is an adventure to me and I'm always making improvements and alterations to recipes until they are perfect...
Basically, a brine comes down to this: equal(ish) amounts of salt and sugar dissolved in water... You can add whatever spices you like to infuse your turkey with flavour.
I used 1 1/2 cups of kosher salt and the same amount of brown sugar. I put this in my large stock pot with a gallon of water.
Here comes the fun part. Adding the flavours that will make my turkey the tastiest one ever.
2 apples - quarted and seeds removes
The zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp whole cloves
2 tbsp mixed peppercorns
8 bay leaves
1 fistful of sage from my garden
2 whole star anise
1 dash of ground cinnamon
1 tsp smoked salt
1 fistful of lemon thyme from my garden
1 fistful of rosemary from my garden

Put all of this yummy flavour in the stock pot and bring it to a boil. After it boils for a couple minutes, turn the heat off and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. You will want your brine to be cold before adding the turkey!
So.... Now my brine is cooling down.
Looks good, eh?