Homemade Deodorant

It’s no secret that I love making homemade items, whether it’s the snacks and meals we eat, or the cleaners and body products I use; if I can make it at home, I’m keen to give it (at least) a trial.

When I became a mum, for one reason or another; I became painfully aware of what was in products and foods I used. Maybe it was thinking about what flowed through me to my baby, maybe it was thinking about what brand new items I was introducing to this blank slate of a human… It was definitely on my mind more than before.

While breastfeeding, such thoughts naturally flowed to the next closest product site; my pits! After peering at the ingredient list on my usual deodorant (and not recognising a single thing!) I decided to give homemade variations a whirl. There are a ton of methods out there, and after trialling a few I landed on this concoction I have been using for over a year now.

I know that some people with extra sensitive skin can find baking soda an irritant, so if this is your first go at homemade deodorant start with small amounts to try it gently first. Plus – ensure your baking soda is aluminium free (most are, but it pays to check)

I want to note that I’m not handing out any health information here. This is just something I’ve tried and enjoyed, feel free to make up your mind for yourself 🙂

Essential oils are part of the recipe, but they’re not… essential – it’s just something I use to create a pleasant smell, leave it in or out to your desire. I make my deodorant in small quantities, that way I can change up the oils fairly frequently if I like. However I do find it lasts quite a while!

Homemade Deodorant 

1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp baking soda
5+ drops essential oil (to preference) – use your favourite scent, I love lavender

Place the coconut oil and baking soda in a bowl, using the back of a spoon, mash it together to a paste, smashing out all lumps of coconut oil. Add your drops of essential oil then mix through.
Spoon into a small, clean, sealable glass jar. During the hot months you may wish to store it in a cooler, shady place, such as your bathroom cupboard or even the fridge. Otherwise I find it fine stored on the bathroom counter.

When ready to use, scoop out a small amount with your finger and spread it on your armpits (in cold weather, give it a moment in your warm hands to soften a little).

21-Day Sugar Detox. It’s happening.

I’m going to do it. I’m going to follow an eating plan.

21-Day Sugar Detox. I’m coming for you.

…on Monday. Because everything should start on a Monday…

Firstly let me just say that I’m not your number one fan of the word ‘detox’ – it seems a bit overused in the food and health arenas; instant detox supplements, detox juices, detox lemon everything, detox-you-will-feel-starved-because-you-can-only-have-liquids… those kinds of programs. And let me be truly honest; I was afraid of people judging me for doing a ‘detox’. So it was with trepidation that I picked up this book.
Refreshingly the book was just real advice about real food. Have a sneak peek some time, it’s beautiful!
By the way, the true definition of detox is: ‘a period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances’ – I guess excess sugar can fall into the ‘unhealthy substances’ so lets just run with the chosen word and carry on…

Secondly I have to admit that my primary motivation to try this out is not about kicking a sugar habit. As great as that is I don’t feel like we’re overly addicted to sugar in our house (I’m absolutely willing to be proved wrong here along the way!) For my own hormonal health, we severely cut back on lots of sweet foods some time ago. So to be honest I’m feeling most excited about attempting to follow a set meal plan. I’m going to be told what to cook for 21 whole days!
You can also easily go through the 21 days cooking meals of your own making (find out more for yourself by clicking on the links below) but I’ve been wanting to trial sticking to a meal plan. I’m sure I’ll make a few adjustments here or there depending on seasonal items and preferred tastes, perhaps I’ll whip up something of my own when the inspiration hits, but for the most part I’ll go with the plan.

We’re running with the Level Three guide using the outline from the Cookbook (as opposed to the first book) spot what happens when you leave your book with your toddler…

What I love about the 21-Day Sugar Detox program:
It’s real food. There aren’t any supplements, or strange items, or even any alternative sweeteners to go out and buy. It’s veggies, meats (if you wish), nuts, herbs and spices, and a little fruit (green apples and bananas become your sweeteners). Scouring though the book, the meals look delicious and uncomplicated.
Plus there’s a lot of dishes/styles of cooking I don’t often use so I’m excited about eating this variety of meals!

What I’m nervous about:
My major concern in trying this out is whether I’ll be able to stick to my food budget. It could go either way. Perhaps I’ll find that buying to a plan works out better at the checkout than shopping haphazardly. Perhaps it’ll cost us more because I won’t be falling back on my eggs-for-lunch habit. I’m yet to know.
I plan to track the budget so I’ll report back on this one later on.
Also, because we’re going with Level Three, our main adjustment will be cutting out dairy for the 21 days. I’m not planning on being dairy free forever (maybe it’ll be an interesting trial??) yet I know it will help me think outside the square a little more for three weeks.

Join Me??

Along the way I’d LOVE the company of anyone who would like to join me in trying this out!!
You can find plans in books of your own (or go to your local library like me!) otherwise you can sign up to their online instructions or even just the free daily email of inspiration (see the links below).

I’ll let you all know how it goes along the journey
and if you have any questions, fire away 🙂

Links to find out more:
Free daily emails
http://21daysugardetox.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0e1f7e90d88e9765ea5be0ccb&id=c031fa2d17
Paid package options

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21-Day Sugar Detox on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/21daysugardetox?fref=ts

Cold Fighter Shots

It’s that time of year again. One season is slowly giving way to another, days are changeable and bugs can run rife. Unfortunately it was our little lady who got hit with a cold  in the weekend. After lots of tearful cuddles, extra naps, and some broken nights, we’re emerging through the other side, smiles are back and the runny nose is slowly but surely drying up.

However somewhere along the way, my husband and I started showing symptoms too. Yesterday my throat was burning and my sinuses were blocking; it gave me true appreciation for what the little Miss was feeling.

Thankfully I had a new concoction to try. My naturopath had given me the idea and it worked like a kick in the pants, so much so that I just had to share it with you. The shot a combination of all those wonderful natural ingredients that aid your body and fight the bugs; garlic, ginger, lemon, manuka honey. A real health tonic. It will punch you in the throat but BOY it works!!

So as soon as you feel any bugs nibbling around the edges of your system, knock this down. You might have to do an impromptu spaz-dance around the kitchen afterwards, but your body will thank you for it later!

Cold Fighter Shots

1 Tsp Freshly grated ginger
1 Tsp Freshly crushed garlic
1 Tsp Manuka Honey (or use normal raw honey if you can’t source this)
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to taste
Boiling water (to top up the glass)

Mix all ingredients in a shot glass and then down the hatch in one go!