Better Balm

Even those of us who are blessed with non-crackly lips (myself excluded) might need a hint of balm in the winter. So, the other day, I made my own all-natural ""Chapstick"! Similar to Burt's Bees, but costs approximately 1/4 less, and its works better (I think, anyway). Plus, it has only 4 ingredients (less than half of Burt's) and none of the parabens, aluminum, etc found in regular ole' Chapstick.
I was so amazed at how insanely easy it is to make, and looks pretty impressive in a tidy little tube, perfect for gifts (or hoarding).

Here's what you'll need (makes 9 tubes):

-Beeswax (I used about 1/2 oz.) which creates a protective, moisturizing seal on your lips, and gives the balm some firmness.

-Cocoa Butter (about 1 Tbsp.) acts as a deep moisturizer and smells fantastic.

-Coconut Oil (about 1 Tbsp.) is another great moisturizer (and may even help fight infections on the skin)

-Pure Vitamin E (about 2 drops or 1 capsule-optional/not pictured ) which is a natural preservative and extends the shelf life of the balm, and of course adds even more moisturizing benefits! You can find E at any pharmacy.

You can also add a few drops of honey (for flavor and antibacterial properties) or some essential oils such as peppermint.

So, now for the rocket-science part.....

Dump it in a pot (or pyrex/pot double boiler) and stir it. That's kind of it. Simmer until its liquid and don't burn it.
*NOTE*  If you want to make your life a lot easier, boil water in a pan, and put the ingredients in a pyrex measuring cup set in the water (like a double boiler). The mixture solidifies fast when it cools down (I learned the hard way) so heating it in the cup you're going to pour from makes for easier transfer to the tubes.

Carefully pour your fancy new balm into clean tubes (make sure they are DRY first, or your otherwise lovely lip balm will be leaking fluid for a while...ask me how I know) and after a couple minutes....

VOILA!

Enjoy your homemade, all-natural, healthy, cheaper, better LIP BALM!

Day 1

Welcome to my blog! I'm a total newbie and a bit tech-challenged (my cell phone is a brick of a flip phone... previously my dad's)...so bear with me. 
I'm planning to share ideas, projects, and things I love! Expect to see...
Recipes! I LOVE cooking, mostly healthy and natural meals...along with the occasional treat that's a bit of fat/cal/sugar/sodium bomb :D
DIY! Pinterest gives me alot of inspiration, and I've always been a little "crafty"....My current favorite thing to make is natural beauty and health products. I also just bought a sewing machine, on which I've just completed my first project! Hemming a piece of flannel and calling it a baby blanket...I'm quite proud.
Animal Love! I adore animals, especially my sweet baby cats! I hate seeing animals disrespected. I'd love to be vegetarian, but I'm not quite there.
Thoughts, Ideas, Natural Living and (hopefully) Inspiration! I'm a pro-life, christian conservative (not the ignorant-redneck kind). I love my family, friends, and discovering and using nature! I try to use logic and common sense in everything I do.
I'm always hoping to gain wisdom and understanding from God and the world around me!

Watkins Glenn Gorge, NY.

Photo by me (or my husband...)