Entryway Wall

     Our entry way is really small but I wanted to add some décor of some kind.  I painted it with a fresh coat of paint.  White seems like a good idea for a small space, but it is so stark.  So, I painted it with "Simply Beige" by Valspar.  The plaster of paris oak leaves, acorns and medallion where also painted.  However, I dry brushed white over the edges.  I hung up some hangers and put our hats on them.  A heart lies in the middle, well, because it's just my husband and I now at home.
     I thought that an initial  or a glass candle holder could be glued on the burlap of the hangers.

     Making your own body wash and shampoo

     It actually costs more to make it yourself.  You can keep shampoo and body wash at the dollar store to save money.  However, I make it myself to stay away from the parabens and other chemicals in the "chemical soup" of industry's products.  There are a lot of recipes online that you can use, but I make these because it is easy:
    
     Shampoo (stores for 1 month)

1/4 cup coconut milk.  Do not use the coconut in cartons in the refrigerated section of the supermarket.  There are other things in there than just coconut milk.  I buy canned coconut milk which can be found in the Asian foods section.  I use it for cooking a lot too, so when it is on sale I get a few cans.

1/2 cup Castille soap.  Do not use Dr. Wood's castile soap.  The smell just isn't right.  I don't think they use the right essential oils.  I use Dr. Bronner's, of course.  It already comes scented so there isn't any need to add essential oils to your shampoo.  If you buy unscented castile soap, you can add any essential oil you want.  Have you ever taken the time to sit down, and with a magnifying glass, read the bottle?  It's pretty trippy. 

1/2 teaspoon  Vitamin E.  Note, most Vitamin E capsules contain Vitamin E and an oil like soy oil.  If you use them, make sure you add more apple cider vinegar to the rinse.  ( instructions following)  I use straight Vitamin E oil or capsules. 

20 drops of essential oil, if desired and the castile soap you used was unscented.

     Rinse

ESSENTIAL.  Your hair will be clean after shampooing, but will feel "weird" or stringy.  You need to put it and your scalp back to the proper ph level.  Take a 12 oz., plastic cup and fill it with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.  In the shower, I have a small apple cider vinegar bottle that I refill from a gallon.  Hold under the shower to fill to the top with clean water.  SHUT YOUR EYES and pour this over your head.  Rinse out.  Your hair will NOT smell like vinegar, trust me.
     Wash your face before doing your hair.  When you pour the rinse over your hair, let it flow down your face too.  This is so good for the skin on your face!  Rinse. 

     Body Wash (stores for a year)

1/2 cup castile soap
1/4 cup honey, so good for your skin.
2 teaspoons oil.  I use olive oil or almond oil. 
1 teaspoon of Vitamin E.  I sometimes add this, but I figure that I take Vitamin E supplements and eat foods with Vit. E.  It is better for your skin if it comes from the inside of your body, permeating all layers of your skin and helping new skin to be supple.
50-60 drops of essential oil.  I use scented castile soap, so I don't add this.  Besides, essential oils are expensive!

     Toothpaste

     Sometimes I make this, but I like Tom's toothpaste.

1/2 cup coconut oil
2 Tablespoons of baking soda
12-20 drops of essential oil.  I do like peppermint oil, but since it is so expensive, I have used peppermint extract. 

Ordering Dr. Bronner's castile soap  I have found it less expensive to order from Amazon, that the grocery store price.

Introduction

     My hope is that the tidbits I have to share on this blog will help my family and others.  There are so many people that know more than I and my life experience is unique to me. However, we all share tidbits of life together.  That is what makes us families and a community.  We seek people who have insights and similar experiences in order to strengthen our own lives or gain knowledge. 
     Mostly, the themes of my posts will encompass all areas of my life that I feel inspired to share with you.  My list of interests, experiences and beliefs that may be referred to in posts are:

• Marriage
• My homeschooling experience and new insights for parents
• Personal inspiration and uplifting insights as I follow the gospel in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
• Family History
• Diet
• Breast Cancer
• My attempts at home improvement
• Natural recipes for home and personal hygiene

     There will probably be more subjects according to what life gives me.  There is so much we can learn from each other.