Better than Martha

I'm better than Martha because I'm not obnoxious like her. =)

I've been on a homemade kick. I like finding ways to not be wasteful in my everyday life and I like knowing the ingredients in things. I've cut out paper plates from my life, try to use washcloths instead of sponges for dishes, less paper towels and napkins, recycling like crazy, starting to compost, and probably more. I hate that we waste so much in the US, or the world for that matter.

So that I know the ingredients in things I use, I made my own lip balm, arnica salve, and household disinfectant. I will continue to find more natural alternatives as I think of things I need in life. It makes me feel more self sufficient too. The next couple of entries will be the things I made as of late, otherwise I think it would just be one ginormous post.

First up are the personal care items:

Yesterday I made my own lip balm. I got the recipe from my friend Joni (aka: The Kitchen Witch Momma). It's a simple recipe, and if she doesn't mind, it can be posted by her or I. It was so easy to make and I won't be buying store lip balm ever again. It's peppermint. Next time I hope to use some of my own herbs from my garden. Chocolate mint maybe?

I really like the oils used and after it has set for a bit you can really smell the peppermint. I've been dying for some and most of mine got washed in the machine, but I had the ingredients and would not break down and buy some store ones.

Another item I made is my own toothpaste. It is a Tammy's Kitchen recipe that can be found here. It gets a bit melted in this weather but it's still paste-like and usable. I just give it a quick mix with my toothbrush before brushing. It's salty at first because of the baking soda but the essential oil leaves a refreshing aftertaste. You get used to the saltiness that quickly goes away. I did not use the sweetener she suggests. I felt it was unnecessary and I don't want to use a processed stevia. Maybe after I dry my own stevia I can powder it and mix it in. What is nice is that I won't have to buy a tube for a long time. Sorry no photo because mine is a bit melted, but mine looked like hers before it did. Thanks a lot New England Summer.  =)

The next part of the series will be my first aid items I made. Till then, enjoy the beautiful weather!