Basic Hair Butter

Here's an easy recipe for a basic hair butter.

1/ 2 to 1 cup Shea Butter
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Coconut Oil (optional if you have a nut allergy)
1/4 cup Castor Oil
2 Tablespoon Vegetable Glycerin or Honey
1 Tablspoon Vitamin E Oil
5-10 drops Rosemary or Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

In a double boiler heat up olive, coconut and castor oils over a medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add in shea butter. Stir oils until shea butter is completely melted. If there's still a small amount of shea butter left don't worry, it'll get incorporated as you blend the mixture later.

Using a hand held mixer (or stick blender) to thoroughly blend your mixture for 10 minutes. Add in vitamin E oil and mix for a few more minutes. Place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and blend mixture for another 10 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl as your mix. Place mixture back in freezer for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from freezer and whip mixture one last time before adding in your essential oil(s). Transfer mixture into desired container (remember, you can resue an old product container if desired). Makes about 8 to 10 ounces of product.

Money Saving Pedicure

So if you're like some of us you're looking for ways to save money in these unstable economic times but saving money doesn't mean that you have to give up some of the finer things in life such as your pedicure.

Here are some quick, easy and money saving tips for you to do your own pedicure.

• Set a relaxing mood by lighting some incense or a few flavored candles and putting on some background music.

• Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your water. It helps to soften the skin and makes it easier to remove the rough skin that has formed on the heels and soles of your feet.


• Add a natural liquid soap (castile) to your water, scented with peppermint for a stimulating foot bath. You can even add some lavender, sandalwood or your favorite essential oil or fresh herbs or flower petals to deodorize your water.


• Relax and unwind by soaking your feet for about 20 minutes.


• Clean your feet thoroughly with a natural foot brush. Make sure to get between your toes to remove any buildup of dead skin and dirt.


• Clean under your nails gently with the sharp end of the orangewood stick. This removes any dirt buildup from under your toenails.


• Exfoliate your feet with a foot scrub that will remove the dead skin. Rinse your feet in the foot bath and use a pumice stone to remove any additional dead skin that may still be on the soles of your feet.


• Rinse your feet clean and pat them dry with a clean towel. Massage your feet with a moisturizing cream, paying special attention to your heels and any other areas that tend to be dry.


• Gently push your cuticles back with the blunt end of the orangewood stick. This helps to protect the nail bed and keeps bacteria out.


• A straightedge cut prevents ingrown toenails so be sure to trim your toenails straight across. Be careful not to cut the nail too short.


• Use an emery board to smooth the rough edges of your nails. To avoid splitting the nail make sure you file in one direction.


• Buffing your nails is an excellent natural alternative to nail polishes and polish removers. Buff your toenails to a beautiful shine with a nail buffer.