DIY Citrus Spray Deodorant

Now that summer is here, I can't carry around my coconut oil based deodorant because it's too warm out for the coconut oil to stay solid. So, this is my solution. Spray on deodorant that I can carry around to refresh my pits as needed.

So here it is, homemade spray on deodorant. Yes, I am knocking off Weleda Citrus Spray on deodorant. I love the stuff, but it's a bit pricey and this recipe comes pretty close.


Ingredients:

2/3 Cup of Vodka (or Gin)
1/3 Cup of Water
Approx. 30 drops of Essential Oils (lemon, lime, orange, bergamot, whatever you like)
Glass bottle with spray pump

Directions:

-Pour vodka into bottle.
-Add essential oils (I put 12 drops of lemon, 12 of lime, 4 of bergamot, 2 of orange)
-Shake to mix oil into alcohol.
-Add water (*N.B. This ingredient is to 'water down' the alcohol. If you find that this recipe is not strong enough for you, just use straight alcohol without the water.)
-Shake bottle before each use as some of the oils will not have mixed into the alcohol.

This recipe works because the alcohol kills the bacteria which is what causes the odour, and the essential oils give your pits a non-pitty smell (and the oils are also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, etc...).

Like the original (Weleda), this might not last all day if you're sweaty like me, or out gardening, or running around all day in the sun during the summer months, but it's cheap enough to make that you shouldn't mind using it as often as needed. I plan to use the coconut oil in the mornings before I leave the house, and carry this spray on deodorant as a backup!

Happy spraying!

Roasted Sweet & Salty Maple Pecans

Some time ago, at Libretto Restaurant (http://pizzerialibretto.com/), I had these fantastic roasted pecans accompanying some Quebec goat cheese and crackers.

These make a delicious snack as is, or you could pair it up with some cheese and crackers, either way I bet you can't have only one!

Ingredients:

1 cup of Pecans

¼ cup of maple syrup

Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Directions: 

-lightly coat your pan in olive oil.

-rinse your pecans in warm water and then    

   pat dry.

-put your pecans into a bowl along with 1/4 

   cup of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt  

   (I used the finely ground stuff, not 

   coarse).

-mix well making sure all pecans are coated   

    in syrup

-place in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 325 

    degrees, stirring often, making sure the 

    pecans do not burn or become too brown 

    or dry.

-Once the syrup begins to cook sprinkle two 

   pinches of salt over pecans and stir again.

You can let them cool, but they're extra delicious and soft when they're still warm!! 

Easy DIY Facial Cleanser and Toner

Facial Cleanser

-2 Tablespoons of (vegetable) Glycerin

-1/2 Teaspoon of Castile Soap

-2 drops of Tea Tree Oil

-2 drops of Chamomile Oil

-1 drop of Lavender Oil

This recipe doesn't dry out my skin, and leaves me feeling soft and clean.

Facial Toner

There are a lot of options for easy to make toners.

-You can use Apple Cider Vinegar cut with water. I tried this, and the upside is that it left me feeling clean and tingly. The downside is that my partner couldn't stand the smell of my face, because you smell like Apple Cider Vinegar which isn't the best smelling thing in the world.

-You can use Chamomile Tea with a couple drops of tea tree. Chamomile is anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and a mild anti-inflammatory (good for soothing those red irritated or inflamed pimples).

-You can use Rosewater, how can generations of old ladies in so many different countries be wrong!? Rosewater tones your skin, helps to close your pores, gently removes oil and dirt, and soothes your skin. And who doesn't like to apply something that smells so good..?

Like most products you put on your face, you should try it out on a small patch first before you go ahead and do your whole face.