DIY Eye Make-up Remover

I use a re-purposed bottle to store my DIY make up remover.  I usually don't have the big paper stuck on the front but out of respect for the manufacturer (who makes terrific products and made the eye make up remover product that was originally in the bottle), I covered the label.  

I just put the ingredients into the bottle and shake before using (because the oil and water separate when it sits).  You can use any of your favorite carrier oils for the 2 Tablespoons oil (apricot, jojoba, almond, fractionated coconut oil, etc.).

This mixture works great and I know exactly what I'm putting on my face.  I don't use any essential oils in this product because I often wash my face after removing make up.  I save using essential oils for products that I will leave on my skin so I can soak in their goodness and enjoy the delicious aroma!  Check me out at https://sites.google.com/site/goodforlife1/home

Dance Like No One Is Watching!

One day you will know that things in your past are to be treasured.  Enjoy each day as it comes to you (I'm third from the right end) and dance like no one is watching!

DIY Fabulous Hair Products!

I keep working toward including more natural, simple products in my home.  I like to cook, so it is just natural that I would start concocting fun stuff for personal care.  Here is what I've been doing for my hair.  Pictured at left is a hair mask that I whipped up in the kitchen. I created a recipe page that is a "live" Google Doc.  If you visit this doc from time to time, you may find new additions to the recipes as I discover new ideas!  Feel free to share your ideas with me!  I am also a small business owner and you can support my by purchasing products from my web page (link is included on the recipe page).

Click here to view the recipes and complete directions

Happy Birthday Bear

This sweet, softly stuffed little bear was a birthday present in response to my granddaughter's request.   She loves the story Corduroy by Donn Freeman (an American classic).  I decided to make a little girl bear for her.  Click here for the pattern that I found online.  I decided to make her a little dress.  I created the little dress for her and included the pattern to download if you'd like to make it too.  I included some basic instructions with the pattern.  The bear pattern says that it's "easy" but I wouldn't venture this little bear unless you have some sewing experience.  I used 35 mm plastic joints and only stuffed her with poly fill.  I also sewed a wind up music box into the back of the bear (my "grandma trademark" for stuffed animals).

Basil Magic!

Basil grows fast and furious during hot weather so in Arizona, I get a lot of basil.  I hang it to dry (looks nice on the kitchen wall), I eat it like lettuce, wrap it around slices of cheese, make pizza, pesto, and whatever else takes basil and still have leftovers. Below, you can see one of 3 pickings that I brought in from my herb garden over the last several days.

Want to know how I keep my basil fresh? Click here for a printable "how to" with pictures.

Wheat Berry and Roasted Vegetable Salad

http://www.goodforlife1.com/

This is something I've been playing with.  If you store wheat, it's a great way to add the whole wheat berries right into your diet.  It's a chewy salad so it feels satisfying to eat.  You can add some legumes or nuts to create a meal with a complete protein.  I put about 9 cups of prepared raw veggies into the roasting pan for this batch.  I'm thinking they were so yummy, that next time, I'll put in 10-12 cups of the veggies or maybe reduce the wheat berries.  This makes enough to serve a crowd.  About 10-12 cups after you're done cooking.  Rule of thumb in my kitchen:  Do what you want and if it alters the recipe, then good for you!  Let me know how it turns out for you!  Also, feel free to follow me on Pinterest.  :)  Click on the photo for complete directions.

Grandma "Bessie" Shaw's Yellow Tomato Preserves

I got this recipe from Curly Grandma.  She told me that great grandma “Bessie” Shaw (Baldy Grandpa’s mother), would make this to brighten up a winter meal.  I make a batch of this up every year in memory of grandma Bessie.   I never knew her, but this recipe gives me a connection to her.  She was a small, but sturdy farmer’s wife in the harsh climate of Eastern Colorado.  They lived outside of Hugo, near the ranch where my mother grew up.
Click here for directions with pictures