Homemade on the Homestead: Deodorant and Apple Cider Vinegar

A few things have kept me from posting this week.  For one, Joseph has needed my help in the shop more than usual.  Getting more hours there is a good thing.  Our sweet pup, Guinness, had a bit of (routine) surgery as well.  He's not quite his spunky self just yet, but is doing very well.  There's a new item I've been working on for my shop, which I'll share once I've taken pics.

Thanks to generous neighbors, there are apples drying in the dehydrator, and a batch of apple cider vinegar started.  In the past, I've juiced the apples to begin.  Today, I'm trying this, using just the cores and peels.  I did add some of the "mother" from the previous batch, and will be adding more peels and cores to it over the next few days.  I was happy with the way the last batch turned out, but if I can do without using the juicer, that'll be one less gadget to clean, which is always a good thing.

This homemade deodorant has passed every test with flying colors.  Hot, humid days doing manual labor in the shop is about as much as I can throw at it, and it kept me non-stinky :o)  Can't ask for more than that.  The original recipe came from Heather at Beauty that Moves.  Her lovely blog has been a favorite of mine for a couple of years, so it's no surprise this recipe is now a favorite too.

Heather's Coconut Oil Deodorant

1/4 cup arrowroot powder
1/4 cup baking soda
4 tablespoons coconut oil (the recipe called for extra virgin; I substituted regular)
10 drops lavender essential oil
3-4 drops patchouli essential oil

In a medium bowl, sift arrowroot and baking soda.  Add coconut oil and essential oils.
Using a fork, combine well (as if you were cutting butter into flour).
Next, using the back of a large serving spoon, press the mixture together to work it into a smooth paste.
Pack mixture into a glass jar (a 4 oz canning jar is perfect) and it's ready to use.  Store at room temperature.

To use:  Scoop a small amount onto your fingertips and apply to underarms.  Your body heat will almost instantly melt it and you can easily rub it in.    Note: there is the faintest hint of white when you first apply.

So many essential oils have antibacterial properties, I'm sure you could substitute others if you're not a fan of patchouli.  I'm thinking I may try sandalwood next time, possibly rosemary another.  It's such a good product, I've pondered adding the deodorant to my shop, for those who don't care to make it themselves.  I'd appreciate any input on that.  Have a beautiful, late summer weekend, friends!

Another One of my Friends

Most of my reading is done at night, which doesn't work very well for anything in which I am trying to learn something. So, I'm ashamed to say it's taken me since May to finish Kari Chapin's The Handmade Marketplace. Well goodness, don't take after me. If you haven't already done so, march yourself over to your nearest bookstore (or her link above) and get this book. I had the pleasure of hearing her talk at Circa Gallery, and she's a very funny lady. She brings lots of crafty wisdom into her book, with tips and tidbits from some very successful women. If you've ever thought about trying to sell your handmade lovelies, or want to increase sales in your etsy shop, I'd highly recommend it. As an aside, I had not been to her blog lately, and was surprised to see myself in several pictures. And what I read there made me research geocaching. Gosh, that sounds like fun! Almost makes me want to get a GPS unit. I received my first international order last night! Go here to enter my soap giveaway.