Make Your Own Body Butter Bars and Knitting

I promise I’ll get to back to knitting content soon! I have frogged my DummyClapShawl, I originally thought I wanted a larger, lose gauge, but decided since the finished product will have dropped stitches to create the lacy areas, they would be too large and prone to getting caught on everything.

From this (above left) to this (above right), yes that’s better!

In addition I decided to use this yarn (I think) for a sweater (Zuma Tunic), Pattern from Custom Knits 2 (book review to come soon) by Wendy Bernard. I have Wendy’s first book, Custom Knits, if you have that one, I would say the 2nd book is a must! Very helpful she has extensive info on how to alter patterns, both for fit and to add and delete different components of the pattern.

In the meantime, I am in a constant search for products for dry skin, hair and nails. A relatively new development for me. I’ve always had oily skin so have been very oil phobic. It has been hard to see oil as a good and necessary thing.

I found the Body butter bars: a “lotion” in bar form that you rub on your body after a shower/bath, and then blot yourself dry. Heaven, best one is from Lush King of Skin. But I’ve heard you can make these yourself. I found some tutorials….let me know if anyone has made them, I’d love to know if it is worth the trouble or I should just go on buying them.

 

Some of my favorite products I’ve found along the way, (lots of them your ideas, Thanks to all of you!)

HAIR: After letting my hair color grow out, and being shocked at how white it was *gasp*. I was horrified and then disappointed that it wasn’t all white. It is still a mix in the very back. If you have gray/white hair, (or you do and you color it) conditioning it is the way to make those crazy, wiry, curly white hairs soft and manageable.

My favorite deep conditioners are: Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum, this is my HG, I was intrigued with this product and finally bought it (didn’t want to pay the $$ for it, but it lasts for a long time, hair isn’t greasy, just soft and shiny, LOVE IT!!,  Argan Oil Deep Penetrating mask (I like this one from Sally’s Beauty), also Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Hair Treatment.

Daily conditioning: I like to add a smoothing product, I’ve tried everything from John Frieda Frizz Ease to Argan Oil, among other oils and smoothers. Trial and error here, I’d say buy the smallest bottle to try, and start with a small amount, you can always add more. Also if you have blonde or white hair, look at the color of the product, anything with a yellow caste can be deposited on your hair. Current favorite: One and Only Argan Oil Treatment, and also John Frieda Sheer Blonde Dream Creme Instant Silkener,(hard to find)

Protection from sun/surf: Only one I’ve tried but love, John Frieda Beach Blonde Life Preserver Hair Conditioning Oil, I got mine at Target.I’ve heard many people say they love the Orofluido Elixir is wonderful, it does have a yellowish cast to it, so I’ve not tried it.

Face: Currently I’m using St. Ives Moisturizing Olive Cleanser, also like DHC cleanser. I am still on a search for a good moisturizer with SPF in it. I’m using Skin 79 BB cream and love it. Also layer on some glycerin at night.

Lips: Can’t keep them from splitting and cracking. Tried every chap stick like product I’ve seen even Vaseline. Best so far is Carmex, and the old fashioned chap stick that smells funny. Still searching

SKIN: Ick, Wash with a gentle cleanser for body. I’ve tried numerous body washes, one of my favorites is CeraVe hydrating Cleanser.also good St. Ives Body Wash Creamy Coconut Triple Butters:

Lotions:  I’ve resorted to putting on the more expensive at night, and layering products. I always have a lotion, cream on first, topped off by an oil to seal it in. Often times using something thicker on top of this (at night) on my elbows/knees/hands. Favorite products: Savannah Bee Royal Jelly Body Butter, Cheaper daily moisture Curel Continuous Comfort Fragrance Free Moisture Lotion.

All around super helper for lips (not tasty and doesn’t stay on), knees, elbows, heels, and hands, great and available everywhere, I discovered or rediscovered Aquaphor, it comes in tubs, and tubes, I always have some in my purse, car, etc. Warning: this is uber greasy, but works.

For cracks on knuckles: This was introduced to me by my husband, a carpenter, who’s hands are thick with calluses and short a couple of finger tips. Krazy glue, yes it works great, I work at the hospital and can’t have open cuts on my hands. Krazy glue makes them stop hurting and allows them to heal fast, and they are not open to infection. My favorite kind has a brush in it, easier to control. Good for all kinds of boo boos.

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Get your pointy sticks out!!