Sunday, July 28, 2013

Make-Your-Own Shaving Cream and Pre-Shave Oil

WARNING:
Obviously, don't use this shaving cream or pre-shave oil if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have very sensitive skin.  And I recommend testing the essential oils first, to be sure you're not allergic.   Test it on a small patch of skin, on the inside of your wrist.  Also, although I like the products, no guarantee can be given. 

Paul likes Art of Shaving products so much but they're kinda expensive.  I went online and found a site that gave a recipe for make-your-own shaving cream like Art of Shaving.  Ladies - I don't see why you can't use this on your legs and underarms when shaving!

This is the website:

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/06/make-your-own-shaving-cream-or-shaving-gel.html


This is her recipe:

Ingredients:

2/3 cup virgin coconut oil
2/3 cup shea butter
1/4 cup olive oil (you could also use almond, grapeseed or jojoba oil)
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
2 teaspoons baking soda

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shea butter and coconut oil, stirring until just melted. Remove from the heat and add the olive oil and essential oils. You may want to use a little less to start with - you can always add more but you can't take out too much.  Stir to mix.

Transfer to a bowl or jar and refrigerate until solid.

Remove from the refrigerator and let soften slightly. Add the 2 teaspoons of baking soda (baking soda helps remove oils which allows the razor to cut better and last longer and acts as a mild exfoliant). Whip using a hand beater or a stand mixer until light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes.

Spoon into a jar with a lid and keep in a cool, dry place.

**I made the recipe using geranium oil (instead of peppermint oil - I don't care for the minty scent).**
 
~*~*~*~
In the interest of being thorough, I found a recipe online for pre-shave oil too.  If your skin is dry, it might be worth trying this.  The website is:
 

This is his recipe:
Ingredients:
2 parts Almond oil
2 parts Avocado oil
2 parts Olive oil
1 part Grapeseed oil
1 part Macadamia nut oil
1-2 drops essential oil(s)

He suggested several essential oils but I went with geranium and lavender again. 

Useful equivalences for making small batches: 2 Tbs = 1 fluid ounce, and 3 tsp = 1 Tbs.  Knowing this, you can readily figure out how many ounces you’ll make if you use regular measuring spoons: for example, if 1 part = 1 tsp, the result 1 1/3 fl oz. If 1 part = 1 Tbsp, the result is 4 fl oz (which is 1/2 cup).

All the oils listed have well established histories of cosmetic use and don’t go quickly rancid (as, say, flaxseed oil would). They are all listed as being good for the skin.

I made the cream and oil and Paul tried them yesterday.  He said they're moisturizing but very oily.  Tell me what you think.

Now I'm looking for a good make-your-own after-shave balm...

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Paul's Post - The Joy of Shaving

Paul's Post








I found something recently that I really love - The Art of Shaving products.  They make a full line of men's shaving products from pre-shave oil to after shave balm.
 

During the week, I use an electric razor because it is quick and easy.  On the weekend, however, I like to do a full wet shave because I have the time.  When you don't do it that often, it feels like an indulgence.  I have tried a several different shave creams and gels, but I really like the products from The Art of Shaving.  It leaves my face as soft and smooth as a baby's you-know-what!  I mean feel this face . . . is this the face of a 47-year-old man? . . Oh, wait you can't do that over the internet can you?  Well, you will just have to take Lisa's word on this, it's incredible.

 
By the way, I did have another favorite shave gel - AVEDA Rosemary Mint Shaving Gel.  I really loved that stuff, but they stopped making it.  If anyone knows of a place that I can get some more, I would love to know about it.


Oh, I have also one more shaving secret that really makes a difference - shave initially with the grain, and then re-lather and shave again against the grain.  It really makes a difference. 

So until next month - happy shaving!

 
*~*~*~*
 
Lisa here...his pre-shave oil and shaving cream really do a great job!  It leaves his face soft and smooth.  Now I just need to find some nice shaving cream for me. 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

My Friends Michelle and BB

Today I got to see my friends Michelle and BB.  They're great ladies!  Always so nice and always so fun to talk with.      

A few months ago I noticed that they both had Pandora bracelets.  I decided I liked them and told Paul I wanted to buy one.  The next time we were at the mall I just happened to notice a Pandora store (truly---I didn't know it was there) and they were having a sale!  I dragged him into the store and came out with a new bracelet and two clips.

I've been expanding since then.  I don't have a lot of Pandora charms yet but I've bought some inexpensive charms online at New Dreamz.  Unfortunately, I just discovered they're going out of business.  I'm thinking I should check what they have since everything appears to be 60% off!  (Shh.  Don't tell Paul.)

If you're interested, here's their link:
 
Anyway---Today I wanted to show off our bracelets so I asked Michelle and BB to wear their Pandora bracelets and I wore mine. 

Here's a picture of us:
 
Michelle, Me, BB
Here's a picture of our Pandora bracelets.  I wore my heart charms today.
 
 
I enjoyed seeing them.  Two wonderful women.  Two wonderful friends.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Paul McCartney Concert

This is turning out to be the summer of concerts.  We saw the Go-Go's (with the B52's) on June 30.  Then Matchbox Twenty (with the Goo Goo Dolls) on July 7 (wonderful!).  And we went to the Paul McCartney concert tonight.  Next we're going to the Maroon5 concert on August 3.  Paul said we're covering every decade of music since the 1960's.  Paul McCartney for the 1960's and 1970's, the Go-Go's for the 1980's, Matchbox Twenty for the 1990's and 2000's and Maroon5 for the 2000's.

The Paul McCartney concert was great!  He performed for 2 hours and 45 minutes and played a ton of Beatles and Wings songs.  I saw him last summer but I wanted to see him again.  I've learned if there is an artist you want to see then go see him/her before it's too late.  Some artists retire and never tour (like Steve Perry of Journey) and some pass away (like Benjamin Orr of the Cars).

I wish I had seen McCartney and Wings in the 1970's.  I would have liked to see Paul and Linda together.  They came to Cincinnati in the 70's but I was too young to go on my own and no one would take me.  Sigh.
 
Anyway---it was fantastic!
 
 

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Matchbox Twenty Concert

OMG!  I'm so excited!  I'm going to see Matchbox Twenty tonight.  I love these guys and their music.  I've been a fan since 1997.  I've seen them in concert  4 times ((Indianapolis, Cleveland, Tampa, Columbus, OH) and I 've seen Rob Thomas solo 5 times (Cincinnati, Columbus, OH - twice, St. Louis, Chicago). 


I absolutely adore Rob Thomas!  He's gorgeous and talented.  What a combo.


I won the chance to meet him in St. Louis, Missouri on October 31, 2009.  It was too wonderful for words.  He seemed like a great guy.


And---we're going on the Matchbox Twenty Bahamas cruise on December 6th through 9th.  Woo-hoo!  Can't wait.


Post-Concert Thoughts

Wow!  What a great concert.  Our seats weren't that great but at least they weren't out on the lawn.  Anyway---it was fantastic to see the guys.  They put on an amazing show.  We tried to take pictures but they didn't turn out all that well.  Can't wait to see them again.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy 4th of July

Today is the 4th of July - the nation's birthday and my Dad's birthday.  I always thought that was kind of a cool day for a birthday.  I wish Dad was still with us but I have fond memories as I think of him today.

To celebrate the day, Paul and I decided to go on a picnic.  We went to one of our favorite state parks, Shades State Park.

 
We went to our usual picnic spot.


Paul cooked the veggie burgers and baked beans and I set the table.


We also took a little walk.



After our picnic we went to Dairy Queen (as usual).  Here's a picture of Paul enjoying his lemon meringue blizzard.


We thought about going to downtown Indy to see the fireworks but decided not to.  A nice day.

Happy 4th of July to all!