Looking for a unique gift for a teacher, co-worker, friends or family? These super cute tea ornaments are very simple to make and who doesn't like a nice warm cup of tea on a cold day :)
Here is what you will need:
Large glass ornament (3.25 inches, I got mine at the craft store)
1/2 cup loose leaf tea (I used organic English Breakfast)
1-2 tsp dried orange peal (optional but looks cute:)
7 drops Bergamont Vitality Essential Oil
Funnel
Chop Stick
Recipe:
- Rise out glass bulbs and let dry
- Add essential oils inside glass bulb, swirling to cover the inside
- Insert funnel and slowly pour in loos tea. If the tea gets stuck in the funnel this is where the chopstick comes in. Gently poke until the tea falls through. (DO NOT poke too hard as you could break the ornament.)
- Add in 1-2 tsp of dried orange peel.
- Add top back on ornament and shake to mix well.
- Let infuse for at least three days before serving.
- To serve add 1 tsp to a tea steeper of tea bag and steep for 4-5 minutes, enjoy!
Now it's time to decorate! Add a bit of ribbon, maybe a sprig of berries from the craft store and a cute tag and you have a unique gift to give this holiday season. Pair it with a nice mug to make a little set.
Does the cooler weather have you reaching for that tube of lip balm? It sure has for me. As soon as the weather gets a little cool my lips get dried out and my hands feel like sandpaper. But did you know that most lip balms on the market actually dry out your lips more causing you to apply more and more lip balm? So before you apply let me share with you a few facts.
What’s hiding in your lip balm?
1. Petrolatum (petroleum jelly, mineral oil)
Petrolatum is made from petroleum. No that is not a typo. Petrolatum is the byproduct of the oil refining process for the same petroleum that is used to power our cars and is found in countless personal care products. It's a known carcinogen and has been linked to breast cancer.
2. Parabens
I am sure you have heard of these before but did you know that they actually are endocrine disruptors and actually mimic estrogen? Parabens have also been linked to female and male reproductive cancers. I don’t know about you but I don’t want my 3.5 year old applying something to her lips that mimics estrogen!
3. Fragrance
This is a bad one because of “Trade Secrets” companies do not have to tell you what chemicals make up the fragrance in their products. So you as the consumer have no idea what you are putting on your body and are breathing in.
4. Lanolin
This is an alcohol derived from wool. We all know alcohol is drying so why put this on your lips? Also if you are like me and get all itchy from wearing wool then you do not want to apply this to your lips or skin because you can actually have the same allergic reaction to it.
These are just a few of the ingredients found in the most commonly used lip balms but this is by no means a full list. There are many other hidden toxins that trust me you do not want to be using especially on your lips. Did you know that women eat about 5 lbs. of lipstick and lip products in their lifetime?! I don't want to be ingesting those nasty chemicals!
Solution: Read your labels or make your own
DIY Lip Balm
This recipe is super easy and makes a great gift for anyone who has lips :)
Here is what you need:
2 tbsp. beeswax
2 tbsp. coconut oil
2 tbsp. shea butter, coco butter or mango butter (any will work just fine)
15-20 drops of essential oils of choice
Directions:
1. Melt beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler or small glass bowl over a pot of boiling water, stirring constantly until melted. Turn off burner.
2. Add essential oils (Lavender, Frankincense or Thieves are some of my favorites). I recommend adding a few drops at a time and testing a tiny amount on your arm to make sure the scent is to your liking.
3. Once you've added the essential oils, fill the lip balm containers. This must be done quickly since the mixture will start to harden as soon as it is removed from the heat.
4. Let sit at room temperature for several hours until cooled and completely hardened before capping them. Make 13-14 tubes. (I get my containers here)
For those of you who see the word DIY and have a mild panic attack no worries you do not have to make your own lip balm. I personally have done both but seriously love the lip balms from Young Living. They are made without toxic ingredients but rather with natural safe ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, and essential oils :) For the holidays you can actually get a set of 4 lip balms that make perfect gifts :)
