| How to Shave with Coconut Oil Posted: 09 Mar 2019 04:00 PM PST If you're trying to use more natural products, swap coconut oil for your can of shaving cream. You can easily mix together a moisturizing cream using coconut oil, aloe vera, and your favorite essential oils. Then rub it into your skin before shaving. To maximize the moisturizing ability of coconut oil, you can also spread a thin layer of the pure oil on your skin after you shave. EditIngredients EditCoconut Oil Shaving Cream - of coconut oil
- of aloe vera
- 4 to 6 drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender
Makes about EditUsing Coconut Oil in Your Shaving Routine - Exfoliate your skin and pat it dry. Wet your skin with warm water and gently rub it with a brush, gentle scrubber, or exfoliating product, such as an exfoliating cleanser. Rinse your skin with cool water and then pat it dry.[1]
- Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells that would otherwise clog your razor.
- Spread a thin layer of pure coconut oil on your skin. Dip your clean fingers into a jar of pure coconut oil and then rub your fingers together. The heat and friction of your fingers will soften the oil, making it easy to spread on the skin you're planning to shave. Let the oil sit on your skin for a few minutes before you begin to shave.[2]
- If you're shaving your face or armpits, you'll only need a coin-sized amount of coconut oil. You'll need more to shave your legs, especially if the skin is very dry.
- Use your fingers or a brush to apply coconut oil shaving cream. Although you could shave with just the pure coconut oil on your skin, you'll get a smoother shave if you apply moisturizing shaving cream. Spread or brush a thick layer of the cream evenly over your skin.
- If you're shaving short hairs, you may want to skip the shaving cream since pure coconut oil will be enough to moisturize the fine hairs.
- Shave the hair with a sharp razor. Rinse your razor with clean water every few strokes, so the razor doesn't clog with hairs or coconut oil. If you find it difficult to rinse the razor, fill a cup with water. Then dip and shake the razor a little to loosen the hairs.[3]
- Rinse the shaved skin and dry it. Although you can gently wipe your skin with your hands as you rinse, avoid rubbing the skin vigorously. This will irritate the skin and make it appear red. Once you've rinsed the skin with water, take a soft cloth and gently pat the skin dry.[4]
- Ensure that any little hairs are completely rinsed away before you towel dry.
- Rub a little pure coconut oil on your skin to moisturize it. Shaving can dry out your skin, even if you moisturize before you begin. To hydrate your skin and protect it, spread a little more pure coconut oil in a thin layer over the smooth skin.[5]
- Keep rubbing your skin until the coconut oil is absorbed and no longer feels greasy.
EditMaking Coconut Oil Shaving Cream - Melt of coconut oil. Purchase coconut oil from the grocery store, natural market, or drugstore and scoop of it into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the oil in 10 second increments until it's liquid.[6]
- If you live in a warm climate, the coconut oil might be liquid in the jar. If so, just pour out into a bowl. There's no need to microwave it.
- Stir in of aloe vera. Use a natural aloe vera that doesn't contain many preservatives or colors. If you can't find aloe vera at the store, substitute hair conditioner. The aloe vera will soften and moisturize your skin.
- Mix in 4 to 6 drops of essential oil. Once you stir the aloe vera into the oil, stir in 4 to 6 drops of your favorite essential oil. Since essential oils can be strong, only use them if you know they won't irritate your skin. Consider using:[7]
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Tangerine
- Jasmine
- Store the coconut oil shaving cream in an airtight container. Transfer the mixture to a storage container and keep it at room temperature. If you're planning on storing the coconut oil shaving cream in the bathroom, consider using a plastic container, so it won't break if it gets dropped.[8]
- Homemade coconut oil shaving cream will spoil over time, so keep the container sealed and use it within 3 to 4 weeks.
- If you live in a cold climate, run hot water in your shower or sink for a few minutes after you finish shaving. This will prevent the coconut oil that's in your pipes from hardening.
- Coconut oil acts as a conditioner, so rub a little of it into your hair or beard the next time you want a little extra moisture.
EditThings You'll Need EditUsing Coconut Oil in Your Shaving Routine - Coconut oil
- Coconut oil shaving cream
- Razor
- Towel
EditMaking Coconut Oil Shaving Cream - Coconut oil
- Aloe vera
- Essential oils
- Measuring cup
- Bowl
- Microwave
- Spoon
- Storage container
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make a Smoothie Without a Blender Posted: 09 Mar 2019 08:00 AM PST Most people reach for their blenders when they want to make a smoothie, but you don't have to! As long as you choose soft, ripe fruit, you can mash it by hand and stir in your favorite smoothie ingredients, such as yogurt or peanut butter. Get the classic smoothie texture by shaking the mixture with ice until the smoothie is cold and foamy. Use this simple method for your favorite smoothie recipes or create your own custom beverage! EditChoosing Ingredients - Look for very ripe fruits. Since you won't be able to break up fruits that are firm and full of fiber, purchase soft fruits that you'll be able to mash by hand. Keep in mind that fruits are softest when they're completely ripe. Consider basing your smoothie on 1 or a combination of these fruits:[1]
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Banana
- Pears
- Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries
- Try soft vegetables or vegetable puree. Although most vegetables will be too fibrous to use in a smoothie without a blender, you can use an avocado that's ripe and soft. Remember that you can also include a few spoonfuls of vegetable puree, such as pumpkin, butternut squash, or carrot.[2]
- Pureed vegetables will also help thicken your smoothie and give it a bright color.
- Include proteins that will thicken the smoothie. Soft fruits usually make up most of blender-less smoothies, but you'll need filling ingredients to add protein and give the smoothie a creamy texture. Use your favorite type of yogurt, peanut butter, or chia seeds to add protein.[3]
- Instead of peanut butter, you can use tahini or sunflower butter, which will give your smoothie protein with less sugar.
- Choose a liquid to thin the smoothie. You probably won't need very much liquid in your smoothie, but it's good to have nutritious liquids on hand just in case. For a creamy smoothie, get out milk or your favorite alternative milk, such as almond or soy milk. To make your smoothie sweeter, use fruit juice.[4]
- For example, use apple, grape, orange, or pineapple juice.
- Include powders for protein or flavor. Customize your smoothie by stirring in extra flavors or protein powders. If you're adding protein powder, use the amount recommended by the manufacturer. To add flavors, consider using:[5]
- Cocoa powder
- Matcha powder
- Maca powder
- Spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or turmeric
EditCombining the Smoothie - Mash soft fruits and vegetables. Rinse and remove peels from the ripe fruit. Then place as much fruit as you want into a bowl and use the back of a spoon, a fork, or a potato masher to smash the produce until it's as smooth as possible.[6]
- Keep in mind that there will probably be a few small lumps in the pureed fruits and vegetables.
- Stir the mashed produce with your choice of smoothie ingredients. Spoon the mashed fruits or vegetables into a bowl and add any thickeners or powders that you want. Then stir until the powders are dissolved and all of the ingredients are combined.
- For example, to make a classic strawberry banana smoothie, put mashed strawberries and bananas into a bowl along with a few spoonfuls of yogurt. Stir to combine the smoothie.
- Shake the smoothie with ice if you want a foamy drink. While you can drink the smoothie as soon as it's combined, you may want it to be colder. Put a few ice cubes into a large jar and pour the smoothie into it. Seal the jar and shake it until the smoothie is cold and foamy. This should take about 30 seconds.[7]
- To make a frosty smoothie, stir crushed ice into the smoothie just before serving. Keep in mind that the smoothie will have a slushy texture.
- Add your chosen liquid to adjust the thickness of your smoothie. Once you've combined the main smoothie ingredients, taste it and decide if it's as thick or thin as you want. To thin the smoothie, stir in of juice or milk until the smoothie is the consistency you like.
- If the smoothie isn't thick enough for your liking, stir in more yogurt or chia seeds. Chia seeds take a few minutes to thicken, so let the smoothie rest before drinking it.
- Enjoy the cold smoothie. Pour the smoothie into a serving glass and drink it immediately. Because the ingredients weren't blended together by machine, they'll probably begin to separate faster. If this happens, just stir the smoothie with a long spoon and drink it through a straw.[8]
- Refrigerate any leftover smoothie in an airtight container for up to 2 or 3 days. You'll need to stir or shake it again before drinking.
- If you have a food processor, you can blend harder fruits and vegetables to stir or shake into your smoothie. For example, blend spinach, celery, oranges, or cherries.
EditThings You'll Need - Fork, spoon, or potato masher
- Bowl
- Jar with a lid
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Yarn Balloons Posted: 09 Mar 2019 12:00 AM PST Yarn balloons are a fun rainy day craft activity. To make a yarn ballon, simply dunk your favourite coloured yarn into a glue solution and wrap it around a balloon in different directions. Wait for the glue to dry and then pop the balloon to reveal a perfectly egg-shaped yarn ball. Display your handcrafted creations around your home, gift them to friends, or use them as party decorations. EditPrepping the Materials - Place newspaper over your work area to protect the surface. Choose a hard surface to work on, such as a desk or table. Cover the entire surface with newspaper so you don't accidentally damage the surface with glue.[1]
- If you don't have any old use newspaper, use scrap paper or rags to cover the area instead.
- Stir 3 parts craft glue with 1 part water in an old plastic container. Use an ice block stick to mix the water and glue until they are fully combined. To make 2 large yarns balloons, mix ¾ cup (180 mL) of liquid craft glue with ¼ cup (60 mL) of water.[2]
- Increase or decrease the quantity of glue solution according to how many yarn balloons you wish to make.
- Use water balloons, if you want very small yarn balloons. These balloons will create cute egg-shaped decorations and are perfect for garlands. Purchase water balloons in the toy section of a general store.[3]
- Check the measurements of the water balloons on the packet, as sizes vary between brands.
- Water balloons are often sold at toy stores, but you may also find them in a seasonal aisle at a grocery store or dollar store when the weather is warm.
- Opt for party-sized balloons if you want larger yarn balls. Party-sized balloons are the type that you see most often at birthday parties and other celebrations. Use these to create classic balloon-shaped decorations.[4]
- You can find these balloons anywhere that party supplies are sold.
- If you want to make a medium-sized yarn ball, simply blow the balloons up partially.
- Blow up the balloons, but don't fill them all the way. Avoid blowing the balloons up to capacity as this can cause them to pop while the yarn is drying. Once you have blown up the balloons, keep them out of the sun to avoid them popping from the heat.[5]
EditCovering the Balloons with String - Dunk approximately of yarn into the glue mixture. Find the end of the yarn and gather about of yarn. Make sure that the yarn is fully submerged in the glue to ensure that it will stick evenly to the balloon.[6]
- Don't cut the yarn yet, as you will need to use more yarn later.
- Any type of yarn fibre can be used for this task. Experiment with different textures and colours to vary the look of your yarn balloons.
- Wrap the wet yarn around the balloon in different directions. Place the end of the yarn next to the neck of the balloon and then wrap the yarn vertically around the balloon. Ensure that the yarn lays flat against the balloon so that it will dry in a perfect balloon shape. Vary the direction of your wraps to create a lattice effect.[7]
- Keep wrapping the balloon until you run out of wet yarn.
- Continue to dunk sections of yarn in glue and wrap them around the balloon. Keep varying the directions of the yarn wraps to cover the exposed sections of the balloon. Make sure that each new section of yarn is liberally coated in the glue solution to ensure that it sticks to the balloon.[8]
- Cut the yarn once you have covered 80% of the balloon. Use a pair of scissors to trim the end of the yarn. Rinse the scissors in water straight away to avoid the blades getting stuck together.[9]
- Make the cut at least away from the balloon to avoid accidentally puncturing it.
- Tuck the end of the yarn under another piece of yarn. Lift up a piece of the yarn that you wrapped around the balloon, and slip the very end of the string beneath it. This helps to secure the yarn. If it is not staying in place, dab a drop of glue over the end to help it stay in place.[10]
- Place the wet yarn balloon on wax paper to dry for 24 hours. Wax paper is a non-stick surface, meaning that the yarn balloon won't stick to it when it dries. If the yarn still feels tacky after 24 hours, leave it to dry for another day.[11]
- Place the wet yarn balloon and wax paper in a non-windy area to ensure that they don't blow away.
- Never leave the yarn balloons on newspaper, as the glue will cause the newspaper to stick to the yarn.
EditFinishing the Yarn Balloons - Pop the balloon with a needle. Hold the balloon securely in one hand and use your other hand to poke the needle into the inflated balloon. Watch the balloon pull away from the yarn to reveal a beautiful egg-shaped ball.[12]
- If you don't have a needle on hand, use a sharp craft knife to pop the balloon.
- Pull the popped balloon out of the dried yarn ball. Locate the largest gap in your yarn balloon and shake the remains of the balloon toward the hole. Gently pull the balloon out to avoid damaging the yarn shell.[13]
- If you're having trouble gripping the ballon, use tweezers to pull out the remaining small pieces of balloon.
- Display your yarn balloons around the house. Place your yarn balloons on top of your desk or dresser as ornaments or thread string through them and create a garland. These beautiful homemade ornaments also make great decorations for parties, weddings, and baby showers.[14]
EditThings You'll Need - Balloons
- Liquid craft glue
- Old plastic container
- Ice block stick
- Newspaper
- Yarn
- Wax paper
- Needle
- Scissors
EditSources and Citations
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