This balm is absolutely amazing. I was on a pursuit to find an all-around balm recipe that would support the body in its natural response to head tension, skin irritations, dry skin, and more. I was really intrigued by the Balm of Gilead spoken of in the Bible. As I looked into it a little more it seemed the absolute perfect fit for creating a one-for-all balm.
So, when Maddy and I went to whip a batch up we added some other nutrient rich oils that sink deep into the skin quickly.
Just a few of the health benefits are listed in the above graphic. Each one of these oils could stand alone with the many benefits they provide, together this balm is dense with some skin-loving support. Ten years ago I would have never guessed a balm applied to the skin could soak in to fuel your body with the added love it needed for a mood shift or a tummy ache?
I’m in LOVE! There is something dreamy about having the fresh smell of cedar paired with colorful citrus that makes me so happy. It’s full of fun texture, crisp fresh scent, vivid colors, and the best part is it’s super inexpensive.
This year we are simplifying. Less random junk, more intentional decor with a unique flavor of the minimalist style that we love. That goes for Christmas decorations too. In fact, I donated a whole box of decorations (that I didn’t love) during our recent move. That being said I was looking for something creative and fun to garnish our fireplace mantel with to make it festive for the holidays, without spending tons of money on something that is only going to be up for a season. Because, who wants to throw money away?
A fresh cedar garland with a string of sliced dried oranges would be just the fit.
The beauty is you can find all of these items at the grocery store, or for a total win use any citrus that you happen to have stocked in your house. And - for the uber frugal… if you don’t happen to have any oranges I say you toss out a post to social media land and ask anyone if they happen to have any oranges going to waste that they want to purge. You might be surprised how quickly people are eager to dispose of their hardening rind oranges. It helps you and it makes them feel good they aren’t wasting.
So let’s get slicing on the how-to’s of the Festive Dried Orange Garland
Here is what you’ll need:
5-10 Oranges (I used 6 for this garland)
Sharp knife
Twine or ribbon
Baking sheet
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Slice oranges about 1/4” up to 1/2” thick (try to keep the thickness of each slice as consistent as possible) , throw out the end pieces.
Use a towel to gently squeeze out the majority of the juice from each slice by pressing firmly on both sides with the slice flatly pressed in between
Place slices individually spaced out on a baking sheet. (you can use parchment paper underneath.
Bake for 2 hours.
Let cool completely.
Once cooled thread oranges onto twine or ribbon. If you need to use a plastic needle you can - just weave through one side front to back and the other side back to front.
In addition to the orange garland I also made the super simple cedar garland to pair it with. It took me about 20 minutes to go cut some branches from a tree in our yard and wrap them together with some floral wire. Or if you want to purchase one, or use an artificial that is totally fine too.
Ya want to push it over the top and go all-out on the citrus and woody vibe, then you should probably be diffusing some Douglas Fir + Citrus Bliss essential oils too. These oils + this garland = create + festive + winter wonderland all wrapped into one inside of your home!
Pinky promise - this is the WORLD’S BEST all natural kitchen + bathroom + laundry room + stainless steel + pots n’ pans + anything and everywhere else scrub. This will replace those chemical laden soft scrubs you purchase and the dry powdery shaker cans that leave you inhaling the swirling toxic air dust.
It will get rid of tough rust stains and is gentle enough to scrub your pots and pans with. It is EXCELLENT and let me just tell ya the essential oils in this make it a POWERHOUSE cleaner to knock that grime, slime and germs right down the drain.
DIY Recipe for the BEST all natural EVERYTHING + the Kitchen Sink All Purpose Cleaner
1.5 C. Baking Soda
4 T. Borax
1T. Rosemary
1T. Thyme
blend in blender then add:
5 drops Thyme eo
2 drops Oregano eo
4 drops Rosemary eo
blend again and put into container
Directions for use: sprinkle on surface, scrub with damp cloth and rinse.
