• I love home made Christmas presents. Each year I do my best to make as many as I can. Last year one of my favorites that I passed out was home made body cream. It is so simple, and only requires four ingredients. Most of the ingredients can be found at health stores, hobby stores, or online. The best thing is that when you make your own skin care you can be sure of what you are putting in it, and therefore on your skin. I used this same recipe while I was pregnant with each of my kids, it helped me keep stretch-mark free, and my skin was soft and supple. I still use this recipe, and absolutely love to give it out as a gift.

    This is so easy, my seven year old daughter has helped me to make it several times.

    Here is what you need:
    2 tablespoons mango butter
    2 tablespoons beeswax
    8 tablespoons coconut oil
    Essential oil of your choice

    Your tools are:
    A double boiler (or a pot of simmering water with a glass bowl on top)
    Containers. You can use any containers that are air tight. I have used mason jars, old repurposed pasta jars, repurposed baby food jars, or anything you find at your local hobby store.

    Melt your coconut oil and mango butter over medium low heat in your double boiler. When the liquid becomes mostly clear it is time to add the beeswax. I usually chop my beeswax up into small pieces before adding it so it requires less time to melt.

    Once the beeswax is completely melted remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in your essential oils. The amount you need really depends on the brand and purity of your oils. I usually keep adding until the mixture smells good. An excellent place to start is 10-15 drops.

    Pour your mixture into your desired containers and let in sit at room temperature to harden. The end result is a thick luxurious body butter cream. It smells heavenly and makes the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Even the men, pick an essential oil that smells manly to you. My husband even uses his, which smells like cloves and pine. It’s a sort of Christmassy smell.