Fort Worth Burrito Project

The Cowtown Indie Bazaar was a great success! I was really glad to be a part of such a unique event. The raffle benefited a great cause - The Fort Worth Burrito Project. For the last few years, this group of friends in the Fort Worth area have been delivering homemade burritos, bottled water, socks, clothing and other much needed items to the homeless in our city. This group meets up in the parking lot of the Montgomery Ward building every Sunday at 2:20pm, then caravan over to what is basically an alley way near the Union Gospel Mission. There, they distribute about 100 burritos to anyone who walks up.
Anyone can participate. All you have to do is show up at the Montgomery Ward parking lot and follow the burrito people out to the spot where they find hungry people. It only takes about an hour to meet up and distribute the food. The people being served are in need of clothing, socks, hygiene products, food, water, etc.
My boys and I were able to join FWBP a few weeks ago for a very memorable trip. It was so cool to watch the way my oldest son reacted to the whole thing. Like a lot of children his age, he feels unfortunate when he doesn't have the latest video game or electronic device. Going out with FWBP allowed him to get a glimpse of what it might look like to really do without and become aware that there are those who actually have nothing. We carried a box with a few clothes and when the people saw it, they immediately started asking if we had certain sizes. We met a young man living on the street who was just a few years older than my son. My children were able to see grown ups express sincere gratitude for something so small as a bottle of water. We felt horrible when the burritos ran out and there were still hungry people. It's been a few weeks since we went, and today my younger son, 10 asked if we could go again.
This group is not associated with any political or religious organization. It's just a group of people who want to give burritos to people who are hungry. Anyone can participate, just hit them up on facebook for details. Fort Worth Burrito Project

Candle Burning 101

Candle Burning 101

I would like to take some time to offer a few pointers on getting the most enjoyment and life out of your candles and tarts.

First of all, whether you are burning candles or melting tarts in a warmer, let the wax rest in between usage. Your candles will last longer if you burn them no more than 2-4 hours at a time (check your candles instructions for exact burn time suggestions,) then allow at least 24 hours before using again. This allows the wax to re cure. When used again the candle is more likely to have a better scent throw than if burned more frequently. Burning longer is a safety hazard.

Another way to extend the life of your candle is to keep your wicks trimmed to a length of 1/4 of an inch. This will allow for a shorter and more controlled flame that is less likely to smoke and over heat your wax, which causes them to lose their fragrance faster. Not to mention that it is a huge safety hazard to light wicks that are too long.

There are different types of wax with different intended purposes.

Votive candles should be snug in an appropriate votive holder. The wax is not hard enough to support itself while burning like a some pillar candles. Be mindful to remove all packaging before lighting.

Container candles are made with softer wax that can't stand alone whether hot or cold. With all candles be careful not to spill any wax on skin. Be sure that candles are on appropriate surfaces free of clutter.

Keep your candles, melting pots or whatever out of the reach of children and animals. I was once asked if my wax was childproof. The simple answer is, absolutely not! Even if the wax used melts at a lower temperature, there is a flame attached, and if knocked over, could start a fire! Please don't leave candles unattended.

When used properly candles can be enjoyable and relaxing. Be safe and mindful of correct candle use to get the the most out of your candles.

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON CANDLE WARNING LABELS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT THE OF THE CANDLE MANUFACTURE PRIOR TO LIGHTING. THE IDEAS IN THIS BLOG ARE A FEW IDEAS TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR CANDLES, AND IN NO WAY ARE COMPLETE DIRECTIONS. PLEASE REFER TO PACKAGING TO FIND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR CANDLES.

Oatmeal For Skincare

Recently, I have been asked what prompted me to start making natural beauty products. There are two answers to that question. First, a great love for hot baths which are often drying to skin. Second, as the owner of very sensitive skin, my skin reacts badly to a lot of products on the market.

As a child, a friend of my mother’s introduced her to oats as a way to deal with my sensitive skin. As an adult, I discovered that the oats in my kitchen were both effective, and more economical than expensive store bought preparations. So I started grinding oats at home and enjoying their benefits more often.

As it turns out, my mother’s friend was not on to anything new. People have enjoyed the benefits of oats for thousands of years. The Arabians, Egyptians, Romans and Greeks have used oats as a beauty treatment and to heal skin problems since as early as 2000 BC.

Oats are hypoallergenic, highly absorptive and help soften skin. Studies have shown oats are effective for relieving dryness, itchiness and inflammation caused by rashes, eczema, chickenpox, shingles, sores, sunburn and insect bites. Oats contain polysaccharides, which are carbohydrate structures that become gelatinous in water and leave a protective film on the skin, which helps prevent dryness. They are great for their moisturizing benefits because they are full of healthy lubricating fats. The proteins in oatmeal help skin maintain it's own natural barrier function, keeping the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Oats are filled with saponins, natural cleansers that gently loosen dirt and oil from pores.

Chances are, oats are already a staple in your home. Why not take advantage of the many benefits they offer your skin. When choosing oats to use on your skin, you want to buy plain Jane rolled oats in the big canisters. Check the list of ingredients to ensure there is nothing in the box but oats. Some say not to use quick cooking oats. However, I don’t think it matters a bit, because you are going to be grinding them up any way.

Once you have your oats, grind them up using a food processor, coffee or herb grinder. This process will turn them into a fine powder the consistency of flour. Oatmeal powder is referred to as “colloidal” oats. This makes it easier to use in soaks, soaps, masks and other skin loving recipes. Colloidal oats disperses evenly and remains suspended throughout water, instead of clumping at the bottom of the tub. After the oats are ground, I put them right back in the container they came in and pop the whole thing in the freezer until I am ready to use them. Here are a few basic recipes to get you started.

Oatmeal Bath

1. Purchase or grind up oats into a fine powder using a clean herb or coffee grinder. You can add other ingredients such as oils, milk, baking soda, salts and/or essential oils.
2. Add several cups to warm running bath water. Avoid using hot water, as it will deplete your skin of it's own natural moisturizing oils.
3. Soak for at least 10 minutes, allowing the water to cover your entire body, except your face.
4. Rinse
5. Dry yourself gently with a fluffy towel.

When taking a bath with oatmeal, be mindful to avoid getting the water in your eyes. It can also cause the tub surface to become slippery so take care when getting out of the tub. Although oats are a terrific method of skin care, it is always best to discuss any skin problems with your doctor before treating it yourself.

Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Mask

2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats

1 tablespoon powdered milk
2 tablespoons hot water
1/2 tablespoon honey

1. Purchase or grind up oats using a clean herd or coffee grinder
2. Place all ingredients in bowel and let stand for about 5 minutes
3. Wash face gently with warm water
4. With two fingers, apply oatmeal mask to face in a circular motion avoiding eyes.
5. Relax for 10 minutes
6. Remove mask gently with a warm wet wash cloth.
7. You can follow up with your regular moisturizer.

Easy Soap Substitute

Oatmeal

Handkerchief

1. Purchase or grind up oats using a clean herb or coffee grinder
2. Place in a handkerchief and tie securely.
3. Dunk in warm water.
4. Squeeze out excess water.
5. Use as you would a regular wash cloth.