something I learned from a friend: how to make whipped coconut body butter

I have to share a new blog a friend started that I just LOVE: Essence of Wellness. Having grown up in Boulder and after living nearly 10 years in the bay area and in Berkeley I **should** be more of a naturalist junkie/modern hippie but I’d say I’m half and half. I try to buy local but don’t always. I try to buy all natural and/or organic everythings but don’t always. I try to eat complex carbs but don’t always. I try to limit my sugar but don’t always. I try to shower but don’t always (ha!). I try to compost but don’t always. etc., etc. But learning how Ashley uses essential oils to create safer cleaning products, or to help ward off colds or to make her own deodorant intrigues me. She has so many good thoughts and approaches to how to make a more natural well balanced life…give it a look-see!

Since coconut water and coconut oil has been all the rage I’ve been trying to grasp what the hubbub is all about. I’m a little torn with the trend for two reasons: 1.) Most coconuts are not grown in the US thus leaving a pretty big carbon footprint for something you can drink in 2.5 seconds and 2.) the ADA (American Dietetic Association) doesn’t yet give a big raving thumbs up to coconut oil. But, I’ve heard it really is so good for you. So, what’s a girl to do? Small does are ok, right? Anyhow, while I’ve been trying to include a little more coconut oil in my diet I’ve also taken one of Ashley’s suggestions from her blog and made my own whipped coconut/lavender body butter! Yee haw! It is simple and easy and wonderful. I actually like it more than my semi expensive paraben free lavender shea lotion.

I don’t even need to illustrate this but since I have not taken any photos for fun in a little while I thought I’d show you just how easy it is to make your own lotion.

Just compile all the things you need, a whipper, coconut oil, an essential oil of choice, a spatula:

Add the coconut oil and several drops of the essential oil/s. Whip it. Whip it good. (note, the stage in the photo below is not whipped, you should whip it on high for about 6 minutes).

Put it in a tightly sealed jar and smell good and have enjoy your soft skin!

Author: Ali Carras

At a very young age I lost site of my mom in a local grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. I did, however, have the smarts to go to the customer service counter. The kind woman at the counter asked "What is your name little girl?" My reply: "Assi." The woman gave me a look like, "Are you playing with me you little devil?" but she proceeded to blast on the loudspeaker the "We have a lost Assi at the front of the store." Customers throughout the store gagged and giggled, but my mom knew exactly who the woman was referring to: the mullet haired little girl with a tongue too big for her mouth, wearing a leotard, skirt, tights, and jelly shoes (with florescent green laces in them...even though they didn't need the laces). A shy little character for whom every little detail in life was a huge thing. I am pleased to report that today I am able to fully pronounce Allison (aka Ali), but the Assi pseudonym has always stuck, evolving into Aszi. As for the shy little character for whom every little detail in life was a huge thing? Some things never change. I have closed my comments due to mass amounts of spam that no filter could ever control. Feel free to contact me abeckord [at] gmail.com! View all posts by Ali Carras