Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter can be Used Interchangeably (with ratio modifications)

 Hi Renee,

I downloaded your new ebook yesterday.  I'm thinking about gifts for Christmas, and I have a few questions for you.

1.  Are shea butter and cocoa butter equally effective for treating very dry skin such as cracked heels and fingers? For dry skin like you mention, yes. For eczema and psoriasis, shea butter seems to work better, from the testimonies I receive. 

2.  Can the body mousse be made using shea butter instead of cocoa butter? Yes! In fact, that recipe is in my summer e-book. Adding essential oils is optional. 

3.  Can you tell me where you get the mold and tins for the hard lotion bars that you sell? I had those custom made. There are bead organizers (it's a plastic 12-box organizer) that you can find at Michaels and Wal-mart with fairly close dimensions but you do have to cut off the edges to fit the tin. If you can find rectangle soap molds with the correct dimensions, you might be able to find the right size for the large tin. 

4.  You mention using small ramekins for molds and large ones for containers, can you be more specific on the sizes? One is 3.5 inches in diameter and the other is 3 inches. 

I know at least a few people I will be giving this to at Christmas will really benefit from using it, as I have.  Thanks so much!

How to Make Lotion Bars for Gift Giving

How to Make Beeswax Tea Light Candles

You only need a few ingredients, and you'll have fantastic handcrafted gifts for Christmas.

How to Make Your Own Moisturizer

I normally have combination skin, but in the winter, my face feels dry, tight and uncomfortable from the harsh weather and indoor heat. Part of my morning routine is to apply this facial moisturizer that consists of coconut oil and beeswax. It has a very light honey scent and absorbs easily into the skin without a greasy feel and can be applied under make up. I also use it in the summertime before and after swimming to keep my skin protected.

Although it's not currently a product I sell on the site, it is so easy to make that you can do it at home.  Make some for yourself and give some away in small jars to friends.

*some people may find it blocks their skins' pores, so discontinue use if this happens to you.

Chocolate Bark Recipe Using Coconut Oil

I just made an amazing chocolate bark using coconut oil.

I've never made chocolate bark before, but it looked so incredibly easy, and with the base recipe using only three ingredients (which I had in my pantry), tonight was the night to try it.

Chocolate Bark

1/2 cup coconut oil

2/3 cup cocoa powder

1/3 cup sugar

½ tsp peppermint oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Over a double boiler on medium heat, whisk coconut oil, chocolate and sugar together for about 4-5 minutes, or until mixture begins to bubble. (Taste for flavor – add sugar if more sweetness is desired.)

2. Remove from heat.

3. If adding peppermint, wait five minutes and then add in peppermint oil and stir.

1. Pour mixture into a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. Spread smooth with a spatula or spoon. Cover with plastic wrap, foil or a fitted top and freeze for 15-20 minutes, or until chocolate sets. You may break up chocolate and store the rest in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Other ideas: just before pouring, add in one or more of the following: chopped walnuts, almonds, raisins or other dried fruit, shredded coconut, etc

It was easy to assume this would be good based on the ingredients, but even compared to the Lindt chocolate I recently had, I have to admit that this is even better. This is one of those after dinner sweets that will totally knock the socks off your guests (so make plenty). By the way, it makes a great gift idea.