Baby Wipes

One of my favorite babyshower gifts was a little home-made book my friends gave me with helpful baby hints. Here is one to make your own Baby Wipes. You will need:

10-cup container (ex: rubbermaid, w/lid) 1/2 roll of Bounty paper towels 2 tbls of baby oil 2 tbls of baby bath 2 cups of water

Cut roll of paper towels in half, remove center cardboard, mix liquid ingredients, pour on top of paper towels, pull first towel up. Each roll of towels makes 2 containers of wipes, which lasts approx. 3 weeks.

I have found that if I let them sit for about 1 hour all the liquid has enough time to absorb the entire 1/2 roll. I also have tried several brands of heavy duty paper towels, and have found that Bounty expands when wet and the others seem to shrivel up. Remember do not shake the liquid, it will foam up

Scented Rocks

Place rocks in a bowl or dish to scent a room. A nice alternative to potpourri!

1/2 cup plain flour 1/2 cup salt 1/4 teaspoon essential oil (your favorite scent) 2/3 cups boiling water Food coloring, if desired

Directions: In bowl, mix dry ingredients well. Add essential oil, and boiling water to dry ingred. (Scent will be strong, but will fade slightly when dry.) For colored stones, blend in food coloring, one drop at a time until desired shade is reached. Blend ingredients, and form balls. Allow stones to dry.

Lip Goop

Living in a dry climate, my lips are always chapped, I decided to make my own lip goop (as I really call it), and it turned out wonderful. It has even lasted for 3 months.

"Castor Oil Lip balm" (its very silky and soothing and good for the lips)

1.5 oz. cocoa butter (I found a stick of cocoa butter at the drug store) 1.5 oz. beeswax ( I found beeswax pellets at Michael's craft store) 3 oz. castor oil (I got castor oil at a health food store but I've also seen it at Walmart and other drug stores.)

Directions: Melt in microwave or stove, add oil, stir, and pour into containers!