Super Emollient Balm

Today I made India a Super Emollient Balm. She hates grease and needs something super rich and moisturizing since “her skin doesn’t produce all the oils it needs.” I STILL question this, why is it only in certain areas? Why isn’t her skin rough, white and itchy all over then? Anyway, I do not like petroleum products – how they lock in moisture, how they smell and taste – somehow I always get some lotion in my mouth – as I’m cooking or eating. That is petroleum, a bi-product of oil production that I am ingesting. The Dr. says it isn’t absorbed, so it’s innate, doesn’t get into the bloodstream. I’m not sure about that, but I am sure I am swollowing it everyday I’ve used it.

To get on with things, I have been collecting data from all of the websites, books and classes that have spoken about dry or eczema proned skin.  There are some top ingredients that are nourishing and moisturizing. I thought I would see how many of them I could include in one product and if India would “like” it.

Lanolin
Rose Hip Seed Oil
Red Rasberry Seed Oil
Helichrysum
Chamomile Essential Oil
Sunflower Oil
Shea Butter
Glycerin
Aloe Vera Gel

I didn’t measure anything, I just dumped, poured and melted the ingredients together. I am a cook, I don’t like to experiment using measuring cups and spoons. I know, it works better to duplicate things. I felt like I wanted to find the “science” of lotion. Majority fat, some wax, some additives and it binds together. Well, it’s not as simple as that, but almost. It is like a balm – not a milky one. This is a beautiful clear yellow ointment-like balm. I added Sweet Orange Essential Oil to blend delicately with the Chamomile and overpower the Lanolin. It is rich, intoxicating and ultra-moisturizing. I think I have finally found my replacement for petroleum!!!! We’ll give it a few more days and see how her skin holds up. Keep your fingers crossed and check back in. If you would like a recipe, I will work one up for you, just leave me a post. J

Mr. Don’s Visit

Don gave himself a VERY nice birthday gift this year. He sent himself to Hawaii and stayed at an Oceanside retreat. It’s hard to tell who enjoyed the visit most, we all loved having Don stay with us. He took care of the ducks each morning.  

 He practiced his Reiki Attunements on India.

 

He kept her entertained while I prepared meals.

 

He read to India.

 

He played with India. 

There were great times at the ocean and the Kalani retreat center 1 mile away. 

Thank you Mr. Don for a wonderful visit. 

Namaste

Down at Karen's House

 

Sunrise from my bed...

 

Naptime...

 

Mongoose; brought over to take care of the rats. Rats are nocturnal and Mongoose are diurnal, so now we just have another rodent pest. 

 

They’re very much like a squirrel, except they stay closer to the ground and kind of slink; their tail is straight back (no cute curl); and they stay under cover so you only see glimpses of them. They have a very sneaky disposition, kind of creepy.

Sorry, I guess I should have edited and blown up the picture before posting it. It's too much work to change it now, move on. :)

Fruit and Flowers around the Ocean Retreat

 

I wondered why my dill and basil were tipped over one day and looked who I found! We got a few eggs from this spot, but no more since.

 

Karen hasn’t cooped them in years, so you never know where an egg may be. We’ve found about 6 so far, some under bushes and others just along the footpath.

 

There are lots of fruits and flowers here; almost every color Plumeria.

My favorite:Jasmine – the strongest and most divine scent.

 

India's Favorite: Water Apple

These are like a mild cranberry and VERY, VERY crisp. CRUNCH!!!

Hammocks

Our family LOVES hammocks. When we stayed in this house 2 years ago, it didn’t have this beautiful deck. (Hugh built it) This hammock hung under the carport, I don’t think it’s ever been used as such, and this is where India took her naps. I’ll see if I can find one of those pictures.  

 

India has gotten really agile and uses this hammock chair as a twist swing. She has a pretty good time and it’s fun to watch how she runs and swings and holds on as she twists around.

 

 We’re hoping our first purchase in our new home will be a hammock, but I think we might need 2!

 

I'd like one like this!

Pig Tails

 

We’re starting to wear pig tails – 

 

I know, we’re about 2 years behind most little girls – 

we needed to get enough hair to hold the band. 

She’s wearing them longer and longer each day, pretty cute, huh?  

Melanie’s Dress

Jonathan’s friend from France brought this dress for India the last time she visited, India is finally big enough to wear it.

 

 

 

 

Baby Clothes

Baby Outfit

 

I saved some of India’s clothes that I just couldn’t part with  for her to dress her little froggy in. 

 

This outfit was actually for Briana … the baby that I tried to adopt 10 years ago! 

 

 This was India’s favorite passtime in the 1^st house we were taking care of. 

 

Sometimes after her nap she would stay in her room and squeeze into one of these outfits.  Size 3 months!!!!

African Snails

 

I've always been a "critter girl" even though many people think I'm to "prissy" 

to have a pet salamander, hermit crab or toad (all of which I had in my classroom as a teacher).

 

I've always wanted India to have the opportunity to play with frogs and worms and...

African Snails!

 

We think these creatures are so amazing and unique! 

They're very peaceful to watch.

 

They're very patient and persistent, two wonderful qualities to emulate.

Private Dancer

 

India is in a class on Friday afternoons called "Keiki Movement Class."

Keiki means child in the Hawaiian language.  This is a very keiki friendly island.

 

I met a woman on Facebook through the Tuesday mommy group. 

She moved here from the SW and attended St. Cloud State, as did I, 

oh, she's also from Minnesota!

 

We feel like we know each other, even though we never met...

until I enrolled India in her 3 year old movement class.

 

India talked and talked about her "pink friend". 

Sunday wore a pink leotard at the first class and I found a used one at the studio for $5. 

Now India is a pink friend too!

Hanging out with JR

 

Alma and India made Lemon Aid with Jonathan while Sarah and I went garage saling and looking @ places to rent.

 

Alma moved here from Whitefish, Montana and just turned 4, it was our first Big Island birthday party!

 

Alma and India get along great.

 

And they make delicious lemonade!