Friday, November 6, 2009

Say Goodbye To Expensive Department Store Moisturizer and a Surprise!

Earlier this year when I sent out my Pay It Forward gifts, I included a little jar of lotion that I made. With the holiday season upon us, and I know lots of folks are strapped for extra cash, I decided to share this recipe for the most wonderful moisturizer you will ever use...and you can tell those expensive cosmetic counters at the department store goodbye...

These make great shower favors (which I use at every shower I give, just change the theme on the container), stocking stuffers, co-workers gifts, or just extra gifts to have on hand during the holiday season....something small...but says a lot!

Now, this is easy as can be.....and ANYONE whom I have ever given this gift to, simply raves about this lotion....they think I am a genius, super girl, the whole kit and caboodle....it has been fun riding that wave of genius for so long, but now I want you to have a turn too.....ready? Let's begin.....

All you need are three ingredients: From DOLLAR GENERAL.....Shhhhhhh, yes, I did just say Dollar General. You will need one large baby lotion, I used the Shea and coco butter today, the pink is great if you are doing a girl baby shower, the lotion will be pink. Next, a large jar of Petroleum Jelly, and finally, a jar of the vitamin E skin cream.....simple...three things that is all...now, lets get started.

See, here is the Shea and cocoa butter label......but the pink baby lotion will work too.

First, empty the jar of vitamin E cream in a large mixing bowl, get all the goods out of the jar. Now, I save these jars, they are plastic, and the labels peel right off with no effort, and they can be washed and to store the final lotion product back in the container....Recycle made easy!

Next, add the Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline).....sorry, I'll try to keep it simple.

Make sure you get all the good stuff.....I have had no luck at recycling these containers...so I toss them.

Lastly, pour in the lotion....all of it.....

I was not joking....ALL of it. I slice the side open, and using a spatula, get the rest out of the container...can't recycle this except inside the recycle bin.

Now, get your hand mixer out and begin to whip all of this together.......

whip, whip, whip..........don't stop....I said, whip, whip, whip.......

When all is mixed really well...it will be light and fluffy....almost like icing.....see, how pretty is this?

Next: fill your containers. I used recycled baby food jars. I had to really work at taking all the glue and labels off the jars, but these jars are a good size for a small gift, so totally makes a little effort on your part worth it.

Fill to the top......just like so.......

once again...don't waste a single drop.......

I used Mod-Podge to add some scrapbook paper on the spray painted lids, and embellished with vintage lace, buttons and rhinestones....


What do you think?????


Now, top off with some vintage rick-rack or ribbon...and there you go. See what a little creative work will turn an ordinary baby food jar into something really cute....

If you are making a big batch, then just do the same process with however many of each ingredient you think you might need. One of each will fill about 6-7 baby food jars. I have made big batches of this using about 9 of each.....works just the same.....

Once you have tried this, you will be sold....this is all I use. I use it as a face cream, hand and foot cream and all over body cream.....it is wonderful. I will tell you this, all my co-workers ask me for it without fail....I always get "When are you going to make me some more lotion?...Christmas is coming!"

They think I am a Rock Star......LOL

Here is a photo from a baby shower, used the same jars, had a little round sticker with shower theme printed and stuck on top of lid, and presented inside a organza bag.

Same lotion for a wedding shower, used containers from the container store, glued rhinestone on top for some pizazz and printed a tag and attached that to a little bag. I used the pink lotion here as this was a pink themed shower.

GIVEAWAY TIME

Now, if you leave a comment on this post....I am giving away a $10.00 gift certificate to Dollar General...that will buy you 3 of each container, and all you have to do is follow this recipe.....maybe this will jump start you on your gift giving this holiday season! If you do not have a Dollar General in your area, just tell me, I will send the products to your home using the gift card to purchase them.....Winner announced Saturday evening....

Tip: If you do not have access to baby food jars, (like I did not) place an ad on Craigslist under the "wanted" section...your email will be flooded with wonderful folks wanting to give these to you for free.....how economical is that????

And if you want to keep this recipe your secret....go right ahead.....you can be a Rock Star with your friends too!!!!

52 comments:

  1. BLess you, Bless you, Bless you....I am so strapped for money this holiday season, you have no idea....free jars, inexpensive ingredients, super gift....I think you are my secret angel....now, I am inspired, and know I won't feel bad this holiday season and am able to give something useful to my relatives and friends...Hugs are stretching thru the net....for real!!!

    I don't have a blog, but If I win, I will email you....Thank you so, so much!!!

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  2. I'm so glad you posted this! I like to use mine on my elbows since it's so sort and not as greasy as some of the other stuff I've used in the past but it's running low. Now I can just make my own =D

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  3. i do believe i will keep this recipe secret and be a rock star! i am anxious to try this!

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  4. OMG -- That is such a wonderful idea, and then to fix the jars that way adds such a wonderful touch. I will definitely be adding this to my inspiration list, and will be giving out some for Christmas...far more personal than Bath & Body (and priced right)

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  5. OH WOW Suzanne, you are a WIZ and a SWEETHEART for sharing your SECRET moisturising recipe with EVERYONE!!!!..i'm sure i can find similar products downunder to get me started..thanks a zillion!! hugs, Marian x

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  6. Suzanne,
    I'm reading through your post and thinking 'how cool', I have to leave her a comment. And then I read you are having a give away. Double cool. Yes, you are a rock star!
    Living it up at Lakewood,
    Cindy

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  7. WOW! Love the lids and the idea is great!

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  8. I think you are much like a Santa Elf. I remember your wonderful and very generous giveaways last year at this time, and well, this is just super. Thanks for helping so many of us during hard times. Next time someone asks if there is a Santa, I am going to direct them to your blog. You fit the bill. I don't need to win your giveaway, this is far better for me. Thank you in advance. You are a special lady.

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  9. WOW! Thank you so very much Suzanne!

    I will make some for sure! Just this morning I was complaining (internaly) that I didn't have any good hand cream!

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  10. Thank you! I will definitely try this. Your jars are beautiful too.
    We don't have a dollar general so don't put me in the drawing. We have a different dollar store and I'm sure I can get ingredients there.
    Kathy

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  11. What a great idea!! I always make homemade gifts - hot chocolate mixes, boxes of chocolate, but love this idea!!! Another great source for jars is the thrift store
    We have 2 dollar stores in town - I will have to check and see if they are Dollar General!!! I might have to look for these today!!! :>)

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  12. What a great idea. Thanks for the "recipe". I am definitely going to make some. My MIL is always complaining of dry skin so this is going on her Christmas list.
    Have a great weekend.
    Jane

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  13. Yes, you are a Rock Star....What a great idea and many will benefit from such a wonderful post.

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  14. OMG - you rock! I'm so going to do this! Im itching to make this right now...

    oh lol...I made a funny!

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  15. I can just see the baby food jars with tiny crocheted flowers decorating them... I may have to work this one up. thanks!

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  16. What a fantabulous moisturizer share! Thanks and Dollar Store, here I come! (P.S. Have you tried making tuna salad with it yet? The concoction looks so smooth and yum! What?! I'm just saying... LOL!

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  17. You are another one of those so sweet bloggers I talked about on my post yesterday. Thank you for the instructions and the giveaway. Bless you and I will definitely make this for gifts.

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  18. Wow, what an awesome gift to give to others and for under $10 you can make a ton of gifts. So clever. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. Well aren't you the clever one. That concoction would be very soothing and do the job for chapped hands and more! Thanks for sharing your secret recipe!

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  20. This is awesome!! I already use the vitamin E cream, but it always seems to be missing something. Can't wait to try this!!

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  21. Suzanne,
    This is a wonderful way to create an inexpensive, hand made with love, gift for any occasion.
    Thanks for sharing it with us, but please don't include me in the giveaway as I won't be able to use the voucher here in France!
    Have a great weekend,
    Maggie

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  22. Thank you so much for your secret recipe. I'm going to give this a try. I wonder how it would be if I added a touch of scent or even some olive oil?? Maybe I'll experiment a little.

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  23. Thank you! Looks yummy. I'll have to give it a try.

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  24. I love the idea of making this for gifts! Wonderful post! Great pictures! I can't wait to try this!!!!

    Thanks so much for sharing!!!

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  25. I wanna be a rockstar too! As a single mom, with furloughs on the job I am making a LOT of gifts too! These will be PERFECT for my co-workers (3 ladies) and my sisters and mom. I LOVE IT! Thank you so much for the idea! And Dollar General is JUST up the street from my work. So I am thrilled!

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  26. Thanks for the tip. Fantastic idea. I'll have to try it.
    Charlotte

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  27. Wow, what a neat idea! You can change the container decor to fit pretty much any occasion! I was just tryint to rack my brain to come up with some inexpensive gift ideas, this is ideal. You're a jewel for sharing your "secret ingredients" with us!

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  28. OK....I am on my way out the door! Perfect gifts for my cookie exchange!!!!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing this idea!!!!!

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  29. Brilliant recipe, thanks so much for posting

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  30. I am so glad you shared your cream with us. It is so cute in the jars and I love all 3 ingredients. The buttons made the jars look so pretty...like out of a very high end store.

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  31. Yes, you ARE a rock star and I've already bookmarked this link because we go through lotions and moisturizers around here like crazy!!! I have a Dollar General within walking distance of me - was this post perfect timing or what!?? The possibilities seem endless. Please enter me, dear one. Have a great weekend ~ ♥

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  32. Dang, I can hardly wait to run out of my Trader Joe's lotion so I can try this! But pick me so I don't have to wait!

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  33. What a simply wonderful idea. And you are right - it looks so very easy. My elbows and heels could certainly use some of this. I can't wait to make some of my own. I don't know of a Dollar General in my area, but I'm sure I can find one. How totaly awesome - you need to share with us how you came up with this wonderful concoction.

    dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  34. You ARE a rock star! And very generous to share the recipe. Thank you SO much!!!

    Nancy

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  35. You sent me this for the Pay It Forward, and I absolutely LOVE it! I used it sparingly, so I would not run out, but now, you have posted your secret recipe, and I will be able to make more! It is WONDERFUL STUFF - works on my dry skin like nothing else has been able to do!!! Thank you!!!

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  36. That is freaking awesome!!! So gonna have to do this!!

    Hopping by from SSS list. Have a great weekend....

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  37. Well Suzanne, I missed the giveway, but I got the formula for the cream, so I can make my own.

    Thanks for the tip. Come see news of my giveaway,

    Barbara

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  38. Bloggers, trust me, that stuff is good. I have had some in the past and it is just as she says. Try it - you will like it.

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  39. This is SUCH a good idea! Thank you! I just found your blog thanks to the comment you left on mine and I'm really enjoying it.

    To answer your question about the golabki, by the way - YES, you can sub brown rice for white. I do it often to make it healthier! Sneak it right in there and our Polish husbands don't even notice the difference (mine doesn't)! :)

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  40. You ARE a genius, super girl, rock star!

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  41. Oh girl Thanks for the Bush's Family Secret ha ha!! sound wonderful my friend and I'll try this for sure...Mum the word ha ha!!! Hope all is well on your side of the mountain my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  42. This is great! I am planning to do Christmas this year by making all of it so I thank you for sharing. I can't wait to try this!

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  43. What a great idea!

    Love your blog and will be back to read the next entry on your weight loss journey!

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  44. Hi I made it! And I posted on my blog the results. Please forgive me for not referencing you, but some of my giftees look at my blog, and I realized that I want to be a genius, at least until after the holidays!
    My ingredients cost about 2x as much, but such a deal anyway.
    Thank you so much!
    Kathy

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  45. The information here is great. I will invite my friends here.

    Thanks

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  46. Can you tell me how many ounces of Vaseline this takes? Both the DG's near me were completely out and their shelf tag is soooo tiny I can't read the ounces!

    I "Need" to try this - it sounds so luscious! Thanks for sharing!!
    ~ Karen

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  47. Just happened upon this post and wow, this looks great! I will have to file this away for next Christmas. Thanks for sharing!

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  48. Oh thank you so much. I will be giving a baby shower and this will be great to do. It is pretty easy to do and will make such nice gifts. Thank you so much for sharing this idea.

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  49. I can't wait to try this! Just wondering though - Would it be possible to make this "scented"? I'm thinking maybe with a little bit of orange juice and/or lemon juice for a citrus-y flavor. What do you think?

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  50. Hi Suzanne, I just wanted you to know that I made a DOUBLE batch and love it. I blogged about your fabulous body lotion here.

    http://lisatakesix.blogspot.com/2011/11/easy-gift-idea-1.html

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  51. Hi Suzanne,
    This sounds great! What are the sizes of the items that I need to mix. I don't want to get the wrong size.
    Thanks for posting this fantastic idea. I love how your baby bottles with the trim turned out.

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  52. Great idea!Thanks:))I share this in my blog.Visit me.Kiss:)))

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Sometimes someone says something really small, and it's like it fits into this empty space in your heart!

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your thoughts here, they really mean a lot to me!

Suzanne

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