Lotion

     Yesterday I devoted the morning to lotion; the soft luscious cream I use each day to deeply nourish my skin. The process is quick yet slow.  I mix the avocado oil, coconut oil, lanolin and beeswax together and heat just until melted through.  Then I whisk gently and lovingly and walk away.  I return at intervals to whisk again waiting until it cools and thickens slightly.  This takes some time.  I no longer stand and wait for this process to happen.  I fill the waiting with other tasks.
     I wrote down every detail of each batch in my notebook, I labeled the soaps I unmolded earlier in the week, I printed labels, I started laundry, folded laundry, watered plants and a whole host of other chores while I waited for each batch of lotion to come to the right consistency to whip in the aloe, water and vitamin E mix.
     When done it looks like butter cream frosting. I carefully spoon it into jars and label them.  I have so many amazing people who love my lotion that I now offer two size jars.  I still have the 2 oz. jar and now its Mama a 4 oz. jar.

     I pick each ingredient I use for a reason.  I write about the many benefits of avocado oil in Snow Day.  Coconut oil serves as a protective layer helping the skin retain moisture.  It is a mild oil and suitable for those with inflamed, irritated or sensitive skin. Aloe Vera gel comes from the succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant.  It is used to treat burns, rough or irritated skin.  It is a wonderful moisturizer that also firms and tones the skin.  Lanolin is the protective oil found on the wool of sheep.  I use lanolin that is collected after the sheep has been sheared.  I also use anhydrous lanolin which is not processed.  It is a thick, viscous oil that is most like our own skin, making it one of the best moisturizers for humans. Vitamin E works as an anti-oxidant.