DIY Washing Liquid

A few months ago I was having a glass of bubbles at a friend's place. Her parents who are loads of fun were there and somehow the conversation got domestic - I don't know how but we got on to the subject of washing clothes! My friend's mum was telling me that she had made her own clothes washing liquid! I immediately wanted to know more and coaxed the recipe out of her and into my phone and then had another glass of bubbles!


I discovered the recipe again just recently. The method is a little vague, no prize for guessing why! but I gave it a go anyway.


It produced 10 litres of beautifully fragrant clothes washing liquid. Here's the recipe:


Washing Liquid
1 cup Lux Flakes
1.5 litres of water
1 cup Borax - sodium borate
1 cup washing soda crystals - sodium carbonate
8-10 litres water
essential oils - I chose eucalyptus and lemongrass with a touch of lavender.


Step 1. Place the Lux flakes in a large saucepan with 1.5 litres of water and gently warm until the soap flakes dissolve.
Step 2. Add the Borax and soda crystal and stir until the mixture thickens.
Step 3. Take off the heat and gradually add up to 10 litres of water, stirring constantly. Step 4. When the mixture has cooled add essential oils of your choice and mix well.


I used 2 litre juice bottles to store my washing liquid in. Makes sure they are thoroughly washed out before filling them.


If you don't have a 10 litre bucket or container big enough, follow the instructions as above up to the end of step 2 then add 2 litres of water to the saucepan and divide among five two litre bottles, top up with warm water, close and shake well.


The first time I made this washing liquid I used the above recipe but only mixed in 8 litres of water. After a couple of days I checked the bottles and found the liquid was actually quite solid! I think I over cooked the mixture at step 2 causing the borax which is also a thickening agent to overreact. To remedy I diluted the mixture with water.

White Sands Estate

The Providore at White Sands Estate is the first Lotus Child outlet in Tasmania!

Products stocked there include: Sweet Dreams Eye Pillow, Nourishing Body Oil
Muscle Soak, Peace Bath, Facial Mist and Salt Glow.

The Peace Bath has been super popular, might have something to do with the lovely Christina, (Providore is her baby) having a big spa bath at her place! 

www.white-sands.com.au

Sweet Dreams Eye Pillow

Many years ago when I lived in Italy, I managed a live music club. This meant working late into the night and often I would go to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. These hours can play havoc with your body clock and I sometimes had difficulty getting to sleep. A friend suggested an eye mask, like the ones they give you on long haul flights, she said it worked for her so I gave it a shot.

Many years later and I still have an eye mask on my bedside table but something I find that works even better is an eye pillow. Anyone who has done yoga would have used something similar, they are often filled with lavender - I like a little more weight so I have filled these with linseeds. I love the cool silkiness of the material on my eyes and that gentle weight of the eye pillow I find really does help me fall asleep. I think it works a treat, who needs a pill!

Muscle Soak

PRODUCT INFO

Specialty bath salts – a relaxing and revitalising blend created to help relieve aching muscles and recharge weary minds.

TO USE

Infuse 125-250 grams of Muscle Soak into warm bath. When ready gently lower yourself into the bath allowing the water to cover your arms, legs and torso. Move gently and feel your body and mind unwind. Soak for 10-20 minutes. Do not remain in a hot bath for long periods especially straight after physical activity. Always remember to sip a glass of water whilst having a bath to avoid dehydration.

Consider the environment and use a strainer when letting out your bath water.

INGREDIENTS

All natural ingredients – Australian sea salt, Epsom salts, sodium bicarbonate, essential oil blend dried flowers and herbs.

PACKAGING

250gm handmade calico bag, custom packaging available.

CAUTION

It is not recommended to have a hot bath if suffering from high blood pressure or after strenuous physical activity. We suggest only warm water with all out bath preparations. Pregnant women should use essential oils with caution.

White Sands Resort goes to A.I.M.E.

My friends at White Sands Resort on the beautiful East Coast of Tasmania recently asked me if I could come up with a little gift that they could take to A.I.M.E - Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo www.aime.com.au/.

Here's what I made for them: Single use 50gm Muscle Soak Bath Salts -  I put these salts in little triangular boxes, labeled them with the White Sands logo and finished with a little orange ribbon.

Muscle Soak salts are made with a blend of essential oils that is prefect for soothing aching bodies. Great after a heavy session at the gym. Run the water a little higher in temperature than for a regular salt bath and don't submerge your head as the eucalyptus in the essential oil blend can irritate your eyes!

Special Orders

Lotus Child products make excellent gifts; they are especially popular as corporate gifts. The recyclable packaging and all natural ingredients reflect a ecologically minded consumer.

The vast range will suit a wide variety of situations and budget. Conference details, corporate logos and company names can be included in certain products to personalise your gift for a special event.

A special signature blend can be created exclusively for you!

Wedding bomboniere can be custom-made as a unique reminder of your special day
for you and your guests.

Essential Mist

PRODUCT INFO
Essential Mist is an all natural, multi purpose spray. When used as a facial mist, Essential Mist helps to keep the skin hydrated, a must in the harsh Australian climate and perfect for use in hot or cold weather. Essential Mist is a great companion while travelling, helping to keep dehydration at bay especially useful in air-conditioned environments. Keep a bottle on your desk for a quick pick me up when feeling a fatigued.

TO USE

Simply close your eyes and spray the mist on your face and neck. Reapply as required. For an extra refreshing experience store in the fridge or pack in an ice cooler when outdoors. The uplifting and refreshing combination of essential oils also work well in neutralising unpleasant odours.

VARIETIES

• Tasmanian Lavender & Rose [Soothing – Balancing – Healing]
• Orange & Lemongrass [Refreshing – Uplifting – Purifying]
• Basil & Australian Sandalwood [Clarity - Relief of Mental Fatigue]

INGREDIENTS

Purified water, natural solubiliser, essential and/or botanical oils.

• No chemical preservatives.
• No artificial ingredients.

PACKAGING

100ml / 50 ml round amber glass bottle + black spray pump