Peas and Thank You

Gifts You Can Eat (But Shouldn’t): Lavender Rosemary Gel

One of the worst things about making a living putting things in writing is that, well, it’s in writing.  Even really stupid things.

Even worse is when you spell “lavender” wrong, photograph it, realize your mistake and know there’s no way in h-e-double hockey sticks that you are reshooting.  Don’t do that.

Worse still is when you say something stupid in a book.  That doesn’t go away, people.

Pull out your copies of Peas and Thank You and turn with me to the intro, page xvii:

I knew I couldn’t change who I was in making the transition.  I wasn’t going to make my own soap or…trade The Bachelorette and my flatiron for a PETA rally and dreadlocks.  I’m too addicted to reality TV and straight hair for that.”

But people change, even if books don’t.

I haven’t used my flatiron in two weeks.

And I’m making my own hair and body gel.  I’ve done some research and learned you can make a phenomenally effective hair gel and moisturizer from flax seeds and essential oils.

I love it.  So much I’m giving it for Christmas presents.

So now I’m a cheap liar with dreadlocks who can’t spell.  The awesome never ends.

Merry Christmas!

Lavender Rosemary Gel

For body and hair

You need:

• 1/4 c. flax seeds
• 2 c. water
• 4-5 drops each of essential oils (i.e. rosemary, lavender, vitamin E and/or jojoba oil)
• 1 t. honey or agave (optional)
• 1 knee high or pair of panty hose, cut 6 in. long and including the foot
• jar with sealable lid
• tag and ribbon or decorative trim

To make gel, bring water and flax to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly.

Once the gel comes to a boil, lower heat and simmer for about ten minutes, until gel has thickened.

Prepare your jar by lining it with your knee high or pantyhose.  Any cheap drugstore brand will do.  Or the one you wore to rob that bank.

Allow gel to cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn yourself, and then pour it into the nylon, straining out the flax seeds and helping the gel through into the jar.

You can use a pair of tongs to squeeze the last and thickest of the gel from the nylon.

The gel will thicken upon cooling.

But at any point you can stir in your oils and/or honey.

The benefits of each add-in:

• Lavender oil: soothing, relaxing fragrance
• Rosemary oil: stimulates hair follicles and hair growth
• Honey: adds control to hair without “crunchiness,” keeps skin and hair hydrated
• Vitamin E oil: stimulates hair follicles and hair growth
• Jojoba oil: keeps skin and hair hydrated, promotes healing

To make your gel gift-worthy, label it and affix a bow or adornment.

You should also indicate to your recipient the potential uses of the gel.

I’ve been using it in my hair for curl definition, but it’s also great as a rub on your legs after shaving (if you do that kind of thing), as a face mask or even on dry hands or soles/heels.

It smells and feels amazing.  You simply need to keep the gel in the fridge to prevent spoiling.  It should last for at least a week.

You may be thinking, “Who are you and what have you done with Mama Pea?”

I have no idea.

I do know that the new season of The Bachelor starts on January 2nd.  And my DVR is set.

All is right with the world.

*************

Other Gifts You Can Eat (Really!)

Ranch Oyster Crackers

Eggnog Spiced Nuts

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups