Dianne Jones, Adult Activity Center program coordinator, applies small amounts of milk of magnesia to Sandra Broom’s face during a workshop at the Adult Activity Center Wednesday afternoon (pictured to the left). The common household product can actually be used as a cheap moisturizer. The workshop taught attendees how to use products at home to create cost-effective health and beauty solutions. The workshop was part of the AAC’s “Great Christmas Gifts on a Budget” series running throughout October. Some of the other useful ideas are listed below.

HOMEMADE BODY CREAM

Ingredients: two 27-oz. bottles of baby lotion; one 15-oz. bottle of baby oil; one 13-oz. bottle of Vaseline.

Directions:

Mix well with electric mixer and store in jars. Reduce amount of baby oil if cream is too oily.

HOMEMADE GLYCERIN SOAP

Ingredients: 1 oz. castor oil; 1 oz. shea butter; 1 tsp. beeswax; 7-10 drops of essential oil; 2 drops of food coloring; 2 cups of glycerin soap base.

Directions:

Mix first five ingredients together with an electric mixer in bowl, and set aside.

Melt soap base in double boiler until melted and add to other ingredients. Mix well.

Quickly pour mixture in molds and let set.

CHOCOLATE FACIAL MASK

Believe it or not, dark chocolate can make a useful facial mask.

Directions:

Heat dark chocolate in a double boiler.

Mix salt and 1/4 cup of milk in a bowl.

Remove melted chocolate from heat and add to salt/milk mixture.

Apply to face while cool, but not hardened. Smear on face and leave on until it hardens.

Wash or chip off with a mild cleanser and warm water.