Meal Delivery Box Review

The following post contains affiliate links and coupon codes.

These deals may change at anytime or no longer be valid when you read this post. 

The following information is based off of my experience and could change.

Meal Delivery Fast Facts

• I purchased from these three different companies using my own money: Gobble, Home Chef, and HelloFresh.
• They are all subscription services, but you get to choose how often they are delivered.
• You can easily cancel or pause your account or you can just skip weeks.
• There are menus each week and you choose meals from the different menus. 
• Most of them have specialty options such as gluten free, nut free, dairy free, etc.
• You get to pick how many meals you will get in your box and how many servings each meal has.
• Meals come packaged in a box with cold packs.
• They come with recipe cards.
• The boxes have everything you need to cook a complete meal (except salt and pepper).
• I learned a lot about cooking from ordering these boxes (different methods to cook certain foods and also different flavor combinations to try).

Box Reviews (in order that I tried them)

Gobble

Price

Get your first box for just $36 shipped.  You'll need to add 6+ servings to your box (3 recipes with 2 servings each is what I did).  This makes it $6 per serving. Use code WINTER636 at checkout. The end date to this deal has not been announced. 

Packaging

The box it came in was recyclable and part of the insulation was recyclable. The cold packs did not mention if they were recyclable (but, of course, can be reused).

Some of the food was packaged in plastic and some was wrapped in paper. There was single-use packaging, but not all of it was.  

Taste

Everything we ate from Gobble was delicious!  I did get two Asian type meals and the sauces were exactly the same (though the entire meal was completely different).

What's Notable?

Gobble had the most user friendly website.  The meals were also the easiest of all the companies I tried, but the instructions were sometimes hard to follow.  Gobble prides themselves on 15 minute meals, and I'd say this is pretty accurate.

This was the only company that left out a food item from one of my meals, but they were very easy to work with and refunded me for the missing items. 

I did not reorder from them because the protein serving sizes were too small for our family (one chicken breast or piece of fish to share between two people). This would be a great option if you were just buying it for yourself.

Click this link to order your first Gobble box!  Use code WINTER36 at checkout if the deal doesn't automatically show up.

Home Chef

Price

Get $90 off your first 4 boxes. This breaks down to $30 off first and second boxes and $15 off third and fourth boxes.  You don't have to get all 4 boxes.  This price ends up being $5-6 per serving depending on how many servings you get.  

Just click this link to redeem offer - no code needed. This offer ends at the end of January. 

Packaging

I was very impressed with the way these meals were packaged.  The box, insulation, and cold packs are all recyclable or compostable.  Some food items are in paper but most are in plastic. There was single-use packaging, but not all of it was. Several items came in plastic that could be recycled or reused for something else (homemade spice blend, etc). 

Taste

We've loved everything we have eaten from Home Chef (even the accidental box I ordered where they picked all of my meals)! 

What's Notable?

You place your order and pay before you pick your meals.  That confused me when I first signed up. 

Their recipe cards are large and already have holes punched in them.  I especially liked this because I use a three ring binder to hold all of my recipes.

Their recipes were very easy to follow and each card tells you how many days you have to cook each meal (I found this to be very helpful).

Click here to order your first Home Chef box! 

HelloFresh

Price

Get $80 off your first 4 boxes.  You don't have to get all four boxes for the deal to apply. The end date to this deal has not been announced.

Packaging

This was the only company that used bubble wrap for the insulation; however, they were also the only company who didn't use a plastic bags to separate each meal.  Each meal was contained in a brown paper bag. A lot of food items were also packaged in paper instead of plastic.  There was single-use packaging, but not all of it was.  Other than the bubble wrap, this was the most eco-friendly company.

Taste

We loved everything we ate from HelloFresh!

What's Notable?

HelloFresh's recipe cards were easy to read and very similar to Home Chef (but they weren't pre-punched with holes). 

The website was a little hard to figure out at first, but was better after using it. 

Click here to order your first HelloFresh box!

Did I Enjoy The Meal Delivery Boxes?

Absolutely!  It was so easy to just take out an entire meal from my fridge to prep and have ready in under an hour (mostly in under 30 minutes).  All of the guesswork was gone, but I still had some control in choosing meals and cooking them. 

I also, unexpectedly, learned a few things.  I used methods to cook and spice combinations that I had not used before.  I will be able to continue using these even now.  

What Company Did I Like the Best?

Right now - during the month of January - I would say that Home Chef is my favorite.  I did like this company the best AND they have the best deal right now.  

If you are making this purchase after January, then you should go with either of the other companies.  

I personally wouldn't have been able to try any of these had it not been for the deals they were offering.  I couldn't justify paying full price for any of these services.  That doesn't mean that you can't justify it - we all have different income and needs.  

Go check out these three companies yourself and see which one you like the best!

 

Gobble

Home Chef

HelloFresh

More questions?

Feel free to ask in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer!

 

Pumpkin Puree Recipe and Round Up

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I guess my frugalness (is that a word?) started when I was young.  I remember watching my parents and grandparents do small things just to save a little money here and there.  My grandfather (93) even heats up ink pens in the oven just to get a little more ink to come out.  It's just a part of who I am! 

So, every year I roast pumpkin seeds and make pumpkin puree with our fall decorations as not to waste anything!  

Some of you have already moved on to Christmas, and that's fine.  This post may still apply to you if you plan on eating a Thanksgiving meal.  It may also apply to you if you simply want to incorporate pumpkin into your diet - which you should because it's delicious and good for you!

Making pumpkin puree is super easy and the puree can be used in several different ways (see bottom of post for some links to some GREAT recipes).  

What you'll need:

Pie Pumpkins (these are the medium sized ones that fit nicely in your hands)
Pan with sides
Sharp knife
Oven set to 350 degrees
Food processor, blender, or fork

What you'll do:

1.  Pop the stems off the pumpkins and give them to your kids to use as drum sticks (seriously, I just can't part with things right away).  Wash the pumpkins then cut them in half and scoop all the seeds and strings out.  You'll probably have to use a spoon and really scoop them out of there.  Save those seeds for roasting! 

2.  Place the pumpkins on a pan skin side up.  I could fit 2 pumpkins on mine but you may be able to fit more if they are a little smaller.  You could also cut them up even more if they won't all fit on one pan.  I poke the skins a few times with a knife just because I feel like that's what I'm supposed to do.  I'm sure this step is optional.  

3.  Place the pan in your preheated (to 350 degrees) oven and cook for about 45 min - 1 1/2 hours.  The outside of the pumpkins will start to brown and they will be easily poked with a knife or fork when they are done.

4.  Peel the skins off the pumpkin and put the remaining pumpkin into a food processor or blender and process or blend away!  If you don't have one of these fancy tools then just use some good ole elbow grease and a fork! 

5.  If you are using your puree right away then just store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.  If you need to save it, just scoop about 1 cup into bags or containers and freeze it.  Then you'll already have it measured out for you when you need to thaw it and use it.  

Check out these recipes that contain pumpkin puree:
Breakfast
Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Parfait by Stacy Makes Cents Pumpkin Pie Pancakes by Nourishing Joy
Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars by Stacy Makes Cents
Pumpkin Syrup by Stacy Makes Cents
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls by Creating Naturally
Ezekiel Bread Pumpkin Muffins by Lexie:Naturals

Main Dish
Crock Pot Pumpkin Soup by Stacy Makes Cents
Creamy Pumpkin Soup by Creating Naturally  
Dessert
Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Pumpkin Whipped Cream by Nourishing Joy
Pumpkin Ice Cream by Amazing Grace FarmPumpkin Cookies (GF/Vegan) by Whole New Mom
Pumpkin Swirl Bars (GF/DF Version) by The Nourishing Home
Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte by Young Wife's Guide

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO USE PUMPKINS?

How to Make Elder Berry Syrup {And the Benefits of Using it}

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I started making my own elder berry syrup a few years ago.  I remember the winter we started taking it no one in my family even got a cold (and we ALWAYS get colds).  I started with a very simple recipe and have added to it over the years.  You could easily leave out everything but the water and elderberry, but I like the benefits of all the ingredients (see bottom of post for why I use each ingredient).

What you'll need:

2 cups water
1/2 cup dried elder berries (or 1 cup fresh)
1-2 cinnamon sticks
1 T grated ginger (or dried/ground)
5 whole cloves (not cloves of garlic - the spice clove)
2-3 star anise (anise star pods)
1 cup local raw honey

These herbs and spices can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs, The Bulk Herb Store, or Vitacost.

What you'll do:

1.  Place the first 6 ingredients into a pot and simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.

2.  Strain well.  You can put a towel over a colander or use a sieve to accomplish this.  After it's well strained you want to squeeze all the juice and goodness from the berries.  I remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise and place the rest into a cheesecloth for this step.  You can also use the back of a spoon to smash the berries into a sieve.  You want all the juice and goodness that you can get.

3.  Let the liquid cool to 90-100 degrees then add honey and stir.  Place in a glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to a few months.  You can add vodka to make it last even longer.

Notes:

• This recipe can be doubled, tripled, quadrupled, etc.  
• This will last several months.  If you want it to last even longer you could add some rum or vodka.  Ours has never gone bad though and I don't add the alcohol.
• For prevention of illness and to boost the immune system adults should take 1 tablespoon daily and children should take 1 teaspoon daily. 
• If illness should strike, adults can take 1 tablespoon 4-8 times daily and children should take 1 teaspoon 4-8 times daily.  It should be taken at the first sign of sickness.
• It can be taken right from the spoon, mixed with water to make a tea, mixed with sparkling water, or eaten as any other syrup.
• When elderberry is eaten as a raw fruit it could cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but these effects are not as common when it is cooked.  My family has never experienced any of these.
• It should not be given to anyone under the age of 1.
• Don't want to make your own?  You can purchase it here.

Photo By: Geishaboy500

Benefits of each ingredient:

Elderberry - Elderberry is antiviral.  It is known to fight against influenza (especially when given within 24-48 hours).  Some evidence even suggest it can help with cancer, constipation, nerve pain, hay fever, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and other illnesses.  It's often referred to as "Nature's Tamiflu" and it improves the immune system.

Cinnamon - It has anti-fungal properties and can be used to lower pain when combined with honey.  It fights e-coli bacteria, can eliminate headaches and migraine, and it can help stabilize blood sugar.

Ginger - Ginger improves the absorption of nutrients in the body.  It has anti-inflammatory properties and can rid throat and nose congestion.

Cloves - They are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Cloves contain eugenol which is toxic against fungus, bacteria, yeast, and candida, and it has anesthetic and analgesic properties.

Star Anise - Star anise is the principle active ingredient in Tamiflu.  It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  It is used to treat asthma, dry cough, and bronchitis.  It can also promote sound sleep.

Local Raw Honey - Local honey can help build an immunity to seasonal allergies. It is full of minerals and vitamins and it aids in digestion.  Honey is a cough suppressant and contains antioxidants and photo-nutrients.

Other beneficial ingredients that can be added:
Echinacea 
Garlic
Turmeric
Astragalus

These herbs and spices can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs, The Bulk Herb Store, Amazon, or Vitacost.

You may also find these resources helpful:

Information I have provided is for entertainment purposes only and I am not providing medical, legal or other professional advice. As the reader you should reading and/or use any of the information you glean from this blog at your own risk.  :)  I have done a lot of research on this topic, but it does not mean that it is right for your family just because it is right for mine.

You should also know that I have included affiliate links in this post which means that if you purchase something through clicking some of the links in this post I will get a percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support of this blog and my family.

Have you checked out our new website?  We'd love for you to come and visit us!  You can log in or browse as a guest.  Let us know what you think! www.lexienaturals.com

Homemade Purple, Blue and Sea Green Food Coloring

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My 4 year old daughter decided on the theme Blues Dance Party for my 2 year old's birthday party.  Our 2 year old loves the color blue and loves to dance, so it only seemed appropriate.  I was super excited about this theme... until I tried to find blue food.  It's very rare.  There are blueberries (which are actually purple), blue potatoes, blue corn and the rest is nonexistent where we live.  

So, I rounded up all the blue food I could find then set out to make my own blue food WITHOUT conventional blue food coloring (for these reasons).  I couldn't find a dye that would work with sweet food, so I had to get creative.  I decided to put blueberries on top of white icing and then dye some savory food blue with my homemade food coloring. Check out how I did it. 

Purple, Blue and Sea Green Food Coloring

What you'll need:
1 large pot
1 head RED cabbage 
water (enough to fill a pot)
1/8-1/2 tsp baking soda
strainer
bowls

What you'll do:
1.  Wash red cabbage and cut it into large chunks.
2.  Place cabbage in large pot and fill with water.

3.  Boil water and then simmer for about 10-15 minutes until cabbage becomes pale in color and water turns purple.
4.  Remove pot from stove and strain water into a large bowl. Divide water into three bowls.  Leave the first bowl as is for purple dye (that was easy, huh?).
6.  To make BLUE dye, add a SMALL amount of baking soda to one of the bowls.  I only added about 1/8 tsp to a large bowl.  
7.  To make a SEA GREEN, add a little more baking soda than you did for the blue dye.  I added about 1/4 tsp to a large bowl for the green.                    
8.  Save the cabbage for eating another day or add some onions, peppers, and hot sauce for a side dish for dinner.  :)  Or give it to your dad because your refrigerator is too full, that's what I did.

What you can do with your food coloring:
1.  Soak boiled eggs (after they've been halved and you've emptied the yolk) in the dye for stuffed eggs (that's how I used the dye for our party).  You can soak them for as little or long as you'd like.  
2.  Soak boiled eggs still in the shell for dying eggs.
3.  Add to any savory white dip.

What you should not do with your food coloring:
1.  Give it to your kids as a glass of fun colored water.  Even though it is fun colored water, they will most likely spew it out and leave a mess.  :)
2.  Remember - you made this with cabbage!  It does have a SLIGHT cabbage taste.  It isn't overpowering, but this dye really only works in savory dishes.

Don't want to make your own food coloring? Check out India Tree natural food coloring sets, sprinkles, and more.  I would LOVE to purchase this set some day!  

Have you ever made your own food coloring?  I'd love for you to share your results in the comments below!

*I have included an affiliate link in this post.  

Homemade Ezekiel Bread (Fasting Bread) Recipe

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Last week I was honored to guest post over at The Prairie Homestead.  Here is an excerpt:

Ezekiel bread derives its name from Ezekiel 4:9 when God instructed Ezekiel to fast by only eating bread made from wheat, barley, beans, lentils, and millet.  Ezekiel bread is very filling and perfect for fasting, losing weight, snacking, or breakfast.  If you have a young (or old) picky eater in the house, this is an excellent bread to have around.  It truly is delicious, and it's packed with protein and nutrients.  It is also a batter bread, which means there is no kneading, so it's very easy to make.

To finish reading (and get the recipe) click here!

Homemade Natural Stick Deodorant

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Last week I was honored to guest post at The Humbled Homemaker.  Check it out:

I've been using aluminum free natural deodorant since I was a teenager.  My dermatologist recommended it for several different reasons, and I have never looked back.  To see why I use aluminum free deodorant check out this post.  

I have tried the crystal stick that you have to wet before you put on, vegetable based deodorants, and a popular brand that can be purchased at your local store.  After years of using the above with little to no success and thinking about the benefits of homemade anything, I decided to make my own. It has been such a fun and easy experience (not to mention very frugal)!

I started with this recipe and really loved it, but my mom and sister refused to use it since it must be applied with your fingers.  So, I set out to find a recipe that works like the typical deodorant bar.  After searching the web, getting testers to constructively criticize, and doing my own tweaking, I finally came up with a recipe that actually works and goes on smoothly.

To read the rest of this post click on over to The Humbled Homemaker.
BUT BEFORE YOU DO... Have you seen the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle Sale?  You can get more recipes like this one for a LOW price.  Click the eBooks below for more details!

Not interested in making your own deodorant but sill want some?  Check out all of our products here and purchase them here.

Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent

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Note: I updated this recipe on 12/26/12.  I found that the Fels-Naptha really bothered me as I grated it up (so much so that I had to wear a mask).  It wasn't as bad once it was in the detergent, but it was still enough for me to notice.  All changes are in italics.

I have been researching laundry detergents for a while now, and I even purchased almost everything I needed to make a liquid version a few years ago (I'll tackle that after I use up all this batch of powder detergent).  Like most things I make instead of buy, I wanted to make sure I did my research before I just jumped in.  I wanted to make sure that all the ingredients were safe and effective and that it was indeed cheaper to make my own.  Even though I stayed away from borax for several years, I feel very good about this detergent, and it works very well (see below for why I chose each ingredient)!  

What you'll need:

1 bar (3 oz.) laundry soap like Fels-Naptha (I now use my homemade laundry soap)

1 cup washing soda

1/2 cup borax

1/2 cup oxygen cleanser (I use Crunchy Clean Pure Oxygen)

What you'll do:

1. Grate your bar of laundry soap into a large bowl.  I use the very fine side of my grater.  Stacy at StacyMakesCents uses the large side of the grater then puts it in the food processor.  Either way is fine, but I don't have a food processor, and I like all the ingredients to have the same consistency (I don't like that cheese look), so I use the fine side of the grater. This part takes some muscles!

2. Pour in 1 cup washing soda, 1/2 cup borax, and 1/2 cup oxygen cleanser.  You can actually just use 1 cup of either the borax or the oxygen cleanser, but I  had both on hand and I wanted the benefits of both.  Mix well until it is all combined.  You want to make sure that all the ingredients are very evenly distributed.

3.  Pour mixture into any container with a lid.  I keep my detergent in an old yogurt container.  Glass would be nice if I didn't think I'd drop it. 

4.  I use 1-2 tablespoons in each load (depending on the load size).  If you are using an HE washer, you can probably use even less.  This detergent will not suds as much as a normal one, but it cleans just as well (if not better).

Take a look at why I chose each ingredient:

Laundry Soap Bar: Fels-Naptha in particular is a stain remover and pre-treater.  You can actually just get the bar wet and rub it on stains before you wash.  According to the package, it works especially well on oil-based stains.  I now use an unscented castile bar soap.  I've found that it works just as well.  If I have tough stains I add about 1 Tbsp of pure oxygen to the entire wash. UPDATE: I found that Fels Naphtha bothered my senses when I grated it, and it wasn't as natural as I thought it was.  I now make and sell my own laundry bar.  This bar works great as a pre-wash stain treatment and when grated and used in the detergent.  You can purchase it here.

Washing Soda (sodium carbonate): Washing soda is a pH balancer.  It also softens water and removes all kinds of stains.  

Borax: According to the box it is a natural alternative to color safe bleach, softens water, helps remove tough stains, freshens and deodorizes, and is an all natural laundry booster.  Now, it is NOT safe to ingest in large quantities (what really is though?).  In fact, it can even be fatal; however, we keep our laundry detergent out of reach of the children (as you should do too) so there isn't a chance of our children consuming the whole batch.  I struggled with this for literally years, but I honestly feel safer using this than anything you can buy at the store.

Oxygen Cleanser (I use Crunchy Clean's Pure Oxygen but you can use Oxiclean): Crunchy Clean's version has no additives, and I love that.  It whitens, leaves dark clothes brighter, kills germs, and removes stains.

Do you make your own detergent?  What's your favorite recipe?

Simple Homemade Deodorant

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Disclosure: I have included affiliate links in this post.  This means that if you purchase a product after clicking from this page that I will get a small kickback. This is at no extra charge to you and helps support this blog and my family.

The very first thing I wanted to make on my own was deodorant.  However, it took me over a year after I found the recipe I wanted to try to actually make it.  But I did, and I was proud.  We all know how I feel about the benefits of homemade anything, and I love making my own deodorant.  My favorite thing about making my own deodorant is that I know exactly what's in it (and that NEVER includes aluminum for these reasons).

If you're new to homemade skin care products, this is a great recipe to try first.  It only has 3 ingredients (unless you add essential oil), and is very simple.  

The recipe below is derived from this one at Passionate Homemaking.  She also has a Q&A about this recipe here.

What you'll need:

5-6 TBSP Coconut Oil (more in winter, less in summer)
1/4 cup cornstarch OR arrowroot powder (if you have very sensitive skin)
1/4 cup baking soda
4-6 drops essential oil (optional-tea tree or lavender would be my pick)

What you'll do:

1.  Mix the cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and baking soda together in a small bowl with a spoon.  

2.  Melt or soften the coconut oil in a double boiler (glass bowl over a boiling pot of water) or set the coconut oil outside for a few minutes (it melts at 76 degrees).  The original recipe does not say to melt the coconut oil but I find it makes mixing and pouring so much easier.  

3.  Add the dry ingredients to the coconut oil and mix with a spoon until well combined. 

4.  Add essential oils, if you are using them, and mix well.

5.  You can pour or scoop this into your old deodorant container once it's all combined.  Let it sit until firm again.  If you are very impatient (like me) you can stick it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process. 

Note: If you use an old deodorant tube you will most likely need to store it in the refrigerator because coconut oil melts at 76 degrees.  Also, ONLY roll up as much as you need.  If you roll up too much it will fall out onto the floor (ahem-I know this to be true).  My PREFERRED method for using THIS deodorant is to just keep it in a glass container with a lid in my bathroom and apply it with my fingers.  Yes, my fingers.  It's really not as strange as it sounds once you try it.  :) 

If you would like to purchase another version of homemade deodorant that goes on exactly like the store bought kind, visit our store here and purchase here.

Homemade Natural Sunscreen (and Diaper Cream)

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Note: We currently sell this SunLotion in our online store. It is a seasonal item so we do not restock once summer is over. Visit our store to see what's available and purchase.

Our family has a history of skin cancer, so we are pretty adamant about wearing sunscreen when we will be in full sun for a long period of time (for more information about sun screen vs. sun exposure check out this post).  But have you read the ingredients list on your sunscreen lately?  I did for the first time this summer, and I was not pleased.  They are full of toxins, chemicals, and parabens.  To see how your sunscreen ranks type the name of it into EWG's database.  

I've been wanting to make my own sunscreen all summer long.  I finally did it, and it was surprisingly easy!  We all know the benefits of homemade anything, and this was just one more step I wanted to take (especially for the sake of my two young girls).  So, I searched the internet and finally decided on a recipe from MadeOn that had ingredients I already had on hand.  I did change up the recipe a bit to make it more waterproof and not as oily.  I have only listed measurements for my recipe but you may want to check out the original as well.

This particular sunscreen is smooth, goes on easily, and rubs in nicely.  It has an SPF of about 30.  This is due to the natural SPF of shea butter (6-10), coconut oil (4-10), and zinc oxide.  If a higher SPF is desired, more zinc oxide can be added.  You can see a zinc oxide chart here.  Just know that adding more zinc oxide may also increase the whiteness of the sunscreen as it goes on.  This sunscreen is also waterproof because of the beeswax but should be reapplied after swimming just as any other sunscreen.  One more added bonus to this sunscreen is that it can be used as a diaper rash cream too (it is NOT cloth diaper friendly though).

The ingredients are linked to online stores where they can be purchased.  I measure my ingredients by weight, but I have added an approximate volume measurement for those of you who find it easier.

What you'll need:

1.5 oz. (3 Tbsp.) Beeswax pellets 
4 oz. (1/2 cup) Shea Butter
3.5 oz. (1/2 cup) Coconut oil 
2 oz. (4 Tbsp.) Zinc Oxide

What you'll do:

1. Start a double broiler by placing a glass bowl over a boiling pot of water.  Add your beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil.  I usually add the coconut oil after the other oils melt because I don't want to burn the coconut oil.  You can stir with a wooden stick to speed up the melting process.

2. Remove glass bowl from double broiler and add zinc oxide.  It may bubble and fizz slightly.  Don't let it frighten you as it did me.  :)  Stir with a wooden stick and then with a hand mixer or stick blender until nice and smooth.  Make sure you clean all utensils right away with a paper towel or the beeswax will stick and be very difficult to clean later on.

3. Pour sunscreen into a glass or plastic jar and let it sit for several hours until it cools.  This can also be poured into an old deodorant tube and used as a stick.  Make sure you label and date it so that everyone knows what it is!  It should keep for up to a year.  

4. When you are ready to use just scoop some out with your fingers and apply as normal or rub over skin if you are using it as a stick.  It may take a bit more rubbing in cooler weather, but it will otherwise go on very smoothly.  

Troubleshooting:

• You may find it easier to apply this sunscreen if you pour it into a tube (such as an empty deodorant tube or lip balm tube).
• If you live in colder climates you may want to add less beeswax and more coconut oil.
• If you live in hotter climates you may want to add more beeswax and less coconut oil.
• If you don't like the consistency of this sunscreen, you can remelt it and add either more beeswax (to make it harder) or coconut oil (to make it softer).

There you have it - your very own homemade natural sunscreen! I have included affiliate links in this post.

Note:We now sell this in our online store!  Visit my store to purchase.