Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided Grandma Bonnie's Closet with a free sample of this product to review. I was was not required to review this product unless I chose to do so. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review of this product.

I have read the name Tropical Traditions over and over while reading my favorite blogs. I use coconut oil often for my cooking needs. I just had never tried Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. I realize  I am always slow to try a new product but when I do I like to dig deep and read all I can about the product. This product was no different. I read many reviews before I decided to try this Coconut Oil for myself.
What I learned in my research of this product is amazing. Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is handcrafted in the Philippines by families using traditional methods passed on from past generations. This coconut oil is not highly processed bleached coconut oil but rather traditionally handmade. The oil is GMO free and USDA Certified Organic.

Over the summer months I do a lot of frying and grilling. I like to cook with healthy oils. We switched from using store brand vegetable oil (soybean oil) to using Coconut Oil for our frying needs about two years ago. I am now happily switching to Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil because of their production methods. I like knowing I am taking care of my family's health in the best way possible.
The video below explains how Tropical Traditions makes their famous Coconut Oil.

The above pie crust was made using Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. I replaced the butter in the recipe with coconut oil. This pie was a hit with our entire family.

What oils do you cook with? Do you have a favorite oil for frying?

My Newest Oil Candle

I had some fun to day making another oil candle. This one is festive for the holidays. I just added a bit of evergreen and a pine cone. You can see the DIY post for the oil candle here

I hope you have a great weekend.

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DIY Oil Candle Craft

I have seen many versions of a homemade oil candle on Pinterest lately. I decided to try my hand at making an old fashioned oil candle with a modern country look.

Materials list:

Canning jar with lid and ring

Cotton bakers twine

Olive oil

Water
Acrylic paint (optional)
Fresh cut or artificial flowers (optional)

First braid three strands of the bakers twine together and soak the length in a little olive oil. Fill the canning jar with water to an inch or inch and a half from the rim of the jar. Slowly pour the olive oil on to the water. The oil will float on top. Poke a small hole into the middle of the lid. The twine should fit in the hole tightly. Pull the braided twine just a bit through the hole in the lid. Place the lid on the jar.Tighten the ring and light the tip of the twine. As the twine burns you will need to pull the twine up every now and again or the flame will extinguish. I use a pair of tweezers to do this. 

Using water helps to reduce the amount of oil you will need. If you have a smaller glass jar such as a baby food jar you probably would not need water. While you are burning the candle the oil heats slightly. Heated oil will turn rancid if not used in a timely manner. There for using water to reduce the amount of oil I use to make the candle will ensure the oil will be used up in a few days of burning the candle.

I made another candle by floating fresh cut flowers in the water before adding the oil. Next time I will add a few drops of food coloring to the water. 

I wanted to try my hand at painting a canning jar for the next candle. I drew a little design on paper. Then tucked the paper on the inside of the jar. I then blotted a thin layer of  craft acrylic paint (color khaki) on to the jar with a paper towel. The paint was thin enough so I could see the drawing through the paint. I painted the design then let dry. A layer of clear coat will make the painting water proof. 

What kind of crafts have you made recently? I hope you enjoy this tutorial and have a great day!



Make Your Own Lavender Scented Bathroom Cleaner

We often have a problem with mold/mildew growing on the grout in one of our bathrooms. The bathroom I am having a problem with does not have a window for natural light and the only ventilation is the small ceiling fan. Using bleach to control the problem is not my favorite choice. I dislike using harsh chemicals in our home. I wanted to find a natural solution to the problem. I have often used vinegar as a mild household cleanser. Vinegar can be used to clean soap scum from shower walls and bathtubs and it can also kill mold. I first cleaned the bathroom and tile wall with diluted bleach making sure to remove all signs of mold.mildew. Frankly, I was in a hurry that is why I used the bleach first. To prevent regrowth of any mold or mildew I sprayed the shower walls and tub twice a week with the recipe below. I have been successful in controlling the mildew and mold growing in the grout for three months now. I do believe if I was not in a hurry and would have sprayed down the shower walls daily for a week or two I would have probably had the same results. 

Recipe

Lavender Scented Bathroom Cleaner

1 spray bottle

Fill bottle half way with water.

Add vinegar until almost full.

Add 2 or 3 drops of Lavender essential oil.

 (Lavender oil is a natural mildew killer that also removes mildew odor)

The vinegar scent evaporates very quickly. Leaving behind a light lavender scent.