Medicine Cabinet in your Pantry Thursdays: MYO Cough Syrup

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IT'S that time again....COLD & FLU season!! The hacking and coughing upper respiratory junk has hit my household this morning with a vengeance! So I pull out my YUMMY Cough/Sore Throat Syrup Ingredients and whip this up!



 It contains only 5 ingredients and we all pretty much keep these on hand

Teach Me Tuesdays: MYO Natural Triple Butter Whipped Super Lotion

 

 Winter Time Remedy for Chapped 

& Red Hands

I saved 6oz baby food jars from son (they were FREE otherwise I made my own baby food) and I pour the mixture in them. This way I don't have to worry about contamination and each batch stays fresh. I store the unused portions in the fridge if I happen to run out of room I place them in the closet in my bedroom which remains cool 9 months out the year.

This make so much & is so rich you 

only need a small amount- you can make  

some for yourself and  

give some for gifts! 

I use my Cricut die cutting machine to cut adorable tags and labels then I use adhesives to affix labels when able or tie on tags with pretty ribbon.

Frugal Fridays: REVIEW of DIY formulas in 2012

As I head into the 2013, I look back to the previous year and take inventory of what goals I have met and what I am striving towards in the new year.

Teach Me Tuesdays: Miracle Soap Scum Remover and MORE!!

This is such a simple formula- so simple in fact, I nearly didn't try it 

even though I knew about it for 

about a year!!!

I have struggled with soap scum in my bath tub for 2 years & 1/2 years- pretty munch since I was injured during the birth of my son and was unable to scrub my tub. 

I was in hosp in ICU on life support for nearly a month bc of that injury and had 12 months of recovery & during that time span a house hold plumbing job went awry and a faulty plumber torch valve caused a fire in my bath tub! Yeah, I know, who does that happen to?? The same people who get injured so badly during childbirth they nearly die "in the 21st century" apparently... Anyhow-The soap scum that had accumulated during that time was then "burned" into my enamel clad cast iron tub. 

What a nightmare, right? 

I couldn't take a bath for nearly 12 months, I could only do sink "baths" so I saw the mess but didn't really "see". Let's be honest I had a new born, a 2 year old, trying to survive life threatening injuries, an open wound the size of a foot ball in my abdomen that was 3" deep- requiring a wound vac, visiting nurses 3X's/wk and a faulty ileostomy pouch to deal with... yeah, UMM,  do you think I was even concerned about the soap scum??

The spray waiting to be wiped away!

Fast forward 2 years, after my 4th surgery in about 25 months time span and a 5th one possibly looming in the horizon, I AM SICK OF LOOKING at that 

      GROSS Soap SCUM!! 

Grrrrr, it grosses me out, I can't give the kids a bath totally yet, I have ways to work around it, but the wound in my abs can be excruciating at times and it is right smack dap where my belly button USED to be {SIGH!}...ANYWAYS.... I look at that icky soap scum and think what else is clinging to the tub besides soap scum???

I can't stand strong chemicals, since that birthing injury also caused my left lung to collapse harsh chemicals really affects me, the strongest "chemical" I can stand is Dawn Dish soap {Which incidentally is all we used to clean the soot from the ceiling, walls and surfaces after the fire...IT WORKED amazing, in fact that was all I used to clean my house until I noticed it left a film if I didn't rinse well, which took too long!} Soooooooooo, as I was saying, I have tried all my DIY remedies and was resigned to buy a bottle of Soft scrub with Bleach....I know, "Say it isn't so!"...BUT I was sooooo going to...

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 Then I remembered a year or so ago seeing a pin about dawn and vinegar working miracles on soap scum, so today I tried it. I was thinking perhaps this would work on a typical soap scum, but not only do I have soap scum isses bc of using all natural bar soaps and gels but some was "welded" on to the surface from the fire so I wasn't hoping for much.

Boy am I every glad to be wrong (for once LOL!), it really worked! All I had to was use a wash cloth no real scrubbing, I can't handle that yet, and no abrasive brushes, or pads like I thought I would. It just wiped off slick as a whistle.....REALLY COOL!  

Now I do see a little darkness in the bottom of the tub, this pic makes it look darker that it is in real life. The fire was in there, not as bad as it could look considering the whole torch was on fire in my tub for about 90 minutes melting kids bath toys and a plastic curtain to the bottom of the tub. 

You can barely see the darkened area on the tub, it isn't soap scum, but the left over from the fire...

All you need is equal parts Dawn, the original blue kind, & distilled HOT vinegar. That is it. The super concentrated dawn that is out there now will cause way too much suds in the rag/cloth you use to wipe it down with, {AKS ME HOW I KNOW!:-) I could barely rinse it out with the super concentrated kind. LOL! Here is the amount I used:

1/4 C (2 oz) Hot Vinegar {microwave 1 min}
1/4 C (2 oz) Original Blue Dawn 

Mix in Spray bottle. Spray onto surface allow to stand 2 hours or overnight. (Some ppl report using this formula as a base- or just the ingredients for oven cleaner, carpet cleaner, glass cleaner, bug remover, stainless steel cleaner, Whole house cleaner, wool cleaner, and so on...

Well I saw this post with this wand that you use for dishes with the "magic" potion inside...

Mmm, there are possibilities in that idea only the one key factor in making this work is the heating of the vinegar. 

I think this still has potential, I know some blogs I read said their family members know use the wand filled with this "magic potion" after each shower or face "their wrath"! Not sure how it works without heating vinegar, unless for upkeep perhaps it is not as necessary?

The only way I can see it working properly with hot vinegar is either I would have to figure on a way of heating it up b4 each use, or only make small amounts fresh each time, adding dawn last? I will think on it, bc the wash cloth I used to wipe down the tub is still bubbling! I think my hubby is going to throw it in with his GRIMY AWFUL STINKY WORK clothes and we might be posting a new launder aid from this... LOL!

Now excuse me while I take a bath in my sparkly clean tub, I know the 1970's lavender color, lime corroded water spout and handles (I am still looking for natural formula for that one) and tile surround make you soo jealous, you wished you had one just like it right? Well until we come into our millons, this one works and now that it isn't covered in soap scum it is clean, sparkly and fresh!!

Really Look at how SHINY it is! I know there are some really dark places in the grout in the corner, it isn't mold, its from the fire. Hubby calked the edges of tub to help w/the stains and used a grey grout to help as well... ONE day it will be new, like I said I am happy for now!!

 

 

Teach Me Tuesday: How to MYO Garlic Olive Oil Remedy

You know the symptoms:

• Ear pain, fever, fullness in the ear, hearing problems, or malaise {A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify.} 

AHHHH man, I think I am getting something....

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These are some of the common signs of an ear infection & unfortunately ear infections are often ignored at the onset as adults we expect them to wane with time. And as is the case with my toddler son who can't tell me what he is feeling I can usually tell by observation he is tugging at his ear, it is red, he is emotional, listless-then I know something is going on with his ears and grab the TNT remedies in my house...GARLIC & Olive Oil....crazy? 

If you have read my "Teach Me Tuesdays" posts you will remember my many posts on this, here are the links of some I mention Garlic Olive Oil: Onion-Garlic-Ginger Poultice, Garlic Oil for Ear Aches, When to Say When,  & Medicine Cabinet in Your Fridge/Pantry. And as often as I have sited the benefits of Garlic Infused Olive Oil- I have yet to post the remedy I use for ears...

GARLIC OLIVE OIL

I have often wondered the science behind the remedy and read this here "It has been used as a natural analgesic for ear infections for centuries. It works by soothing the walls of the outer ear and providing a layer of protection against bacterial infections."

Analgesic Garlic Olive Ear Ache OIl:

Sterilize the dropper bottle and the dropper by boiling in water for 15 minutes. Remove and allow to air dry.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/276872-how-to-heal-an-ear-infection-with-garlic-oil/#ixzz2D4iT18aL

• Peel & smash 4-6 cloves garlic and place in pan with 1/2 C Olive Oil. 
• Heat olive oil for 5-7 minutes over low heat. You do not have to cook the garlic; the purpose of heating it is to mix the garlic oil with olive oil. 
• Sterilize glass jar in boiling water for 10-15 min and allow to dry thoroughly 
• Cool oil to room temp, at this point you can garlic & oil allow to sit at room temp for one week to make a stronger infusion.
• Pour and strain the infused oil into a small glass container. 
• Label with date & store in fridge

* I keep for no longer than 8 weeks-- if it is close to expiration date I will cook with it.

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How I use the oil:

1. Heat a pan of water and place jar of Garlic oil in water to heat gently. Check on wrist never use warmer than body temp, this just takes the chill of from being in fridge.
2. With a sterilized ear dropper,  drop a few drops of this oil into the sore ear. 
3. Massage with lymphatic drainage movements found in this post
4. After a few minutes, plug the ear with a cotton ball. 
5. The next morning, cleanse the ear with hydrogen peroxide. 
6. Keep the cotton in your ear for the entire day, and repeat the oil treatment at night. 

This ear remedy provides immediate comfort and heals ear infections in a day or two. If garlic is not readily available, you can also use onion juice or cinnamon infused olive oil.

* Disclaimer I am not officially trained in homeopathic remedies or the medical profession, just a mom trying to keep my family healthy and use natural & non-chemical options as much as possible. All posts are my family's journey into the natural remedies use at own discretion- caution and common sense should be applied when trying any natural alternatives.

 **If ear has pus, bloody discharge, or has fever over 102 seek professional help immediately.

Teach Me Tuesday: Liquid African Soap Re-Formulated

OK, so I did try this once before with not so great results- we toughed it out nearly a year as I made about a gallon of this terrible, watery, slightly smelly, & mucky looking soap.  

I tried to convince myself and my family it was fine, 
but my daughter was afraid of using the "dirt soap". 
And my mom, who at the time came over 3 x's/week to help 
me with the kids as I recovered from major surgery,
started bringing her own soap over b/c 
she refused to use my "Murky Nile Dirt Soap" she so dubbed it....

I stubbornly held on until the last 8-16 ounces of my concoction was left. I became so grossed out by the smell, not putrid mind you, but "off smelling"- kinda metallic. I ended up using it to wash the tub and scrub the toilets...basically money down the drain...:-(


I still have 2 lbs left of the soap & after I used up all the store bought liquid soaps I had in reserve- I was determined to give this another shot. I researched all kinds of formulas and "tweaked" this one one to my preferences and understanding of formulating from my previous trials (Err..) errors and errors. 

WHAT I CHANGED FROM MY PREVIOUS ATTEMPT:

• DIDN'T dilute soap mixture with as much water as I had before
• ADDED Vegetable Glycerin to preserve it {I think that is what I omitted last time, probably the source of the "off smelling" concoction}
• ADDED Caster Oil: as it's a powerful humectant, meaning that it helps attract moisture to the skin plus it boosts the soap's lathery-"ness"
• ADDED Aloe Vera Gel for skin smoothing abilities
• DIDN'T add any tea {another probable cause for the "off-smell"}
• ADDED a small amount of melted extra virgin Coconut Oil: it adds more moisture to the skin and contains lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties.

This makes a great hand soap and excellent body wash with a body poof it makes tons of lather, your skin feels amazing plus my razor just  

glided over my skin!

 

Was going to use tea tree EO but decided to use up another eo blend.

LIQUID SOAP FORMULA

1. 1 LB OF AFRICAN BLACK SOAP {could use a different natural handmade soap of choice about 2-4oz bars}
2. 6 C OF DISTILLED WATER
3. 3/4 C Vegetable GLYCERIN
4. 1/3-1/2 C Aloe Vera Gel
5. 1/4-1/3 C- Castor Oil
6. 3-5T Melted Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO)
7. Essential Oil/ Blend of choice{I choose *My Angles about 60 drops and 1/2 ounce from Birch Hill Happenings which is a much more affordable version of White Angelica Blend from a well known MLN. IT is one my FAVORITE scents!}
8. Carrier Oil {* *Rose Hip Oil. I purchase the majority of my supplies from Birch Hill Happenings, their prices, quality and customer service is really excellent}
9. ***Proper amount of Emulsifier{I choose Polysorbate 20, you basically use equal parts to essential oils}

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2 Ways to go about this,  

• #1: Crumble soap and place in a large pan over a low heat and stir until melted completely. Will take about 30-45 minutes. Don't worry about the tiny black specks that might be left in pan, those are cocoa pods fragments. (This is what I did, I added 1/4 C raw honey to melt it for added humectant properties plus it is great for sensitive skin)
• #2: Pour the 6 C of distilled water over the soap you have crumbled and leave in a large 2 Gallon container with a large opening overnight.
• Allow Soap mixture to cool (about 20 minutes) IF you melt over the stove top - if you allowed to melt over night start at this point 

and add glycerin, aloe vera gel,  EVCO, & Castor oil, stir well to combine

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•  After soap has completely cooled mix essential of choice- be sure to mix with emulsifier of choice before you add it to any water mixture- Or you will waste your essential oil as it will lay on the top, remember oil & water don't mix, you need to add something to allow it to blend!!

• Pour into container of choice, this makes about 1/2 Gallon

This makes a WONDERFUL body wash, bubble bath, and hair cleanser too! I added some honey for added moisture and cleansing -  

I just used it as a body wash and cleansed my hair following a "homemade hair conditioner MISHAP" & this also makes an EXCELLENT SHAMPOO!!
...it was amazing!! 

This defiantly is a KEEPER recipe, try adding the honey!!

 

*From Birch Hill Happenings: "My Angels ™ Blend: sandalwoods, rosewood, bergamot fcf, geranium, myrrh, spruce, ylang ylang #3, ylang ylang extra, hyssop, melissa, rose otto, and rose absolute...this blend will help you have a wonderful sense of wholeness as your negative energies turn positive. This wonderful blend of mind enriching essential oils will give you a glow like that of the angels. A healthy 'halo' will surround you. You will feel more spiritual. My Angels ™ blend will strengthen and protect your very being. Sit back, and simply enjoy."

*I added Rose Hip Oil ONLY because it was at the end of it's shelf life, it only has about 6 months shelf life and I already had my facial serums and scar ointments made. So in lieu of  my expensive oil going bad I added it to my soap. IF you have the extra funds by all means add this oil it is a very effective oil for skin treatments. It is very rich in G.L.A. Gamma Linoleic Acid and Vitamin C- it is very healing and nourishing and would be helpful in healing winter dried hands.

**If adding Essential oils it is very important to add an emulsifier or the essential oil will lay on the top of any water mixture and not properly mix

Teach Me Tuesdays: DIY Conditioners & Deep Conditioning Recipes

Why do we condition hair- have you ever thought why? Or did you just wash your hair twice with a bubbly shampoo like the label tells us, then are left with such a tangled mess, scoop a HUGE glob of conditioner smothering your hair hoping the results would be a shinny and manageable mane like the commercials show us?

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The natural oil our hair possesses and needs gets stripped in the process of removing daily dirt and grime-conditioners restore the PH balance in our hair to its optimal level of 5.6 on the acidic scale. 

 But with all types of synthetic chemicals- 

what are we sacrificing?

Though I am still struggling with the "No-Poo Method" of cleansing my hair, it is a tanglely mess, not shinny, dull looking and doesn't feel good- I am pressing forward with this

However, keep in mind I have underwent 5 major surgeries, been on life support for 9 days, then in the ICU for 13 days, have been admitted to the hospital for a total of 60 plus days ALL in the past 2 years. I am currently still recuperating from the last surgery that was 6 months ago & still wearing a wound vacuum. 

Soooooo needless to say my body is so stressed and I am loosing my hair by the handfuls, even with the best professional shampoo & conditioner I was not seeing the bouncy and shiny hair I was used to {With 20 years in the salon business I have access to the best available}... Right now, I am just trying to rid my body of as much chemicals and toxins as I can. 

I am going to hang in there and try this for a few more weeks/month(s), even if I am just detoxing. What I have found to work the best for me lately (As of 11/20/12) is: 

1. Cleanse with the "No Poo Method" of choice found here 
2. Use one of the PH balancing rinse formulas below.
3. If you need more detangling or smoothing- use the conditioner formula of choice below as often as needed.*(Mainly because of the hair loss and my body's response to all the chemicals & healing I have gone through. I am using the glycerine & rhassoul clay conditioners every time)

 Here are a few rinses I am trying:

1. Apple cider vinegar. Apply (I use a spray bottle to concentrate o

   

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   n ends of hair) after shampooing, then rinse.
   
2. Coffee grounds. Massage into hair to exfoliate. Rinse thoroughly.
   
3. Lemon juice. Squeeze fresh lemon into jar, or boil and strain. Apply and rinse.

This site offers a short video discussing the pH-restoring benefits found in lemon juice, coffee grounds, and apple cider vinegar.

The following is more conditioning:

1. Glycerin conditioner: {I am trying this one because of the tangling issues}
   • 5 oz. herbal water (infuse nettle or lavender leaves in water—see our this link for an article for instructions) or use 5 oz. distilled water
   • 2 oz. glycerin
   • 1 oz. lemon juice
   Combine ingredients in glass jar and shake well. Apply 1/4 - 1/2 C. after shampooing. Rinse with warm water. Stores in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
2. Coconut oil. Apply to dry hair and leave in until the next wash. Coconut oil helps reduce protein loss in hair. See this article for more information.
3. Olive oil/egg/essential oil blend. This recipe is a conditioning treatment- protein rich eggs strengthen hair and help prevent split ends and damage. You can do this weekly or as needed.
   • 2 tsp. olive oil (moisturizer)
   • 3/4 C water
   • 1 egg yolk (softener)
   • 3-4 drops of essential oils of choice (optional)
   Mix egg yolk until bright yellow in color and thick. Mix water with Olive Oil then add essential oils. {Tea Tree, Rosemary, & Sage help dandruff. Sandalwood, Lavender, & Patchouli have a soothe a dry scalp and have a masculine scent. Peppermint will invigorate the scalp and citrus will help oily hair.}  Combine ingredients and apply to hair. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse using w/cool water, too hot will cook egg on your hair. Some sites say use this before you cleanse hair some say after.
4. Avocado-Coconut Milk: Deep Conditioner For Dandruff & Frizz
   
   1 Avocado
   ½ can of (fat) Coconut Milk
   2 tbsp of Organic Coconut Oil
   2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
   Optional extras:
   (1/3 cup of organic honey for extra dry hair)
   (1 lemon for hair loss)
   
   *Blend and apply in hair for 30 min to an hour 
5. Yogurt-Banana Deep Conditioner For Breakage-Prone Hair
   
   1 cup of plain whole-fat Yogurt
   1 Banana
   1 Egg
   2 tbsp of Jamaican Black Castor Oil
   
   *Blend and apply in hair for 30 min to an hour
6. Hot Oil Deep Treatment For Dry Hair
   
   1 cup of Water (Bring to a boil)
   2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
   2 tbsp of Jojoba Oil
   2 tbsp of Jamaican Black Castor Oil
   10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
   
   *Stir oils in water until warm. Massage mixture onto hair and scalp. Rinse after 30 min 
   
5. Rhassoul clay. This clay can also be used for deep conditioning of the hair. Feel free to adapt the following recipe to suit your unique hair needs. *This is the conditioner I am using, due to the condition of my hair, I am using this nearly every time I cleanse my hair-which is about every 4-6 days 

• 1/2 c. rhassoul clay
• 1/2 c. warm coconut milk {Don't keep on hand use warm water &  enough dry milk powder to make 1/2 C} 
• 1/4 c. rose water or herbal water (make your own infusion by pouring 2 c. boiling water over 2 tbsp. organic herbs or flower petals. Allow to steep for 30 minutes and strain.)
• 1/4 c. distilled water (double this amount if no herbal or rose water is used)
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil
• Tad of Honey

Mix all ingredients except oil. Once you have a paste, stir in the oil. You may add a tad of honey at this point for added conditioning treatment. Apply to hair and allow to sit with a warm, moist towel or plastic hair cap for 1 hour. Rinse and style as usual. 

I keep this in a glass jar in the fridge and will bring to room temp before I use & will place in a pan of hot water to gently heat.
 
Rhassoul clay is excellent for ethnic hair as well, as seen in this video.

TEACH ME TUESDAYS: How I keep my WHITES, WHITER!!

AS you know, I have been making my own laundry detergent- liquid for nearly a year now:

• It has worked great, 
• Saved us money, 
• Helped us to make a smaller carbon footprints on the earth!! 

SUPER-DUPER-right?, only thing my whites have not been so "WHITE".... 

more like grey & dingy, so sad! 

I really don't want to use bleach, so I tried various whiteners, so far this formula I found has worked quite nicely!

DIY "Oxy-Cleaner" Soak for Whites

3 CUP Peroxide
2 & 1/2  CUP Water
2 & 1/2 CUP Baking Soda

1. I mixed this into an upcycled, LARGE, WIDE MOUTH, Pickle jar. 
2. Shake well & use  1/4-1/2 C on a HOT WATER setting& allow the water to fill up with laundry soap and clothes but stop before agitation begins.
3. Allow WHITE clothes to soak for 20-30 min
4. Continue with cycle and Wash clothes as usual

Another simple trick to whiten any white even those "stains" that clothe diapers get:
Hanging to Line DRY in the Bright Sun Shine will whiten any load!

 

Teach Me Tuedays: Making Homemade Yogurt-2nd Time around Homemade Yogurt:

Making Yogurt with Store Bought Yogurt as a Starter

I have had some ppl voice their concerns about making yogurt at home and I have done so much reading and research from various web sites and books-

basically yogurt is created using "helpful" bacteria (usually lactobacillus bulgaricus & streptococcus thermophilus), found in Dannon PLAIN, which will cause the WHOLE milk to ferment.

For all the science behind what these particular HELPFUL BACTERIA do to the WHOLE milk check the blog below!

Before pasteurization and refrigeration, this was the only way to make milk last longer !!!
 

I find this  homemade yogurt to be more like a Keifer than a thick yogurt. Remember that MOST STORE BOUGHT YOGURTS use pectins and other such additives to thicken. IF you want a thicker yogurt, after making use a mesh strainer lined with cheese clothe or a coffee filter and place over a bowl in fridge. The Whey will strain off and make a thicker yogurt. Don't waste the "whey", use it to ferment veggies, add to lemonade (MY personal fav!), this is good stuff!!

2nd Time around Homemade Yogurt:
I learned some things from the last time I attempted making yogurt at home from a yogurt starter.

• If you hold the WHOLE milk at 185°F for 30 minutes, you will get a thicker consistency-just read that, only held that temp for minutes, if it doesn't get thick this time I will remember to hold 185 for 30 min next time.
• Make sure house is not colder than 68- ideal temp is 70-72. Too cold temps won't allow the starter to ferment the WHOLE milk into yogurty loveliness!
• Allowing the  starter to sit 9-12 hours-is the stage of tanginess I like!
• Just found out about using the lactobacillus bulgaricus & streptococcus thermophilus cultures, the yogurt I used doesn't have those 2 listed, so if you are going to make a yogurt with the thought of having a "mother starter" you need to check the ingredients for these 2, apparently Dannon's Plain Yogurt is the one that contains this strain, not a fan of the way that way one tastes will check other brands to see if they contain these 2. UPDATE: Wasn't an issue-  it tasted fine!
• Place yogurt in the coldest part of your refrigerator and wait overnight, for a tastier and thicker yogurt.~THE BACK OF THE FRIDGE!
• The recipe I initially used called for 1/2C yogurt & for the one I have seen from a very reputable home yogurt maker uses 2-3T of starter. It was just fine with only 2-3T, I do this now.
• Take 2-3T from your container right away so the starter doesn't die off if you wait too long and if you aren't going to be making yogurt within 5 days- freeze your starter. Just thaw in fridge overnight and proceed with the recipe as usual. I do this all the time, not an issue!
• USE WHOLE MILK! Lower fat milk didn't give me a good result.

  Now the recipe I use (From Web site Below):

• 1/2 gallon of WHOLE milk (The amount of  WHOLE milk you use, is the amount of yogurt you will make so use what your family will gobble up!)
• 2-3 Tbs of plain Dannon yogurt (as a starter)
• 1 8-10 Qt stock pot
• 1 4-5 Qt pot with lid
• 1 Metal or plastic spoon (NO WOODEN SPOONS!)
• 1 candy thermometer with clip
• 1 Heating pad (can be replaced by a hotplate)

Milk as it starts to cook, notice the bubbles are starting to get @ 130 degrees   

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the WHOLE milk to reach 185°F  this temp will kill any bacteria- stir constantly.

Helpful Hints:
•While you are waiting for the milk to reach 185°F, fill your sink about 1/4 of the way with cold water. You know- while your stirring the yogurt at the same time, you can do this! :-)
•For your final trick...Add some ice to the sink water.

Notice the the texture of the milk @185 degrees

This took about 10-15 min over med heat, if you do this method you need to constantly stir so you don't scald the WHOLE milk.

If you do not have a thermometer, this is also the temperature that milk will begin to froth, like in a latte.

Once the temp heats to 185 degrees- keep the WHOLE milk at this temp for 30 min, Haven't tried this method yet.UPDATE: Did try and it helps slightly, enough that I do it every time now.

Cool to WHOLE milk to 108°F -110°F . 

This is the temperature where you get to  
start the yogurt magic. 
(For reasons behind this phenomenon check the blog below)

Slowly & Carefully place the pan of WHOLE milk into the sink that has been filled with ice water.  The level of cold water in the sink REALLY needs to be pretty much even with the level of WHOLE milk in the pot.- I waited for the WHOLE milk to cool on its own, with the thought that yogurt likes to be still and undisturbed about 10-15 min and I also stirred occasionally to help cool, pretty much same results.

Adding the yogurt starter

Pour your 2-3 Tbs of yogurt into your 110°F milk.

Helpful Hints:
•Again, if this is your first batch, use only Dannon plain yogurt. All
future batches you will make using your own.

Yogurt all warm and cozy

The 7+ Hour Wait
After stirring you need to leave the yogurt undisturbed and warm for at least 7 hours!  I used a corner of my stove top &  turned the hood light on. (I know seems scary, but that back burner doesn't work)

Stir WHOLE milk well to incorporate the yogurt you just added.

I covered with a towel bc of all the blogs I read told me to allow "natural gasses to escape".


**The household temps will affect the yogurt setting up, so be sure to really insulate the yogurt. NOT too hot either or you will kill all that healthy bacteria... Wait at least seven hours to uncover.

What I did to make my own YOGURT MAKER: 

Set heating pad to medium and place on a cutting board or as I did a pizza stone. Place your pot of yogurty goodness on top. I THEN Cover with several towels and blanket to insulate THE PAN and keep  it toasty as my household temps are below 68- I really wrap it up.


NOW THAT YOU WAITED PATIENTLY  OVERNIGHT AND LEFT THAT YOGURT ALL SNUGGLY AND UNDISTURBED...

Stir, Stir, Stir!!

THE BEST PART!! After waiting at least 7 hours, or in my case 9-12 hours, it's like Christmas time, you get to see what all those patient hours made!!

Remove from heating pad, uncover yogurt,  & use a sterilized spatula/spoon to combine the curds in with liquid.  

DON'T BE SCARED! 

IT might look like you did something wrong at first or smell a bit "off" it is normal, all cheese kinda smells off to me anyways...

Helpful Hints:

•Sometimes there might be a strong, cheesy odor, and you might even see some greenish liquid on top. This is ok, it's part of the process and what want to you to see, it freaked me out at first too!

•Really stir it well to incorporate the clumpy curds into any remaining liquid, you DON'T want curds and whey, remember what happened to Little Miss Muffet dontcha?

Almost there!!

Pour YOUR yogurty delicousness into chosen container/s & cover with tight fitting lid/s...You can use any containers that have a GOOD fitting lid and can hold whatever size batch you are making, I sometimes use more than one container.

Helpful Hints:

•Yogurt will be thinner than commercial yogurt, remember they use thickeners plus, your yogurt is not yet in its finished state, see below*

*Once you stir the yogurt like you mean it, quite robustly, you stop the whole process then storing in coldest part of fridge overnight will help thicken it up. Trust me it does help! For the science part check the blog below

Chillaxxxxx 
& Enjoy all that delicious yogurt that saved you bunches of money & in my personal opinion TASTES wayyy better!!

This blogg "How to make Your Own Yogurt" 

is amazing if you have any in depth questions or want to see more pics, I got a lot of my info from this blog...

http://www.makeyourownyogurt.com/