Talking about this subject is very special to me these days since my oldest son, Nathan, is (finally!) engaged to his Lovely Lindsey and we have a wedding to look forward to this coming June. So you can imagine how happy I am to share all of these ideas with you!

As I have mentioned before, over the years I have been to countless engagement and bridal showers. There is always the question of what is appropriate as a gift. Do we go big time and give them something that they have registered for and then do the same for the wedding? Or do something small for the shower and save the money for the wedding? A few years ago I decided I needed to come up with something that would be my ‘Go To’ gift for most everyone when it came to engagements and bridal showers. Depending on who the gifts were going to would dictate how much I would do. Each of these ideas can be done in whole, or you can take one or two ideas which makes it even simpler and less expensive. This has been such a life saver for me since it is always so hard to come up with something so often and is economical, too.

Engagement Gift

I actually gave this to Nathan and Lindsey the day after they became engaged and was tickled when they were so pleased by it.

It is my belief that if a couple were to put as much energy into their relationship as they do the wedding, we would have less divorce in our country. And maybe even less weddings, if you think of it that way! Still, I truly believe that if a couple were to take the time to find out what each others expectations are, their days ahead would be so much easier. I am aware that there are classes given at different churches and am a huge advocate for them, but what about those couples who are marrying without that opportunity? I have found a terrific book that covers most everything when it relates to what marriage brings. It’s called ‘The Hard Questions: 100 Essential Questions to Ask Before you Say “I Do” by Susan Piver. The categories are Home, Money, Work, Sex, Heath and Food, Family, Children, Community and Family, and Spiritual Life. When I first read some of the questions, I was thinking they were just common sense but then I thought back (and back and back!) when I was first married and remembered how confusing and frustrating it was when it came to simple things like Money and Children. The one question of ‘Who keeps the household books and pays bills’ seems easy but I remember my husband and I having a very heated discussion over who exactly was in charge of that. His idea was I did all the books and pay bills while he decided how the money was to be spent. You can imagine the energy in the house during those sessions! It would have been so much easier for us if we had discussed this ahead of time, in theory, of course, instead of trying to come to a nice solution in the heat of the moment! We were both so adamant about our positions!

In anticipation of the conversation becoming, well, shall we say, lively between the newly engaged couple, I sometimes include a bottle of champagne, two champagne glasses and a note suggesting they consume the champagne to make the time a little less stressful. The book by itself is more than fine, but it’s fun to add a little incentive to read it! And chocolate’s not a bad as an added bonus!

Bridal Shower

Since I can’t resist giving something I make, I came up with the idea of massage oils with blends for both Him and Her. The blends can vary and you can find different ones online if you Google ‘romantic essential oil blends’ or ‘sensual essential oil blends.’ I have several and will supply all of those to you but keep in mind you can do a simple blend of lavender or vanilla. Those happen to be some of the top ‘Turn On’ scents for BOTH men and women! I pick out nice glass bottles for the oils but I also include plastic bottles so that if they choose to take them on the honeymoon, they can store the oils in plastic so they won’t make a mess of their luggage contents.

In addition to the massage oils, I may include cute panties or a teddy, just to make it that much more fun.

Another item I make is an air mist with a blend for Wedding Day Jitters. This blend is supposed to be used by the bride and her attendants while they are getting ready for the big event. It’s a nice blend of jasmine, lemon and patchouli which is a great combination of light and dark tones. In the Middle Ages, the traditional scent was neroli, which is calming, so this may be a nice alternative, too. Whatever works to calm the nerves on that special day!

Last, but not least, I have to suggest a couple more books or this wouldn’t be a typical gift from me! A sweet little jewel of a book I found is called, ‘Don’ts for Husbands and Don’ts for Wives’ by Blanche Ebbutt published in 1913. What. A. Blast. Even though it was written a year shy of 100 years ago, this book has some very good advice on How One Should Conduct Oneself. I admit that I feel my grandmother peering over my shoulder when I read it.

The second book I may include is something my husband and I read together a few years ago and I have to say it made our marriage better than it had been in over 35 years. It’s called, ‘The Five Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman. It helps you understand what sort of Love Language you are and those 5 are: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch. Once we know what our own language is and that of our partner, we are better equipped to help that person feel as loved as possible. At the end of the book, you list your love languages in order of importance and then are challenged to list your partner’s in order. I am proud to say I listed my husband’s in exact order and he listed mine in exact order–in reverse! Let’s just say we had a little chat and got it all straightened out! What great information to have when starting a new life with the one you adore!

Please remember that combining these items as one gift is only a suggestion and that you can take one thing and make it your gift. I have given the books by themselves individually and they were received with much appreciation. You can find all these books at Amazon.com.

I see some massage oil and books in Nathan and Lindsey’s future!

His Massage Oil

4 ounces oil (almond, jojoba, avocado, whatever you like best; a note, though, about olive oil-although it makes a terrific massage oil, I would not add essential oils without remembering olive oil has a scent of its own and may conflict with any essential oil you add to it)

20-40 combined drops of the following essential oils:
cedarwood
clary sage
frankinsense
jasmine
rosewood
sandalwood
vetiver
ylang-ylang

Directions

Put oil in small bowl and add essential oils. Stir gently and put in decorative bottle or plastic bottle. Label.

Her Massage Oil

4 ounces oil (almond, jojoba, avocado, whatever you like best)
20-40 combined drops of the following essential oils:
jasmine
neroli
rose absolute
sandalwood
tangerine
ylang-ylang

Directions

Put oil in small bowl and add essential oils. Stir gently and put in decorative bottle or plastic bottle. Label

Alternative Massage Oil Blends

His

coriander
lime
sandalwood

Hers

bergamot
jasmine
sandalwood

For Ardour (2 ounces of oil)

3 drops jasmine
3 drops neroli
4 drops orange

For Devotion

1 drop clary sage
3 drops patchouli
2 drops rose
4 drops rosewood

Individual essential oils (any of these three are heavenly by themselves)

neroli
lavender
vanilla

Wedding Day Jitters Air Mist

6 ounces water
1 ounce witch hazel
20-40 drops combined drops of the following essential oils:

bergomot
jasmine
chamomile
sage
lavender
sandalwood

Directions

Put water and witch hazel in spray bottle. Add essential oils and label. Give directions on label to shake before each use.

This is a blend that is very nice in a lotion or body cream. I have made as a gift from the bride to her attendants that included air mist, sugar scrub and body lotion. I would use the 40 drops in about 4 ounces of lotion or cream. Start with a small amount first, then add as needed to create the scent you desire. You can always add more scent but it’s impossible to take it away!

Sugar Scrub

2 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup almond oil (or any oil of your choice; I use olive oil for every day use)
2 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. essential oil (if using more than one oil, combine the oils by the drop in a small amount of oil then add to the sugar)

Directions

Mix ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. The sugar should be the consistency of new, fluffy snow. Store in an air-tight container.

Basil for Everything!

When you hear the word basil, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well, I think of a caprese salad of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil leaves or a simple bowl of angel hair pasta with a pesto sauce. But would this herb be effective in the world of skincare, too? The answer is definitely, ‘Yes!’

Basil contains antibacterial compounds that make it a good cleanser and has a scent that can sooth your stress and even your sinuses. The oils found in basil have also been proven to act as an anti-inflammatory agent as well. Basil boasts pro-vitamin A and vitamin K., both essential to healthy skin inside and out. The flavonoids in basil have been found to provide protection at the cellular level against bacterial growth. When paired with other essential oils, herbs and even fruits, basil becomes a well-rounded herbal remedy for body, mind and the soul. Today basil is becoming a stamp of quality and pampering in health and beauty products.

Basil extracts paired with mint are found in shampoos and can increase scalp circulation that is crucial for hair growth and re-growth. This results in lustrous, shiny hair that is more manageable and strong. Basil tea can be used as an after-shampoo rinse and will leave hair silky and the scalp feeling fresh.

Facial masks are being made with basil along with avocado and olive oil that will moisturize in ways you won’t believe. You can make your own (of course!); it can be messy but well worth it.

Since basil is a natural astringent, it is found as a main ingredient in toners that are starting to show up on the shelves, but this, too, can be made at home. After cleansing the face, splash some of the homemade basil toner on, let it air-dry then moisturize as usual. Your face will appreciate it, especially if the air you live in is polluted. Before using a mask, try a basil face steam to open up and cleanse those pores

In aromatherapy, a basil essential oil massage is given to calm down the mind and get rid of tensions that have occupied the mind. It is one of the most rejuvenating experiences that can truly cheer the heart. Its refreshing aroma provides soothing effects and takes away melancholy from life. Basil pairs nicely with lemon or lime to tone and deodorize the skin so this makes a nice shower gel to get that morning started in the right direction.

I know some of you have basil in your yard. It grows so well here in Arizona since it loves warm climates. If you have an over abundance of it, try using it for some of my suggested beauty products. I have also provided a couple of my family’s favorite recipes with basil as the Star Ingredient.

Basil Beauty Products

Shower Gel

4 oz liquid glycerin soap

20 drops basil essential oil

10 drops lemon essential oil

Put ingredients in 4 oz. plastic bottle and shake.

Basil Hair Rinse and Face Toner

This recipe can be used for both the hair and face.

Pack about three tablespoons into a sturdy mug and pound lightly with a pestle to bruise the leaves and release the oils. Put  in a cup, pour boiling water over the leaves and cover the mug with a plate or anything else that will keep the steam from escaping. Let the ‘tea’ steep until it’s a clear, grass color, about 20 minutes. Strain and discard leaves. I use my coffee press for this; that way I can make more than just a small cup’s worth.

Hair Rinse: shampoo as usual, finishing with basil hair rinse.

Face Toner: Splash face after cleansing but don’t rinse off toner. Let air dry and moisturize as usual.

If traveling, you can take dried basil to use as a skin and hair booster. Pour about a cup of hot tap water over two teaspoons dried basil, cover, and let sit overnight for use the next morning.

Face Steam

Add a fistful of basil leaves and handful of mint leaves and heating them in a pot of water. Remove the pot from the heat when it starts emitting steam. Secure your hair with a band, take a thick towel over your head and bend over the pot with your eyes closed so that your face is fully exposed to the steam emanating from the water. Take the steam this way for around 3-4 minutes. Afterward you can apply a facemask. If not, splash cold water on your face or gently rub an ice cube wrapped in a cloth to close the pores.

Face Mask

Basil-Avocado Mask

Gently mash up 1-2 TBS of basil to release oils. Mix in half of a ripe avocado and enough olive oil to make a nice paste. Apply to cleansed face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with water or try using a basil toner you made yourself!

Basil-Egg White Mask

Put 1-2 TBS of basil leaves in blender or food processor. Process until the basil becomes a chopped mush. Put mush in a bowl and mix it with  a teaspoon of sea salt and one egg white. Rub onto cleansed face gently (the salt can be very abrasive so be careful!), paying attention to problem areas with acne or other blemishes you want to get rid of. Leave mask on for only 5-7 minutes; rinse with lukewarm water or some of that basil toner you made!

To have basil during the winter months when it doesn’t grow as well or it’s too expensive at the grocery store, try making pesto and freezing it. You can put the recipe in one container for the freezer, or put in an ice cube tray to freeze. Each cube equals about one tablespoon and can be used in future sauce or soup recipes.

Basil Pesto

2 cups packed, fresh basil leaves

2 cloves garlic

¼ cup pine nuts

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Combine basil, garlic, pine nuts and parmesan cheese in food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. While food processor is on, slowly drizzle olive oil in opening until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container, cover and freeze up to 3 months. If using ice cube trays, place pesto in each cube and freeze overnight. Take cubes out of tray and put in freezer zip-loc bag, freeze and keep for later use. Each cube equals around 1 tablespoon.

How to Freeze Fresh Basil

If you want to save some of that extra basil and you’re not interested in making pesto, you can freeze it (mixed with olive oil) to be used later.

Wash leaves very well and put in salad spinner. Spin them as dry as you possibly can. Lay them in a single layer on dry paper towels and leave until completely dry. If you don’t have a salad spinner, just wash your basil leaves in the sink and dry them well with paper towels. Then do the same as if you had spinned them by laying them in a single layer on dry paper towels and leave until completely dry.

Put enough basil leaves in a food processor, using the steel blade, until the bowl is full, but not tightly packed. Pulse food processor with one hand and drizzle olive oil into the feed tube with the other hand, just pulsing until the basil is coarsely chopped. You should also make sure that all the basil is coated with the oil, which keeps it from turning dark in the freezer. I use about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for each batch in the food processor when I’m making coarsely chopped basil like this to use for pasta sauce, soup, or stew recipes.

In freezing, transfer to airtight containers, cover and freeze up to 3 months. If using ice cube trays, place pesto in each cube and freeze overnight. Take cubes out of tray and put in freezer zip-loc bag, freeze and keep for later use. Each cube equals around 1 tablespoon.

And just for giggles I have supplied two favorite basil recipes:

Basil-Lemon Sorbet

4 cups water

2 cups sugar

1 cup basil, fresh leaves and lightly packed

1 cup lemon juice, fresh

2 large basil leaves

In saucepan, bring water, sugar and basil leaves to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Let syrup cool to room temperature. Add lemon juice and refrigerate until completely chilled.  Strain liquid and discard basil leaves. Put half of liquid in blender. Add two basil leaves and blend until basil is completely incorporated and is the size of ‘specks.’  Transfer to sorbet/ice cream maker. Follow manufacturers instructions to prepare sorbet.

After sorbet has completed its cycle, remove sorbet from freezer container and place in airtight container. Cover sorbet with plastic wrap, pressing wrap to surface of sorbet to prevent ice crystals from forming. Cover tightly and place in freezer. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. You can also leave the sorbet in the sorbet container if you want to take it to a friend’s house. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap to surface and put in freezer until ready to transport. Wrap container in a large towel to keep it cold. It won’t melt and it will be perfect for scooping later.

Caprese Salad

Many hot evenings, my husband and I have this along with a small green salad and it’s all we usually need. This is usually enough for two people.

1 avocado, sliced thin

1 heirloom tomato, sliced thin

Mozzarella cheese, fresh and sliced thin; about 6+ slices

6-10 basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

coarse salt and pepper

Layer avocado, tomato and cheese slices, alternating each one, on a nice serving platter. Sprinkle sliced basil leaves over ingredients. Sprinkle olive oil and balsamic to taste. Salt and pepper to taste.

Before talking about sunburns, I would like to address the sunscreen issue. We, in Arizona, are very aware of how important it is to use plenty of sunscreen. Second to Australia, we have a very high occurrence of skin cancer and so it’s very important that we stay vigilant about using sunscreen. Our children especially need to be protected. There has been much ‘to do’ about sunscreens lately and, to be honest, I can’t help but be a little confused about what kind of sunscreen we need to use and how safe is it? There is one source of information you may want to check out that has been trying to explain all the ins and outs of this issue. The group’s name is Environmental Working Group and their website is www.egw.org. Here is a direct link to their latest sunscreen news:

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/

There are several articles that you may find interesting and you will also be able to find out about the sunscreen you use. They have a rating system for what’s safe and what’s not.

I also found an article in my Most Favorite Magazine in the World, ‘Herb Companion’, where it notes all the precautions used in Australia. Here is a small excerpt:

In the 1990′s The Australian government, alarmed by the rising rate of skin cancer in their country, devised an amazingly effective national health campaign: ‘Slip, Slop, Slap!’ Translation: Slip on a T-shirt, Slop on some sunscreen, and Slap on a hat. The message worked and the rate of skin cancer dropped. To go with those simple guidelines, here are a few more helpful tips and suggestions:

• Don’t use exfoliation treatments such as scrubs or dry brushing before going out in the sun – they increase skin’s sensitivity.
• Some medications, such as antibiotics, antihistamines and oral contraceptives, may increase sun sensitivity. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications before spending time outdoors.
• Wear a hat with a 3-inch brim that wraps all around.
• Trees in full leaf can provide some sun protection (10 to 20 SPF), so stay in their shade whenever possible.
• Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun to allow cream to bind to skin and increase protection, and reapply frequently.

Saying all that, I have to admit there are those times when no matter how hard we try, sunburn happens. Then we need to address the pain and discomfort of the burns. There are several homemade remedies that I would love to recommend that I used as a child and others that I used as an adult.

There are two degrees of sunburn. The symptoms of a first-degree burn include pain, heat, redness and tender to the touch on the skin affected. These symptoms can appear from 1 to 24 hours after exposure to the sun. After a couple of days, this type of burn will ‘cool’ into a suntan or thin layers of skin may peel off.

The symptoms of a second-degree burn include extreme reddening, swelling, pain and even blisters can appear. The burn goes deeper into the skin’s layers damaging small blood vessels and elastic fibers in the skin, and later there is wrinkling of the skin. In most severe cases, the burn may be accompanied by chills, fever, nausea, and/or delirium. This type of sunburn can be dangerous, especially to children, and a doctor’s advice may be recommended.

My remedies are best used with first-degree burns or even when you used plenty of sunscreen but feel a little ‘sun saturated’. Along with these remedies remember that you need to re-hydrate the inside of your body, too. Drink as much water as you can for the first couple days you have the burn.

Once a sunburn appears, it’s a good idea to cool the body off as soon as possible. Take a cool shower or soak in a tub of lukewarm water for around 10 minutes. This will lower the skin’s temperature and will help in the healing process. When you are done showering or soaking, try to air dry your skin or, if you need to use a towel, gently pat your skin dry as opposed to rubbing it.

There are products out there that are made for sunburns but use with caution. Check the ingredients for lanolin. The product may feel cool and soothing at first but once it’s warmed by the body, the lanolin becomes heated by the body’s temperature and it can get very uncomfortable. Once applied, it can’t be taken off since it’s soaked into the skin.

Here are some homemade remedies ranging from real simple to a little more work-intensive, depending on your needs and time.

Bath Soaks

If you choose to soak in a tub, it may help the healing process and cut down the itching if you were to use one of the following:

Baking Soda

Fill a tub with mild water and add a cup of baking soda. Baking soda returns the skin’s pH to normal and acts as a great neutralizer. This bath will cool the skin down and allow for it to ‘breathe’ a bit, lowering the temperature naturally. You may want rinse off with clear water as, once dry, the baking soda may leave a light, white, powdery residue.

Oatmeal bath

Similar to baking soda, oatmeal is a neutralizer and is awesome for sensitive and damaged skin.  You can just throw in a ½ cup or so in the tub while the water’s running or, to prevent clogging the drain, you may want to make an oatmeal ‘flour’ by running it through your blender or food processor. Sometimes, I’ll wrap it up in a cheese cloth and toss it in the bathtub.

Aloe Vera

When my granddaughter was a toddler, she called aloe vera the ‘magic plant’. I always have a plant nearby to use on those minor burns we get from working in the kitchen around hot stoves and ovens. I am a firm believer in its miraculous healing properties. It’s also great for sunburns since it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. It not only soothes, it accelerates the healing process and removes the itch. It also penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and helps the skin rejuvenate itself by lowering the temperature and cooling the skin. You can use a real aloe plant–cut off a spear, split it open and rub the clear gel from the inside of the leaf on the sunburn. Or you can scrape the gel from the leaf and spread it over with your hands or a sable paintbrush, if the skin is extra sensitive. You can purchase aloe vera gel from a health food store or herb store. I use a terrific herb store in Chandler called ‘Desert Sage Herbs’ (website: www.desertsageherbs.com) where I get all kinds of interesting ingredients. The owners are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and willing to educate those of us, like me, who are just dabblers in all-things-natural. There are aloe vera products that can be purchased at the drug stores but be sure the aloe vera content is greater than other ingredients, especially water, in order to gain the maximum benefit. Some will also have alcohol as an ingredient and that may burn a little once applied.

Here are two homemade recipes that use aloe vera as its main ingredient.

Sunburn Mist

4 oz aloe vera gel (store-bought or taken from a fresh leaf)
12 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil
1 sprig creosote (optional); pinch off any flowers. Creosote has amazing healing properties.

Put aloe juice in 4 ounce spray bottle. Add essential oils and creosote sprig. Shake well. Label and store in refrigerator for up to 3 months. A mist is better than lotion sometimes because burned skin is so sensitive to touch.

Aloe Vera Skin Gel

½ cup aloe vera gel (store-bought or taken from a fresh leaf)
1 TBS dried chamomile flowers
1 TBS vitamin E oil
2-3 drops peppermint oil

Mix together aloe vera gel and chamomile flowers in small sauce pan or microwave-safe container. Heat mixture gently but do not boil. Let mixture cool completely, then stain off chamomile flowers and discard. Stir in vitamin E and peppermint oils. Pour lotion into clean jar with a tight fitting lid and store in a cool, dry place. To use, massage lotion into skin as needed. For extra cooling refreshment, store lotion in refrigerator.

Black Tea Bags

One remedy I used growing up was wet black tea bags. The tannic acid in the tea draws the burn out of the skin and starts the healing process. After just one application, most sunburns are no longer painful and are less red. However, this treatment will act on the pain but may not prevent peeling.

To use black tea, make a large pot of boiling water. Add several tea bags to the water and steep until it’s real strong tea (about 15-20 minutes). Add ice until the tea is just slightly warm. Put a bath towel (preferably a dark colored one; a light one will probably be “dyed” brown from the tea) into the pot and keep turning the towel until it has soaked up all of the tea. Have the sunburned person lie on the floor or bed on top of an old towel to catch drips. Wring out towel slightly and place the wet towel over the sunburned area of the body. Leave the towel on for a half hour for a moderate burn and an hour for a strong burn. The slightly warm tea will actually feel very cool on burned skin, and cold water would be almost painfully too cold on the hot skin. The burned person immediately feels relief from the wet, getting cooler and cooler gradually, with the actual temperature of the skin also lowering. You can also use the wet tea bags to rub over affected area.

White Vinegar

Plain white vinegar is a popular sunburn remedy. Many who try it say it helps to relieve pain when applied to the skin as a compress. Soak clean towels in a half water, half vinegar solution. Wring the towels and apply on the affected areas, avoiding contact with the eye area. You can also fill a clean spray bottle with the half vinegar, half water solution and spritz it onto the skin. Smelly! But once it’s dry, the smell goes away.

Yogurt

Yes, I said yogurt! It contains enzymes and acids that can help the sunburn. It might be a bit unpleasant to begin with (a little squishy), but once you apply it, relief comes in minutes. You can either soak a cloth in yogurt, or simply apply it on the sunburn area. Leave it on until it’s dry (which happens soon after you placed it since the skin exerts high temperature). Rinse it off with cool water and repeat a couple times.

You may want to add a couple drops of lavender essential oil which increases the soothing effect and diminishes the irritation and redness. And smells nice!

Staying out of the sun is always a good idea. Living in Arizona makes it a challenge so there will always be ‘those times.’ If you find yourself or someone else with a sunburn, one of the remedies just might help.

Father’s Day. BBQ, baseball on tv (or, better yet; go to a game!), swimming, boating. All of this sounds like a typical Dad’s day to me. But the one thing that’s a big stressor for me? What in the heck do you give a GUY???

After all the ties, golf shirts, Hawaiian shirts, etc are given, what’s left? Well, I have a few suggestions for you.

Last year, I put together a picture book for my son, Adam, the awesome dad of my three Lovely Ladies. I have a Mac computer and using the iphoto program, I was able to make a book in no time. It cost me around $70.00 but that’s only because I went a little crazy and used around 80 photographs. If I had used a little more restraint and stuck with 25 or so , it would have only been around $30. The book started with the first picture of him and his number one daughter, Ava. I chose pictures that had him with one or all of his three ladies. He loved it.

Something that is simple and also well-received is asking your children to finish sentences about their dad. I did this when my guys were growing up for their grandparents and some of the answers were pretty funny. A few of the questions were: I like it when my daddy________________. When my daddy laughs, it makes me feel___________________. I know my dad is happy when_______________. My daddy’s favorite thing to do is_________________. My daddy’s favorite drink is___________. My daddy can cook__________________.

These are only a few examples. You can do a lot of questions or just a few. I made cards with the questions and answers inside with a little title on the front that said, ‘From the Mouths of Babes.’ If you have a precocious toddler, this can be pretty fun.

Now, to give that Guy Who Has Everything something a little different, how about shaving products? I made shaving creams, aftershave lotions and masks. The ingredients are not ‘flowery’ smelling and when considering all those chemicals and such that you find in over-the-counter products, these are a very nice and fun alternative. I will admit there are many products available that are safe, but they can be pretty pricey. To help you with finding the safest products, try going to the website http://www.ewg.org/skindeep. Or, you can make your own! The recipes I am supplying are better for men’s skin types and have bolder, more masculine scents and natural ingredients.

Fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage and yarrow are well suited for masculine tastes. They are all naturally antiseptic and cleansing to the skin. Yarrow in particular is a good choice to use in male product recipes as it is healing, cleansing and astringent. Spices are often found in aftershave products because they have anti-inflammatory properties and bold scents. Citrus blended with herbs and spices is also uplifting and, well, sexy!

Shaving products have gotten more sophisticated, but little has changed when it comes to the daily ritual of shaving: removing hair from the face with a sharp blade and then soothing the skin with a splash of cold water or aftershave. In my most favorite magazine in the world, ‘Herb Companion’, I found shaving tips for a closer, more comfortable experience, written by Janice Cox:

• Always shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the growth can cause ingrown hairs and skin irritation.
• Before shaving, soften the beard with warm water or a hot towel.
• Don’t shave the same area over and over; this can be irritating and can damage new skin cell growth.
• Use a gentle facial scrub once a week to remove dead skin and ingrown hairs. Try mixing a teaspoon or two of cornmeal, ground nuts or oatmeal into your favorite cleanser or soap while washing your face.
• Use a facial mask monthly to deep-cleanse pores and help rid your skin of surface debris and dead skin cells. Try a natural clay mask to help draw impurities out of your skin.
• Rinse razor blades well after each use and replace often. Allow your razor to air dry to avoid the chance of bacteria growing.
• Cuts and Nicks: Grab a clean cotton cloth or tissue and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Avoid that area the next time you shave. You may also apply a bit of vitamin E oil to the spot to help it heal.

Target has a nifty Razor Kit that includes a razor, shaving cream brush, shaving soap and a soap holder, all of which hang from an attractive, metal stand. It costs around $30.00. Here are a few recipes for you to make at home using easily found ingredients. Try out some of these recipes and wrap them up with the Razor Kit from Target or just a simple, new razor. Dad deserves Make-It-Yourself stuff, too!

Olive oil creates a rich, moisturizing cream. Showering before shaving softens the hairs on the face. This is an easy recipe and it works best if used with a shaving brush to create a better ‘foam.’ It makes a nice amount that should last a good week or so, depending on how often the guy shaves.

Olive Oil Shaving Cream

Ingredients:

6 TBS beeswax, pellets or grated from a block *see notes
4 TBS olive oil
1 cup boiling, hot water
1 tsp borax powder
2 TBS mild soap, grated (I recommend Dove soup; it’s mild and has a very light scent that won’t interfere with any essential oil you are adding)
20 drops essential oil of your choice (8 drops cedar and 12 drops lime has a nice, manly scent)

Directions:

1. On stovetop in a double boiler or in microwave, gently heat beeswax and olive oil until just melted. You can also use a glass measuring cup placed in a shallow pan of water. Bring the water to a fast simmer. Stir occasionally until you have a clear liquid.

2. Meanwhile, in separate container (I used a glass mixing measuring cup), mix together boiling hot water, borax and soap, stir until soap is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour soap solution into blender and blend on lowest speed for a few seconds. The solution will foam a bit. With blender running at very low speed, slowly pour beeswax/olive oil mixture into soap solution and continue to blend on lowest speed until cooled and you have a smooth, creamy mixture, about 6 minutes.

4. Spoon into a clean container, like a mason jar. As a gift or as a convenient container, put some in bottles with a squeeze top or pump top. To use: soften beard with warm water and then smooth shaving cream over your face. Use sharp, clean razor.

*notes: this recipe called for a ¼ cup stearic acid powder instead of the beeswax. Stearic acid is very difficult to find unless you go online. It is an emulsifier, which makes the product creamier. I experimented with natural emulsifiers like sasparilla and yam, but the smell really put me off of it even though it did make a ‘thicker’ shaving cream. My husband used the creams with and without the sasparilla and didn’t think it made a large amount of difference during the shaving process. I experimented with the beeswax and came up with the suggested amount and am very happy with it. I found the longer the shaving cream stood, the thicker it got.

How more manly can you get if you use brewer’s yeast? It actually has a couple of benefits for anyone’s skin, not just Dad’s. It’s rich in all the Vitamin B’s and is known to kill bacteria associated with acne. It also promotes production of some white blood cells, which helps to clear problem skin and keep it healthy.

Brewer’s Yeast Facial Mask

Ingredients:

1 tsp powdered brewer’s yeast *see notes
1 TBS buttermilk or plain yogurt

Directions:

Mix yeast and buttermilk until smooth. To use: Spread an even layer over your face and neck. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Rinse well with warm then cool water and pat your skin dry. Store any leftover mask in refrigerator.

*notes: I found brewer’s yeast at Brewers Connection located at 1425 E. University Dr. #B103, Tempe, Az. They have small sample packets of different types of brewer’s yeast and are happy to let you take a few packets. The amount in each packet is plenty for one batch of the facial mask. They were very nice at Brewers Connection, by the way.

Clay masks are especially well suited for male complexions and help draw out oils and surface impurities from the skin. All clays have the same skin-clearing results but vary in color depending on what part of the world they come from and the minerals they contain. You can find natural clay powder at natural food stores or herbal stores.

Natural Clay Mask

Ingredients:

2 TBS natural clay
1-2 tsp water
1 tsp light oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc

Directions:

1. Mix together clay and water until you have a smooth paste.

2. To use: Spread mixture on clean skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes, until dry. Rinse well with warm water followed by cool water and pat your skin dry.

Aftershave helps refresh and close pores after cleansing or shaving. Used as a final facial splash; the combination of herbs in this recipe will help tighten pores and keep the complexion clear. These two are all naturally antiseptic and cleansing. In the herbal aftershave, you may also use fresh herbs in place of the dried; use three times the amount called for and store in the refrigerator for 1 week before straining.

Herbal Aftershave

Ingredients:

1 cup witchhazel
1 tsp yarrow, dried
1 TBS lavender, dried
1 TBS sage, dried
1 tsp mint, dried
1 bay leaf

Directions:

Mix all ingredients. Pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. At the end of two weeks, strain off the liquid and discard any solids; pour into a clean container. After shaving or cleansing your face, pour a small amount into your hands and pat on your face.

To make this sooner than 2 weeks, put ingredients in double boiler and heat at very low heat for four hours. Let it come to room temperature. Strain off liquid and discard any solids; pour into clean container.

Bay rum aftershave was created in the West Indies during the mid-1800′s and became a very popular item for men in New York City and, later, Europe. It has a very spicy scent with a little bit of orange thrown in. Cinnamon also smells great and its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin after cleansing or shaving. The ‘Christmas-ee’ scent makes it a nice gift during the holidays, too.

Bay Rum Aftershave

Ingredients:

1/2  cup witchhazel
2 TBS dark rum
2 bay leaves, dried or fresh
¼  tsp whole allspice
¼ tsp whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 small orange, zest

Directions:

Mix all ingredients. Pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place jar in dark, cool place for 2 weeks. At end of two weeks strain off liquid; pour into clean container. Discard any zest and other remaining solids. Use on face after cleansing or shaving.

To make sooner, put all ingredients in double boiler and simmer on lowest heat for 4 hours. Bring to room temperature and strain off liquid; pour into clean container. Discard any zest and other remaining solids. Use on face after cleansing or shaving.

Would you believe that you can use essential oils to help your animal’s health and well-being?

Yes, you can! Just like people, animals can benefit from essential oils for mood and health. Today, I will concentrate on Man’s Best Friend: Our puppy dogs!

There are blends of essential oils that will not only alter your dog’s mood, it can help with skin problems and even what they smell like. A few recommended oils are:

*Lavender – soothes the skin and relieves itching

*Tea Tree – powerful antibacterial and antifungal

*Bergamot – antifungal problems

*Chamomile – soothing and gentle, aids in healing

tissue

Just because an essential oil has been recommended for us humans does not mean it is good for your pets! Here are some UNSAFE essential oils for dogs:

Anise/Camphor/Hissop/Juniper*/White Thyme/Yarrow

Because of uterine stimulation or possible toxicity, avoid using these oils on dogs, especially pregnant dogs.

*the oil of Juniper berry is perfectly safe, but the Juniper wood oil is toxic to the kidneys

Birch/Wintergreen

Some aromatherapy formulae found on websites suggest using the oils birch and wintergreen for joint pains caused by arthritis. However, dermal use of these two oils has been proven to be toxic as they contain high levels of methyl salicylate and the ingestion of these can cause severe poisoning and death.

Cassia/Clove leaf and bud

These oils can cause dermal irritation and possible toxicity to both people and pets.

Horseradish/Mustard/Tansy

Due to the pungent properties of these oils, they are considered to be hazardous and may cause severe dermal irritation.

Pennyroyal

Although this oil is effective in repelling fleas, it is also highly toxic to the kidneys and the nervous system. It is also a known abortifacient. Avoid using this oil on pets and yourself!

Rue

This oil is a terrible photosensitizer.

Wormwood

Both the herb and the oil wormwood are toxic to pets and should be avoided at all costs, even though some people suggest using wormwood for treating worm infestation. There have been reports of wormwood essential oil causing renal failure in humans. It is also a known fact that wormwood causes seizures, and possesses very high oral and dermal toxicity.

Most animal aromatherapy experts have suggestions on how best to approach a dog with essential oils. Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell and just spraying the essential oil blend on them may startle them and it may put them off of being treated with them. It is recommended that you allow them to smell the blend before application. Choose a quiet time when you and your dog can concentrate on the oils (not before being fed or directly after feeding). Take the open bottle and hold it firmly in your hand leaving only the top exposed so the puppy can’t take it out of your hand. Hold the bottle about three feet away from the dog’s nostrils, moving it slowly towards him until you can see his nose twitching or some other sign that they are in a comfortable range to smell the oils. Some animals will want to come towards the bottle, possibly even lick it, others will want to stay at a safe distance and simply smell it. The oil in the bottle is evaporating so the animal is actually absorbing the affects even if it is a little distance from the bottle. If you move the bottle backwards and forwards you will notice if the animal is following the smell or not. When the animal has had enough of the oil it will move away from you or show you in its own unique way that it has had enough!

Signs of keen interest: smelling intently for a long time, licking the lips or trying to lick the bottle, follows you around with the aroma, rolls on its back.

Signs of moderate interest: a few sniffs then looks away, a small sniff but returns to the bottle, tongue licks quickly, easily distracted from the aromas.

Signs of no interest: Turns away from the aroma, one sniff and no further interest, tries to leave the room.

If the animal shows no interest in the oil try again the next day; if there is still no interest, skip a day and if there is still no interest leave it for three days and then try again.

One benefit of using essential oils for your dog is to help them relax. And a nice way to promote that is a massage! If we love them, why won’t our favorite little guy or gal?

A gentle home massage can give your dog comfort as well as aiding the nervous system and increasing circulation. Deep massage is not recommended unless you have the guidance of a trained and certified practitioner but there’s no reason you can’t give your pet a light, relaxing rubdown, especially if you use essential oils.

Using lavender or chamomile oils can promote relaxation and calmness. Always use the essential oil in a carrier oil (vegetable, almond, jojoba or olive oil are fine); direct contact to the skin can cause irritation and, at times, burning.

Have your dog lie on a soft, firm surface such as a rug, although very small dogs can be done sitting or crouching on your lap. Try to avoid the face of the dog with the oils; you don’t want any to get in their eyes or nostrils. Apply the oil after you have finished with their face.

Start with several soft, slow strokes from head to tail. When your dog begins to relax, scratch gently behind the ears, moving to the cheeks, under the chin, over the nose, between the eyes and over the head.  Rub each ear several times between your thumb and forefinger, working from base to tip.

Apply a couple of drops of your essential oil to fingertips, rubbing the oil over the whole of your hand. Using three fingers, move slowly over the neck, shoulders and chest in small, circular patterns, gently pinching folds of any loose skin in these areas. Lightly squeeze down the length of each foreleg, then place three fingers on each side of the leg and softly rub in opposite directions several times.  If your dog is comfortable with having his feet handled, use your thumb and forefinger and give each foot a couple of soft squeezes. This is a good time to look out for any burrs, ticks or skin abnormalities. Use common sense in avoiding wounds, lumps, rashes or any sore spots.

The second phase of the massage can include placing your thumb and index finger on each side of the spine and ‘walking’ them toward the base of the tail, and then the outside of each thigh. You may also squeeze the length of the tail and move down the rear legs in the same way as on the front legs, if your dog doesn’t protest. If at any point, your dog resists, respect his wish and move to the last area or technique he enjoyed. Finish up with several soft, slow strokes from head to tail.

Here are a few Healing Blends for your puppy:

Skin problems: 1 oz. calendula oil, 15 drops lavender, 18 drops geranium.  Pour the essential oils into a 1+ ounce bottle. Apply to afflicted areas.

Relieve itching:  1 oz, calendula oil, 12 drops lavender, 15 drops geranium, 9 drops chamomile.  Pour the essential oils into a 1+ ounce bottle. Apply to afflicted area.

Combat Fleas:  1 oz rubbing alcohol, 20 drops mint (any kind).  Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike! This pest hides within your pets’ fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings. Prepare the following blend by pouring the ingredients into a 1+ ounce spray bottle. Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Vacuum rugs, carpet and curtains. Throw vacuum bag out in the outdoor container so the fleas don’t find their way back in the house. Spray the affected areas of your home. Don’t forget your dog’s bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

Combat Ticks:  1 oz vegetable oil, 30 drops tea tree oil, 30 drops lavender.  Check your home and pet for ticks -  look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back. Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 1+ ounce bottle. Shake before each use and spray affected areas around the house. Apply one drop lavender and one drop tea tree oil on tick before extracting it from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great. It will help to have someone hold your puppy’s head to soothe him.

Energy Booster: 1 oz vegetable oil, 15 drops rosemary, 18 drops lavender, 6 drops peppermint. Prepare the blend by pouring the oils into a 1+ ounce bottle. Massage the spine gently. Use in morning only. This is a nice blend for those loved pets who are in their elder years!

Reduce Nervousness and Hyperactivity: 1 oz carrier oil, 18 drops lavender, 6 drops chamomile, 12 drops petitgrain. This is a great blend for those puppies who cannot calm down! Prepare blend by pouring oil in a 1+ ounce bottle; add essential oils. Shake and apply lightly to spine and back of head using fingertips in a slow, circular motions.

Control Pet Odor:  1 oz water, 10 drops lavender, 10 drops geranium, 6 drops lemon. Pour water in 1+ ounce bottle and add essential oils. Spray directly on your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from his body. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes. You may use this on his bed or favorite place to nap.

We will do about anything for our lovely pets. Giving them more attention using essential oils is just one more way to say, ‘I love you!’

I know that Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day for lovers to honor one another. But I like to think of it as a Day of Love for Everybody! What a great way to show all the people in your life how much you care about them!

We have to first honor those who ARE the loves of our life: Our husbands or boyfriends. One of the things I like to do is a little massage oil with essential oils that promise Love and Romance. The simplest of these is Vanilla. Studies have shown that the preferred scent to arouse a guy’s interest is vanilla; right after alcohol! That is a true story, I promise! Something about the alcohol smell must remind some guys of their college days and all those young girls drinking beer for the first time…but I digress. The second most arousing scent for men is vanilla. It is so easy to make a massage oil. You can take any oil like almond, jojoba or even olive oil and add a few drops of vanilla essential oil or extract, put it in a pretty bottle with a red ribbon and done! If you want to get real exotic, you can always do a blend of jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang. These scents are very exotic and most women just love it.

On this day of love, I like to remember my friends so I mix up a little body scrub for them. A favorite of theirs is my Coffee Body Scrub. This scrub not only exfoliates the skin in a sublime way, it perks you up in the morning and smells so yummy!

Coffee Body Scrub
3/4 cups  coffee, ground
1/2 cup    corn meal
1/2 cup    salt
2 Tbsp.    oil (almond, jojoba or olive oil)
30 drops  peppermint (for extra pick-me-up) or lavender

Mix well in bowl. Store in air-tight container. Use this in the morning if you are not using decaf! Rub scrub gently over dry skin. Rinse thoroughly in a nice warm shower.

The next idea can be done FOR children or the kids can do this for their teachers. I like to make Bath Cookies shaped like hearts. This is a fun project for the kids and the cookies can be wrapped up in a plastic bag with a little ribbon. It doesn’t take long and everybody loves how unusual it is.

Bath Cookies
2 cups finely ground sea salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 Tbsp. light oil
1 tsp. vitamin E oil, as from capsules
2 eggs
5-6 drops essential oil (lavender is a favorite)

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients into a dough; cut out with decorative cookie cutters or roll dough in 1-inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 35o degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not over bake.
Allow to cool completely. Use 1 or 2 “cookies” per bath, allowing them to dissolve in bath water.

Yield: 24 cookies

Have you ever found yourself racking your brain over what gift to give your friends?  I used to spend so much time running around the mall, going in and out of different stores and praying for inspiration. I have finally come up with a little guideline to help me give them something that says they are special to me.

These are some general questions I ask myself when coming up with an idea:

What are her hobbies?
- Exercise
- Reading
- Cooking

Is she going through an extra stressful time?

Answers to these questions are a great way to get started on putting together a fun gift. I will break down Gift Types for you and list what I have put together in each one. The one thing I always include is something I make. It’s usually a hand cream, massage oil or body scrub and the blend of essential oils depends on her preference or maybe a blend that suits what is going on in her life at the time. A homemade gift can be given individually or included with other items if you are going to go a little overboard, which, of course I’ve NEVER done! Except maybe all the time, but I digress. All of the recipes for the items listed are supplied at the end of this article. Keep in mind that you don’t have to include ALL of the items I list; one or two would be fine. The point is you want to make your friend feel like you came up with something special just for her.

Gym Rat
For that friend who loves, hates or feels compelled to exercise at the gym, at home or on our beautiful hiking trails.

Pre-Exercise Oil
Post-Exercise Oil
Shower Gel
Aches and Pains Bath Salts
Luscious Body Lotion
Four-Thieves Air Mist
Bar towels
Small case to carry all the items

I found a blend for pre and post exercise oil that several of my friends love. They say the pre-exercise oil makes them smell good and helps get those muscles ready to exercise The post-exercise oil does the same as well as feels good after a good workout. The bath soak is for the days where a new exercise has been introduced or it’s been a while and the muscles are crying for attention. A nice, hot bath with the salts is a great remedy. The four-thieves oil and bar towels are to be used on the exercise machines. I have mentioned the anti-bacterial benefits of the four-thieves blend before. Spraying some on a bar towel not only removes the sweat from the machines, it also cleans away any bacteria. The blend used in the shower gel and lotion is up to you. I seem to use lemongrass the most since it’s light and not too sweet.

Book Nut
This is that friend who always seems to have a book in her purse, belongs to more than one book club, and is constantly recommending books because she has a book for That (whatever’s going on in their lives at the time). Oh, jeez, I think I just described myself! Well, I’m not the only one!

Book bag: I have found some really nice ones at Barnes and Noble or Borders.

Book light: This is handy for those friends who’s husbands don’t like them reading in bed with the light on. And handy when on trips and there’s not a lamp on their side of the bed (one of my pet peeves!).

Gift card from a favorite bookstore: Any amount is fine. I even get excited if I get one for only $5! And a gift card from a little boutique bookstore is fun, too. Those are real nice places to browse and find little treasures.

Favorite book to share: This can be fiction or nonfiction, inspirational, spiritual or just plain fun.  Something you have read and feel a need to share with your good friend.

If you have a friend who seems to do a lot of driving (commutes a long ways to work or is shuttling the little darlings all over the place) an audio book might be right up her alley! She can do the driving and enjoy a book at the same time.

Luscious Lotion: Just cuz. I like to add a homemade item and we all can use something luscious, right?

Kitchen Diva
Do you have a friend who always seems elbow-deep in some food item and chops celery at the speed of light? The one who has The Food Network on 24/7? Here are a few things you might consider.

Buy her a gift card from her favorite grocery store or an upscale one (like A.J.’s or Whole Foods) just for fun.

Often-used items for holidays or if they have a big event coming up; cheese cloth, bar towels, wooden spoons, or small containers for prepped recipe items.

Luscious Lotion, dish soap and air mist. Since working in the kitchen requires a constant dunking of the hands in water, a little luscious lotion comes in handy. I use tea tree oil (a good anti-bacterial) and lemongrass blend for the soap. The air mist is to get rid of all those funky kitchen smells that seem to creep up. Again, lemongrass is what I usually use.

I buy holiday-themed kitchen towels or ones that match her decor and wrap up all the items in one or two of them.

Stressed Friend
Bath Salts
Shower Gel
Sugar Scrub
Body Cream

We all have those times where every day life seems just a tad more challenging. Whether it’s an illness that is being dealt with, the dog won’t stop throwing up or the kids seems to be passing the same flu bug back and forth for the second or (God forbid!) third time, sometimes our friend needs a little something to let them know we understand and are thinking of them. I put one or more of the listed items together that are made with a blend that encourages calm, bliss and/or clarity. A nice bath soak with the salts is always a nice way to wash away a particular crazy day. The sugar scrub is a wonderful exfoliate as well as a great moisturizer. If I know their favorite music, I might include a CD to be enjoyed, hopefully by themselves in a quiet room!

These are just a few suggestions. There are also those friends who are the Green Thumb Goddess of the Garden, the Macha Sports Mom (aka: Soccer Mom), Music Lover, and, well, you get the idea.

I try to focus on all that is part of their life and then narrow it down to just one thing. Then I start thinking of different things I feel would be appropriate and add one or two homemade items. In the beginning, it was difficult to do this, but after years (and years!) of practice, I have been able to think of gifts that are special for my Special Friend.

Pre-Exercise Body Oil
2 ounces almond oil
8 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Combine ingredients and store in plastic or glass jar. Apply before exercising.

Post-exercise Body Oil
2 ounces almond oil
8 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops juniper essential oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil

Mix ingredients together and store in plastic or glass bottle. Apply after exercising to ease sore muscles.

Shower Gel
4 oz Glycerin non-scent soap
20 drops  essential oil of your choice.

Combine ingredients in a plastic bottle.

Aches and Pains Bath Soak
1 cup epsom salts
10 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops marjoram essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil

Combine all ingredients and store in airtight container. Sprinkle in bath water and soak for 15 minutes. Try to make the water as hot as possible for best results. A way to accomplish this is run the bath partway with water as hot as you can take it and after you are used to it, run hot water into tub slowly while you soak.

This soak also works well for those suffering from cramps and achiness from flu and colds. It helps clear up congestion as well as work out those toxins.

Luscious Lotion
6 ounces lotion, unscented
1/4 teaspoon vitamin e oil
1 1/2 ounces jojoba oil
1/4 teaspoon essential oil, of your choice

Put all ingredients in a measuring cup and stir well. Adjust consistency, if desired, by adding more jojoba oil as needed. Add essential oils and mix well with spoon or whisk. Using a funnel, pour finished lotion into bottle.

Four Thieves Air Mist
3 1/2 ounces water, distilled or filtered
1/2 ounce witchhazel
7 drops eucalyptus
7 drops rosemary
7 drops cinnamon
7 drops clove
7 drops lemon

In 4 ounce bottle, mix in water and witchhazel. Carefully measure essential oils directly in the bottle. Shake well before each use.

Bath Salts
1/4 cup powdered buttermilk
1/4 cup sea salt, coarse
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup Epsom salt
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp essential oil

Place first five ingredients in bowl. Mix with spatula or whisk until fully incorporated. Add fragrance a little at a time stirring the whole time. Store salts in air-tight container. Another way to add the essential oils is place the oils on a cotton ball and bury it in the middle of the bath salts. Leave for 24 hours, then remove. Shake or stir bath salts to make sure oils are completely incorporated.

Sugar Scrub
2 1/2 cups sugar, white or brown
1/2 cup almond oil, or jojoba, avocado
2 TBS honey
1 teaspoon essential oil, own personal choice

Mix ingredients thoroughly in a glass bowl. Store in air-tight container.

Body Cream
4 oz unscented body cream
20 drops essential oil of your choice.

Put body cream in bowl and add essential oil. Blend with spoon or whisk until oils are completely incorporated. Put cream in jar or small bottle and label.

I have mentioned before all the ways I try to be more relaxed, more centered, more Not In A Snit. That is all well and good but there are those times where relaxing is not on the agenda and I need energy! Now! Especially with the Holiday Vortex that is about to hit.

I was inspired by this from an article I read in the ‘Real Simple’ magazine, July 2010 issue. The title was ‘25 Instant Energy Boosters‘ and when I was reading all the ideas, I was pleased to see that there were some that I was already using but many more that I plan on adopting. Here’s the link to the original article for those of you who are interested:

Are you like me and there are those mornings (more than we like) where energy seems like a foreign concept? I have and there are some steps I take to overcome that. While I am waiting for the coffee to brew (I have heard that a Watched Pot Never Boils and it’s true!) I cheat and shower using my Coffee Body Scrub. It is a combination of coffee grounds, corn meal, almond oil and peppermint essential oil. After using it, you’re going to want to rename it, “Well, Good Morning!” Not only does it give you a quick mood lift, it makes your skin feel oh, so smooth. The best thing is how easy it is to make. Other than the essential oil, you probably have all the ingredients necessary to make it. I have thrown everything in a bowl within a few minutes while the shower is heating up. And I can guarantee that it will definitely get you going! Another trick I have in my shower is using a stimulating essential oil in my shower gel. Peppermint, rosemary and any citrus scent (orange, lemon and grapefruit) are known to perk up the senses and mood. Adding these oils to a non-scented gel is easy-peasy. I get my organic glycerin liquid shower/hair gel on-line at www.thegourmetrose.com. I purchase a gallon at a time (for around $25.00 plus shipping and handling) and use it for my shower, hand soap and dish soap adding different essential oils to each one.

On those extra tough mornings when the shower might help, but not quite make it better, I have a trick where I will choose a color to wear that is bright and cheerful. Coral and yellow are my Go To colors to make me look my best, even if I’m not quite feeling it inside. It is known among color experts that red, orange and yellow are considered the most energizing, while cool tones (like green, blue, indigo and violet) promote calmness. If you’re just not Feeling It, you might as well Look It!

Aromatherapy is a big part of trying to help myself to relax or feel more energy or have more clarity. Here are a few essential oils that can help with what we are talking about today: Energy!

Citrus has been a scent used by many manufacturers of soaps and other bath products to promote a sense of well-being. The simple act of cutting a lemon or grating a grapefruit can make one feel good just by smelling the freshness of the citrus. Essential oils with these scents are easy to find. Try orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit or a combination of two or all of them. For a quick pick-me-up, try moistening a cotton ball with a few drops of any of those scents and inhale. Bergamot is another citrusy-smelling oil that you might like.

Jasmine and Peppermint: Dr. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist in Chicago, says that jasmine increases beta waves, which make you more alert. He also says that peppermint stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which stimulates the area of the brain responsible for arousal and can make you more alert. And who doesn’t need that on occasion?

You can utilize these essential oils when making your own products. Here are just a few that are easy but carry a great reward:

Hand soap and lotion: Make these and keep them on your kitchen and bathroom counters. Every time you wash your hands you’ll receive a nice little lift from the smell of peppermint or citrus and you’ll keep your hands hydrated. Always a challenge when your hands seem to be in water all the time!

Air mist: Simple and yummy. I have not purchased air sprays for years. If you take a look at the back of the cans, you will see ingredients that are basically man-made chemicals. We have no idea what the long-term consequences are by inhaling these chemicals so I have chosen to make my own so I know for sure what I am breathing. My mist is water, alcohol (or witch hazel) and an essential oil. Again, it is fast and easy to make and you choose what scent to use.  When I do smell a man-made air freshener, I can’t help thinking that my citrus blend smells much better than their ‘Tahitian Tropical Sea Mist!’

These are the Help! I Need an Energy Boost! remedies that I use but there are many more suggested in the article. You may want to take a look at it and consider one (or all) of the following:

Follow an Eat-For-Energy diet for a day-the article has a time line that includes protein meals, snacks and even a bedtime suggestion of chamomile herbal tea right before sleep. As we all know, a good night’s sleep is essential to feeling energy the next day.

Laugh. This is my favorite endorphin-producing act.

Be nice to a stranger.

Rise and seek the sun for 20 minutes within 15 minutes of getting out of bed.

Avoid Energy Vampires (and you know who they are!) like the Chronic Talker, The Sob Sister, The Blamer, and, well, you get the idea.

Learn forgiveness; of yourself and others.

Learn to breathe.

Dance. Even for a few minutes.

Three Minute Meditation. If you are a novice, the article suggests you search youtube.com for ‘Havasupai Indian Waterfall Relaxation Video’. Or start out trying to meditate for 10 seconds. Then the next time for 20 seconds. And so on.

Like I have mentioned, the holidays are looming over us and will be here (and over!) before we know it. We will all need energy big time and any little thing we do will help!
Coffee Body Scrub

Yield: 1 3/4 cups

Ingredients:

3/4 cups coffee, ground, used or fresh
1/2 cup corn meal
1/2 cup salt, can substitute sugar
2 Tbsp. olive oil or almond oil
30 drops essential oil, peppermint

Directions:

Mix well in bowl. Store in air-tight container.

For those of you sensitive to caffeine, you can use decaffeinated. If using the real thing, be aware of WHEN you use it; you don’t want to be up all night!

Air Mist

Yield: 4 ounces

Ingredients:

3 1/2 oz. water, distilled or filtered
1/2 oz. witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol)
35 drops essential oil, of your choice

Directions:

In 4 ounce bottle, mix in water and witch hazel. Carefully measure in essential oil directly in the bottle. Shake well before each use.

Citrus Blossom Essential Oil Blend

For the 4 ounces of air mist use the following oils and proportions:

10 drops jasmine
8 drops bergamot
6 drops grapefruit
6 drops orange
4 drops lemon

This is a favorite of many of my friends and I have used it in oils, lotions, body creams, bath salts and anything else that calls for an essential oil. It is well worth the search for ingredients. Very yummy.

Olive Oil. Who knew how versatile this simple ingredient is? It is something good for our bodies, both inside and out.

As part of our diet, I don’t think there is anything better than olive oil. It is high in antioxidants, including vitamin E. Antioxidants are nutritional powerhouses that protect against age-accelerating free radicals.  And anything against age-acceleration, I am all for! I have heard many times that to have healthy skin or hair, you need to start with the inside first! Since my husband has a heart condition, I have used olive oil in our diet for years. I make most of my salad dressings with it (in place of canola oil) and drizzle it over our salads and pasta. It’s a great for dipping bread in; I add freshly ground salt and pepper. This is a big hit with company! My recipe for simple vinaigrette is:

1 part vinegar
2 parts olive oil
season to taste

You can use any vinegar. Both balsamic and red wine vinegars are very nice. The seasonings I usually use are freshly ground salt and pepper. To take it up a notch, I will add a little Dijon mustard and maybe a little of minced garlic or shallots. I like to put the ingredients in a small jam jar, cover tightly and shake! shake! shake!

I think all of us have heard about the Mediterranean diet, right? This diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating used by countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. There are also studies that showed following this diet was associated with a reduced risk incidence of cancer and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The key points of this diet are:

-getting plenty of exercise
-eating prmarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and  vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
-replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil.
-using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods.
-limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month.
-eating fish and poultry at least twice a week.
-drinking red wine in moderation (optional)

And another interesting part of the key points that I saw repeated again and again was the importance of enjoying meals with family and friends. The ‘happiness’ component is huge!

I invite you to visit the Mayo Clinic website for more information. Its address is: www.mayoclinic.com/health/mediterranean-diet.

It is well known that olive oil is rich in life-giving monounsaturated fatty acids. About 75% of that monounsaturated fat is oleic acid, which is very stable (meaning that it stays healthy & pure) even at high temperatures. Because the olive oil resists oxidation and does not turn unhealthy at higher temperatures makes it far healthier for frying. Our body processes oleic acid easier than other fatty acids.

Now that we have covered a little bit on the benefits of olive oil for the inside of the body, let’s start with the outside. Olive oil skin care is nothing new. In fact, it’s an ancient beauty secret. Discovered over 5000 years ago, olive oil quickly became an essential component of skin care.

The Egyptians, Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans all took full advantage of this prized oil. Today, we observe the beautiful skin of Mediterranean women. Many claim their secret is the oil of this tiny fruit. It is known to promote a smooth, radiant complexion, helps maintain elasticity of skin, heals dry, brittle nails and softens cuticles and even conditions and adds shine to hair. Our own Makeup Artist to the Stars, Karen Hall, loves, loves, loves olive oil and is always suggesting it as a beauty ingredient. If you have ever seen Karen on the show and wondered what her age is, I can tell you she is over 60 and looks 40! So, of course,  I asked her to give me some of her hints and this is what she sent me:

1. Eat it! The results will show on the outside!
2. Use it as a moisturizer on face and body; replace those chemically laden lotions!
3. Use a few drops on dry hair as a hair dressing; it will make your hair shine, and help to keep dryness at bay.
4. Like cures like, so if you have buildup of oil on your scalp, you can rub some in, really well, before shampooing.
5. When cooking, rub a bit on your nails; especially before and after doing dishes to protect them.
6. Mix some with a bit of baking soda and use to exfoliate, gently on face, but also for elbows and feet.

I have been using some of her suggestions for the past couple years and very happy with the results. Fingers crossed that when I turn 60 next year, I look 40!

In addition to being a natural, hypoallergenic way to moisturize skin, extra virgin olive oil has the added advantage of providing strong antioxidants, like Vitamins A and E that help repair and renew skin that has been damaged from overexposure to sun, air pollution, and other modern-day environmental hazards like cigarette smoke and fast food. These antioxidants have the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, smoother, and healthier state.

Olive Oil Skin Moisturizer
Whether applied to face or body, olive oil will penetrate deep into the skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple. Used either as a night cream or daily moisturizer, it is best applied to damp skin, when water can help reduce any feeling of greasiness. Adding a little lemon juice can provide a more bracing and refreshing feeling. The natural benefits can take a bit longer to be absorbed into the skin than most lightweight packaged skin products. But the advantages can be longer lasting, too. If you have a favorite moisturizer that works well for you, on those extra dry days, you may consider adding a little olive oil to it for an extra boost. You can get an intensive facial treatment by mixing two-parts olive oil with one-part vinegar. The vinegar combats skin discoloration and bacteria and the olive oil moisturizes. Apply the mixture on your face and leave on overnight. Rinse face in the morning. You can also apply this to your whole body before sleeping if you want that ‘all over’ moisturizing treatment.

Olive Oil Exfoliate
Karen has suggested mixing baking soda with olive oil as an exfoliate, but you know I have to mention my sugar scrub or this wouldn’t be MY article! My recipe calls for any oil of your choice, but I have to admit that 90% of the time, I use olive oil because Karen told me to! It is a very simple recipe:

1 cup sugar
¼ cup olive oil
3 TBS honey

Combine ingredients in a metal or plastic bowl and use immediately in shower. I usually apply it after doing my normal routine; that way the olive oil is still on my skin. Be sure to blot, not rub, with a towel so you can let that olive oil seep into your skin.

Olive Oil Nail and Cuticle Care
Olive oil makes a perfect, simple solution for dry nails and cuticles. Simply rub a few drops into the cuticle area and around the nail. Cuticles stay plump and moist, and nails respond with a natural shine. If you have extra dry nails and cuticles, try soaking your fingernails in warm olive oil for about 10 minutes. For stained nails, try adding a little lemon juice.

Olive Oil Makeup Remover
Just add a few drops to a cotton pad and gently remove makeup from face and eyes. This works just as well as many commercial brands. It can leave your skin a little sticky and oily, so if you want, you can use your usual cleanser. When I use my cleanser, my skin usually feels a little taut, but after using olive oil to remove my makeup, my skin actually felt very clean and smooth. There is also a belief that olive oil is good for conditioning eye lashes.

Olive Oil Hair Care
When used on hair, olive oil can be considered two products: a deep conditioner and a dandruff controller. I, personally, have very thin, fine hair so don’t use this. Keeping my hair short helps it stay in good condition. But. Our wonderful Karen uses it on her hair, which is very thick and naturally curly. I know the Arizona dry weather can be harsh on hair and if that’s your experience, you may consider using olive oil. Here are a few suggestions that I found:

For a simple oil treatment, warm several tablespoons of olive oil (warm, not hot). Rub into scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap or small plastic bag. Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Shampoo; it may take more than one or two shampoo washes to get the oil out. It may also make your hair a little ‘droopy’ but after a couple of days, it will feel and look great.

On those days where you don’t have time for a deep treatment, moisten your fingers with a tiny bit of olive oil and apply lightly to the tips of your hair.

So, taking a hint from those beautiful women of the Mediterranean countries, we need to incorporate more olive oil in our diets for our bodies; INside and OUTside!!

I know that I go on and on (and on!) about how easy it is to make all your own lotions and potions at home. And I also know that some of you don’t believe it! I decided I needed to review with those Doubting Thomas’ (Thomasinas?) just how easy it is and that the ingredients I use are probably already in your pantry!

What started me on the Make-It-Yourself journey were two things: A good friend, Linda Singh, an expert of gardening, herbs and cooking and then my finding a simple recipe for Foot Cream. Linda introduced me to the wonders of aromatherapy and the healing factors of herbs and spices. She has been generous enough to share not only her limitless knowledge but also many recipes for all kinds of lotions and potions.  The Foot Cream recipe was found one day while I was browsing the Internet and I thought, “Gosh, I can make that for all my book club friends for Christmas!” I decided that the Foot Cream needed Foot Scrub and Foot Wash, and, well, you can see I was out of control! The fun part was how well received it was and how much my friends appreciated a gift that was homemade and worked!

In the beginning, I had a little shelf in the kitchen where I stored my unscented creams and essential oils. After it got to be a little messy, I bought a large, wired basket so I could just pull it out of the cupboard and have everything right there. When I started buying ingredients and containers in bulk, I had them stored all over the house-kitchen, bathrooms, broom closets, even under the bed! Out of self-defense, my husband had a little room made up for me in the garage for storing all my ‘stuff!” What a luxury to go into that lovely room, grab stuff, mix it up and Done!

What I like about the things I make is that most of the ingredients I needed were ones I already had! Please understand that I really did start simply. The only essential oils I used for quite a while were lavender and peppermint. These particular oils can be found most anywhere on sale and are favorites of both men and women. Combined in lotions or bath salts or even an air mist, they make an easy and inexpensive gift for just about anyone for any occasion.

Aromatherapy is another adventure! If you Google ‘essential oil blends’ you will be amazed at how many places you can go to learn about aromatherapy and which blends create relaxation, stimulation, bliss, uplifting and all kinds of other moods! I have even Googled ‘essential oil romantic blends’ for Valentine’s Day Massage Oil and got many wonderful, fragrant blends. You can find essential oils at most Bashas’, Whole Foods, Sprouts or natural food stores. I suggest you go to the suggested stores and smell different ones to see which appeals to you the most. I buy mine in bulk at the website of www.mountainroseherbs.com. I have tried several companies and this particular site has the best quality and is very reasonably priced. Buying larger volumes of essential oil is much less expensive. Keep in mind that most of the recipes call for ‘drops’, so whatever you buy could last for a long time and make bunches of presents!

I made up a list of what I think you would need to create a Spa Pantry. If you have all these ingredients on hand, the possibilities will be endless! I also included some basic recipes for you to consider keeping in mind that you can use whatever essential oil you wish depending on the mood you want to encourage.

I don’t claim to be an herbalist or an aromatherapy expert; but I can claim to be a person who is very intrigued by the whole concept and have turned it into a very enjoyable hobby!

Spa Pantry

Ingredients:
unscented body cream (Cetaphil, Trader Joe’s Body Cream)
unscented body lotion (Cetaphil, Trader Joes, Body Lotion)
nscented glycerin soap (Trader Joe’s)
olive oil
almond oil
Jojoba oil
sugar
baking soda
salt (Epsom, Kosher, and Sea Salt-both large and fine cut)
powdered buttermilk
Witch hazel
rubbing alcohol
essential oils (lavender, peppermint and lemongrass are popular scents)

Tools:
bowls
measuring cups
measuring spoons
mixing spoons
bowls
whisk
funnels
containers: jars and bottles can be found at Cost Plus World Market or you can find a variety of inexpensive containers at www.sks-bottle.com.