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Showing posts with label Spa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spa. Show all posts

Thursday, March 7, 2013

sugar scrub for spring





This is probably the easiest thing I've ever made, perfect to say goodbye to winter skin!


All you need is generous helping of sugar and olive oil (I poured until the mixture was a bit runny)


I added tangerine and lemon zest,
and some essential oils (mint, grapefruit and eucalyptus)

It was so moisturizing and smelled wonderful. And it would make a beautiful gift, don't you think?

Monday, April 16, 2012

How to make an orange candle

 
A few weeks ago we had spring! Tulip leaves poked out of the dirt, hands touched rain and the senses were overwhelmed with buzzing and chirping and honking of geese. It was lovely, so lovely I packed away all our overstuffed winter coats and tired boots.

But every April the same thing happens, year after year and just like 'labour pain amnesia' I choose to forget it. After a week of glorious hopeful spring, one can wake up smack in the middle of winter, once again. Snowstorms, grey skies and poor green tulips covered by white -

 Sigh

So we halted our outside projects and turned to the fruit bowl instead. Sitting in wool socks tucked into ballerina flats we followed these steps



Step 1 - Cut the orange in half, scoop out the insides being careful to leave the long white 'stem' on the inside - since this will be used for your wick.

Add some olive oil to the bottom half, and light the wick

The top can be decorated with cut out shapes

I can already tell this activity will become a family favourite. 

The candle lasts forever and the smell - oh my - citrus and old pioneer oil lampy smell mixed together.

And for one evening we forgot about the snow as we hybernated just a bit longer in this cabin












Monday, February 27, 2012

Home day : Wooden spoon butter

  
We had a string of Home days and it felt so good. Slowing down, breathing deep, staying in our pj's till late afternoon, watching the chickadees pick at our homemade bird feeders,  making and baking the days away.



A perfect home day for me is filled with tiny doable projects - such as this one. Treating wooden spoons and boards that are cracked and dry. I followed this recipe.

It's also great for dry hands and feet. We keep it on the kitchen cupboard all winter long.
 
On Saturday we were greeted with a spring surprise - my first crocus to bloom, a little hope that a new season is just around the corner.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Goodbye summer, hello fall - Spa




Goodbye summer ~

My roses are all gone, but I did manage to freeze a few to use in the winter for a special treat.

Rose water: simply simmer roses in water until all the oils release, drain through cheesecloth and keep the water in a sterilized jar in the fridge. 

It is a very gentle and moisturizing toner for sensitive skin

This is the "cheat" way, real rose water includes a distiller and brick contraption (a project to try later on) but this is still a wonderful way to use fragrant roses. 

NOTE - don't use sprayed roses, only organic - the ones in the store is usually sprayed with something



Hello Fall~ 

These Nasturtiums are in full bloom right now. I also freeze them for winter use.

They are my favourite way to help dry scalp in the winter months. They soothe and heal the most sensitive scalps.

Dry scalp remedy: simmer, drain through cheesecloth, keep water in fridge and after shampoo and conditioner, use it as the final rinse   

Have a beautiful evening!

                     

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Summer Blues


Well it is officially flip flop season, and my feet need help.

For a home pedicure I usually add 
~1 cup cider vinegar to some hot water to soften the skin, 
~peppermint essential oil for niceness

and sit back and try to relax (all the while ignoring the cheerios on the floor - as you can see in that photo)  

Speaking of photos I'm having a blast going through all our photos to find summer moments that matches a certain colour. Today is blue over at poppytalk.

I've been totally surprised to be featured twice now - a little gift from above followed by a squeel from the whole family running to check it out!

If you have a minute and want to be immersed in summer, check out their flickr pool... so beautiful! Anyone can still join in the fun!




Beach bum

The sea

Oh I loved this moment

Jellyfish in Vancouver Aquarium

Sunset in a glass

Have a beautiful Wednesday

Friday, June 3, 2011

Best homemade moisturizing mask!!


All you do is take half of an avocado (even the overripe ones work), mix it with some milk or cream, mush it up and smear on your face.

Chunks will fall off but it is more the juices that do the work. 

Find a spot to relax - but watch out - the dog will find you! My puppy loves avocado! 

When it is dry, rinse off and watch all those dry spots disappear. Happy Friday everyone!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Homemade facial

So I found myself alone at the kitchen table...baby napping...girlie watching Mary Poppins while laying sick on the couch...

      ...and I thought to myself  "This is a perfect time to raid my fridge and put everything on my face."



I fell in love with natural beauty recipes a few years ago for the convenience (you already own most of it), the cost (hardly anything) and the results (Absolutely amazing!)

First I put yogurt on my face for a natural exfoliant - any yogurt will do - let it dry then rinse off

Then I enjoy a relaxing steam - simply boiling water in a bowl with a towel draped over my head. 
Sometimes I make it extra special by adding some dried chamomile

Next  egg white to clean out those pores (this will get super tight but worth it)

 Followed by Baking Soda scrub (Love the way this makes my skin feel after)

And lastly a honey mask (Perfect for moisturizing and for your little girl to lick it off your cheek ) 

What's happening in your kitchen today?