Homemade Spa Favorites

Energizing Coffee Body Scrub

There are some well known coffee scrub benefits.

A great exfoliating scrub to use on a regular basis.

It's also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh ground coffee

1/2 cup sugar, raw, brown or white (your preference)

3/4 cup carrier oil (almond, coconut, jojoba, or olive oil)

3-4 Vitamin E softgels 

Directions:

Mix coffee, sugar and oil in glass mixing bowl until well combined.

Puncture Vitamin E softgels and add to bowl.

Gently mix again.

Store in a cool, dark place in clean glass container.

This scrub can be used on hands and body, but 

do not use on open wounds or irritated skin.

Rinse off after using.

This scrub can absorb oil;

 to make the scrub wetter add more oil and stir.

4-6 uses.

Fun Bath Bombs 

These are fun to make with your child, or even to give as gifts.

Keep in mind humidity may make these bath bombs absorb moisture from the air. So keep in airtight container.

Should moisture reach them and they turn to powder,

 they can still be used when not in bath bomb shape!

Ingredients:

5 Tablespoons coconut oil

1 Tablespoon shea butter

1 cup baking soda

1/4 cup citric acid

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup Epsom salt

15-20 drops essential oil (your choice)

1 teaspoon water

a couple drops of food coloring (if desired)

Directions:

Place a glass bowl on top of a pan with 2-3 inches of water to create a double boiler.  Add coconut and shea butter to the bowl. Bring water to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Stir gently. Remove from heat and add essential oil. Stir gently. In another bowl add baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, Epsom Salt and food coloring (if desired); whisk to combine.

Slowly mix the liquid using your hands, adding 1 Tablespoon at a time to dry ingredients. (Do this step slowly so you do not activate the citric acid) 

As you are kneading and mixing, the mixture should start to lump and stick together.  Pack into molds and let set and dry 24-36 hours. 

Approx. 10 uses.

TIP:

You don't have to buy special molds, muffin pans make good substitutes! 

 

Other posts you may be interested in:

Bath Relaxation Time

Sea Salt Bath Soak

New Spark Naturals March Oil Clubs Are Here!

Bergamot

Bergamot is specially unique among the citrus oils

because of it's ability to calm and uplift at the same time,

making it an ideal choice to help with sad or anxious feelings.

It aids in self confidence and aids in depression.

Bergamot is very cleansing to the skin, 

as well as purifying while having a calming effect.

Popular Uses

~ Diffuse to aid in depression - respiratory problems - SAD and PMS

~ Add to your tea for a calming effect

~ Add to a base cream to be used for wounds and cuts, oily skin, exzema, acne, etc.

~ Apply to feet with Spark Naturals Carrier Oil for a relaxing and calming massage

~ Add one to two drops to your DIY skin care cleanser

Uses

Diffusion:

Use 3 to 4 drop in diffuser

Internal:

Dilute 1 drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid

Topical:

Apply 1 to 2 drops to desired area

Dilute with Spark Naturals Carrier Oils to help with any skin sensitivity

Clary Sage

Clary Sage is one of the most calming, soothing, and relaxing

essential oils available, and has been used since the middle ages.

Clary Sage has wonderful benefits, including easing depression and nervous burn-out, as well as aiding in many female complaints. 

It is frequently used to calm the skin.

Inhaling or diffusing Clary Sage can promote relaxation, and aid in  a restful nights sleep.

Popular Uses:

~ A powerful relaxant Clary Sage essential oil can calm the nervous system during times of depression, stress, or grief.

~ Inhaling or diffusing Clary Sage can promote relaxation, and aid in a restful nights sleep

~ Add to creams, soaps, and lotions for amazing skin benefits

~ Clary Sage can help with menstrual  discomfort when applied topically

~ Clary Sage is often used as a DIY shampoo to promote healthy hair and scalp  

Uses

Diffusion:

Use 3 to 4 drop in diffuser

Internal:

Dilute 1 drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid

Topical:

Apply 1 to 2 drops to desired area

All available HERE

Whew! I Almost Didn't Make It!

Yep, that's right, I still had my Thanksgiving colors on!

4 days from Christmas! 

WoW but Wow !!

My personal best longest lasting mani!

I did use my sister's chicken feathers again this year like last. I just love them and think they coordinate so well with the Fall season. They are molted naturally of course.

I really need to try my Tilly and the Keets feathers in the Spring. They are Spring colors.

OK let's get down to brass tacks ~

The rich chocolate brown is Nirvana (949) by Sinful Colors.

For my accent nail I used Sand Tropez (668) by Esssie.

While still wet I placed the feather and

 lightly tapped it down in place.
I roughly snipped the extra feather off at the end of my nail, 

then trimmed closer and more evenly.

Once dry I topped with a clear coat which was kind of tricky.

The feather was going the opposite direction you would normally brush. I didn't want to go against it and "ruffle" feathers.

I ended up brushing the top coat on backwards

 just enough to cover the feathers.

Once that coat was dry I put on another top coat brushing the normal direction followed by Seche Vite.

Finally a few days ago I found some time to 
change out the Season!

That beautiful blue is Sturdy Sapphire (720) by Sally Hansen, topped with Strapless by Pure Ice which is a glitter nail polish.

One Snowflake is on my accent nail in white accented with silver glitter both by L.A. Colors Art Deco.

OK Christmas can go forth :)

4th of July SALE Starts now!!!! 30% off OILS, BLENDS, SPICES

THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

June 30th - July 4 only

SALE ON ALL OILS, BLENDS & SPICES - 

LET FREEDOM RING!

Don't miss out on this great sale!

Spark Naturals

Code: dragonflytreasure

Treat Mom With Bath Relaxation Time

In this day and age it's so hard to find some me time, 

down time has come almost non-existent.

But it is really the most important thing we can do for ourselves ~ we need to relax in this hectic spinning world ~

we need to recharge ~ mind and bodies.

So what better to give Mom this Mother's Day is a home spa kit made by you. We all are watching our budgets and nothing says love like a gift made by the gift giver. Thought and love goes into the making, sweet sentiments.

When #3 son was in 3rd grade we had made a 

spa basket up for his teacher for Christmas. 

It included some scented candles with candle holders, 

a pretty poof, a few Dove and Lindt Chocolates,

 a wine glass and homemade Bath Sachets. 

She raved about that sachet every time I saw her! LOL

She said she kept rubbing it all over her because it made her skin feel smooth and smelled so good.

Come Mother's Day she had me bring in the ingredients and

 have a craft session with the class to make the sachets

 for their Mom's for Mother's Day gifts.

Good thing I have a Lavender patch :)

They are pretty simple but very soothing to the skin.

♥♥Some ideas for your Home Spa Kit ♥♥

Bath Sachets

I used approx. 7''x7'' triple squares of cheesecloth,

but vintage hankies, pretty fabric, or organza bags 

would look cute and work too.

Mix:

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup Epsom salts

4 Tablespoons dried milk

1 cup dried lavender

Place approx. 1/4 cup in the center of cheesecloth, gather up and tie with ribbon string, bakers twine, or whatever you'd like.

You can leave the ribbon long enough to hang from the tub faucet so the water can run through it while your bath is filling or just let float in the water.

Here are some other ideas you may want to add:

Cleansing Mask

Blend:

4 tablespoons rolled oats

2 teaspoons dried chamomile

2 teaspoons dried parsley

Make into a fine powder using a blender or coffee grinder.

Measure 1 tablespoon of the dried ingredients into a small glass bowl. Add 1 tablespoon honey and 1-2 tablespoons very hot water and mix well. Let stand 5 minutes. If mixture seems to thick add a small amount of hot water. Apply to face using gently circular motions and leave on for 2-5 minutes. Rinse face with warm water. Store unused cleanser in refrigerator and use within 5 days. (Chamomile and parsley are antibacterial and honey and oatmeal are softening.) 

Herbal Facial Steam

Mix into a pretty container:

2 tablespoons dried chamomile

2 tablespoons dried comfrey

2 tablespoons rose petals

2 tablespoons dried peppermint

2 tablespoons dried rose geranium

Measure 2 tablespoons of the herbs into a small saucepan and simmer in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. Pour into a heatproof bowl. Bend over the bowl with a towel draped over your head and allow steam to touch your face and neck for up to 10 minutes. 

Pat dry.

Lavender Toner

4 ounces of witch hazel

15 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil

5 drops chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) essential oil

Mix all together and pour into a nice container with a flip top spout. Apply to clean face with a cotton ball. 

This helps your skin to return to its normal pH level.

Lavender Geranium Moisturizer 

4 ounces of unscented lotion base

10 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil

5 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil

Mix all together and pour into a plastic container with a flip top spout or wide mouth small jar. Add a nice label and of course you can use other essential oils. Using purchased unscented lotion base just gives the lotion a longer shelf life. Apply to cleansed and toned face nightly.

Soothing Bath Salts

1 cup Epsom salts

1 cup Dead Sea Salts

20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil. 

Place salts into a canning jar and drop in the essential oil. Put on lid and shake, shake, shake it up well. This can be packaged right in the jar itself with a pretty ribbon or piece of raffia tied around the lid with a nice label

After filling up the tub with comfortably warm water, add ½ to 1 cup of the bath salts. Stir around with your feet then sit in, relax and enjoy!

There you have it, some ideas for inspiration. 

The fun part is putting it all together in a basket. Add some pretty dried flowers, herbs or spices. It will be sure to please. Don’t forget to make at least one extra basket of goodies for yourself, and take time to relax!

Paint 'em Pretty - Update Catch up!

Whew, it's been a while since I've posted any me time mani's!

I've squeezed them in here and there.

Has life gotten busier for you too or what? 

Maybe it the time change?

Seems I wake up hit the floor running and 

don't stop until I fall back into bed at night! 

I've taken the photo's just not posted them....bad me :(

So here we go - several at once!

Top photo is "Savage" (950) by Sinful Colors.

Accent nail is "Snow Me White" (101) by Sinful Colors, 

then stamped with "Savage".  

This was fun, Mini Me and I did it together :)

"Tempest" (1184) by Sinful Colors - 1 coat for her, 2 for me,

then stamped with "Snow Me White" (101) by Sinful Colors.

My accent nail reversed - "Snow Me White" (101) by Sinful Colors, then stamped with "Tempest".

"Been There, Scene It" (806362) by Finger Paints Endless Wear.

Cherry Blossom Petals are "What Have You Done" (806373) by Finger Paints Endless Wear, centers are "Snow Me White" (101) by Sinful Colors, stems are "Nirvana" (94) by Sinful Colors.

Last but not least, "Home Run" (1200) by Pure Ice.

Pink foil floral sticker by "Nail Art" on accent nail.

All with last coat of Seche Vite.

Whew! All caught up!

Till next time, remember to make some me time!

Radiance Facial Serum Sale

This Weeks Sale FEB. 13 - 19: RADIANCE FACIAL SERUM Our popular Radiance Facial Serum is back for  a limited time, and since our limited release last  year, we've listened to many recommendations and made it even better!  It's now formulated with ROSEHIP SEED OIL:  Rosehip seed oil has regenerative properties that help in promoting cell and tissue regeneration.  Some qualities include: stimulates, moisturizes,  conditions, balances, it improves texture and  elasticity, diminishes scarring, helps heal burns, soothes sun damaged skin, lessens fine lines and wrinkles.  Contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids - IT'S GREAT! What makes it so great?   It’s a blend of OILS,  so…wouldn’t that make my face OILY? In a word: NO.  Because the base is organic Vitamin E oil, the  serum absorbs quickly into the skin without  leaving residue or grease on the face.  Not only that, but six of the best oils for the  skin and face are included in this fabulous  serum. There are so many “anti-aging” products out  there, but really it’s not about NOT aging-it’s  about caring for your body through natural  means to age gracefully and…well…radiantly. Spend all day in the sun?  Apply Radiance to moisten the skin and  to help reduce sunburn. Breaking out?  Apply Radiance to help reduce blemishes, scaring, and breakout time. Laugh a lot?  Apply Radiance to help increase elasticity in  your skin, reducing the appearance of  wrinkles/laugh lines. Running on steam and major lack of sleep?  Apply Radiance under the eyes to help reduce puffiness. Seeing the pattern?  Once you try Radiance, you won’t want to go back! A little bit goes a LONG way. The included dropper helps you easily drop the 3-5 drops you’ll need for your whole face, and when a 1-oz vile contains  around 600+ drops, it lasts! Store in a cool place  out of direct sunlight, and gently shake before use. Radiance will be on sale this week and it's a  limited time product! So get yours here today before it’s gone!

40 Uses for the Top 4 Favorite Essential Oils!

So for people who are just starting off with using essential oils, it can be a bit confusing on knowing which oils you can do what with... Can I ingest this kind? Is this one a hot oil? Do I need a carrier for this kind? etc... and then there's the question of "What can I use this oil for?" Well, I'm going to try and help you out with a few of those questions!

The 4 most popular Essential Oils are (in my opinion):

Lavender
Lemon
Peppermint
Melaleuca

I use these 4 oils on a regular basis. In many things ~ such as cleaning my house, my clothes, myself, using them for medicinal remedies, etc.  But lets go ahead and start off with my personal (and most every other essential oil user's) favorite, Lavender!

REMEMBER to always test the oils on the inside elbow 24 hrs prior to using internally or all over your body! And use a carrier oil when applying to children!

Lavender

This is probably the BEST smelling oil there is and it is useful in just about everything. This is definitely an oil you want to keep on hand at all times, you can get some here .  Here are some ideas that you can use Lavender for:

Lavender is ok for Topical, Internal, and Aromatic Uses.

Pet Smells-
Mix baking soda and Lavender. Sprinkle onto carpets and vacuum up!

Sleepy Time Inducer-
Place drops of Lavender on pillows to lull restless children (and adults) into a restful sleep!

Linen Spray-
Breathe new life into musty linens with Lavender. It leaves NO oil marks and leaves linens smelling fresh!

Cold/Flu Steam Treatment-
Add 4-6 drops of Lavender to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the vapor deeply.

Splinter Remover-
Add a few drops of Lavender, let the splinter swell, and slip out!

Soap Replacement-
Rather than using soap and water at bath time. Add Lavender oil! Your skin with feel and smell wonderful!

Mattress Freshener-
Put a few drops of Lavender on your mattress when you change your sheets and inhale the sweet fresh smell! (I mix Lavender oil into a cup of baking soda then sift it over my mattress. Let sit for an hour and then vacuum off!)

Vacuum Helper-
Place some cotton balls soaked in Lemon and Lavender oil. Inside of  your vacuum bag (or collector cup) and spread the freshness around the house as you vacuum!

Attack Allergies-
Calm irritated sinuses and other respiratory issues. Apply to the back of your  neck, chest, and between your eyes.

First Aid Kit Must Have-
First Aid Kits are usually geared toward minor scrapes, rashes, etc and Lavender is great for all of those! (I put Lavender on my kids band-aids when they get boo boos rather than Neosporin, works great!)

Lemon

Lemon is ok for Topical, Internal, and Aromatic uses. Just stay out of the sun if you use it topically!! Lemon is my favorite for cleaning!

Energy Boost-
For a quick energy boost, add Lemon EO to a glass of water and drink!

De-Gummer-
Got gum in your hair? Lemon oil will save the day!

Aphid Assassin-
Kill Aphids on contact by spraying with a combination of Lemon oil and water!

Dish Delight-
Add some Lemon EO to your dishwasher soap container! Your dishes will sparkle!

Hair Highlighter-
Skip the salon! Use Lemon oil to create your own hair highlights! Just go in the sun after using with your favorite hair product!

Feet Softener-
Massage a few drops of Lemon oil onto corns and callouses regularly and before you know it you'll have soft feet again!

Mental Pick-me-up-
Diffuse some Lemon oil when you're feeling a little blue and your disposition should turn sunny before you know it!

Love for Leathers-
Use a Lemon oil soaked cloth to preserve leather jackets, sofas, etc. and prevent leather from splitting!

Respiratory Rescue-
Add some Lemon oil to your humidifier to ease colds, cough, and other upper respiratory problems!

Banish Cold Sores-
Conquer cold sores with a few drops of Lemon oil!

Peppermint

Peppermint can be taken internally, topically, and aromatically! Can cause sensitivity, a light burning sensation! Test on inner elbow before using internally or in large amounts topically!

Tame Tummy Troubles-

One drop of Peppermint oil rubbed on the stomach or taken internally can calm indigestion and upset stomach! Great traveling companion!

Hunger Fighter-
The aroma of Peppermint oil will make you feel full faster especially if you breathe it in during a meal!

Allergies Be Gone-
Peppermint with Lemon eases airways that come under attack during allergy season!

Handle a Headache-
A few drops of Peppermint dabbed on your temples, neck, and sinuses can quickly cure even stubborn headaches!

Kick Ticks-
Smother nasty ticks with Peppermint oil on a cotton swab they will remove their heads to come up for air and then you get 'em!

Toothache Relief-
Peppermint oil acts as a natural pain killer and muscle relaxant, especially helpful for teething babies or for after dental work!

Spider Free Zone- (Pretty much any insect/arachnid, great wasp repellant)
No chemicals needed! Spiders hate peppermint and at the first whiff of it will head for the hills.

Naturally Clean-
Peppermint Oils anti fungal and antibacterial  properties make it an ideal cleaner! Spray on countertops and bathroom surfaces, scuba, and enjoy!

Intestinal Distress Reliever-
When used topically or internally, Peppermint is a favorite for relief from cramping and diarrhea.

Peppermint Pick-me-up-
Peppermint improves blood circulation and awareness. Leaving you feeling energized!

Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

Melaleuca can be used Internally, Topically, and Aromatically!

Acne Breakouts-

Add a drop to your normal cleansing routine or dab a very small amount on acne breakout!

Athlete's Foot-

Add a drop to your shoes, massage into the feet or soak in a foot bath of sea salt and 2-3 drops of Melaleuca.

Canker Sores/Cold Sores-

Dab a small amount directly over the sore, diluting with coconut oil if needed!

Combat Cavities-

Add to homemade toothpaste or you can add a drop to your toothbrush before brushing!(And after to disinfect)

Take Aim at Allergies-

Massage into chest, abdomen, or the reflex points on the feet!

Ear Ache Attention-

Dilute 1 drop in 1-2 TB or water and use a dropper to drop the mixture into the ear for 30-60 seconds each!

Last Stand for Lice-

Add several drops to purified water and soak hair and scalp in the solution. Use on combs, brushes, and massage into the hair and scalp!

Care for Piercings-

Apply after piercings to avoid infection. Use undiluted, diluted with coconut oil, or as a spray with purified water!

Wart Remover-

Apply directly to the wart. Dilute if needed for sensitive skin!

Gun Disease-

Create a mouthwash with purified water. 1 drop of Peppermint and 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil

There are so many more uses for these oils and every other oil there  is! Remember to ALWAYS test the oils on the inside elbow for 24 hrs. prior to using internally or before using all over your body! Make sure you use a carrier oil when using on children!