creamy lavender body wash

Note: This post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work. 

Making your own soap is surprisingly easy, and a very satisfying thing to do. I like making this blend and having it on hand anytime my skin feels like it needs some extra love. You can substitute any essential oil that you’d like, but I happen to like lavender for the soothing nature that it provides.

You’ll Need:

1/4 Cup Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap - Lavender

1/2 Cup Softened Coconut Oil

3 Tbs. Sweet Almond Oil

15 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

Kitchen Hand Mixer

Bowl

       Glass Container

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk together using the hand mixer until creamy.

2. Store in glass container and use as needed.

3. Easy as that!

diy aromatherapy sinus relief

Note: This post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work.

The seasons are changing. Temperatures are rising and falling to new extremes each day, and with them a toll is exerted on our sinuses. We are more prone to infections, clogs, and discomfort around our nose and eyes come this time of year. To help keep them clear and to give relief, you can simply inhale some of Mother Nature’s healing scents. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender are a dynamic force that help clogs and give soothing energy to sinus cavities. Next time you need a little something to make you feel better, try putting together one of these simple “smelling pouches”.

What You’ll need:

1/3 cup dried lavender

1/3 cup dried peppermint

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Organic linen pouch (draw string is best, but you can also find a piece of string or ribbon to tie yours off with)

Directions:

1. Mix together your dried herbs.

2. Drip essential oil on top, and mix up to help distribute the scent.

3. Pour everything into the small linen pouch. 

4. Close tight, and keep on hand for a sniff any time you’re in need.

aromatherapy headache cure

Note: this post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work.

We hear it all the time, or we say it ourselves: “Does anyone have an Advil?” It seems that headaches plague too many of us these days. Late nights, computer screens, stress, a stuffy nose – they are all factors that can contribute, but taking a processed remedy isn’t necessarily the best way to deal with it. All around us, nature grows healing herbs that can help alleviate the pain.

THE HERBS

Often with a headache the mind needs both soothing & awakening. It needs to be opened up allowing air to flow, but then needs to settle and calm at the same time.The following herbal combination is designed to do just that.

Chamomile: Known for its calming and soothing properties. Chamomile helps the mind to rest.

Peppermint & Spearmint: Both mint varieties awaken the mind. They are warming as well as cooling, and are curative for swelling and aches.

Rosewood: Rosewood is made from the wood of a rose as opposed to its flower. It is not known for having major curative powers, but the smell is very up-lifting.

Lavender: Lavender emanates peace, and allows the mind to find a place of soothing.

THE REMEDIES

Diffuser: Do yourself a favor and buy a candle diffuser. You can use it to disperse various remedies or just to freshen the air. In the case of a headache, put ten drops of each essential oil in the top portion, and light a tea light underneath. Allow the candle to burn for 15-30 minutes, letting the sent of the wafting oils calm and refresh your mind.

Bath Bomb: in a light muslin sack, add a scoop of dried chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, and lavender (this version will leave out rosewood, but you can add another version of dried rose if you wish). Close the bag, and drop it into the tub while filling to make an herbal tea soak. You can also add epsom salts and essential oils directly to the water if you wish.

Compress: heat a small pot of water over the stove, and pour the hot water into a bowl with ten drops of each essential oil. Soak a clean wash cloth in the water. Take it out, let it cool slightly, and then lay it over you face. You can repeat this several times, allowing the washcloth to rest across your skin a few minutes each time. Enjoy breathing in the scented steam from the towel, and if you wish, simultaneously massage your temples.

weekly scenes

There are points in life when you feel like you're really doing something. Those times when you look around and nod your head yes, happy with where you're at. I've been going through a hectic few weeks, but life has been very satisfying. The hours are packed with hard work, hobbies, adventures, and love. Busied with all good things and proud of my accomplishments, I've been feeling very content. 

Work has been a pile of projects and endless to-do's. It could have been daunting, and yes there were points where it was, but overall I breathed in and out and checked tasks off with calm.  There have been weekends at the office to crank out more, but actually it was serene. Little Marley hung beside me as I plowed through, getting to do a lot with my hands. Painting and making and crafting, the lavender and glitter can't seem to disappear from my desk. No matter how much I scrub, it's all a sign of enjoyment that I don't really mind lingering. 

When the sun has gone down and I've been able to finally rip myself from the office, I've managed to have a full life outside of work. I find that it's important to have this and keep living into the night. If all you experience is the daily grind, it gets monotonous and one-dimensional. You need to have those outside events - laughing, tasting, growing - to round out the experience of life and keep it full, bursting at the seams. I know this and I stand for it. I've been putting my foot down when I need to. After all, you're the only one who can watch out for yourself, and I make sure to protect what makes me happy.

The last cog in the puzzle that has kept me content, is the time I've maintained for myself. I have a lot of hobbies that I want to work on, and namely a few main focuses. I've been sticking to my yoga and gym sessions. I finished a good book. I kept my room clean, and I cooked up delicious, healthy meals using local fare. Making space for these things in my life keeps me grounded. It gives me energy and love to spread beyond into other areas of my day.

There's nothing like a life that has all three: hard work, good times, and personal betterment. You have to work to maintain them all. And, most importantly, I've found it's best to live in the present, keep a smile in your heart, and enjoy the presence of each.