Fabulous Fall Foot Scrub

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There are certain spices/scents out there that scream 'fall' to me:  cinnamon, pumpkin, clove, orange, you get the picture.  I've been trying to find a way to really incorporate the 'real thing' into some of my beauty products without it seeming overwhelming.  The following recipe is what I have come up with.

The basics:

Equal parts of Ground oats

Cornmeal

Coarse Salt

Olive oil

(For this particular recipe I used 1 Cup of each ingredient)

This is the base for almost all of my foot scrubs.  The result is a semi firm consistency with excellent scrubbing action

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The fall addition combination:

 

1 tsp. ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Orange essential oil

2 drops Cinnamon essential oil

2 drops Clove essential oil

Simply blend all of the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. 

One amazing benefit of this combination is that cinnamon and clove have antibacterial and antifungal properties which make them perfect for use on your feet.  The addition of the orange oil adds antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as being an uplifting scent.

****Essential oil benefits listed for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any of your ailments.  Please seek a physicians advice.****

Soapmaking Charities

I LOVE making soap!  I mean, I LOOOOOVE it!  I don't really care if its glycerin or cold process, I have a blast making them all and seeing what new scents/colors/combinations I can come up with.  There is a slight downside to that though, especially if you are a hobby soap-er like myself:  too much soap!  I have soap up to my eyeballs, literally.  I have an entire cabinet full of the stuff.  While I like doing giveaways (there will be one coming soon) and I certainly enjoy giving my soap as gifts to friends and family, I can't possibly use it up as fast as I can make it.  So, I am always looking for new ways to bless others with some handmade creations ala me.  

Clean the world

From nature with love

I have found two organizations that welcome your soap donations.  The weblinks are above.  Clean the world gives internationally and From nature with love remains in the U.S. and benefits victims of domestic violence living in shelters.  Both are worthy causes of your time and talents.  I pray that you find it in your heart to give to one of these organizations.  At the very least, please check out their websites to get a better understanding of what they are all about.  You will be blessed in the process.

Do you know of any other charities that accept soap donations?  I would love it if you would post them here.  I am always looking for new and creative ways to give.

Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

So, we are soon coming to the end of another summer and we want to make these last few weeks last.  How about pampering yourself with a bit of the tropics?  Nothing feels as silky smooth as skin that has just gone through a vigorous sugar scrub.  And nothing smells more tropical than coconut.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have.  This stuff smells good enough to eat!

1/4 C. Coconut oil, melted
1 Tbs. Grape seed oil
1 C. white sugar (can always substitute if you prefer)
1 Tbs. shredded coconut
15 drops Lime essential oil

Melt your coconut oil and combine with the grapeseed oil.  Stir in remaining ingredients and store in an airtight container.  To use:  rub into your skin gently while bathing or showering and enjoy.

*this particular recipe has a firmer consistency than most sugar scrubs as the coconut oil becomes a solid state in temps under 76 degrees.  If you live in warmer climates and/or prefer a more liquid consistency simply adjust the coconut and grape seed oils accordingly.

 

Kids Body Spray

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I have two tween girls and both of them love all of the bath and body products at the retail stores.  However, I run into two major problems when shopping for them.  1.  kids fragrance choices can be limited.  Sure, they can wear the adult smelling fragrances but, what fun is that? 2.  Have you seen the list of ingredients in each bottle?  Can you name them? 

Now, my recipe is not 'all natural'.  I do use fragrance oils for my children.  But, if you check the ingredients list on the bottles of the stuff you buy, fragrance oils is just one of the ingredients.  They still add a multitude of other un-pronounce-ables on top of the fragrance.  Totally unnecessary!

As of today (tweens are constantly changing their minds), their favorite scent is cotton candy.  It is sweet smelling with a hint of vanilla.  How can you possibly go wrong?  What are the ingredients you ask? 

6 oz. distilled water
1 Tbs. Modified fragrance oil  (see post here).  We used cotton candy fragrance oil from wholesale supplies plus.

Just shake it up once, place in a pretty spray/mist bottle and you are good to go.  Easy peasy, huh?  And did I mention cheap and easy to make?  Now you have no reason to go out and buy the expensive stuff.

*I am in no way affiliated with wholesale supplies plus nor am I compensated in any way from them.  I truly enjoy their products and believe they offer an excellent product. Opinion expressed is solely my own.*

Lavender Lemongrass Linen and Room Spray

Oh how I love this stuff!  Soft, clean, fresh, fruity, floral.  Can't get a better combination than that.  This spray is perfect for linens and not just for its fabulous scent. Lavender alone acts as an anti-septic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial.  Lemongrass helps aid in reducing stress and acts as an insect repellant as well.  I can't think of a better combination to be spraying on your linens and furniture.  Our house would be lost without it and it costs merely pennies.  Want the recipe?

4 oz. Alcohol (cheap vodka, not rubbing alcohol)
12 oz. distilled water
2 TB of modified essential oil blend of lavender and lemongrass.
(not sure what this is?  Read post here)

Mix well and place ingredients into spray bottle.  Any sprayer that has been washed and clean will do.  You don't have to go out and do anything fancy (unless you really want to). Now spray your house away and enjoy!