Hot steaming bath in the freezing cold winter!

I admit, I'm a bath addict. I love taking a bath year around, but in the winter it becomes essential. Nothing like a steaming hot bath before going to bed on a wintry night, a perfect cure for many ailments, including the common cold, muscle or joint pains, and insomnia!

Card by SpinachNPeace

Many things can be added to the bath water, bubbles are fun, and essential oils are wonderful for rejuvenating the spirit and to prevent drying of the skin. Try lavender oil if you are feeling under the weather or coming down with a cold. Epsom salt relaxes the muscles and is said to draw toxins from the body. Cleopatra was known to have a beautiful, smooth skin, and her secret was soaking her body in milk! Try adding two cups of fresh milk or buttermilk to your next bath! When I feel I really need to wind down and relax, I add a few drops of essential oils (I like Lavender and Ylang Ylang), pour some rose water into the bath, light some candles and turn off the other lights, then I pray the kids will allow me 15-20 minutes of heavenly escape....

Here are some products that can be used to enhance your home-mini-spa experience:
A spa soap bar from nordeasoaperie:

Handmade soap with frankincense & myrrh, two more wonderfully fragrant, relaxing and sensual essential oils by dirtylovesclean:

Use these candles from DewOnAPetalHome , turn off the lights and reaaaaaly relax...

Whatever you use in your bath, keep warm and enjoy!
Iris
ArtByIris

Friday Night Beauty Tip

Since this winter weather will keep many of us indoors with a little extra time, I wanted to share some beauty tips you can do at home. There is nothing better for the skin than natural, preservative free products. And what better than some you can make yourself! One of my favorites is face scrub used every other week (oily skin) or once a month (normal/ combination), it can make any complexion radiant and help promote cell rejuvenation.

The scrub I craft is a dry oatmeal base scrub and an ‘essential’ water that is mixed together before use. I currently make two types, one a rose-lavender blend shown in picture for normal/combination skin and the other a new blend, tea tree-green tea for oily skin. The green tea used I bought in Korea and it was part of the first picking, the aroma is light and herby when mixed with the tea tree 'essential' water, it is by far my favorite. Both will be available at the Brooklyn Home Show.

Following is a recipe made with Chamomille (anti-inflammatory and redness reducer) suited for this killer weather, it takes approx 10 minutes start to finish, try it!

Ingredients:
5 Tablespoons quick cooking oatmeal – grind fine, hand grinding would be best for this amount

1 1/2 Tablespoons Chamomile Tea – try brewing the tea in half a cup for a strong golden color

Mix the two above and let sit together for 2-5 minutes, the mixture will cool and become paste. Once ready take a small amount, what ever two fingers can ‘scoop’ out and use over face and neck. Use circular motion and soft pressure, the oatmeal will be fine enough to do its ‘scrubbing’ without aggressive efforts. Remove by washing with warm water and pat dry. Any left over can be refrigerated up to a week.

Enjoy!!

by Josie
hamsacustomcrafts.etsy.com