Neals Epsom Salt Lavender

Bath Salts Edition

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During the cooler/freezing months, I will be soaking/pruning away to glory in extended bath sessions. Recently, I indulged in a miniature set of all oils from Aromatherapy Associates. One word, they’re Divine. But they come at a price tag. I wanted to create a simple, cost effective option which leaves me with just as divine bath experience.

Yes we all know I’m on a major DIY kick and wanted to create something just as good, which is cost effective, something you can prepare in the comfort of your home and modify the scent depending on your mood.

Here’s my ‘Recipe’ (I say recipe loosely, because as you know from my previous post I’m freestyle kinda person). The beauty of this recipe is you can keep it as simple or fancy as you like – your choice, your decision.

  • 2 parts of Epsom Salts (you can get regular or scented ones like Dr. Teals Lavender, Chamomile, Eucalyptus Spearmint, Rosemary & Mint etc). Benefits of epsom salt are well known. Some of which include, stimulating circulation, soothing sore muscles and reduce inflammation, detoxify toxins, improve absorption of nutrients, improve oxygen flow and use.
  • 1 part of Sea Salt Crystals (black sea, himalayan, atlantic, hawaiian, dead sea etc) – excellent for softening water. Plus it can stimulate circulation, ease muscle cramps, help relieve stiffness in joints, and soothe aching legs and feet. Also it helps cleanse and detoxify the largest organ in the body—your skin.
  • 1tbsp Baking Soda – helps alkalize the body and exfoliate skin
  • Essentials Oils – I used (2-3 drops) – Bergamot, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Tuberose
  • Spices – Pinch of Cinnamon and Clove powder to help relieve tired sore muscles

The final potion smells bloody amazing, not only in my bath but also the whole bathroom smelled like a spa.

Your Personalized Twist

As mentioned in the previous post, you can mix absolutely anything and make DIY projects spectacular.

Moisturizing Agents – You can add slivers of shea butter, cocoa butter, moisturizing oils (jojoba, sweet almond, rosehip, argan, wheatgerm, coconut, olive, avocado, grapeseed, etc). You can even add Glycerin to the mixture but ensure you mix really well.

You can also add dried herbs (mint, rosemary, etc) or dried fruit peels (like lemon, lime, grapefruit or any citrus fruit) or dried flower petals (rose, lavender, calendula, chamomile, jasmine) or powdered tea (black, red, green, white) or pinch of ground powdered spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, saffron). These ingredients can either be added as a whole or powdered so it goes down easier in the tub drain.

The Essential oils list is endless but here are some to get you inspired: patchouli, sandalwood, cedar wood, rosewood, geranium, rose, lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang, tuberose, gardenia……etc.

Many add food coloring to give it colour, personally I don’t care for any colour. However if you’d like some please go ahead.

The tag line for any DIY project is: Whatever your mind fancies and heart desires.! Of course these make lovely xmas pressies too, package them in cute jars with lovely labels and voilaaa you have hand made, hand poured, personalized gift with a touch of care and love.

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xx

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Battling Head Cold – Health & Beauty Edition

Last Friday I was down with a head cold, and felt like utter crap! Firstly let me tell you some of my symptoms: felt like I was run over by Optimus Prime, dint want to walk, dint want to talk, no human interaction, just sleep away like a hibernating zombie, felt like Metallica was playing a head banging concert in my head which hurt, irritated and sore throat leading to congested nasal track.

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Health: I’m the kinda person who hates medication because everything thereafter tastes like poop. Having said that, I shoved down some Mucinex (but of course take medication that you know works for you) with warm water. Hand in hand with lots of bed rest, consumption of clean food (I mean no processed food), and minimal exercise like walking around the house. My kryptonite for cold or flu or any sickness is a steaming hot shower or lavender soak bath to thoroughly cleanse myself (more psychologically) and steam opens up congested nasal tracks. Blow my nose away to glory until I can breathe through my nose and not my mouth. In saying so, be careful to not blow aggressively which increases risk of damaging your ear drum. Another fantastic product I discovered through my doc was NeilMed Sinus Rinse to clear congestion. More user friendly compared to Neti pot but with fabulous results.

Now that I feel cleansed what do I do with my shit looking face:

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Skin Battle – Temporary sickness has made my skin look awful, grey, pale, mucussed out (don’t know if that is even a legit term), lack luster, majorly dehydrated and makeup went on rubbish. Post hot shower I thoroughly moisturize every inch of my skin.

Cleanse & Tone – Andalou Natural Apricot Probiotic Cleanser followed by some Avalon Organics Vitamin C toner.

Moisture – Priori Barrier Repair Complex on my skin and Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream near nose (constant blowing nose made skin tender).

Lips – Incredibly dry like lizards skin (because with congested nose I breathe through my mouth resulting in mega dry lips) I used Malin & Goetz Lip Moisturizer.

Makeup – light coverage Rodial BB Cream with cream blush – Bobbi Brown Blush Rose.

After all this I received lots of TLC from husband which made me all better. He worked from home to look after me…..Aww

xx

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