How to Make Violet Eye Cream!

Violets have been long prized as a symbol or romance and the scent is considered both restful and nostalgia-inducing. The famous French author, Émile Zola loved violets and they appeared in his literature from time to time. For you, violets can refresh tired eyes, lift the spirit and help to reduce puffiness around the eye area. You will likely want to share this one with friends.
This cream is on the complex side but if you are a homemade cosmetic devotee, locating the ingredients and taking the time to make this delightful concoction should be a pleasure and not difficult at all. For beginners, you might want to attempt an easier cream first for practice; if not, just have a lot of patience!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried violet flowers


• 1 tablespoon dried violet leaves


• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers


• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil


• 1.5 tablespoons vegetable source emulsifying wax


• 1.5 tablespoons vegetable source stearic acid


• 1.5 teaspoons liquid vegetable glycerin


• 10 drops German chamomile essential oil


• 10 drops evening primrose essential oil


• 5 drops lavender essential oil


• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil (you can break open a capsule if needed)

Steps

1. Pour the boiling water over the violet flowers and leaves and the lavender leaves in a small to medium sized bowl.


2. Cover the bowl. Use an overturned plate, a tea towel or aluminum foil as a lid.


3. Allow to steep for 20 - 30 minutes.


4. Pass the mixture through a sieve to capture the flowers and leaves. The liquid should go straight into a measuring jug. Compost the flowers and leaves.


5. Put the strained, infused water to one side.


6. Heat a double boiler to simmering. Add the jojoba oil, emulsifying wax, stearic acid and glycerin to the double boiler.


7. Stir gently until melted into a mixture.


8. Take the infused water and slowly pour it into the melted mixture. Stir as you do this.


9. Continue stirring until the new mix is smooth and blended completely.


10. Remove from the heat.


11. Blend in the essential oils and vitamin E oil with a hand mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture thickens. It should also have a fluffed appearance.


12. Pour the completed mixture into the storage containers.


13. Store as outlined under "Tips".


14. Use as required around delicate eye area. Be gentle in placing it on. Shake before each use.

Tips

• Storage - keep the violet cream in a cool place. It will remain fresh for one month, after which time it should be discarded. If you think you won't be able to use it all, give one pot to a friend.


• Rather than one large container, it is better to use two as this allows you to have only one open at a time, thereby reducing the risks of contamination from bacteria with prolonged use.


• German chamomile essential oil can be expensive but it is an important element of this cream, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.


• Evening primrose oil is known for its skin regenerative properties.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl


• Sieve


• Liquid measuring jug


• Double boiler


• Hand mixer


• 2 small, sterilized containers (approx. 4 oz)
  

How to Do a Spa Rock Treatment at Home

This is a cheap and easy way to perform the expensive heated rock treatment for almost no cost at all.

Steps

1. Find about 8 smooth oval shaped stones in your yard or a stream. If not found in your yard, buy some at your local hardware or craft store. Basalt rock is considered the best for this treatment, granite is second-best.


2. Clean each of the rocks, use a file to knock down any sharp and rough parts.


3. Place all the rocks in a large zip-lock bag.


4. Close the bag and place in a sink full of hot water.


5. Open the bag and let enough of the hot water in to cover all the rocks.


6. Remove the rocks from the bag and place them on your back.


7. Cover the rocks on your back with a towel.


8. Leave on until rocks get cold.


9. Repeat for satisfaction.

Tips

• Have a friend over so you can do the heated rock therapy to eachother.


• Be careful when handleing the rocks

Warnings

• Use caution with the hot water. Water should be hot enough to heat the rocks, but not so hot that it could cause burns when rocks are put in contact with the skin.


• When picking your rocks from anywhere but your own yard, be sure that you are not trespassing on another's property. If you need to, get the landowner's permission to search for appropriate stones.

Things You'll Need

• 8 smooth, oval rocks


• Large zip-lock Bag
  

How to Use Honey in the Bath!

We all know honey tastes great and it's considered nature's only perfect food, but did you know your skin can benefit from honey too?

That's right. Honey has a place not only in your kitchen, but near your bath. Honey is a natural humectant that promotes moisture retention. Try the following bath recipes as a special treatment to leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Milk and Honey Bath

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sea salt


• 2 tablespoons baking soda


• 1 cup boiling water


• 1 cup honey


• 2 cups milk


• 10 drops of vanilla oil
  

Steps

1. Dissolve sea salt and baking soda in bathwater.


2. Dissolve honey in boiling water and add milk.


3. Add milk-honey mixture and vanilla to bathwater.


4. Swirl water to blend all ingredients.
   

Honey and Lemon Sugar Scrub

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups of sugar


• 2 cups sweet almond oil


• 4 teaspoons lemon juice


• 4 tablespoons honey


• 4 drops lemon essential oil (You can use more, but the more you put in the stronger the scent.)
  

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients in small bowl; mix thoroughly.


2. Add more honey and/or oil as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.


3. To use, scoop out a handful of scrub and apply to damp face, neck, hands, and/or whole body. Leave mixture on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes.


4. Rinse well with warm water. Pat skin dry with a soft cloth or towel
   

Honey Salt Scrub Masque

Ingredients

• 1 cup sea salt powder


• 2 tablespoons Rhassoul clay powder


• 2 tablespoons milk, powdered or whole


• 1/3 cup honey


• 1/3 jojoba oil


• 1 tablespoon honey powder
  

Steps

1. Combine all ingredients in small bowl; mix thoroughly.


2. Add more honey and/or oil as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.


3. To use, scoop out a handful of scrub and apply to damp face, neck, hands and/or whole body. Leave mixture on skin for 10 to 20 minutes.


4. Rinse well with warm water. Pat skin dry with a soft cloth or towel.
   

Tips

• Make your honey bath, and soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Take a quick shower to rinse your body.


• Avoid soaking your hair in the mixture. Honey can be great for moisturizing hair, but salt is generally not good for it. Add honey to your conditioner if you want to use it on your hair.


• This is not recommended for regular showering routine.

Home made chocolate products!

How to Make a Chocolate Bubble Bath

Chocolate's not only for munching, drinking or hoarding. Chocolate's also a great for the bath. Add it to your next bath to release the aroma of chocolate and to take advantage of chocolate's soothing and relaxing benefits.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of unscented bubble bath


• 1/3 cup of unsweetened soy milk


• 3 oz. of dark chocolate (baking chocolate is preferred)

Steps

1. Heat the soy milk.


2. Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Smaller is better. Add this to the heated soy milk. Stir well until the chocolate is completely melted. Do not let it boil!


3. Allow the mixture to cool down.


4. Draw your bath water. Add the cup of unscented bubble bath directly to the bath.


5. Pour the chocolate mixture into the bath under the running water.


6. Blend the chocolate solution and bath water together. Circle your hand around in the bath to mix the water and chocolate mix together.


7. Get ready to get in. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
   

Tips

• Immediately take a shower following your chocolate bath to wash off all remaining chocolate

Warnings

• Naturally, do not use this recipe if you are allergic to chocolate or soy.


• Keep alert during a bath. Never doze off.


• Resist the urge to drink your bath. The water is dirty and unfit for consumption.


• The use of sugar or sweetened chocolate can lead to infections in women's genital areas. Consult with your doctor.


• Be careful not to burn yourself on the stove.
  

How to Make a Chocolate Facial Mask

Dark chocolate - better for your skin than you think! Here is how to use dark chocolate on your skin for a delicious facial. If you love chocolate and happen to have some to spare, try this delicious facial.

Steps

1. Heat dark chocolate in a double boiler.


2. Mix salt and 1/4 of a cup milk in a bowl.


3. Remove melted chocolate from heat. Mix melted chocolate with salt/milk mixture.


4. Allow to cool.


5. Apply to your face while cool but not hardened. Before the chocolate becomes hard, smear on your face and leave it on until it hardens. Relax lying down while waiting.


6. Wash or chip off with a mild cleanser and warm water.
   

Tips

• Wear weekend clothing; this is messy.
  

Warnings

• Do not use if you have allergies to milk or chocolate products.


• Do not consume facial mix. If you must sneak some chocolate, take it from the packet.


• May Be Tempted To Eat
  

Things You'll Need

• 1 dark chocolate bar


• 3 tbs of salt


• 1 cup of milk
  

How to Make a Chocolate and Honey Exfoliating Face Mask

No need to spend money on expensive face masks, exfoliating products, moisturisers or other face products. Instead, use tasty ingredients from home to create professionally comparable cosmetic products in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• Butter


• Chocolate spread


• Honey


• Sugar
  

Steps

1. Take a teaspoon each of butter, chocolate spread, honey and sugar and place into a bowl.


2. Mix the ingredients together.


3. Smooth onto your face.


4. Allow to set for 10 - 15 minutes.


5. Wash off and gently dab dry.
   

Tips

• Mess around at home with other ingredients - this is just a basic list of what you can put in.
  

Warnings

• Never use more than twice a month.


• Make sure you wash it all off.
  

Things You'll Need

• A tray
  
  

How to Make an Orange Yogurt Facial Mask

This facial mask cleans pores and nourishes. If you are feeling sluggish, this is perfect mask for you.

Ingredients:

1. Stir to mix and then dip fingers into mixture and smooth onto face. The sensation is both cool and relaxing.


2. Leave on for a five minutes and then rinse.


3. The yogurt will cleanse and nourish. The orange is full of Vitamin C and AHA's.
   

Tips:

• Apply the mask on the T-zone, avoid the part around the eyes!


• Use the mask 1-2 times a week.
  

Warnings:

• Don't use the mask if you are allergic to any of the ingredients!


• If your skin, after using the mask, is red or sour etc. don't use it, because this means it is not appropriate for your skin type. If you are not sure, test the small patch behind your wrist or elbow first to see if you are going to have a reaction.
  

How to Have a Day of Relaxation (for Women)!

Every woman needs one of these at least once in their lifetime, why not now? So get someone to take the kids for a few hours, (unless you don't have any) and take some time for a day of relaxation!

1. Rent a great chick-flick, drama, or anything that you enjoy.


2. Grab a pair of sweatpants, and a t-shirt, and put them in your bathroom.


3. Collect any CDs that you might have, that are relaxing or soothing.


4. Start filling up your bath tub, and if you have any, and add some lightly scented bubble bath.


5. Before you get in, bring CD player in, and put in a CD of your choice (one of the ones that you collected).


6. Stay in the bathtub for as long as you need.


7. Upon getting out, change into the sweatpants and t-shirt, so you can be comfy.


8. Switch on your TV and pop in your movie of choice. While the previews are playing, pop some popcorn, or gather some snacks.


9. Gather up any nail-polish supplies you have, and start the movie. While watching it, paint your nails and/or toenails, and have a good cry, laugh, or gawk in suspense.


10. After the movie, change into a pair of pajamas, and read a good book for as long as you'd like.

• After you've read, go to sleep, or, take a nice nap.


• Don't feel like renting a movie? Check to see if any good movies are on TV, or watch a favorite movie that you own.


• You can replace these clothes items with anything you want,as long as it's comfortable.


• Pajamas work fine too, if you're doing this later in the day.


• If you have a CD player near your bathroom, put the CD in there, and turn it up so you can hear it. This may be safer than actually having it in your bathroom.


• If you don't have bubble bath, shower/bath gel or bar soap work great too.


• Snack types can vary, so if you prefer veggies and dip, over chips and popcorn, go for it! This is your day, after all!


• If you want, invite a few friends over for watching the movie, so you can have fun together.


• Try doing this on the weekend (Saturday or Sunday), or in the evening.


• If you don't like to read talk on the phone or take a calming walk!


• This guide was intended for women, because men may not find it very relaxing to watch a chick-flick (boring yes, relaxing, no) or use bubble bath. But, if you're a man and find these things relaxing, these steps will probably work for you, too.


• Meditation: Try meditating, or resting quietly with the goal of completely clearing your mind. You will inevitably start to think about something, just notice that, acknowledge it, and gently bring yourself back to a silent mind. Whatever you were thinking of will still be there when you leave this state, but putting it down for a moment, 5 minutes, or an hour, will re-energize your mind and help you to deal with any task.


• Yoga: Some simple stretching of the body can do wonders to relax muscle tension as well as mental tension.
  

How to Understand Massage Oils!

When you first start out learning about massage oils, it can seem a little daunting. However, it isn't as hard as it seems to learn the basics and to quickly come up to scratch on the use and properties of such oils. This basic guide for beginners seeks to assist you as you become more proficient in massage therapy.

Understand the purpose of massage oils. The main purpose of massage oils is to lubricate the skin to reduce friction while performing a massage. This helps give a smooth glide and easy workability to the skin surface. Some of the secondary benefits include nourishing the skin and acting as a "base", or "carrier" oil for aromatherapy essential oils.

Learn about the best oils. The different attributes we can compare are how the oil spreads, how easily it is absorbed, its nourishing and moisturizing properties and the smell. Other factors to consider are the cost, the ease of cleaning, and the way it is processed. Generally speaking, the best oil will be extra virgin cold pressed, as this process maintains the highest level of purity while retaining most of the natural nutrients.

Select the oil suited to your needs and budget. There are several basic oils that are most popular for massage:

• Almond oil: robably the most widely used massage oil is sweet almond oil. It spreads easily, and is very nourishing to the skin. It also serves as an excellent carrier oil because the smell is not too overpowering. It can be found in most health food stores and body shops, and is reasonably priced.
  
• Grapeseed oil: Another popular oil is grape seed. It is easily absorbed by the skin but does not leave a “greasy” feeling after application. It is not as common as sweet almond and is usually a bit more expensive.
  
• Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is a low cost alternative and can usually be found at your local grocery store. It spreads easily and is a good carrier oil, but can feel a little greasy afterwards. Another thing to consider is that the majority of sunflower oils are heat pressed and have a very short shelf life.

Consider other base oils. Other base oils have certain properties that can help specific conditions like dry skin, premature aging or eczema. These can be added in varying proportions to the primary oil and some examples include olive oil, wheat germ, and jojoba.

Understand the difference between base massage oils and aromatherapy essential oils. Aromatherapy essential oils differ from the base oils in several ways.

• These are highly concentrated “essences” derived from various plant and fruit sources which have profound effects on the systems of the body.
• You almost never directly apply essential oils undiluted to the skin. Normally, you will add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil to every 100 ml/ 4oz of carrier oil.

Try the most popular aromatherapy oils. There many essential oils to choose from, each with specific properties that affect the body differently. Here are some of the most popular oils whose effects are beneficial to massage and relaxation:

• Lavender oil: Lavender is probably the most well known and widely used of all the essential oils. Not only does it have a calming effect on the mind, it is also an antiseptic and is one of the two oils that you can apply directly to the skin in cases of burns or stings to ease the pain. You can find lavender oil in almost any health food store, as well in many cosmetic shops and other skin care centres.
• Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang might possibly be the most useful essential oil for doing massage. Its properties include a sedating effect on the nervous system which helps with relaxation, while stimulating blood circulation and the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. It is also perfect for all skin types as it helps dry skin conditions as well as oily skin and acne.
• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is the only other essential oil you can apply undiluted to areas of the skin as an antiseptic as well as an anti-inflammatory. When used in massage, it helps promote healing to damaged skin while supporting healthy functioning of the respiratory system.
• Eucalyptus oil: Finally, eucalyptus oil is also one of the more commonly used essential oils for massage because of its anti inflammatory properties that help treat muscle cramps, spasms and sprains. It also helps with skin problems and even has the ability to prevent and heal scar tissue. Add all this to its ability to help open blocked nasal passages and stimulate the senses, and you have a versatile oil that helps on many levels.

Some essential oils have side-effects and some should not be used on certain people, such as pregnant or nursing women, people taking medications and children. Always be aware of the contra-indications and any personal conditions or conditions of the person you are massaging.