Serenity Sunday

I just love things that have a fantastic scent so I thought I would write down one of the recipes I use to make my own fragrances . I like to make my own perfumes using essential oils as opposed to store bought fragrances simply because they seem to last so much longer and are not nearly as expensive.

Floriental nights

2 tbsp. jojoba oil
3 drops bergamot oil
2 drops neroli oil
8 drops jasmine oil
12 drops geranium oil
8 drops ylang-ylang oil
4 drops patchouli oil

Pour the jojoba oil into a dark glass bottle with a glass rod applicator.
Add the essential oils drop by drop, and shake thoroughly. You can vary the proportions of the essential oils in accordance to personal preference, but note the geranium oil is what gives this blend its floral flavor. Be careful-too much patchouli oil will easily overwhelm the scent; too much bergamot oil will often irritate skin that's sensitive.
Caution: Bergamot essential oil should not be used by pregnant women or epileptics.

My List:

1.) My children

2.) My cats

3.) Good friends

4.) Potting soil

5.) Roses in bud

6.) Sheets drying on the line outside

7.) Laughter

8.) Toast with cinnamon and sugar

9.) Perusing the local nursery

10.) Air conditioning

Soothing Homemade Bath Salts

My favorite therapy for a long, stressful day has always been soaking in a hot bath with some soothing bath salts. Bath salts are very easy to make and it's a great idea for that "just because" occasion or for that someone who has everything. I have always thought that gifts made by hand are superior in every way to store bought because it saves money and is a terrific activity that includes you and your children in creating wonderful memories that will last forever.

What You'll Need:
*Large glass or metal mixing bowl
*2 cups Epsom's salts
*1 cup Sea Salt
*1/4 teaspoon Glycerin
*Essential oil for fragrance- such as vanilla, citrus or peppermint
(I like to use a few drops of Patchouli oil)
*Clean, dry jars with cork stoppers or metal screw-on lid
*optional: a couple tablespoons of dried Lavender flowers or Rosemary, you could also add a couple of cinnamon sticks or any other dried herb that you like.

How To Make It:
Try and do this on a day with low humidity, the salt will absorb moisture from the air.
1.) Combine salts in bowl and mix well. Add a couple drops of food coloring and mix well.
2.) Add glycerin and essential oil (4 or 5 drops) and mix well.
3.) Add the dry herbs
4.) Spoon salts into the jars and close them.
5.) Make a gift tag with the scent (if you used one) and suggesting using 1/3 to 1/2 cup in the bath.
Some folks like to put a few drops of food coloring in but I prefer the natural look
**Makes 3 cups of bath salts.**