Quick & Easy DIY Scented Tealight Candles.

I've always had a love for making my own candles. I used to make herbal healing candles for my friends all the time. I do still make big candles from scratch but when I'm in a rush or want a few quick scented candles around the house, - this is the fastest & easiest way to do it.

What You'll Need:

• an old pan


• plain ol' tealight candles in a metal container (not the plastic ones) These Beeswax ones would be the healthiest choice.


• essential oils of choice (& a dropper)

To Make:

• Using an old pan, heat on the stove on low heat. (*Please be careful not to burn yourself)


• Place the candles on the pan and allow to melt. (it's easier to keep the wicks under control if you don't allow the wax to melt all the way through.) (You may need a toothpick to prop them back up)

• Once the wax has melted, turn off the heat and add in as many drops of your favorite essential or fragrance oils as you'd like. (I added 10 drops of Coconut & 10 drops of Nag Champa to these ones. They smell heavenly)


• Keep an eye on the wicks while the pan is cooling. Once they begin to set you can put them in the fridge to speed the cooling process. (be sure to place them on an heat mat.)

TAH-DAH! Simple & effective scented tealight candles! <3 I will write a post about making other candles as well. <3



What are your favorite candle scents? <3

Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Stink be Gone! Natural Deodorant Spray!

This Heavy Duty Recipe for Natural Deodorant is for the SERIOUS STINKERS! ;) <3 {I was one, don't worry! You're not alone!} There is nothing more embarrassing than trying to avoid hugging friends and family because you stink! I was sick and tired of constantly having this issue!

I have been trying different all natural recipes for a few months, hoping to find something I could share with you guys, but I was struggling to find something effective enough for me personally. FINALLY, I found this original recipe for Spray Deodorant from Katie Wellness Mama & had to try it out! She's brilliant & offers so many amazing recipes. Magnesium Oil! Of course! ~ Brilliant!

Katie's recipe is based around people with a sensitivity to baking soda (so if you are - skip this recipe and head on over to hers.) After trying out this recipe I must say - It IS effective!! BUT - I need the stink sucking power of baking soda. :/ For some reason, after having my son - I STINK! My hormones must be totally crazy because I never had this problem before having children. I remember the "good ol' days" in high school where I didn't need deodorant at all, I could hit the gym, go for a long jog, all while staying fresh. This however, is no longer the case! Needless to say, in my adult years, I need a heavy duty deodorant to mask my hippie stink! ^_^ I understand that some people are sensitive to baking soda but I seem to be okay with it and so I decided to try and combine some things from some original deodorant recipes I was trying with this new and awesome one from Katie.

Even before converting to all natural products, I could only find ONE store brand that could keep my underarms smelling fresh. I needed to mimic that effect. ;) (even though I'd rather stink then use chemicals any day)

The standard recipes I was trying before were okay, but really wouldn't last long at all for me. Plus, scooping melted goop wasn't fun, and if I refrigerated it I would end up with clumps and chunks from thinking I wasn't putting enough on. "what's all over you!?" my son would often ask. I tried so many different things. Tweaked every recipe I could find, and to my disappointment, nothing was strong enough. It wouldn't even be an hour after a shower and the stink would come creeping up on me. {This is turning into a gross post! - My sincere apologies.} Needless to say, I am really enjoying this spray! No mess, no white marks on shirts, no itch, just pure power! (+ You can customize the scent to fit your preference)

Anyways.... I'll get on to the recipe: 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• 200 ml Magnesium Oil OR fill your container with steaming hot distilled water and add in 2-3 tbs of the magnesium flakes. (Here is another post from Wellness Mama on how to make your own Magnesium Oil! as well as the benefits of it.)


• 1 tsp Witch Hazel (optional)


• 1-2 tsp Baking Soda


• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (Tea Tree is antibacterial & antiseptic making it great for killing bacteria. It's a little strong on it's own so I like to blend it lightly with other oils)


• Funnel


• Spray bottle

Essential Oil Blend I used:

• 3 drops Tea Tree


• 5 drops Coconut Oil


• 5 drops Nag Champa Oil

IT SMELLS AMAZING!

To Make:

• Fill your container with your magnesium oil OR hot distilled water and magnesium flakes. Leaving a little room at the top.


• Using a funnel - scoop in 1-2 tsp of baking soda


• Shake vigorously until everything is dissolved.


• drop in your essential oil blend


• shake some more.

You are ready to rock this! - Shake well before each use. (we know how oil and water don't mix)

After your shower spray on your under arms and allow to dry.

I must say THIS WORKS! I am stink free! I can hug freely! FINALLY! I hope this helps you too!

*NOTE* It's important to remember, if you are just starting out on your natural journey, your underarms need time to detox. You may be smelly for a while as well. ^_^ The magnesium oil will help to detoxify faster.

Katie also recommends spraying a mix of 1:1 equal parts apple cider vinegar and water before applying natural deodorant. Thank You Katie for the tip!

Here is a post from Rapid Home Remedies on Eliminating underarm odors naturally. Lots of great herbal suggestions! Here is a post from Wellness Mama on the benefits and importance of magnesium oil.

Do you make all natural deodorant? What ingredients do you find most effective?

Oil Cleansing Method - For Radiant Looking Skin.

I've been using this method on my face religiously & I have to say it has solved so many issues I was having before. Before cleansing my face this way I was riddled with dry flaking skin, acne, redness, uneven skin tone, dull skin, - BLAH. Now - my face is looking much more clear, clean and radiant. I am so happy I started doing this.

I use oils on my face for many different things. (I'm currently working on a post on my facial care regiment)

This method is so simple & very effective. Basically, the idea is to NOT strip your face of it's natural oils. Foaming cleansers and soaps often do more damage than good. This method is naturally moisturizing, combats skin issues, evens out scars and wrinkles, and keeps your natural oil production flowing properly.

My favorite oil to use is calendula infused coconut oil. (Infusing your own oils) Sometimes I use our Calendula Healing Salve all over my face, neck and chest, and sometimes I use the Calendula Acne Blend. (The plain Calendula salve works wonderfully for an all over facial moisturizer)

Here is a list of choosing the right carrier oil for your skin type. Coconut oil is usually a safe bet when in doubt.

You can also add in a few drops of other essential oils to help with other skin issues. If your skin is very acne prone, adding in a few drops of Lavender & Tea Tree oil could be very beneficial and speed up the healing process. (they also help with oily skin) (The Calendula Acne Blend has both of these oils in it)

TO USE:

Once you've chosen your desired oils that will benefit your skin type:

• Generously slather the oil on your face, let it sit for a few minutes.


• Soak a gentle facecloth in warm water. (I like it a little steamy but please be careful not to burn your beautiful face)


• lay the warm cloth over your face to help allow your pores to pull in the nourishing benefits.


• Gently wipe the rest of the oil off


• I like to finish off by splashing my face with cool water to then close my pores and seal in the goodness.

There is no need to pre-soak your face, this will do all the cleaning you need. It will also remove makeup with no effort whatsoever.

* Remember, if you are just starting out on your green journey, your skin needs a chance to detox first, so this may take a few days or weeks (depending how many different products you usually use on your face) for your skin to get used to your new rhythm but believe me, it will be so worth it in the end.

<3

If you don't want to make this yourself, you can purchase a beautiful Oil Cleansing Serum from our friend Deb over at Sunny Bungalow HERE.

[caption id="attachment_787" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Facial Oil Cleanse - All Natural Handmade[/caption]

What Sunny Bungalow says about the Oil Cleanse Serum:

Skin - all of it - secretes oil. Even if your face feels dry, it still has oil on it.

With this alternative cleansing method, you wipe away all the icky dirty oil from your face and replenishing it with clean, nourishing oil. According to chemistry and the principals of solubility, "like" dissolves "like."

There are no harsh chemicals involved, No suds. Nothing to strip your skin of its oil. This is preferable because, when your strip your skin of its sebum, it goes into overdrive, trying to create more, which leads to clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and irritation.

The instructions for use are simple: All it takes is one dropper full of this nourishing oil rubbed into your face, then wiped off with a warm facecloth every day. This method cleanses away dirt and makeup, and rejuvenates your skin.

Pros:
- It whisks away makeup in a flash.
- It doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils
- No chemicals, harsh additives, detergents or preservatives

Cons:
- It may take a week or two for your skin to adjust to this new regimen

Google "oil cleanse method" for many websites that go into further details on the benefits for this alternative cleansing method.

Ingredients: Castor oil, Apricot oil, Rosehip seed oil, Pomegranate oil. Essential oils of: Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, Carrot seed, and Geranium.

1 oz should last roughly one month.

HAPPY CLEANSING! <3

Do you use an oil cleansing method? How does it work for you? I'd love for you to share with us in the comments below!

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

We've been nominated for a Liebster Award!!

Michelle from Mom On The Moon has nominated The Herbal Healing Mama for a Liebster Award! - Thank You! <3

The Liebster award is a series of questions given from bloggers to new bloggers with under 200 followers. I think it's a beautiful way to get to know other bloggers in the community.

Rules

1. Answer the questions given and then come up with 10 new ones to ask your nominations.

2. Nominate 8 other blogs, let them know you have nominated them and put a link to their blog in your post.

3. No Tag backs.

4. Nominations must have under 200 followers on any platform.

5. You must tell all the blogs that you nominate that you have nominated them.

<3

Here are my answers to the questions from Mommy on the Moon: 

1. Did you always see yourself as a blogger?  If not, then what?

I've always dabbled in blogging but I never knew I would take such a serious go at it. When I was a child I always said I would love to be a writer but as I grew into an adult I didn't think I had the capabilities. I always had the dream I would open up a little shop called "Briar-Rose's Blessed Boutique" and sell all natural, handmade healing items. I guess in a way I am doing a part of that, but instead, I am sharing my recipes with whoever is interested in reading them. I have done so many different things in such a short time, (photographer/graphics & enhancements, jewelry designer, I even modeled for a while) none of which were really what I thought I was supposed to be doing. I think I've finally found my passion.

 
2. What was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite was art, music and English. Mostly because I was awful at everything else.

 
3. How long have you been blogging?

On and off for quite a few years but they were always just random personal blogs. I have just recently decided to take things seriously and I launched The Herbal Healing Mama in May 2014.

 
4. What’s your go-to meal when you’re in a rush?

Probably bagels or toasted tomato sandwiches. Mmmm.

 
5. What’s the background noise that helps you concentrate when writing a blog post?  Music? Silence?

I find this changes for me. Sometimes (and most often) I need complete silence. Sometimes it's too quiet and I turn on some quiet music or put a TV show on in the background.

 
6. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? If not, why not?

This is an interesting question. ^_^ I currently have 3 cats but not entirely by choice. We adopted a kitten last year but recently my son showed up home with 2 more kittens. We are trying to re-home at least one before we get too attached. It's a little chaotic with 3 cats running about, breaking everything & eating my plants.

 
7. What is your favorite holiday and why?

We celebrate things a little differently than the "norm" around here. We celebrate the solstices rather than the commercial holidays. This is a little difficult for me to answer because typically I'm not a fan of cold weather and my 2 regular answers would be Yule (Winter Solstice - Xmas) or Samhain (Halloween) BUT they are in chilly months, SO- I'd have to say Midsummer (Summer Solstice) because I love when I can spend most of my time outside in the warmth.

 

8. How did you come up with the name of your blog?

I wish I could say this was a simple task BUT it wasn't. I had a few other ideas before settling on The Herbal Healing Mama but all were too similar to another blogger's name. This was an extensive Google search. I wanted something to represent all natural remedies but nothing that would be confused with other bloggers. I finally landed on The Herbal Healing Mama & I'm glad I did. I have always been a massive collector of herbs and essential oils as well as making up herbal healing candles and other such things, so you think this would have come easier BUT all comes to us at the time it's supposed to.

 
9. Do you have a favorite blog?  If yes, what is it?

Ooooh, too many. I enjoy so many different blogs. A few of the really inspirational ones for me are:

• Wellness Mama


• Soap Deli News


• The Coconut Mama


• The Earthy Mama


• Mommypotamus


• The Paleo Mama

The rest of my favorites can be found on my Favorites List page.

 
10. What is your remedy for writers block?

This can be very difficult for me, I have somewhat of a scatter brain. The easiest way I clear my mind is going to the beach, watching the sun go down. Coming home, having a nice hot bath with some candles and rejuvenating salts and starting fresh.

<3

I NOMINATE:

1. Mommy Lives Clean


2. Herbal Mama Happy Baby


3. Latch The Babes


4. Homemade Mommy


5. The Hippy Homemaker


6. Natural Mommas


7. Wild Earth Apothecary


8. A Blossoming Life

10 Questions for the Nominees:

1. What got you started blogging?

2. From where do you draw your inspiration?

3. What's a day in your life like?

4. What's your favorite thing to blog about?

5. Where's your favorite place to be? Doing what?

6. Have you experienced writers block? What do you do to overcome it?

7. What's your most visited website or blog? Why?

8. What's your favorite summertime drink?

9. Do you have any creative hobbies that you don't blog about?

10. What is your decor style?

 

Thanks for participating & thank you again to Mommy on the Moon for the nomination. <3

My New Favourite Way to Brush my Teeth!

I'm still working on an updated version of our original Fluoride Free Toothpaste. I really want to try out the activated charcoal method that everyone is raving about, but in the meantime, this neat little recipe has been helping me with tooth sensitivity and stains. It's giving me an overall cleaner feeling, my teeth feel smooth and my mouth feels fresh.

In a way it's similar to our Herbal Oil Pulling Method but instead of the pulling, it's brushing. Plus I added a few bonus ingredients for sensitivity and freshness.

What You'll Need:

(I used a 180ml container)

• 1 part Calendula Infused Oil (Infusing Your Own Oils)


• 1 part Coconut Oil (equal parts of both, I used about 5 tsp each)


• 5-10 drops of Peppermint Oil (optional- for fresh breath)


• 1-2 drops of Clove Bud Oil (optional - for tooth sensitivity)

• Squeeze container of sorts


• Funnel

To Make:

Using either Fractionated Coconut oil or melted Unrefined Coconut Oil, mix together with Calendula infused oil. Drop in Peppermint and Clove Bud Oils, stir well and using a funnel, poor into your container.

I have used this on it's own, and also switch between first putting this on my toothbrush and sprinkling some baking soda on top for extra stain pulling power.

Happy Brushing <3

What are your favorite all natural methods of brushing your teeth? I'd love for you to share with me in the comments below.

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Shop Spotlight ~ Sunny Bungalow + A GIVEAWAY!! {CLOSED}

Meet Deborah Davidson! She runs the online shop Sunny Bungalow, based out of Springfield Massachusetts.

[caption id="attachment_790" align="aligncenter" width="440"] Debbie & Jon "A selfie of my BFF (Jon) and me"[/caption]

Sunny Bungalow’s beautifully unique products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients.  REAL Soaps, Bath Bombs and Oil Cleanse Method Serums. (with new and exciting products on the rise) Prices range from an amazing $3.00 to $18.00.

Hi Debbie Thanks so much for joining us here! <3

Tell us a bit about your shop, benefits of your products & what got you started:

I have always had extremely sensitive dry skin. Years ago I purchased some handmade soap and noticed a revolutionary difference in my skin. At the time I really didn’t understand why the handmade soaps made such a difference. It was like night and day after the first use. I started digging a bit deeper into soap production and I was astounded at what I learned. Most commercial bars of soap in your local grocery stores and other big box stores are detergent bars. The labels will say “Beauty Bar” or just the name of the soap without stating anywhere the word soap. Detergents have all but replaced soap-based products for laundering, dish washing and household cleaning. Detergents (alone or in combination with soap) are also found in many of the bars and liquids used for personal cleansing. True soaps are the result of a chemical reaction between vegetable or animal fats, water and lye. When combined they transform into soap and glycerin, with no lye remaining in the soap. This reaction is called “saponification” which literally means “the making of soap”.

I wanted to go back to the old-fashioned simple remedies. Naked products with only the essential ingredients added. I started making soap with some high quality soap crafting bases. For beginners this is so much fun! Especially if you have young ones, everyone can get involved since there is no lye involved. As time moved on, I really wanted even more control over the ingredients that were in my soap. I started researching how to make real soap with the butters and oils of my choosing. For me this is when the fun really started. I was making soap almost every day when I would get home from work. By the way, I work full-time as an RN.

[caption id="attachment_803" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Sunny Bungalow on Etsy![/caption]

A friend of mine encouraged me to hang a shingle on Etsy. I was completely intimidated because there are a lot of seriously talented folks there. But here I am ...and having a blast! I love creating new recipes or just putting a twist on an old-established one. My Etsy sales might subsidize my insatiable need to create. I am constantly making new items to try, so come back often to visit.

I have over 30 years’ experience in the medical profession as an RN. Our skin is our largest organ. Most items on the shelves are filled with synthetic ingredients to increase shelf life, texture, and appearance. I started experimenting and researching more economical and handcrafted ways to make the same item. The items that I would make myself I preferred and I knew they were healthier for my skin. I pride myself on using only what’s needed to produce a soap or skin care item. If there isn't a distinct purpose and/or benefit, I leave the item out. Most items are scented with only essential oils. Because not all scents can be recreated with essential oils only, some products will contain fragrance oil. All items will be marked with what scent or essential oil was added.

I produce small batches of each item in my shop. This helps me maintain a fresh and accurate inventory. It also helps me artistically so I can keep creating new products with different twists. My wish is that you think of Sunny Bungalow as your little shelter against all the toxic ingredients out in the marketplace that we are rubbing into our skin. I always try to include the benefit of each product in my website description so folks can choose items that will help with their individual skin needs.

What is your most favorite ingredient to use in your products, and why?

It is so hard to choose just one item because the best soaps are made with a combination of oils. Instead I will explain

[caption id="attachment_806" align="alignright" width="300"] Beer Soap![/caption]

a few of the items I use that make Sunny Bungalows soaps extra special. I love substituting different liquids for the distilled water. For instance I have soaps that the water has been substituted with Champagne or Beer or Aloe Vera juice. Sometimes I like to add a pinch of Bamboo Silk. This adds a nice luxurious slip and creaminess to the soap. A lot of soapers use Tussah Silk, but in order to obtain that silk, many silkworms are killed. I just couldn’t have that on my conscience, so I use Bamboo Silk. Dead Sea Mud is my most recent new addiction. It is so detoxifying and pampering to your skin. I also love using local wool to felt soaps. They are so cute it’s like soap in a blanket. The wool has natural antibacterial and exfoliating properties and shrinks around the soap as it melts.

Another product that I just started experimenting with this past week is Black African Soap (BAF). BAF is renowned for its skin moisturizing capabilities. It is naturally a wicked soft soap. I originally wanted to make it from scratch but I hit a few roadblocks. Black African Soap recipes are closely guarded secrets. Very little information is available online to produce the real deal. The other stumbling block was the potash. The potash they use is created from burnt plaintain leaves, almost impossible to get over here. I have sourced some real BAF from Ghana for rebatching. Rebatching is when you melt down soap and add your own touch and remold. Keep your eyes out on my website for this new creation.

What are your Ultimate Goals and Dreams for Sunny Bungalow to accomplish?

My five-year plan is to eventually have my own little soap shack. I would love to have a little shop near my home where I can teach soap making. Initially it will only be open on weekends, since I work full-time. The shop will have soap supplies that folks can purchase and soap classes for cold process and melt and pour. It will also have a section where students can put any items they make up for sale. What a wonderful vision where folks can come together out of this busy technology filled world and make something that our ancestors have made for centuries.

{I love this idea! What an amazing goal to have! I can't wait to see photos of the grand opening when your dream becomes reality!}

From where do you draw your inspiration from?

I wish I could list one place I draw inspiration from. I think about soap all the time. I can’t shut it off. Between my probable ADD and OCD, it’s fantastically overwhelming! My family gives me so much inspiration! Jon, my partner in life, has endless encouragement and assistance for me 24 hours a day.


[caption id="attachment_791" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Jon all decked out (Looks like something out of Breaking Bad right?)[/caption]

My two kids Haley and Parker (19/16) are always asking to try out a new soap I made or giving me an idea they saw and would like to see recreated. My customers also give me a lot of inspiration. They might request a special scent or moisturizing property.

My most recent weird inspiration came from some graffiti I saw. The color combination hit me so hard and I had to create it immediately. 

Sometimes I get a new essential oil or fragrance and I imagine the color combination then run to create. The Dead Sea Mud I mentioned earlier was originally purchased for face masks, but of course I had to try it in soap. Pinterest is always inspiring me as well as Etsy.

[caption id="attachment_807" align="alignleft" width="300"] Pineapple Orchid Soap with All Natural Sustainable Sea Sponge[/caption]

The soap sponges you see were originally inspired by Tropical Sea Sponges on Esty. He is a diver who obtains sustainable sea sponges. His girlfriend had some soap sponges posted on their Etsy shop. I emailed her and asked if she would mind if I did a sea sponge soap like hers. She loved the idea! She said she only posted her soap sponges to help her BF sell more sponges.

Tell us about Sunny Bungalow's Future Products:

Right now I am readying for some home soap parties and Holiday craft fairs. Keep your eyes on the website for these up and coming potions I am working on. Lip Balms - all natural, made with some local organic beeswax. I have had a ton of requests for Yoga Mat Sprays (to cleanse the mat after class). Facial toners are brewing as I write this. Witch Hazel infused with Rose Hips, Rosemary, Orange and a few more to be named. I am currently perfecting a shaving soap up in time for the holidays. See? I told you, the flood of ideas never stops lol

What's your favorite product to make?

My favorite product to make is soap. I love the process from start to finish. It is so Zen for me. Gathering the oils, carefully mixing the lye, swirling in additives and the final un-molding. Every time I un-mold a soap, I feel like I get a personal gift from the universe. The process is so magical to me. My next favorite product to make is the oil cleansing serum. The special essential oils used are added drop by drop into the carrier oils. Sometimes I feel like a mad scientist with my serum bottles and droppers.

What's your favorite to use and why?

Is it weird if this changes all the time? Currently my first favorite item to use is my facial oil cleansing serum. There are no harsh chemicals involved, no suds. Nothing to strip your skin of its oil. This is preferable because, when you strip your skin of its sebum, it goes into overdrive, trying to create more, which leads to clogged pores, blackheads, white heads, and irritation.

[caption id="attachment_787" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Facial Oil Cleanse - All Natural Handmade[/caption]

This week my other favorite item is my Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Bar. This is made with 100% coconut oil and Pink Himalayan Sea Salt 1:1 ratio. Increased circulation, antiseptic effects, soft skin without a greasy feel and reduction in fluid retention are just some of the benefits. The fine sea salt throughout the bar slowly dissolves as the soap is used. Over time, the soap takes on the appearance of a smooth stone.

[caption id="attachment_788" align="aligncenter" width="300"] All Natural Handmade Pink Himalayan Sea Salt[/caption]

Thanks so much for sharing with us Debbie! I loved learning all about your process and faves as well as your inspirations. You are definitely one talented crafty lady!

 Here are the amazing items Debbie sent over for me to try

(and at the bottom of this post you can find all the amazing items she included for the GIVEAWAY!)

Thank You SO much Debbie for your generosity! The items are absolutely exquisite and smell divine!

The Herbal Healing Mama's Reviews: <3

NAG CHAMPA:

Nag Champa is one of my all time favorite scents & this blend is truly amazing! A beautiful mix of patchouli, sandalwood, and dragon's blood working together to create a spiritual experience. (exactly as it states on Sunny Bungalow's Etsy page)

I love the texture of this bar, the colours and swirly pattern make it very unique. It was a wonderful surprise that the bar's colours started shimmering when I started using it! So beautiful!

This bar has such a thick rich lather and an amazing aroma that filled up the bathroom nicely for an extra relaxing experience. I have this bar sitting out in my bathroom tray and it continues to keep the bathroom smelling amazing!

This bar is made with olive oil, coconut oil, mango butter, castor oil, & Nag Champa Fragrance Oil making it especially nourishing to the skin.

This is definitely my new favorite Nag Champa blend!

This is a soap and aromatherapy session all in one!

____________________________________________________________

FRENCH LILAC

This scent is PURE! It brings me back to when I had a massive Lilac bush on my front yard! It inspired me to be sure to plant another at our new house.

Again, I have to compliment the texture of this bar! I love how beautiful it is!

This bar is made with coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil & Lilac FO making it amazingly soft and silky! My skin felt so moisturized after using this bar! You can actually watch the lather sink its moisture into your skin.

The scent lingered long after my bath. I probably looked crazy to everyone, continuously smelling my arms. ^_^  Same as the Nag Champa, this bar has built in therapeutic properties. The scent is so light and calming. I could see this being a perfect 'before bed' bar. Absolutely delicious!

PINK HIMALAYAN SEA SALT

I have wanted to try one of these SO BADLY! I must admit - all the hype is true! This soap is AMAZING!

This bar is made with coconut oil, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt & Grapefruit Essential Oil. I have to admit, I am not typically a fan of grapefruit scents (as eating grapefruit makes me sick :( ) BUT I am absolutely addicted to this scent! It's light and beautiful!


This salt bar is so exfoliating! I loved how the pink salt started to show through when I started using it. It had the perfect amount of lather and moisture.

The really neat thing about this bar, is after a few uses, it starts to take on the appearance of a smooth stone.

The shape of this bar is perfect! It curves perfectly to fit in your hand while you exfoliate away. I Loved this bar!

YUZU BAR

IT SPARKLES!

This bar is lovely! It's ingredients include: coconut oil, unrefined shea butter, olive oil, sunflower oil & castor oil.

It's absolutely moisturizing with a nice light lather. This bar was absolutely perfect for shaving with. 

Both boys (Hubby & Son) in the house said this one was their favorite scent. My son tried it out as well and loved it. He said it made his bath extra relaxing. (He is so right!)

About the Scent: (Straight from Sunny Bungalow's Etsy Page) Yuzu, also referred to as Japanese Grapefruit, is not your ordinary grapefruit scent. Yuzu begins with top notes of mandarin, tangerine, lemon satsuma, and ruby red grapefruit, middle notes of bergamot, and base notes of oakmoss.

I enjoyed this one very much!  

JASMINE CHAMPAGNE

This bar is seriously so gorgeous I didn't want to get it wet! ^_^ BUT believe me, it was SO worth it!

As soon as I started using it I watched it fill the tub with shimmer and sparkles! Beautiful!

This scent is heavenly! Made with shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, love, bamboo silk, champagne & jasmine fragrance oil.Yes, you read correctly! Champagne! Mmm.

Such a thick nourishing lather, leaving your skin feeling amazing!

 This is definitely a moisture rich bar! One of my favorites!


 

I am so happy I got to experience these amazing soaps! I 100% recommend Sunny Bungalow's Products! These are some of the finest and most nourishing soaps I have ever had the pleasure of using. Each bar has it's own unique purpose. Each scent is accompanied beautifully by the look and texture of the bar. I enjoyed each and every single one of these and am so thankful that Debbie sent them out for us to try!

FIND SUNNY BUNGALOW ONLINE!

Website | Instagram |  Facebook | Pinterest  | Twitter | Martha Stewart

 

NOW FOR OUR GIVEAWAY

of All Natural, Handmade items

- WHICH INCLUDES:

From Sunny Bungalow:

• Love Dust Soap


• Lilac Soap


• Nag Champa Soap


• Yuzu Soap


• Pink Salt Soap

From The Herbal Healing Mama:

• Calming Lavender Rose Bath Blend - 6oz (Included is a reusable bath tea bag)


• OM- Aromatherapy Herb Jar Necklace (stress release)


• Chakra Votive Candle


• 2 Coconut-Champa Tea Light Candles


• Organza Baggie full of Calendula

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DIY Summertime Cooling Spray!

Rosewater has been used for centuries to cool the skin. (I hear it was one of Cleopatra's beauty secrets!) Mixed here with Peppermint which contains menthol, this blend is a fast and effective way to beat the summer heat! {Or even hot flashes!}

What You'll Need:

• Rosewater


• Peppermint leaves or Peppermint Oil (Or both)


• Distilled Water


• Aloe Vera (optional)

• A pot on the stove


• A spray Bottle


• Strainer or Cheesecloth


• Funnel

To Make Your Own Rosewater

(I infused both peppermint and roses into one pot)

• Distilled water just over the amount of the container you will be using (fill up your spray bottle 1-1/2 times and pour it into the pot)


• Rose Petals


• Peppermint Leaves

Since I was making a small bottle (60ml) I only added about a dozen rose petals and only 5 peppermint leaves but if you are making a bigger batch you will need more of each.

• You can toss the leaves and petals in whole or you can crush them up. I was using dried rose petals and freshly picked peppermint leaves.


• On medium heat allow the mixture to boil, stirring occasionally.


• I let mine steep for about 15 minutes. It will reduce a bit, this is why adding a little more water than your container needs is important.


• I removed from heat and placed in the fridge *On A Hot Pad* to not damage the glass shelving in the fridge.


• Once cooled, strain the mixture reserving the infused water. (I actually put a small mesh strainer over a funnel and poured directly into my spray bottle) If you're adding in peppermint oil, now is the time to do it. As well as Aloe if you're using some - Stir in a tsp of Aloe Vera and stir well until dissolved. (because I used some straight from a plant, I had a few chunkies that I had to re-strain out)

Alternatively:

(if you don't want to infuse your own water)

• Mix Organic Rosewater 1:2 parts distilled water


• add 5-10 drops (depending on container size) of Peppermint Oil into your spray bottle and shake vigorously.


• Optionally add 1tsp of Aloe

Store Your Mixture In The Fridge to Keep Fresh & For Extra Soothing Benefits!

Spray yourself whenever you need some relief from the heat. <3

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Quick & Effective DIY Room Deodorizing Spray!

This is by far my favorite way to quickly deodorize a room! Free of chemical components like what you would purchase at the store, plus - It's SO much cheaper! Green Fabreeze if you will, and you can decide on any scent you'd like by which essential oils you choose to use!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Distilled Water


• 1-2 tbs Baking Soda


• 1 tbs Essential Oils of Choice. (I should really put a post together about my favorite blends) I used Nag Champa & Vanilla in this one.


• Spray Bottle ( I recycled an old one BUT You can find some pretty neat ones on Amazon.)

TO MAKE:

• Heat or boil your water.


• In a heat proof dish, add in baking soda. (this helps deodorize the room by pulling the stink out ^_^)


• Poor hot water over the baking soda and stir until it's all dissolved. (if by chance there is some baking soda left at the bottom refusing to dissolve, you will have to strain it out with cheesecloth and discard. Otherwise it will clog your spray nozzle.)


• Mix in your choice of essential oils. (I like my spray to be pretty strong so I add about a tbs but it's up to you how strong you'd like your scent to be.)


• With a funnel, poor the mixture into your spray bottle.

*TIP* Because we're mixing oil and water, you should shake well before spraying. Mine has never separated but most of the time they do.

This works wonders for all over the house deodorizing but also works well in the bathroom for "poop spray". ^_^

Have you mixed up your own room sprays? What is your favorite recipe or blend of scents? I'd love for you to share with me in the comments below! <3

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs  & Starwest Botanicals for all of your herbal healing needs!


Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

 

Make Your Own Calendula Herbal Healing Poultice

Okay, I know I've been on a massive Calendula kick lately, I cant help it! It's just useful for so many things! Hopefully soon I will have the herbal spotlight on calendula published, and then I'll move onto another herb. <3



We went over some of the many benefits of Calendula in these posts:

• Calendula Tea (Infusion)


• Calendula Salve


• Acne Blend Calendula Salve

The basic greatness list of what Calendula is good for treating:

• acne


• eczema


• inflammations or infections in the mouth


• lacerations


• burns


• wounds


• ulcers


• deep cuts


• bites


• stings


• damaged skin


• frostbite


• slow healing or infected wounds


• bedsores


• boils


• wrinkles


• sensitive skin


• baby bum rashes

and so much more.

The idea of the poultice (alongside the other methods posted below) is to draw out an infection.

I have been using herbal poultices for most of my life. I've used them for my animals in the past as well. We used to make up herbal poultices for a patient's skin issues when I was working in Home Caring. I find them highly effective.

Now that you know a bit about the benefits of making a poultice with calendula we can move onto the how. :)

To Make The Poultice:

• Crush a tbs or two of dried Calendula Flowers. (or you can use the strained flowers from the tea infusion / compress for this)


• Pour hot water over them but just enough to make a paste of sorts.

To Use The Poultice:

• Put the crushed flower paste either directly on the wound or you can put a layer of cheesecloth on the skin first.


• Cover the mixture with a bandage / cheesecloth or a towel


• Some people use plastic wrap to keep the warmth and moisture in, but I usually just put a few strips of medical tape on the edges of the towel or cheesecloth to hold it in place.


• Allow to sit for a few hours (if you can)


• Remove wrap and rinse with cool water.


• Allow to dry.


• Follow up with Calendula Salve (optional)

COMPRESS / Method:

To make a herbal compress with Calendula, see the post Calendula Tea for instructions. The tea compress can be used alongside this poultice and followed up with the Calendula Salve. I find it most effective to use all 3 methods together. I start out with a cool compress, allowing it to soak in for at least 20 minutes, put on the poultice and leave that on for a few hours, pat dry or allow to air dry and then apply the Calendula salve. You can also bandage over the salve if needed.

Happy Healing! <3

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Oil Pulling - Highly Effective Herbal Infused Method.

I'm sure most of you have heard of Oil Pulling. I had been doing the coconut oil method for quite some time with pretty fantastic results BUT I still had some issues with sore gums, inflammation and sensitivity. Not nearly as bad as before I started oil pulling but I needed some extra relief..



It suddenly hit me. CALENDULA! Why not try mixing some of my Calendula Infused Oil into the coconut oil for extra healing benefits. I had made up a Caledula Tea which helps speed up healing, reduces inflammation, heals infections etc. I use this tea often to heal sore throats, issues with teeth & gums & infections, so why didn't I think of this earlier?

It made perfect sense. If oil pulling has all of these oral health benefits and the Calendula Infused Tea works so well for improving oral health, wouldn't this be a powerhouse of healing?

You could even pull with the recipe for the 'Calendula Salve' as long as you didn't add in any essential oils or beeswax.

I can honestly say, I noticed a HUGE difference after just one oil pulling session with this mix! I was so excited, and after using it for only a short time now, I am noticing amazing results! Any painful gum or teeth issues have been resolved, my mouth feels overall cleaner and healthier & improving muscles in your jaw results in less teeth clenching, I find. I used to have bad lock-jaw every morning and that hasn't happened once since I started oil pulling!

I think I will use the calendula mix in between straight coconut oil pulling.

You'll have to let me know if you try this! <3

SO what is oil pulling?

• Oil pulling or oil swishing is a folk remedy where oil is "swished" (kavala graha) or "held" (snigda gandoosha) in the mouth. - Wikipedia.


• Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents for pulling harmful bacteria, fungus, and other organisms out of the mouth, teeth, gums and even throat. - Oil Pulling - The Habit That Can Transform Your Health.

What are the said benefits?

It is said to detoxify teeth & gums, remove stains from teeth and improve oral hygiene. Because bacteria and infection can enter the blood stream through the mouth, it is important to keep up your oral hygiene.

Practitioners of oil pulling claim it is capable of improving oral and systemic health, including a benefit in conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and acne, as well as whitening teeth. Its promoters claim it works by pulling out "toxins", which are known as ama in Ayurvedic medicine, and thereby reducing inflammation. - Wikipedia

Some insights from Henry Happened on OIL PULLING 101: 10 Tips for Making It Work:

• reduced headaches, insomnia, PMS, sinus congestion


• general detoxification benefits


• overall increased oral health


• reduced inflammation in the body, including reduction of arthritis symptoms


• pain relief


• skin problems (eczema, acne, rashes) reduced

How does it work?

Take a spoonful or two of the oil of your choice. Coconut Oil is a very popular choice because of its antibacterial, antimicrobial properties.

Swish and "pull" the oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. (I suggest doing this while you are busy with something else. Shower, checking emails, etc. 20 minutes seems like an eternity otherwise. I am oil pulling as I'm writing this blog post! ^_^) If your mouth gets tired, take a break or swish with less force.

NEVER swallow any of the oil - it is FULL of the toxins that it has pulled from your mouth.

Spit it into the toilet or trash. Because coconut oil solidifies, it could clog your pipes so avoid spitting it down any drains.

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with hot water, & brush your teeth. Some people recommend rinsing with hot water + baking soda as it's supposed to restore the pH balance to your mouth. You can also try out our All Natural Toothpaste. (I'm working on an updated recipe)

How often to pull?

There is no strict schedule for oil pulling. (At least not that I'm aware of.) Some people recommend a few times a day. I usually oil pull every other day, once. I have noticed a difference, so maybe doing it more often would be more beneficial but I'm not entirely certain. If any of you have experience with how often it should be done, maybe you can let me know.

Some Helpful Articles & Suggested Reads:

Oil Pulling for Oral Health - by Wellness Mama

OIL PULLING 101: 10 Tips for Making It Work - by Henry Happened

An Ancient Ayurvedic Ritual for Clearer Skin, Whiter Teeth & Overall Wellness: The Beauty Benefits of Oil Pulling - by Living Pretty, Naturally

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil - by The Coconut Mama

Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil & Thieves Essential Oil - by The Coconut Mama

How to Save Money at the Dentist (Hint: Oil Pulling Works!) - by Naturally Healthy Concepts

 

What is your experience with oil pulling? Let me know in the comments below! <3 Happy Healing!

NOTES: Please remember the possibilities of allergies. (some people prefer sesame oil) PLEASE do your research if you are pregnant or breast feeding as there are different opinions on this.

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

WHILE YOU'RE HERE, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAY! ~ Open until August 9th 2014

Green Kid Crafts! Earth Friendly Entertainment for your Green Family!

Green Kid Crafts

While seeking out amazing shops to add as affiliates I stumbled upon Green Kids Crafts. This site is a must check out! I love all the unique, fun things they have to offer to entertain your green family! <3

With Green Kid Crafts, both parents and kids can enjoy sustainable arts, crafts, and STEM science activities that spark creativity, build confidence, and cultivate respect and love for the environment.

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Aside from being sustainable, using only green, recycled, plant based and compostable recyclable materials they also give back to the planet:

A minimum if 1% of sales is donated to environmental
organizations through our membership in 1% for the Planet.

We ensure craft supplies can be composted, recycled and/or reused
whenever possible. We avoid craft foams and plastics.

They offer a wide variety of fun Creativity Kits for any birthday party. My favorite is the Basil & Sprout Garden Party Kit.

 

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• Subscribe to their mailing list & receive: An exclusive online collection of additional activities, reading lists, games, puzzles, and more each month, all centered about their monthly theme!


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Some of the links here are affiliate sites.

WHILE YOU'RE HERE, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAY! ~ Open until August 9th 2014