Saturday, October 18, 2014

Sugar Scrub Cubes! ~ DIY all natural!

This recipe can be as plain or fancy as you'd like. All depending on your preferences. You can add in bits of herbs, natural colourants, different butters and oils etc. This post will be a down to the basics, as simple as possible post & later I will add more extravagant variations of the same basic recipe.

I find these incredibly more handy then a regular sugar scrub, as you would normally have to carry a scoop with you to the shower all the while being careful not to get water into the rest of the mixture. With these, you just bring a single cube along with you. No need for messes or containers!

I see a lot of these with a melt and pour soap base added. I don't have things like this on hand and so, if you're like me - you may want a recipe without all the fancy stuff! - Just your basic exfoliating sugar scrub - in cute little cubes!

make your own sugar scrub cubes

What You'll Need:


BASICS:

OPTIONAL:

Tools:



  • silicone mold ( I used one similar to THESE)

  • mixing container & spoon / spatula.


To Make:


For the 15 cavity mold I used to create these I used approximately

  • 2 1/2 cups of sugar

  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil ( you can mix the butters into this measurement if you're going to use them )


Melt your butters and oils first. In a big mixing bowl, pour in your amount of sugar. Slowly pour your melted oil in, mixing constantly.  You want this to be spread evenly. You may not need all of the measured coconut oil.

I spritzed mine with distilled water. I find this helps hold everything together. (You will want to be sure these are fully dried before sealing these up though, as the water kept damp would create a bacteria issue)

Mix ingredients until you have a similar looking consistency as what is shown below. When your spoon is able to make a good firm indent without your mixture falling back, then you've got the right consistency.

sugar scrub cubes Spoon your mixture into your molds and push down firmly with a spoon or your fingers. You don't want any air pockets in between these or else they won't stick together properly.

sugar scrub cubes DIY

Leave your mixture in the molds until they have completely hardened. Trying to pop them out early will break them. This is where patience comes into play! ;) I left mine sitting for 3 days. You could also keep these in the fridge to solidify. As long as they aren't in a humid space.

Once you can press firmly on the tops of them and they seem to be completely solid, carefully pull the tray apart from side to side to start releasing them. Push from the bottom of the mold until they pop up and out.

sugar scrub cubes

You could let them air dry another day or so.

Adorable Right!? Now you can package them up any way you choose or store them in an airtight jar. We decided to wrap these ones in cellophane with a cute little ribbon. (Thanks Richelle for the brilliant idea)

Sugar scrub cubes packaged

To Use:

Bring a single cube with you into the bath or shower. With wet hands kneed the cube until it begins to crumble. Massage gently in circular motions where you need a little exfoliation. Always moving toward the heart. This helps regulate blood flow.

Happy Exfoliating! ~<3

Have you got a favourite sugar scrub recipe you make at home?


I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs & Starwest Botanicals for all of your herbal healing needs! You can purchase any extra supplies over at Amazon.ca. Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Calendula, Tea Tree & Lavender Healing Oil - DIY

I recently attended the Harvest Routes festival where I was a vendor selling some of the items I make here on this site. (as well as a few new ones, I will put up shortly). To my surprise, the two top sellers were the Calendula Healing Salve & a brew of oils I make at home and use for everything but that I haven't uploaded yet.  I decided I should share this simple recipe here with you.

As we know already, I am a massive fan of the healing abilities calendula holds and we use it around our homestead for so many different things. I have added posts here on Calendula Tea - for treating wounds and skin irritations. Calendula Poultice - also amazing for treating different rashes, cuts, scrapes, eczema, hives etc & a Calendula Salve - Acne Blend. I use calendula in my Herbal Baby Bath Blend, as well as an adult version that I will add soon. We use it in our Oil Cleansing Method, and also our Oil Pulling Method. It's even in our Coffee Tired Eyes Cream, just to name a few. The list is basically endless as to what calendula can help with. I think it's my all around favourite ingredient. It's gentle enough to use on baby, and powerful enough to help heal a mountain man! ;)

This oil blend has both Tea Tree & Lavender essential oils mixed in with it, to amplify it's healing abilities. Tea Tree is a powerful anti-fungal, antibacterial, and wonderful disinfectant, helping to keep wounds or skin irritations from getting infected. Lavender is very soothing to the skin and can help reduce redness and irritation, it enhances blood circulation, helps relieve pain, works as a disinfectant and helps to eliminate nervous tension. (these two are always in our acne blends) This mix will help boost immunity to where it is applied. An all around amazing mixture of oils.

DIY healing oil

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:



TOOLS:

  • A double boiler / heating pot (If you're infusing your own oil)

  • An airtight storage jar(s) for your finished product.

  • Funnel, stir stick


TO MAKE:


You can do this two ways, If you're only making one bottle for yourself, you can fill it most of the way with your base oil (Calendula infused) and add in 5-10 drops each of Lavender and Tea Tree oils. OR if you are planning a big batch for gifts or sale, you can mix everything in a big container and pour it into your single containers afterwards. In our 150 ml containers I usually put 5-10 drops of each essential oil into the container and shake it all up. Just be sure you are diluting it enough to not irritate your skin.

VOILA!

Some Of The Things This Blend Is Useful For:



  • treating wounds

  • deep cuts

  • eczema

  • acne

  • scars

  • bites and stings

  • damaged skin

  • burns

  • slow healing or infected wounds

  • bedsores

  • boils

  • wrinkles

  • sensitive skin

  • baby bum rashes

  • itchiness

  • sunburns

  • fungal infections


The list really goes on and on, if you have anything important I should add to it, please leave me a comment below!

<3 - Happy Healing!

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs! You can purchase any extra supplies over at Amazon.ca.
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Mountain Man ~ Herbal Bath Blend -DIY

A manly blend of rustic herbs and oils. Patchouli, sage & rosemary amongst other woodland scents. This makes for a nice relaxing, therapeutic bath for the earthy mountain man.


(Another manly variation I will post is for Patchouli Sage)

Bath Salts for the earthy man

I'll put a basic list of all the optional ingredients and you can pick and choose what you'd like to use for your own preference.

What You'll Need:


(Optional to your preferences)

  • Epsom Salts

  • Eucalyptus

  • Patchouli

  • Sage or Sage Oil

  • Wild Orange

  • Cinnamon or Cinnamon Oil

  • Rosemary

  • Bay Leaf

  • Sandal Wood / Cedar Wood

  • Dragon's Blood Oil

  • Clove

  • Chamomile


We make most of our bath blends in bulk, meaning at least 2 liters are made at one time. SO I will try my best to downsize this recipe the best I can for those of you that wouldn't make such a massive batch. I usually eyeball ingredient amounts when it comes to bath blends. Also going by my preference of smell. I encourage you to do the same.

For a regular 16 oz (500ml) mason jar (which will be enough to fill at least 10 organza bags for baths) these are the approximate measurements: 

  • 450ml Epsom salts - (just leave enough room to be able to shake or mix all your ingredients)


1 tsb each of the following herbs / spices:


(we used a mortar & pestle for the herbs that say crunched.)

1-3 drops each of the following oils:



Mix all of your chosen ingredients thoroughly and store in airtight jar(s)

Make your own bath salts for men

If you're using these as gifts, feel free to use the label I've made up or check out our post on Creating Labels.

HHM Mountain man

HAPPY RELAXING - MOUNTAIN MEN! ~ <3


DIY Mountain Man Bath Salts


I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs & Starwest Botanicals for all of your herbal healing needs! You can purchase any extra supplies over at Amazon.ca. Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Coconut Pumpkin Spice Creamer! (for Coffee & Tea!)

I put up a post earlier about my yummy Pumpkin Spice Sugar discovery, and then I got to thinking... What about a Pumpkin Spice Creamer!?! This way, you wont have any of the possible leftover spice bits at the bottom of your cup like you do when you put the spice directly into the sugar.

You don't have to use coconut milk or cream for this, it's just what I prefer. You can make this with your favourite milk or cream.

Pumpkin Spice Creamer

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:



  • 1 cup Coconut Milk or Cream (Or any milk or creamer you prefer) (Amounts depend on container size you will be storing this in)

  • 4 tsp Pumpkin Spice (or however pumpkin-y you'd like this to be, really.)


Tools:

  • a pan on the stove

  • a strainer or cheesecloth

  • an airtight jar or container


TO MAKE:



  • Add your milk or cream to a pan and put it on the stove on low-medium heat (Don't boil!)

  • Once heated thoroughly, add in your tsps of pumpkin spice. (Be prepared for your kitchen to smell like you're baking a pumpkin pie!)

  • Stir, stir, stir. Allow everything to infuse together. I kept mine on the heat stirring nearly constantly for about 20 minutes.


photo 1

  • Remove from heat once everything is combined and allow to cool. (20-30 mins - this way the mixture has a little longer to fully infuse)

  • Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain out any excess spices that may have sunk to the bottom of the pan. Reserving the mixture into your airtight container. (I put a strainer over a funnel, into my jar)

  • Keep it in the fridge and go by the expiry date that was on the carton of milk or cream that you used.


ENJOY! <3

This makes for a great little treat if you're having a fall inspired get together or dinner party. (Or just for your morning coffee or tea)

What are your favorite fall or pumpkin flavored treats?

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs! You can purchase any extra supplies over at Amazon.ca.
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Halloween Giveaway with Sherida's Skullies, Skellies & Stuff

sheridaMeet Contessa Sherida Von Schausenstein! She is an all around spooky artist from Niagara Region, Ontario Canada - creating unique pieces for her shop Sherida's Skullies, Skellies & Stuff.



Sherida's Skullies, Skellies & Stuff's products range from spooky halloween themed repainted figurines, creepy bottles, and other such trinkets. Contessa Sherida is also very talented at painting and graphic makeup. 


Sherida's art




Recently Contessa Sherida's art was featured in a two page spread in Club West magazine. She has always made local newspapers for her creepy crafts and exceptionally horrific makeup.






[caption id="attachment_1034" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Read Online Read Online[/caption]




Here is Contessa Sherida at Grimsby's Zombie Walk.



Contessa Sherida


Hi Contessa Sherida! Thanks so much for joining us here! <3 

From where do you draw your inspiration?:
I got my inspiration from Dia de Los Meurtos - Day of the Dead...a Mexican holiday honoring the deceased! I love the beautiful spooky sugar skulls...the colors are so bright & magnificent!

What are your Ultimate Goals and Dreams for Sherida's  Skullies Skellies & Stuff to accomplish?

To be enjoyed by many!




Tell us about Sherida's Skullies Skellies & Stuff's Top Selling Product:

My creepy bottles seem to be the most popular.....also my repainted figurines.


What's your favorite product to make? & why? 

I enjoy everything I create! I love taking a second hand figurine & turning it into a skellie or zombie! I love painting my creepy bottles & embellishing them with charms & antique looking labels....I love to paint on canvas....

Thanks so much for sharing with us Sherida! We enjoy your spooky products thoroughly! <3


We are so thankful you'd like to share one of your products to one lucky reader! Introducing the newest addition to Sherida's spooky collection. Ghost B Gone spray!

ghost be goneghost b gone, monster mist, boogeyman blast

These have been on Sherida's list of things to make for many many years! I am so happy to see her finally get them live! Ghost B Gone, Monster Mist & Boogeyman Blast sprays! They are all natural and scented lightly with Lavender. This helps calm children when having a hard time getting to sleep. "Use a few sprays around your room and those ghosts, monsters and boogeymen will be gone!" I love the idea of allowing your child to independently shoo away their nighttime fears! These are going to be a big hit Sherida!


 Now for the part you've all been waiting for!


[caption id="attachment_1046" align="aligncenter" width="640"]ENTER HERE ENTER HERE[/caption]

ENTER HERE


GOOD LUCK & HAPPY OCTOBER!

The GIVEAWAY is up and running for 13 days! ~ To make things interesting - IF we are able to collect 200 entries before the first week is up (Thursday) I will add in to the giveaway with: 1 Pumpkin Spice Bath Blend, 1 Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub & 1 Pumpkin Spice Lotion bar!!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??! ;)  Get Sharing!! <3 Xx

Looks Like We made it!! As promised when our giveaway reached 200 entries, I would add in 1 Pumpkin Spice Bath Blend, 1 Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub & 1 Pumpkin Spice Lotion Bar!!! WOO-HOO!


HERE is the new GIVEAWAY ITEMS!!


GIVEAWAY October 2014

ENTER HERE


 Contest Closes October 30th 2014


THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!


Thanks so much to everyone that entered!

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Blend ~ For Coffee or Tea!

This is just a ridiculously quick post to share what I've discovered this morning. This is so quick and simple and has the feeling of cozy fall in a cup!


I don't know about you but I need my coffee or chai tea in the morning! Today I decided to try and spice it up a bit. This mix is delicious in both!

pumpkin spice coffee

When I said simple - I mean simple.

  • Start by choosing your favorite sugar (Organic Cane, Brown) (depending on how much you want to make will depend on how much you need.) I filled a 1 cup container.

  • Next, add in 2 tbs (to start) of Pumpkin Spice. Stir everything together and continue to add until you're happy with the potency.


This is what mine looks like:

pumpkin spice sugar

Now, just add a spoonful or 2 (however you like your coffee) and enjoy! MMmmm Pumpkin Spice Coffee!


Alternatively, you could make your own milk or creamer infusion with the pumpkin spice and strain it before using as some of the pumpkin spice gets left at the bottom of the cup this way. Anyone up for reading 'pumpkin spice leaves?' ^_^ -

Coconut Pumpkin Spice Creamer! (for Coffee & Tea!)


CHEERS! <3


3c

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Pumpkin Spice Bath Blend, Lotion Bars & Sugar Scrub! ~ DIY

Pumpkin season is here! (Be Sure TO Enter October's GIVEAWAY HERE!)


Pumpkin is very beneficial for our skin, it's natural nourishing. These blends are more about the wonderful cozy Fall Scents with the healing benefits packed into the other ingredients. If you would like to have full benefits, you can use real pureed pumpkin BUT remember - only enough should be made for a one time use as it won't keep as long as dried ingredients.


These little blends are quick and super easy and would make really cute gifts!

Pumpkin Spice Blends DIY

 

PUMPKIN SPICE BATH BLEND:


WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Tools:

  • Airtight jar(s)

  • mixing spoon

  • mixing bowl

  • funnel



TO MAKE:


The measurements will be determined by the size of container you are using. If you are making multiple jars for gifts you can measure the amount of salts per container and pour it all into one big mixing bowl.

Add in 1 tbs of pumpkin spice at a time, measuring by scent desired. If you're colouring the salts you can see some ideas at the bottom of the page.

Stir until everything is uniform and add with a funnel or spoon into your airtight jars.

Decorate your jars if you please or add a pretty label!

TO USE:

Sprinkle some into a tub of running water. Mix in until all of the salt crystals melt. Enjoy!

 

 PUMPKIN SPICE LOTION BARS:


WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Depending on how firm or soft you like your lotion bars will determine how much of each ingredient to use. More beeswax will be more firm, less (or more of an oil) will be softer. SO I'd say for me, I like equal parts of each of the above ingredients BUT If you are adding in the optionals below (more beneficial for your skin) then I would put in a little bit more beeswax. (amounts will also depend on how many you are making)

optional:

Tools:

  • Melting pot or double boiler

  • stir stick or spoon

  • silicone molds of your choosing ( I used ones similar to THESE)

  • plastic wrap or cellophane

  • pumpkin stickers (optional) (Links below)


Pumpkin Spice Lotion Bars Pumpkin Spice Lotion Bars - The Herbal Healing Mama

TO MAKE:


Melt beeswax first (double boiler, pan, melting pot etc - I use a wax melting pot, but anything safe should do)

Slowly stir in your other ingredients, leaving shea butter until last. (it may 'crystallize' if heated too much) If at any point you'd like to test your consistency, you can do so by dipping a frozen spoon in your mixture.

Remove from heat and pour into your molds.

Allow to cool thoroughly or put them into the fridge to speed the process.

Now you can package them up how you'd like. I wrapped them in cellophane and stuck the labels and stickers to them.

These cute little pumpkin faces came from our local Dollarama but you can get them HERE if you don't have one local to you. They are actually for putting on your beverages. OR you could get really creative and make some up on PicMonkey and print them out!

TO USE:

You can either rub the bar directly on skin and massage in or you can rub the bar between your hands and rub onto skin. The bar will start to 'melt' and release it's nourishing benefits once warmed by your skin. This could also be used as a massage bar, though I'm working on a post for some of those as well. ;)

 

PUMPKIN SPICE SUGAR SCRUB:


WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Optional:

Tools:

  • Mixing bowl

  • Stir Stick or spoon

  • Funnel

  • Airtight storage jars (THESE, THESE or THESE are adorable!)

  • Ribbons or stickers, however you'd like to decorate your jars (If you choose)


 

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

TO MAKE:


Measure out (by using your containers) and pour the amount of sugar wanted into your mixing container and spoonful by spoonful, add in your pumpkin spice or oil.

Continue mixing until everything in uniform in colour. (If you are only making a single batch for yourself, you can do this straight in your container, shaking it to mix)

Once you're happy with the consistency and scent, add the mixture into your containers using a funnel and a spoon.

Decorate the jars to your preference and you're all done!

TO USE:

Be sure to keep a clean dry spoon to get some of your mixture. (Introducing water into the mixture can create bacteria growth) Wet skin first, (shower or bath) take a spoonful or so and massage gently in a circular motion (toward the heart) with warm water. Your skin will be left feeling silky smooth!

 

A Little Info on our Ingredients!


pumpkin_pie_spice-product_1x-1403633522

PUMPKIN SPICE

This delightful blend has become an American tradition known for its ability to boldly flavor Pumpkin Pie during the Fall season, and is the revered aroma we commonly associate Thanksgiving with. Made with a blend of spices which produces a unique warm flavor, Pumpkin Pie spice is also used on cider, cookies, baked vegetables and more.
Contains: organic Cinnamon, organic Ginger, organic Nutmeg, organic Allspice, and organic spices. Salt-free.

- Mountain Rose Herbs - Purchase Here

pumpkin_seed_oil-product_1x-1403633528

 

PUMPKIN SEED OIL

Pumpkin seed oil is one of the most nutritional oils available, and is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and sterols. It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are known to promote energy levels, brain function, and overall health and vitality. It also contains vitamins A and C, zinc, and other trace minerals and vitamins. Historically, pumpkin seeds (either the whole seeds or the pressed oil) have been used all around the whole for healing purposes.

- Mountain Rose Herbs- Purchase Here

 

If you'd like more of an orange tint you can try:



(Adding a few drops should do)

Pumpkin blends

HAPPY OCTOBER FRIENDS! ~ Have you got any all natural pumpkin recipes you would like to feature on our blog for the month of October? Please check out the Opportunities section of the blog or shoot The Herbal Healing Mama an email at: theherbalhealingmama@outlook.com

<3

If you make these or any of the recipes on the blog The Herbal Healing Mama would LOVE for you to send over some photos! If you have a small business (or not) we would be happy to share your made products on our social media pages and tag in links to your work!

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs & Starwest Botanicals for all of your herbal healing needs! You can purchase any extra supplies over at Amazon.ca.
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.