Get Ready To Bear Some Skin!

Summer is officially here, so make sure that you are ready to bear your skin in those sleeveless tops and skimpy sandals. Try these quick and easy recipes to help you put your best skin forward, then remember to protect yourself with sunscreen and daily moisturizing. Not caring for your skin will result in drying, premature aging, and may even cause severe issues such as cancer, so take a few minutes to care for yourself! Any skin treatment needs to begin with a good exfoliating scrub. Here two simple recipes that rid your hands and feet dead, dry, tough, and unsightly areas. Use as often as necessary, but regular treatments of once a week will make a great addition to your beauty care regimen.

FOOT SCRUB

Mix 1/2 cup of dry cornmeal with 2 TBS. of avocado oil (if you are in a hurry to use and don't have avocado oil on hand, substitute olive oil). Spread on your feet and then rub with a pumice stone. Make sure that you concentrate on the heels and any calloused areas. Rinse with warm water and pat dry, then moisturize.

HAND EXFOLIATOR

Take 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 TBS. apricot oil, and the juice of 1/2 of a lemon and mix together, then immediately rub the mixture on hands. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize. The sugar works to slightly abrade the skin, while cleansing and stimulating it. The apricot oil is a natural lubricant that moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin. Together, these ingredients make a great treatment to rid your hands of dead, dry skin. Exfoliated skin is soft, clean and healthy!

Much Ado About Bugs!

Bugs, bugs, bugs, how to deal with bugs! Spring has sprung and summer will be quickly upon us, so you'd better have a plan in place to deal with those ever present, yet uninvited guests...bugs! The best thing to have on hand is some lavender essential oil. Once bitten, to take care of the itchy, irritating feeling, here are some easy, home-made remedies!

• When bitten by a mosquito or black fly, place one drop of lavender essential oil directly on the bite.
• For multiple bites, take 1 cup of vinegar (apple cider) and mix with 10 drops of essential oil of lavender and 5 drops of essential oil of thyme. Blend well and add to a tub of tepid bath water. Pour mixture into the tub and swish to mix well before putting yourself or your child into the tub. Soak a washcloth or a sponge in the water and then use it to liberally wipe down the body areas affected by bites. Make sure to keep this water away from the eyes.

• Take 1/4 cup sweet oil and mix in 5 drops each of eucalyptus, thyme, chamomile, and oregano essential oils (you may substitute oregano extract if you'd prefer), This bug bite soother recipe will last about 6 months, so you can have a bottle on hand all summer long!

OR

• To protect you and your family from getting bites to begin with, try my all natural bug repellent soap. Made from a proprietary blend of several essential oils known to repel insects, this is a natural, chemical-free way to protect you and your family from pests that ruin beautiful, warm evenings! All that you need to do is to rub this solid bar over exposed areas of skin, making sure to keep away from the eyes and the mouth. Or, if you prefer, you can spray the skin with water first, then slide the bar over the dampened skin. Either way, you are sure to appreciate the ease of its use, as well as the fresh, herbal scent.
  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12988012