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Thursday, April 29, 2010

HOMEMADE ROSE WATER...




1. Take one cup of fresh and cleaned petals in a bowl.
2. Add two cups of boiled spring water.
3. Cover it with a lid and set it aside allowing it to steep for 30 minutes, or until it gets cooled down.
4. After cooling, seperate the liquid ( using a strainer of some sort or a piece of cheese cloth, optional) and also squeeze the seperated petals to extract the water from them.
5. Your homemade rose water is ready.
6. Refrigeration will increase the shelf life period.

TIPS:

Roses have three outer petals, which are made to protect the rose. These petals are thick and full of nutrients essential to your rosewater. When these petals are removed, the roses open more, so most florists will remove these petals before selling them. If you purchase your roses from a florist, ask for roses that still have these protective petals.

Never use roses that has been sprayed with pesticides.

Rinse roses in cool water if buying from a local florist, to remove any chemicals.

The stronger the fragrance of the rose, the stronger the fragrance of your rose water.

Do not over boil the rose petals, it may loose it's rose scent.

Make a natural and soothing skin moisturizer by combing a 50/50 mix of rosewater and glycerin.

You can also add a bit of rose EO.


I WILL BE DOING THIS ONE.... THIS WEEKEND, I CAN'T WAIT !!!

                    ENJOY!!!

NATURAL HOMEMADE BATH RECIPES...



Ingredients, Herbs and Oils for the bath:

Chamomile bath for a relaxing bath to ease weariness and pain, add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to bath water. Alternatively, make up a liter of chamomile tea and add to the bath water.

Rosemary: bronchitis, memory problems

Lavender. Research indicates anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties useful in cases of arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches, pains and sports injuries. Calming, relaxing properties soothe stress, used in the evening bath, added as the water is running,

Black pepper: stimulates circulation, muscular aches, colds.

Oatmeal. Very moisturizing. Use to relieve itchiness and dry skin. Grind the oatmeal before adding to bath water. Can use regular store bought oatmeal or a holistic powder type.

Epsom Salts. May soften skin and exfoliate, Provides magnesium, which has been shown to: Ease stress, Lower blood pressure, Create a happy, relaxed feeling, Raise energy levels.

Basil essential oil: anxiety, stress, respiratory problems.

Eucalyptus essential oil: colds, cuts, insect bites.

Sandalwood essential oil: Used as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac.

Camphor essential oil. A powerful antiseptic that aids in the treatment of respiratory ailments, opens blocked nasal passages, relieves congestion, reduces muscular aches, pains and stiffness. Great in bath soaks for cold and flu. Use with caution and at a minimal amount of 1-2 drops per tub.

When using essential oils in baths, do not apply to running bath water or the oil will evaporate. Also, Never use on children or while pregnant. Read all warnings before use! You can also add oils to a carrier oil to dilute and for a more moisturizing bath soak. Oils such as jojoba and sweet almond work great! Use 1 tablespoon carrier oil.

I absolutely love, love , love baths !  They are one of my all time enjoyable favorite things.  Below I will post a few bath recipes that I've found and a few of them  I  plan to apply to my bath regimen, Insha Allaah.
( god willing )

Natural Bath Recipes:

Lavender& Honey Milk Bath

Ingredients:
10 drops Lavender Essential oil
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup Honey

Instructions:
Mix together lavender oil, milk and honey in a bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. yeilds 2 baths.




Soothing, Skin-Softening Bath

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons Epsom salts
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:
Combine ingredients and pour into the stream of warm water as your tub fills.

Cold/Flu relief Bath Soak

Ingredients:
two cups Epsom Salt
3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions:
Combine ingredients and pour into the stream of warm water as your tub fills. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which has been shown to: Ease stress, Lower blood pressure, Create a happy, relaxed feeling, Raise energy levels, Help prevent or ease migraine headaches, Reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps and so many more health benefits.

Coconut Almond Soap

Ingredients:
1/3 cup whole almonds
1 (4 ounce) bar Castile soap
1/4 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon almond oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/8 teaspoon coconut essential oil

Instructions:
Grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor and set aside. Then Shred the soap and set aside. In a heavy saucepan bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond powder, almond and coconut oil and fragrance oil, until well blended. Spoon the soap into a mold and let set for five hours or until hardened.

A little extra :

Body Oil Recipe

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Apricot Kernel oil
1 tablespoon rose hip seed oil
18 drops of Chamomile Essential oil
12 drops of Ylang-Ylang Essential oil

Instructions:
Add the carriers oils to a dark, glass bottle. Then add the essential oils, shake well. Shake before each use. Shelf life: 4 months.

                                                                         ENJOY!!!











































































Tuesday, April 27, 2010

I HEART HERB INFUSED OIL....



As salaamu alaikum & Hello,  my beautiful naturals and non naturals alike.  Lately, I have really been into herb infused oils.  I have just recently made my very first batch.  In which it is sitting and infusing at this very moment.

This time I used Rosemary herbs & Thyme.  So, far so good its beginning to smell delightful.
Rosemary- To encourage hair growth.
Thyme- Is great for blood circulation.

I took a picture , but unfortunatly I couldn't get it onto my computer, to share with everyone.  Oh well... maybe next time.  Below I will share a recipe that I found , that will give everyone an idea on how its made , for those of you who may not know.

I enjoy this idea so much.  That, I have decided to grow my own fresh herbs, and continue to use herb infused oil on my hair and all three of my daughters hair.  I plan to some how.... maybe... document the entire herb growing process on film so that I can share it with you guys.  I haven't quite fully decided on that part as of yet.  But, growing my own.... I'm sold on that idea.  I will keep you ladies posted, for sure.

HOW TO MAKE HERB INFUSED OIL

Infused herbal oils can be used both internally and externally, and are relatively easy to make in your own home. In general, they are subtler than full strength essential oils, and can be used directly in topical applications.

Infused herbal oils can be used in making your own healing salves, balms, massage oils and even herbal pestos.

Here are the basic directions for making an infused herbal oil.

Things You'll Need:

fresh rosemary, lavender or other herbs
Olive oil ( or any other oil of choice)
Clean jar with a tightly sealed lid
jar label

Instructions

Gather the herbs you wish to infuse. If harvesting them straight from your garden, be sure they are clean and dry to the touch (not covered in the morning dew, which can make them turn moldy). You can also used dried herbs, however, many herbalists feel using dried material will render an inferior product.

Fill a clean jar with the plant material you've collected. In the picture above, individual rosemary and lavender leaves were used. Some prefer to chop their plant materials (leaves, flowers or roots).

Label the jar with both the contents and the date.

Add olive oil or another carrier oil (depending on the intended use - sweet almond,jojoba, grapeseed oil or any other plant-derived oil can be used. Be sure to fill the jar completely with oil, covering the top of the herbs or flowers, then seal tightly.

Infused herbal oils made with olive oil are commonly used in both cooking or food preparation, as well as topical applications for the skin, hair and nails.

Set your jar on a shelf, window sill or counter that is NOT in direct sunlight. Once a day, gently turn the jar upside down for a few seconds, then return it to a right side up position. Repeat this process for a minimum of two weeks. (Some feel up to six weeks is appropriate for infusion - you'll need to experiment to find the time frame that feels right for you.)

Strain your oil using a cheesecloth or by adding a paper coffee filter to the mesh type strainer. Be sure to transfer only to clean and moisture free containers.

You can now use your infused herbal oil in a variety of ways - a massage oil for cuticles or itchy scalp, bath oil, or even added to pasta or salad. The list of applications is quite extensive!

IDEAS & TIPS

Infused herbal oils can make beautiful gifts for friends and family, and if you're using fresh herbs from your garden, it's very budget-friendly.

mayonnaise jars or other recycled glass containers are great for infusing oils.

Moisture in your infusing containers can cause mold. If you do find mold, throw out the batch and begin again.

Do not use plastic containers to infuse or store your oils.

Do not use petroleum based oils (baby oil, mineral oil) to make infused oils.

If any of you ladies, infuse your oil and have any recipes, tips and or ideas, please share them here with us at AuNaturale we would loooove to hear from you !!!!

                                                                                         ENJOY!!!

  

Sunday, April 25, 2010

THE HEALING POWER OF LAVENDER...



Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is one of the most widely used, versatile herbs known today. It is considered a member of the Labiatae family, which also includes mints and the plant originated in England, France, Tasmania, and Yugoslavia.

Lavender flowers have long since been used to treat digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Until World War I, lavender was used to treat and disinfect wounds. For centuries, English farmers would place lavender flowers in their hats to prevent headache and sunstroke. Women would place sachets of lavender in their closets and wardrobes for fragrance, in addition to using it in potpourri. Hospitals used lavender as an antiseptic and disinfectant to sterilize surfaces and equipment.

Today, lavender is used in much of the same way, for many of the same reasons. Both the flowers of the plant and the essential oils derived from the plant can be used for therapeutic uses.



According to the book The New Healing Herbs, the essential oils extracted from the flowers contain more than 150 compounds. Lavender essential oil is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin, and can be detected in the blood in as little as 5 minutes.

Today, lavender is most commonly used for anxiety, depression, mental exhaustion, insomnia, scrapes and wounds, digestive problems, headaches, skin problems and women's health problems. In addition to this, lavender can be used to treat exhaustion, heat exposure, fevers, aches and pains, over-exertion, jet lag, rashes, sprains, sunburn, sunstroke, bruises and burns. It can also be used as a disinfectant and insect repellant. Lavender is an antiseptic, natural antibiotic, sedative, detoxifier.

Anxiety and depression. The essential oil of lavender has a calming, sedative, and anti-convulsive effect. It can also increase the effectiveness of other relaxants.

Insomnia. A study conducted at the University of Leicester in England showed that the use of lavender essential oil is just as effective in promoting sound sleep as traditional medication. In fact, many British hospitals offer their patients lavender pillows to help with sleeplessness.

Scrapes and wounds. Lavender essential oil has very powerful antiseptic properties. Applying it to wounds can not only increase cell growth causing the wound to heal faster, but it also decreases the appearance of scars. The oils anti-microbial action protects scrapes and wounds from infection, while allowing them heal.

Digestive problems. Lavender has also been endorsed by Germany's Commission E to treat all sorts of stomach and digestive disorders. It soothes the lining of the digestive tract and promotes the secretion of bile, which helps the body digest fats. In addition to this, lavender can also relieve gas pressure and constipation.

Headaches. Massaging lavender oil onto the temples, neck and forehead can relieve neck and head tension and promote relaxation, thus relieving a variety of headaches. Those included are general headaches, gastric headaches, nervous headaches, sinus and tension headaches.

Skin problems. By massaging lavender oil into the skin, it can be used to treat a number of skin problems such as acne, burns, dry skin, eczema, itchy skin, sunburn, seborrhea, and skin inflammation.

Women's health problems. For pregnancy, lavender can help sooth and relieve flatulence and indigestion. It can diminish the look of stretch marks and scars. It can relieve cramps, edema, exhaustion, infection, breast abscesses, and post-natal depression. A study of lavender by British researchers suggests that using lavender oil during pregnancy and childbirth can help ease delivery pain and promote a speedy recovery.

By either adding lavender to the bath or massaging it into the skin, lavender can help relieve pre-menstrual syndrome, and menstrual cramps. If being treated with radiation for any form of cervical or uterine cancer, lavender oil can prevent and diminish irradiation burns.

The uses of lavender are endless. Lavender is a must have for all homes because of its calming, antibiotic, antiseptic, disfectant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is good for treating or aiding in the treatment of a number of health problems .  By mixing lavender with water, it can be sprayed on surfaces and used as a household disinfectant , and applying it to the skin can deter insects.

According to the book The New Healing Herbs, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute believes that a particular compound in lavender, known as perillyl alcohol has been shown to exert remarkable action against a variety of cancer tumors in the breast, lung, liver, colon and pancreas. It is noted that currently, this particular compound is being tested as a possible cancer preventative, as well as treatment.

Lavender is an extremely useful, beneficial and versitale herb. It can be used to therapeutically treat a variety of ailments, contains antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, is safe for most all adults, has a pleasant aroma and calming qualities. Lavender is truly a must for every home and should become an excellent addition to the first aid kit.

                                                                                       ENJOY!!!

                                                                                   

Friday, April 23, 2010

UPDATE: ON MY HAIR....


As salaamu alaikum & Hello, ladies

I just wanted to share an update on my hair.  I must say I am really loving my hair.  It is growing like crazy, it Appears to be pretty healthy and strong.  As I spoke about in a previous post some time ago, I am not a twist out , braid out type of girl.  I see lots, and lots of beautiful braid outs and twist out's on soooo many of you beautiful naturals, but for some reason I just don't like them on myself. 

I looove my hair in wash n go's , big with height and fullness.  I am really a person who likes anything edgy, I have alllways been this way , from fashion to hair.  For right now I am not really focused to much on all around length.  My style of choice , really doesn't require length all over , primiraly on the top , with the side's cut shorter ( not shaved, at all) just tapered.  This is currently how I am wearing my hair ,while at home. Sometimes, I put a very faint , very small part in the middle.   As many of you ladies know, I am a muslim women so  when I go out its covered, Alhamdulliaah ( praise be to Allaah)   I am in looove with this hair style and cut !
h One word for this style " SHARP"

So here is a bit of what my regimen is like weekly:

Pre- poo - coconut oil
Shampoo with black soap liquid/ shampoo ( check blog list under black soap shampoo for recipe)
protein treatment every other week - Avocado treatment
Deep moisturizing conditioner  every week - Aubrey's organics Honey suckle rose ( mixed with some , olive oil, aloe vera juice, honey, and glycerin)
oil rinse weekly- olive oil
oil my scalp only - castor oil & Emu oil with a scalp massage ( 3-5x weekly)
leave in conditioner- direct leave in by Giovanni
Aloe vera spritz
 My personal Whipped shea butter mixture
uncle funky's daughter " curly magic" ( 1x a week)

Here is what I do daily ( or when needed)

Wet my hair- daily
Apply  Aloe vera spritz
Apply direct leave in conditioner ( by Giovanni) spritz- water , little vegetable glycerin and a bit of rosemary EO
Vatika coconut oil ( sometimes)
 Whipped Shea butter mixture - this really helps to define my curls so that I don't have to apply the curly magic , but once a week 

I then finger coil individual pieces of  my hair , into like medium sized curls.  Allow my hair to air dry very close to fully dry, then diffuse on very low setting and cool heat.  Now my hair has become fuller and shiny...lot's of shine.  I then braid my hair down the center ( only the center, I leave the sides alone) with about 3 large braids to stretch my curls on the top only... and give me height.  Leave it this way for a few minutes while I attend to one of the children, by this time my hair is ready to be taken down.  I then take the braids out ... and my hair is now full and longated on the top...  ( sometimes I will use a concentrator used on the end of my dryer) but I like the results of using the braids down the center , better)

MONTHLY

Benetonite clay treatments
Trim my ends

NIGHTLY

Twist my hair
sleep with satan bonnet

                                                                                     ENJOY!!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

RESULTS ON LIGHTING MY HAIR WITH CINNAMON...



As salaamu alaikum & Hello, ladies

About a month ago I did a post on homemade organic ways to add color to our hair ( see side bar titled homemade organic hairdyes + more).  So, I applied the cinnamon recipe to my hair.  I must say I like the results.  It gave my hair a very soft brownish color.... very pretty.

It is very important to rinse ALL of the cinnamon out of your hair.  It took me a few shampoo's with a little, tiny bit left in there that came out the next day once wetting my hair.  But, over all I like the results.  It didn't leave my hair dry at all.  If you want it to get lighter , and lighter you must do a few applications.  So, would I do this again.... I sure would.  In, fact I plan to do so in the next week or so.

This time I think I will mix 4 tablespoons of cinnamon mixed with 8 oz of plain yogurt. I will keep you ladies posted on how the second try comes out. Until next time........

                                                                                                 ENJOY!!!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

HOW TO MAKE SHAMPOO FROM COCONUT AND SUNFLOWER OIL...




Many shampoos sold in stores are too harsh and drying to the hair. For people looking for an herbal product made from natural ingredients, homemade shampoos are a great alternative. These can be made with a variety of ingredients, but most start with a little bit of castile soap. Castile soap is a gentle cleaner that comes in the form of liquid and flakes. It can be mixed with your favorite oils, such as coconut and sunflower oil. Coconut oil is great for treating dandruff as well as damaged hair. Sunflower oil is great for dry hair and scalp.

Things You'll Need:

1 cup distilled water
1/4 cup castile liquid soap
2 tbsp. rosemary
2 tbsp. sage
2 tbsp. lemongrass
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tbsp. sunflower oil
1 tbsp. tea tree oil
1 tbsp. jojoba oil

Instructions

1. Heat the distilled water in a pot. Allow water to heat until it comes to a boil.

2. Steep the herbs. Place the rosemary, sage, and lemongrass into a tea strainer. Place the tea strainer into the boiling water. Let the herbs steep in the water for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the tea strainer and herbs from the water.

3. Add the castile soap, coconut oil, sunflower oil, tea tree oil and jojoba oil to the water. Be sure to stir the water until the ingredients blend together. Let the mixture cool.

4. Pour the shampoo into a plastic container with lid. You now have about 12 oz. of homemade shampoo made from coconut and sunflower oil. Apply the shampoo to your hair as desired.

5. Refrigerate the leftover shampoo. Since homemade shampoos contain no preservatives, they must be refrigerated. Shampoo must be used within one week.

You can add different herbs and oils to your liking.  See, what you come up with !

                                                                                                ENJOY!!!







Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I'M FEELING THE DIFFUSER AND THE CONCENTRATOR, Y'ALL....


As salaamu alaikum & Hello, ladies Just wanted to do a quick post on my new found love " The Diffuser and the concentrator".  I love, love , love both of these tools for my hair.  Every now and then I follow up on a few of my  natural youtube favorites.  I had been really interested in trying the diffuser on my hair.  I found it to be a favorite tool of many, many beautiful naturals and is a great aid in achiving big, big hair.  Well, enough said I purchased a new hand held blow dryer complete with diffuser and concentrator.  

So, excited to put it to use, I couldn't wait for my wash day.  It finally arrived... I washed my hair did all that needed to be done to my hair this week... protein treatment, oil rinse, deep moisturizing conditioner, etc y'all know the rountine.
After all of that I applied my direct leave -in condtioner by giovanni, some of my homemade shea butter mix, and my curly Magic by uncle funky's Daughter.  And went to blow drying with the diffuser first on the low setting with cool heat.  After that was completed I then used the concentrator on the roots of my hair , to stretch my curls.  And let me tell you...... I LOVE MY HAIR !!!!.  It is big , full with lots of height just like I like it.  So needless to say " I'm feeling the diffuser and the contrator , y'all !!! ( lol)

                                                       ENJOY !!!

Monday, April 12, 2010

COCOA BUTTER VS SHEA BUTTER...


- So, cocoa butter 'or' shea butter. What are the differences? it is entirely up to the individual. They are both gorgeous to use, with their wonderful emollient quality. It's up to personal choice really. Skin that is not toned or moisturized can be dry in the young, or old. Granted, noticeably more so in the mature skin, but even a younger person can have skin that is not properly conditioned. What I am saying is cocoa butter or shea butter is perfect for any age of adult skin. It will make the skin look, and feel healthier. - Why the debate? Surely it's six of one, and half a dozen of the other, meaning are they really that vastly different, and if so, which one would I choose over the other. -



Skin grooming is all important, from tip to toe, and our skin is a very sensual part of our being. It should be nurtured and fed regularly to optimize it's full potential. The skin loses moisture, and dries out, with free radicals attacking it every day. Therefore we need to give back to the skin, the properties that Nature takes away. Skin should be moisturized daily after exfoliating, cleansing, and toning, and I always splash cold water onto my skin, after washing my face and body with warm water, as the warm water opens the pores, then the cold splash of water closes them, before I begin my moisturizing routine. -
 
Lately, I have really been into my butters , making different hair butters and body butters alike. 
 
-COCOA BUTTER-
 
Cocoa butter is also known by the name of theobroma oil, it is the natural fat extracted from the cacao bean. Cocoa butter is used to make toiletries, skin care products, cocoa powder and chocolate. Cocoa butter has a delicious subdued cocoa aroma, and has natural antioxidants that prevent products containing it from going off, thus increasing their shelf life for up to five years. It is a great favorite in the production of soaps, cosmetics and skincare products. It's emollient properties and it's smooth texture, make it a perfect ingredient for body butter.
 
The cocoa butter is great for keeping the skin supple, and has been around for centuries. Known as the ultimate moisturizer, cocoa butter absorbs into the skin with ease due to it melting at body temperate. Thus making it easily absorbable into the skin. The cocoa butter creates a shield against the environment, and it is very helpful in the alleviating of asthma, eczema, and dermatitis. It works by holding back the production of immuno globulin which is known to aggravate and accelerate the above mentioned conditions.
 
Cocoa butter is wonderful when used in a massage. This butter will soothe the skin, relieve stress, and help you relax. The properties contained within the cocoa butter will help to boost the immune system also, and even help in the prevention of cancer. Cocoa butter brings with it a sense of well being when massaged into the skin. It is useful for pregnant women, when used in regular applications, as a formula to help prevent, and ward off stretch marks. The butter has a very nice smell also. It has been said that cocoa butter may also help to ease arthritis and even help to prevent heart disease.
 
-SHEA BUTTER-
 


Is great for keeping the skin smooth. Though only just coming to the forefront of the skin creme market, the benefits of Shea Butter have been enjoyed for centuries. Shea butter has tremendous benefits for hair and skin. It comes from the tropics of Africa, from the nut of the Karite tree, where the fatty acids are extracted from the the nut container. The quality of the irremovable fatty acid is far more superior to that of the cocoa butter, as it can take thirty years for a crop to yield the right quality of content of this fatty acid. It's a wonder they can actually bring it to us at a reasonable price bearing all this in mind.

Shea butter is possessed with amazing healing properties. It can fade scars, which seems remarkable in itself. It is also an effective treatment for burns, and is used in the treatment of acne, and eczema. It makes a great nasal decongestant, and is helpful at relieving rheumatism. It has amazing results on very dry skin, and is a brilliant wrinkle cream. It's also a great way of keeping blemishes and spots under control. So all in all this miracle cream does so much more than I realized, and I think I will now be using it so much more than I have in the past. This butter is also a natural blocker of UV rays. Africans have been enjoying the natural properties of Shea butter for centuries, and they have used it on their hair as a conditioner, and also on their skin for protection against the sun, and the harsh elements of their climate.

Shea butter is a luxurious moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling silky soft. It works by stimulating the skin's renewal process, thus revealing a more youthful, fresh skin. ~ It is non greasy, and it is used in many expensive skin products. It is also a wonderful, natural conditioner, it makes the hair vibrant, whilst protecting it from dryness, and preventing splitting of the hairs follicles. It is also the base of many essential oils. Shea butter works by maintaining the natural oils in our skin, and it can also activate collage production. It is a wonderful butter to use, and makes the skin supple and soft.

This really has opened my eyes to the advantages of Shea butter. This seems to be a miracle cream of sorts, which does possess some amazing properties for hair and skin. It also does so much more, and I think on balance it far outweighs the benefits of Cocoa butter, due to the quality of the fatty acids. Facts speak for themselves, and although cocoa butter has some great qualities, Shea butter has impressed me with it's vast array of natural skin and healing powers. So in answer to the debate 'Cocoa butter vs Shea butter', from now on, it's Shea butter all the way for me, and of course it does have the most amazing smell also. -

Next, on list is long awaiting Aloe butter, Mango butter and Avocado butter.  Can't wait until they arrive.  I have such bigggg plans for them all !!!  I will keep you guys posted, until next time.

                                                                                                      ENJOY!!!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

HOW TO BLEND SCENTS FOR BODY BUTTERS...



Homemade can be better than store-bought lotion when it comes to dry skin. Body butters are commonly used to prevent stretch marks and ease out signs of aging such as wrinkles.

They provide intensive moisturizing. The butter usually contains shea butter and cocoa butter to make the skin feel smooth and silky to touch. Some use mango butter or Kukui nut butter, although the latter can be obtained from Kukui trees found mostly in Hawaii.

Body butters are less expensive compared to high-end creams. Many prefer to use scented body butters to scented lotions because the aroma usually lasts for a longer period.

Things You'll Need:

3 or more essential oils of your choice
1 small glass jar with an airtight lid
3 cotton swabs or eye droppers (or any glass droppers)
Small notebook
Pen

Instructions

1.  Play around with the scents and even mix two or more scents to create your own preference, before you start blending. Your scent must have three notes in it. It needs a top, middle and base note. The top note is the first flush of scent that you smell but is highly volatile. It doesn't linger too long. The middle note takes a little longer to notice and provides the body to the scent blend. Base notes last the longest. They are slow to evaporate, rich and heavy, and act as a fixative in the blend.

2.    Dip a clean cotton swab or use a glass dropper to retrieve a small amount of essential oil. If you're using a cotton swab, squeeze any excess oils on the lip of the bottle.

3.  Place the swab or squeeze the contents of the dropper into the glass jar.

4.  Repeat for each scent that you want to add to the blend.

5.  Write down the oils you included. Make sure to get equal amounts of each essential oil, especially when you're using a cotton swab.

6.  Cover the jar and leave for a few minutes.

7.  Come back and gently sniff the air above the jar. Take down notes on the smell in its early stage of development.

8.  Put the lid back and leave in a cool, dark place for a few hours. Open the jar and smell it again. Take further notes on the "matured" smell.

9.  Put the lid back on and leave for 48 hours. After 48 hours, uncover the lid and gently smell the blend. Make some corrections on your blend, and add additional amounts of the scent you'd like. Try to find the perfect combination.

10.  After you find the perfect blend, add a few drops of the mixture to your body butter and mix.




Tips & Warnings

Sniff coffee beans, ground coffee or your own body scent to cleanse your scent receptors.

Use a clean cotton swab or dropper for each essential oil to prevent contamination of essential oils.

Essential oils are flammable

Never apply essential oils directly to the skin. It can cause an allergic reaction or sensitization.

Keep essential oils in a secure place away from children.

Essential oils should not be taken internally.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5641765_blend-scents-body-butters.html

                                                                                                                       ENJOY!!!

Monday, April 5, 2010

ALTERNATIVE TO WHEAT GERM OIL FOR HAIR...



Wheat germ oil has protein, a substance found in most meat. Protein is an important component for rebuilding healthy tissues and processing minerals through our cells. Potassium, calcium and magnesium along with vitamins A, B1 and B3 and E are also contained in wheat germ oil. These minerals and vitamins are vital to maintaining healthy hair and skin. However, there are other oils you can substitute as an emollient for moisturizing your hair.

Avocado Oil

Like wheat germ oil, avocado oil contains high levels of tocopherol, or vitamin E. Vitamin E is an excellent moisturizer for the skin and hair. It can be easily absorbed into the outer layer of cuticle of the hair shaft and penetrate beneath the surface. This is good news for curly hair, which is fragile due to its easily damaged cuticles. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, powerful enough to protect hair from the sun's rays, other harmful substances and pollution. In some instances, vitamin E can prevent hair loss or reverse some patterns of hair loss.

Avocado oil also contains some the same fatty acids as wheat germ oil. These fatty acids, such as oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid, give avocado oil an emollient property that is beneficial to hair. However, the quantity of these fatty substances is significantly different between avocado oil and wheat germ oil.

Coconut Oil

When we shampoo our hair, we lose protein. But, using a coconut oil can prevent your hair from being stripped of protein. Keratin is a protein fiber molecule contained within hair follicles. These molecules act as structural forms for different kinds of living tissue. Although, coconut oil contains a medium amount of triglycerides or fatty acids, nonetheless, these fatty substances can still penetrate hair molecules and moisture your hair. Using coconut oil regularly can encourage hair growth by aiding hair follicles to get plenty of oxygen. Coconut oil is versatile hair tool that can be used as a deep conditioner or applied every day as a moisturizer to the hair.

Jojoba Oil

Native Americans in the Southwestern region of the United States have used jojoba oil for medicinal purposes for many years. But, in regards to healthy hair, jojoba oil helps to remove sebum deposits from the hair shaft. Sebum is a waxy matter secreted from sebaceous glands in the scalp that is mainly responsible for dandruff or other scalp ailments. By removing sebum deposits the scalp become less acid and this promotes healthy hair follicles. Jojoba oil contains copper, iodine, zinc and vitamins E and B, components that are slightly similar to wheat germ oil, although jojoba oil is mainly used for dandruff and psoriasis. However, jojoba oil is also beneficial for moisturizing the hair, too.


                                                                                                 ENJOY!!!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

KITCHEN : POOR WOMAN'S SPA....



As salaamu alaikum & Hello,  When I found and read this article.  I knew I had to share it with everyone.  If for nothing else , just the title alone.  I love it, love it , love it !!!

Just like much of the country, I'm living life on a budget. I used to love going to spas for a quick massage, the salon to get my hair did and occasionally, I would travel to a retreat for a full weekend of wellness. Well, my budget now dictates that I go no further than my apartment for beauty treatments So, this weekend I indulged at Spa Conscious Chick.

First up was the pre-conditioning of my hair. Instead of looking for recipes, I created my own based on my knowledge of moisturizing properties.

Avocado
Coconut Milk
Sesame Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Egg Yolk

Make sure the avocado is ripe and easily smoothed. I found out the hard, messy way with chunks of it all over my bathroom floor and sink. Saturate either dry or wet hair with the paste, cover with a shower cap, and cover that with a towel or site under a hair dryer for about 20 minutes. Shampoo hair as usual.

While the conditioner was doing it's thing, I gave myself a facial which started with exfoliation. I used an Agave Nectar scrub from Beija-Flor Naturals and washed with one of their fabulous Organic Soap Bars. Next up, is the steam.

Boil water
Empty a tea bag (eucalyptus is perfect)
Place a towel over your head and voila!- you got a spa treatment.
After about 10 mins or so rinse with cool water and apply mask. The mask of choice was another concoction of mine.

1/2 Cucumber(chopped)
1 Egg White
1 tablespoon Honey

Blended (w/ a blender) together, this mask is so soothing and cool. I ended up putting a couple of slices of cucumber on my eyes while the mask dried to reduce the puffs. After washing off the mask with cool water, I used a toner made of tea tree oil and witch hazel and moisturized with Beija-Flor's Acai Light Moisturizer.

Now the nails. Grab a handful of dry oats, pour milk (any variation will due) into palm of oats and use to exfoliate and soften you hands. It would help to warm up the milk a little before using. Lastly, rub olive oil on nail cuticles to soften and nourish.

Before bed, I brushed my teefahs with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide which whitens and removes plaque. Finishing off with a swish of the peroxide as mouthwash completes the dental portion. Make sure you rinse once more with water to get rid of the foam.

Last but not least, I created my own lip balm using raw shea butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E and a touch of glycerin and coconut essential oil for fragrance. It works great but it won't stay solid at room temperature. I'm looking for some beeswax to complete the concoction.

I felt relaxed and beautyfull... all for no more than $20!

By SuncearRaye

Now, I love her idea of a kitchen spa ! ( smiles)  In fact I love the whole idea , you  probably can mix and add your own products to use, but the overall idea is great.  Annnd , I am really feeling the lip balm in fact I plan to make some and try it out, insha Allaah ( god willing).

Many thanks to SuncearRaye for sharing such a wonderful article.