12/5/2007
Coping with Winter Skin!
10/12/2007
More salt tips....
Some tips just for FUN!
Common table salt to the rescue!
5/22/2007
Lavender essential oil
Peppermint Essential Oil
5/21/2007
Try some of these cleaning tips!
1/20/2007
Natural Baby Oil vs. Commercial
11/14/2006
Holiday Downloadable E-Book
9/26/2006
Fingernail softener and whitener
9/11/2006
Body Scrubs
7/25/2006
Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil
7/11/2006
Mango Butter
Grapeseed Oil
6/28/2006
Pumpkin!
The Joys of Soy
6/12/2006
More tips
6/9/2006
Skin Lovin' Tips
6/6/2006
Dead Sea Salts
Coconut Oil
Cocoa Butter
6/5/2006
Aloe Butter
Sweet Almond Oil
6/2/2006
Shea Butter
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Date: 12/5/2007
Title: Coping with Winter Skin!
Here in Wisconsin, we get plenty of cold, dry weather. It has already been snowing since the beginning of December, so I am sure we will have a white Christmas!
But with dry weather comes dry skin, so we need to take some extra good care of our skin. Here's a few tips for you...
Bathe children in warm, comfortable water, but not hot. Use products labeled for sensitive skin, and avoid scrubbing the skin. Keep the baths short, and use shampoos and soap near the end of their bath.
To seal in moisture from your bath, apply lotions within three to five mintues after leaving the bath. Try keeping a pump bottle of moisturizer close by the tub and near your kitchen sink. Get in the habit of applying lotion every time you do the dishes.
Be sure to drink plenty of water and hydrate your skin from the inside out.
On cold and windy days, apply a sunblock to your face and apply some protection to your lips. Dress in layers and be sure your hands, neck and ears are covered.
Date: 10/12/2007
Title: More salt tips....
We'd like to share these little tidbits of information we have found, from our lil kitchen to yours.
These are great uses for the common ingredient....SALT!
* Rubbing stained coffee or tea cups with salt will remove stubborn stains
* To clean copper pans, salt the area and scour with a cloth soaked in vinegar
* Pour a strong salt brine down the kitchen sink drain regularly to eliminate odors and keep grease from building up
* Help your milk stay fresh longer by adding a pinch of salt
* Boiling eggs in salted water will make them peel easier
* Sprinkle a little salt in your skillet before frying fish to prevent the fish from sticking
* A pinch of salt in coffee will enhance the flavor and remove bitterness of over cooked coffee
* And the one WE ALL NEED TO KNOW on a daily basis....To remove pinfeathers easily from a chicken, rub with salt first!
Date: 10/12/2007
Title: Some tips just for FUN!
We thought these tips were fun! They are "The Real Woman's Way", and should bring a smile to your face.
Martha's way #1:
Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.
The Real Women's Way:
Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete's sake. You are probably lying on the couch, with your feet up, eating it anyway.
Martha's way #2:
To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
The Real Women's Way:
Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix and keep it in the pantry for up to a year.
Martha's way #3:
When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.
The Real Women's Way:
Go to the bakery. They'll even decorate it for you.
Martha's way #4:
If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant "fix me up."
The Real Women's Way:
If you over salt a dish while you are cooking, oh well...I made it and you will eat it and I don't care how bad it tastes
Martha's way #5:
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
The Real Women's Way:
Celery? Never heard of the stuff.
Martha's way #6:
Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.
The Real Women's Way:
The Mrs. Smith frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust so I just don't do it.
Date: 10/12/2007
Title: Common table salt to the rescue!
A few tips for cleaning with common table salt...
Removing wine stains...
If wine is spilled, blot up as much as possible and immediately cover the wine with salt, which will absorb the remaining wine. Then rinse the item with cold water.
Removing rings from tables....
If you have white rings on your wooden tables from glasses, try removing them by rubbing a thin paste of salad oil and salt on the spot with your fingers, let it stand for an hour or two, and then wipe off.
Brightening yellowed cottons or linens...
Boil the yellowed item for one hour in a salt and baking soda solution.
Removing mildew or rust stains...
Moisten the stained spots with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then spread the item in the sun to dry, and then rinse and dry.
If your iron is sticking....
Sprinkle a little salt on a piece of paper and run the iron over it to remove rough, sticky spots.
Date: 5/22/2007
Title: Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most well known and popular essential oils. Many have heard of it's calming effects, but it is actually pretty amazing how many ailments it is believed to help - here's a list!
* Improves circulation
* Muscle and joints
* Improves digestion
* Boosts immunity
* Nervousness, soothing and calming effect
* Anxiety, depression and panic
* Difficulty in falling asleep
* Helps relieve the pain of injuries
* Hastens healing of skin cells
* Slows the development of wrinkles
* Headaches and Migraines
* Asthma and Bronchitis
* Laryngitis
* Throat infections
* Colic in babies
* Nausea and vomiting
* Toning of the skin
* Acne and oily skin
* Boils and burns
* Sunburn
* Psoriasis
* Lice
* Insect Bites and stings
* Insect repellent
But remember, if you are under a doctor's care or pregnant, always consult with him before using any essential oils
Date: 5/22/2007
Title: Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint has been used for years to soothe digestion, but did you know there are many other ailments peppermint may help. A few of them include asthma, heartburn, hot flashes, headaches, motion sickness, nausea, itchy skin, infections, toothaches, and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
You can add a few drops to water or tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn, apply a few drops to the bottoms of your feet to reduce a fever, or rub on your temples and forehead (avoid eye area) to help ease headache pain. Concentration, alertness and memory may be improved by placing a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue.
You might want to try a few of these:
* Apply a drop of peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to help with itching skin.
* Massage several drops of peppermint oil on the abdomen to relieve nausea.
* Rub 4 drops of peppermint oil on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.
* Place a drop of peppermint oil on your tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.
* Place two drops of peppermint oil on your tongue and rub another under your nose to improve alertness and concentration, or inhale peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.
* To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, place two drops of peppermint on a cotton ball and place them at the location of entry.
* Apply peppermint oil on your joints to help relieve arthritis.
* Remove ticks from pets by applying a drop of peppermint oil on a cotton swab and swab the tick. Wait for it to dislodge it's head and remove from pet.
* Inhale the fragrance of peppermint oil to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.
But remember, if you are under a doctor's care or pregnant, always consult with him before using any essential oils. Avoid eyes or sensitive skin areas.
Date: 5/21/2007
Title: Try some of these cleaning tips!
Did you know that many of our on hand ingredients can also be used for cleaning? Try some of these instead of the expensive store bought items. Here are a few things you might now have known...
* A little vinegar in your dishwashing cycle can shine things up!
* Left over cola drinks can be poured into your toilet, it adds cleaning power as well as leaves a nice shine
* A piece of chalk in a silver chest will slow down tarnish, as it removes mositure
* To keep your pets from eating your plants, sprinkle red and black pepper on the leaf tips. Works especially well for African Violets.
* For a great fireplace starter, fill small paper milk cartons with wood chips.
* Empty ketchup or mustard containers work great for decorating cakes, cookies or cupcakes!
* To get rid of smoke smells in your home, sprinkle your carpet with a mixture of 1 cup of Borax and 2 cups of cornmeal. Wait an hour and vacuum. For painted walls, mix up a solution of 1 gallon of warm water, 1/2 cup plain ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup washing soda. Refresh this solution frequently while you are washing, and you won't need to rinse.
Date: 1/20/2007
Title: Natural Baby Oil vs. Commercial
This article is copyright © 2004 by From Nature With Love (www.fromnaturewithlove.com) and is reprinted with permission.
Mineral oil and petroleum jelly are both byproducts of petroleum refinement. Most baby oils on the market consist of 100% mineral oil, yet mineral oil has several dangerous hazards associated with it. Mineral oil clogs the pores and prevents the skin from "breathing." It prevents the natural release of toxins, and it blocks the absorption of any beneficial ingredients (such as essential oils) blended into the mineral oil or contained in other products applied to the skin. Babies put their fingers in their mouths all the time, leading to additional hazards with ingestion of the oil. Mineral oil may possibly cause vitamin deficiencies because it is absorbed into the skin, gets processed by the liver and then nutrients get bound by the oil, blocking their absorption.
Cold processed vegetable oils, vegetable butters and natural balms made out of them, however, are wonderful to use instead of mineral oil and offer far greater therapeutic benefit.
For a list of the many vegetable oils (sometimes referred to as "carrier" or "fixed" oils, please visit From Nature With Love's detailed Carrier Oil Profiles page.
From Nature With Love offers a wide array of vegetable oils, other natural ingredients and packaging supplies. For more information, please visit www.fromnaturewithlove.com.
This article is copyright © 2004 by From Nature With Love and is reprinted with permission. This article may be reprinted provided that all credit information remains intact. From Nature With Love does not review or pre-approve the organizations that reprint its articles.
Date: 11/14/2006
Title: Holiday Downloadable E-Book
We would like to mention a FREE downloadable holiday e-book we have found that is being offered at the website www.cinna-minnies.com. CLICK HERE for the site and scroll down the page until you see a download box. The book will be available until December 15th.
What a great gift idea, just download the ebook to your computer and print it off, make a pretty cover for it, or insert it into a folder, add a plate of home baked cookies and you have a very special gift!
Within the e-book you will find :
* 20 Vendor Listings Of Holiday Discount Specials
* Holiday Family Traditions
* Website Links With Holiday Ideas
* Holiday Recipes and Recipe Card
* A Few Quick and Clever Gift Ideas,
And some final remarks by Rochelle, the site's owner. So be sure to check it out!
Date: 9/26/2006
Title: Fingernail softener and whitener
For a great way to soften up your cuticles and whiten your nails, try this easy recipe you can make at home. All you need is 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over low heat, and dip your nails in the oil for 5 to 10 minuets. Then massage each nail, and massage your hands with the remaining oil while gently pushing back the cuticles with an orange wood stick. Rub off any excess oil and rub the nails with lemon juice to whiten them up.
Date: 9/11/2006
Title: Body Scrubs
Body scrubs are an awesome way to invigorate and rejuvenate your skin. They help with circulation and the abrasive action will help to remove dead skin cells and open pores, allowing them to breathe. The oils that are added to scrubs help to create a healthy glow, as well as add moisturizing nourishment to your skin.
To obtain the best results with scrubs, massage onto your body with your hands or scrub gloves using a light, but firm pressure. Continue massaging until a rosy glow appears. Rinse with warm water and towel dry.
Rubbing in circular motions towards the heart increases circulation. Never use a salt scrub after shaving, but using one before shaving will give you a closer shave and cut down on skin irritation. The oil from the scrub can be used instead of shaving cream.
Date: 7/25/2006
Title: Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has similar properties to shea butter and avocado oil. It is good for all skin types and is rich in vitamins A and E, along with minerals, protien, lecithin and amino acids. It is a natural antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant. Sesame oil penetrates quickly, and helps joints keep their flexibility, making it great in massage oils. It is good for dry skin and is useful protecting skin from the effects of chlorine in swimming pool water. Can also be healing to acne, cuts and abrasions, and can soothe wind and sun burn. It aslso can help prevent diaper rash when used in baby products.
Date: 7/25/2006
Title: Sunflower Oil
Like grapeseed oil, sunflower oil is great for massages. It is a wonderful light oil expressed from the seed of the sunflower plant, is easily absorbed, and is rich in vitamins A, D and E. It is very softening and moisturizing and contains protective properties for mature, sensitive, dry or damaged skin. Sunflower oil can be used for all skin types, and has been used to help with rheumatism and bronchitis. It is also believed to have healing properties when applied to skin irritations, bruises or skin diseases.
Date: 7/11/2006
Title: Mango Butter
Mango butter is extracted from the fruit kernels of the Mango tree, and is known for its highly moisturizing and healing properties. It is non greasy and absorbs easily, and is especially beneficial for skin suffering from the effects of wind or sun, for sunburn pain and for peeling after sunning. It has been used in the Tropics for years, and is thought to have some sunshield abilities. Also good for preventing or reducing the appearance of stretch marks, rashes, eczema, blemishes, age spots, wrinkles, relieving insect bites, poison ivy, eczema and dermatitis.
Date: 7/11/2006
Title: Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed is a GREAT oil for massages, because it is light and penetrating with no odor. It will leave skin satiny smooth and not greasy. It contains many vitamins, minerals and protein and is high in vitamin E.
Date: 6/28/2006
Title: Pumpkin!
Who would think that pumpkin would be beneficial to your skin, but it offers more than 100 beneficial components, and is rich in Vitamin C. It has the highest concentrations of Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A of any fruit or vegetable. Beta-Carotene is one of the most effective antioxidants, and has been shown to protect the skin from sun damage and dehydration.
It has been shown that Vitamin C promotes collagen growth, and collagen is responsible for giving skin its elasticity and keeping it smooth and wrinkle free. The more collagen in the skin, the younger it will look.
Another element of the skin’s aging process is caused by “oxidation”. Oxidation is caused by things like overexposure to the sun and heavy detergents, soaps and chemicals. So it is important to use an antioxidant (beta-carotene) to help stop this premature aging process.
Pumpkin scrub gently exfoliates as it cleanses and introduces vitamins, enzymes and nutrients into the skin, nourishing dry skin. Used two or three times per week, it will condition the skin with oils to soften and retone the complexion. It removes dead skin and bacteria to leave your skin with a buffed, natural glow. Results will vary on person and severity of dead skin cells, but the skin should appear healthier immediately and dead skin cells can become less severe within a few days to a few weeks. To use, simply wet the desired area to scrub, apply some scrub in your hand and gently scrub the area in a circular motion, then rinse and pat dry. You won’t believe how soft and smooth your skin will feel!
Date: 6/28/2006
Title: The Joys of Soy
Wonder why everyone is talking about soy candles? Soy is one of most versatile products today, and soy candles are becoming increasingly popular and desirable. Soy is grown and made right here in the USA, so by using soy, you are helping the US economy and our very own farmers. Soy candles are clean burning with little to no soot. Paraffin candles can blacken the jar, your walls, ceilings, vents, heaters, curtains, carpets, and even your lungs. Soy candles are non-toxic, and do not release the toxins that paraffin candles do, which emit at least seven toxins. They clean up with soap and water, are biodegradable and environmentally safe. They burn at a lower temperature to enable the use of 100% cotton wicks rather than lead core wicks, and best of all, they burn longer (lasting between 30% and 50% longer than paraffin candles of the same size).
Date: 6/12/2006
Title: More tips
~ Shaving your legs (even in winter) actually helps your skin stay soft by removing a layer of dead, dry skin cells. Removing that layer of skin reveals healthier, softer cells.
~ Try using a body polish or scrub. These are great to use for exfoliation before you apply one of the new tanning lotions, or self-tanners. Choose from either salt or sugar scrubs, but be sure to use these before shaving, or the skin may sting from the salt. Apply in a circular motion, and then rinse the salt or sugar away in the shower. The moisturizing oils will remain, leaving your skin fresh and smooth.
~ Use caution when using any oils or butters in the tub or shower, they may cause it to be slippery.
~ Socks can be very beneficial to cracked heels, you can apply a rich moisturizer to your heels and put on a fresh pair of socks while you work around the house, and the heat of the socks will help the moisturizer to penetrate those rough spots.
~ Apply moisturizer to both your face and body when your skin is still damp, the water will help the body drink in that moisture.
Date: 6/9/2006
Title: Skin Lovin' Tips
We only receive one skin, so we need to take real good care of it! Here are some of our tips to keep that skin nice and soft
~ Winter especially can rob your skin of moisture, so we need to make moisturizing a routine. Apply lotion after you get out of the shower or bath, after doing the dishes, or even after just washing your hands. Keep a lotion pump in the bathroom and one by your kitchen sink so it is always handy.
~ Hot baths and showers feel relaxing or stimulating, but actually rob your skin of its natural moisture. Try turning the temperature down a bit to keep your skin supple.
~ Always use sunscreen on your face in the summer, even in the winter if you will be outside. A face lotion with sunscreen will work great for you. Be sure to choose a light moisturizer for the face area, and one containing SPF of 15 or above.
~ Be sure to protect your hands in the winter by using gloves. Moisture is drawn from your skin in the cold air, and this can cause hands, and especially cuticles to become dry and crack.
~ For especially dry areas such as the heels of your feet, knees or elbows, use a more intense moisturizer. Body butters work wonders, as their main ingredients are moisturizing butters and oils. Look for butters that contain shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter. Apply some shea butter on your heels before you go to bed, even better, add some warm comfy socks and wake up to soft and smooth skin. Make this a routine and enjoy wonderful summer loving feet!
To be continued....more tips to come!
Date: 6/6/2006
Title: Dead Sea Salts
Dead sea salts are believed to heal and relieve aches and pain, reduce stiffness after exertion, and help draw out toxins from the body. They have a very high concentration of minerals, and are rich in potassium, magnesium and bromide. Wonderful for acne, eczema and psoriasis. Regular use promotes healthy skin by exfoliating and encouraging regeneration of new skin cells.
Date: 6/6/2006
Title: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is obtained from the dried “meat” of the coconut, it is quickly absorbed by the skin, glides easily and does not leave a greasy feeling…great for overall body oil application. It is the ingredient that creates fluffy lather and moisturizing properties in soaps. A favorite of skin care professionals and massage therapists as it will not stain sheets or clothing.
Date: 6/6/2006
Title: Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is obtained from cocoa beans that are cultivated from the Cocoa tree, which native to South America. It has a mild natural chocolate aroma, and is a rich emollient with excellent skin softening and conditioning properties. It can help prevent the drying of skin that leads to wrinkles, restore moisture, and improve the skin’s flexibility. It is perfect for massaging daily into fast-growing pregnant bellies to prevent stretch marks from developing.
Date: 6/5/2006
Title: Aloe Butter
We have all heard of how great aloe vera is for burns, which makes aloe butter also very beneficial for after sun exposure and sunburn pain. Aloe butter is good for mature, sensitive and dry skin. It has been know to help with some symptoms of psoriasis also.
Date: 6/5/2006
Title: Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernels of the Almond Tree, which is native to Asia and the Mediterranean. It is a very mild, light oil with no fragrance, is loaded with vitamins and minerals, and is rich in protein. A great emollient, sweet almond oil softens and conditions the skin, relieving itchy, dry and inflamed skin. It is often used to massage babies, and is especially suitable for eczema.
Date: 6/2/2006
Title: Shea Butter
Shea butter is one of the most moisturizing butters, it comes from the African Shea Tree, and is also known as karite butter. It moisturizes and protects skin, does not clog pores and penetrates deep into the skin to help restore elasticity. Some of the many uses for it include dry skin, blemishes, skin discoloration, scars and wrinkles, dermatitis, eczema, to prevent stretch marks, cuticle conditioner, sunburn peeling and pain reliever, insect bites, frostbite, skin suffering from the effects of wind, for dry and cracked hands and feet, yet it is gentle enough for babies and sensitive skin!
Shea butter melts at skin temperature, so it is ideal for lip and body balms and lotions.
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