February 3, 2016

Mini bath melts

There are bath bombs and then there are bath melts... what is the difference? 
Bath bombs may have skin moisturizers like shea butter, or coconut oil, etc, in them,
while bath melts are simple and are not made so much for soaking in a tub
(but you can use them that way too) but instead to use in a shower...and the best is you can customize
the scent!

Mini-bath melts
Are these not the cutest little bath melts you have ever seen?!


So want to know how to make these and best of all customize them to your own needs... (all shouting
yes, right?!) Ok then, here you go!






Ingredients:
125gr Baking soda
60 gr Citric Acid
60gr Corn starch
60gr Salt (sea salt or epsom salt)
Water in a sprayer bottle.

Directions:
Mix all the dry ingredients, then spray a little water lightly, you will see the mixture fizz if you have
sprayed too much water, if that happens just start stirring the mixture - the citric acid is reacting to the
water.  After spraying once or twice, test the mixture by holding a small amount in your palm and
squeeze, if the mixture holds together and keeps its shape you can start to fill the molds.  If it is still
crumbly then you can spray one more spray and try again.  This is a bit of a trial and error, it can
be a bit difficult to judge when the mixture is ready.  Just keep trying, and if they do not hold together
and you are frustrated with it, you can put it in a plastic bag, add a bit of essential oils to it and shake.
You can drop that into a bath or foot soak, so you have not wasted anything.

cute hearts!

I've found the best molds are the silicone ones you use for baking, you can
find so many different types in baking stores, craft stores or even on
amazon.ca
Fill the molds and make sure you pack them down firmly.
These need to dry for 1-2 days, so the best way is to just keep them in the
molds and check on it after a day. Pop one out and test if they have dried,
if not keep them in the mold for another day. 


When they have completely dried out you can store them in a nice glass jar and use them as needed.

Ah but here is the best part, you can add any essential oils you like!  Just place a few drops
of oil right before using. 
I love putting these in the shower and have them melt away while they leave behind a gorgeous scent.
You can also use these melts when you have a cold or congestion, just drop some eucalyptus and
peppermint and have a nice steam shower. 

I would recommend putting these melts away from the stream of water so that it takes a bit longer
to melt away and you can enjoy the wonderful aroma for a bit longer!

So what are some of the scents you can use? Really, any one you like or a combination of them. 

Citrus oils are great for an uplifting, vibrant scent.
Eucalyptus, peppermint, cypress, cedar wood are good for congestion and colds.
Lavender, chamomile, bergamot, are wonderfully calming and great for right before bedtime.

Drop about 5 drops of the oils onto the melts right before you are going to use them. Place in the
shower and enjoy a fragrant, aromatic shower!



February 1, 2016

Some of my favourite aromatic scents to diffuse.

So I've been getting to know my new diffuser a bit better, and I can say that I LOVE IT!
Rather I like that I can have a fresh smelling home without all the chemicals filling the air! 
Did you know that most 'air fresheners' have chemicals, fragrances, and all sorts of other nasty
ingredients that should probably be only found in your car.  

 So I've put together some scents that I love using for different occasions, yes there is an oil for every occasion! You will have to refer to your own diffuser for how many drops to put. 
The great part about diffusing scents is that you need very little oil to achieve a great smelling room, unlike sprays you don't need to keep spraying it, just let the diffuser run in intervals of half hour on and half hour off, will keep your home smelling wonderful.



So here are a few of my favourties so far.  Don't worry if you don't have each specific oils, many of them can be combined with each other. Get out there and diffuse away...let me know what your favourites are!! 


Energizing Scents 

Grapefruit, Orange and Rosemary
Lemon, Peppermint
Rosemary, peppermint & Lemon

Soothing & Refreshing

Orange, Grapefruit, Lavender, Clary Sage
Frankincense, Bergamot, Geranium.
Cinnamon leaf, Lemon, Rosemary 

Calming & Sleep
Chamomile & Lavender
Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot
Geranium, Lavender

Here is a little more about each scent. Things you need to know are the types, species (those are the names in latin) and what they mix well with.

Bergamot - Citrus bergamia -
Bergamot has a citrus scent, but also a more spicy, floral undertone.
Mixes well with clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium.










Chamomile (Roman) - Anthemis nobilis L - Chamomile is known for its relaxing, calming properties. Has a sweet hay-like scent that is very pleasant.  Mixes well with clary sage, bergamot and lemon.









Cinnamon leaf
- Cinnamomum zeylanicum - This is not the typical spice scent, it has more of a herbaceous scent, and not sweet scented. Mixes well with citrus oils, rosemary and other more herbaceous oils.








Clary Sage
- Salvia sclarea - Clary Sage while not a well known oil has some amazing properties. Herbaceous, sweet and green odor, is very pleasant when mixed in with citrus oils.  Mixes well with lavender, citrus' and chamomile.






Frankincense - Boswellia carteri - Frankincense Essential Oil has a woodsy, spicy, and warm odour, with a
slight hint of citrus tones. Mixes well with chamomile, cypress, clary sage.



Geranium  - Pelargonium graveolens L'Her - Geranium has a rose like
scent, but is softer and more sweet smelling. Mixes well with clary
sage, bergamot, grapefruit.





Grapefruit - Citrus paradisi - Grapefruit has a sweet citrus-y scent.
Very fresh and lively. Mixes well with other citrus', rosemary,
geranium.


Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia - Lavender has a slightly
camphoraceous scent, less floral. Great for relaxation and highly
antiseptic. Mixes well with citrus', geranium, rosemary.





Lemon - Citrus limonum - Lemon has a sharp, bright citrus scent.
Very antiseptic and refreshing. Mixes well with lavender, other citrus'
and bergamot.



Orange  - Citrus sinensis - Orange Essential Oil has a sweet, citrus
smell, the peels give it an intense scent.
Wonderfully uplifting. Mixes well with lavender, sandalwood and
cinnamon.










Peppermint
- Mentha Piperita - Peppermint has a sweet, minty scent,
the high amount of menthol is what gives it its familiar scent.
Mixes well with citrus, rosemary, eucalyptus.



Rosemary - Rosmarinus Officinalis - Rosemary has a strong woody,
herbal scent, very refreshing. Great for mental clarity. Mixes well with
ginger, citrus and peppermint.
Ylang-Ylang - Cananga Odorata - Ylang Ylang has an exotic, sweet
floral scent. Mixes well with Sandalwood, grapefruit, Lavender.