THE SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Summer time is approaching quickly, and so is the need for your summertime essentials (oils that is!) Not surprising, at the top of the list is LAVENDER. There is nothing better for the treatment of sunburn than Lavender. It relieves the pain and helps it to heal faster, helps to stop blisters from forming and prevents scarring. Just apply the oil directly to the affected area. If you don't want to apply it directly to your skin add a few drops to a carrier such as Grapeseed Oil, Pure Bath Lotion, or some aloe. Another way to treat it is to add 10 or 15 drops to your bath with lukewarm or cool water and soak for 1/2 hour. When you get out apply lavender to your skin.

Along with the fun in the sun comes those pesky little mosquitoes and other little insects that like to annoy us. Here is a fantastic recipe for insect repellent...this one is a must have for anyone who camps...you won't believe how good it smells (unlike those nasty commercial ones which smell sooooo bad you know they can't be good for you!) and how good it works.

Add the following to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle

• 8 drops of Thyme
• 16 drops of Lemongrass
• 8 drops Lavender
• 8 drops Peppermint

Simply spray on your skin before going outside, reapply as necessary (you'll find it lasts for quite some time)

Now there is one more Summer Essential, and this is one that I actually will never go without, and that is the Bites, Itchies and Ouchies Roll On Blend. It is an antiseptic and pain relieving blend of Lavender, Geranium and Chamomile that can be applied directly to any bite, ithcie or ouchie. What a lifesaver!!! Apply it to any mosquito bite and in no time you won't even know it's there. Your kids will love it!

The Cleaning Kit Oils - What Else?

The question I have been asked the most lately is "What else can I do with the oils that came in my cleaning kit?" It's as easy as ABC - Apply, Breathe, Clean.

C - Clean - You've just started with C, now let's work backwards!

B - Breathe - As you know, the oils in the Aromatherapy Cleaning Set are Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. You can make a great relaxing room spray by simply adding 40 drops of lavender to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Or make what we call the Homework Spray by adding 20 drops each of Lemon and Lavender instead...it's great for helping the kids to settle down and get their homework done (lavender is calming and lemon aids with concentration) This one works great at the office too!

A - Apply - Customize your own face cleanser by adding about 30 drops of essential oil to a 12 ounce bottle of Pure Bath Cleanser. You can simply use a combination of oils that suit your scent preference, or utilize their properties. A combination of Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary is great for blemished skin, or try some Lavender and Lemon for Oily Skin. Just remember you must use a carrier for all of the oils except for Lavender and Tea Tree. Never apply them directly to you skin. Also, after using Lemon or any citrus oil, avoid direct sunlight or you'll be pulling out the lavender to treat a severe sunburn!

Where Do I Start?

That's a question I hear alot. There is so much you can do with Aromatherapy sometimes it's overwhelming. One of the best things you can do is have a Happy Soul home party. You'll have a fun and relaxing "Girls Night Out," you'll learn alot, and you'll be able to get started with some free products. Either our Aromatherapy Starter Set that comes with Lavender, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Clary Sage and some Grapeseed Oil - or the Aromatherapy Cleaning Set that comes with Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and some Biodegradable Cleanser are great first purchases. If that sounds like too much, then simply start with a bottle of Lavender. Everybody should have a bottle of Lavender in their home anyway! Then try adding it to some Dead Sea Salts or some Pure Bath Lotion. You'll be hooked in no time! I'm sure you'll have lots of questions, and that's what I am here for...contact me anytime!

The Laundry Detergent Everyone Wants!!!

Wow!!! I can't believe how many people have asked me for the recipe for laundry detergent! It works well, smells great, saves money, and has no harmful chemicals so I guess I shouldn't be surprised...why wouldn't everyone want it?

3 cups Washing Soda
3 cups Borax
30 drops Lavender (antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral)
20 drops Eucalyptus (antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral)
(For whites add some Lemon - it's a natural whitener)

Remember, this will not make suds, but your clothes will be clean! If you really want suds add some unscented soap flakes. You can also play around with the oils to find your perfect combination!