©iStockphoto.com - Goldmund

In this world where we are constantly connected and on call we often lose sight of making time for self-care. Women and mothers especially sometimes see self-care as an excess or an indulgence. Fancy spa sessions are expensive and time-consuming, and while a long weekend at a yoga retreat may sound wonderful, it’s not a possibility for everyone.

Making time for self-care is so important, however. Having even a few minutes to yourself to feel good and relieve stress can improve your health, circulation, and attitude. A little pampering goes a long way and is an investment in your well-being.

Here are five quick and simple ways to add a little relaxation in just a few minutes during your shower that are fast and often free! (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - KonradLew

Aromatherapy is very well-known these days, and there is a multitude of scented candles and incense sticks and cones on the market available for any preference or mood. If you’re looking for a little bit of a challenge, however, or want to experiment in a new way with the range of fresh herbs available during the summer, making your own incense could be just what you’re looking for.

Below is an overview of making your own incense. There are numerous wonderful sites on the internet describing specific methods and ingredients for incense production. Scents of Earth has good information on incense making and the ingredients you’ll need. (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - silberkorn

It’s that time of year again when we get to enjoy the beach, pool, flip flops and open-toed shoes.  Our feet get to breathe again and everyone gets to see what’s been hiding all winter in cute boots.  Well it’s time to whip those babies into shape with an at-home green pedicure.

Before you get started you’ll want to make sure you have everything gathered around you so you don’t have to keep getting up.  Get something to soak your feet in, a few favorite essential oils for the foot bath or even a few lemon slices, nail files, nail brush, pumice stone, a cuticle stick, lotion and oil for your cuticles (you can even grab your olive oil). (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - graffoto

Whether you’re a 9-to-5 gal who commutes to the office or a stay-at-home mom who runs around after the little ones, you work hard! You probably have a million things on your “to-do” list, all of which can wear you down and make you tired, taking a toll on the way you look and feel. So, consider a natural bath or spa treatment to help you relax, revitalize and renew. No need to spend big bucks at an over-priced upscale spa. It’s super-easy and affordable to create your own natural bath and spa treatments at home using a few simple ingredients!

Bath Foams and Shower Gels

Who doesn’t love to luxuriate in a bubble bath or soothing shower at the end of a long, hectic day? According to the Web site, Kitchencraftsnmore.net, there are many recipes for making soothing, moisturizing natural bath foams and shower gels (1). (continue reading…)

Healthy, Natural Nails

No matter what you’re doing, you can’t hide your hands! They’re always on display, so it’s important to keep your hands healthy and looking their best. Some women opt for expensive manicures at spas or salons. Don’t have the time or money? That’s okay! You can easily (and cheaply!) make your own nail treatments at home with simple, natural everyday ingredients.

What Are Nails Made Of?

On About.com, Heather Brannon, M.D., a family physician, explains that there are several nail components (1):

• Part of the nail starts under the skin, called the nail root. Here, you’ll see the lunula, which is the white, half-moon shaped mark at the base of your nail. (continue reading…)
  

ⓒ iStockPhoto - joannawnuk

Go to your co-op grocery and buy 10 pounds of sea salt. You need it. And at 59 cents a pound, can you really afford not to?

1. Skin Detox

Problems with acne? Fine sea salt is amazing for oily and combination skin types. Salt will slough away the dead skin. Leave a salt on your body for 5 minutes to kill bacteria. Your skin will become noticeably softer and smoother in a few days. Keep fine salt in a cup for daily cleansing to maintain smooth clear skin. For large acne eruptions, dampen salt and rub into blemish. Let stand for 5 minutes. Oils will draw to the surface and bacteria will die. This method works for the face and body. Do not leave salt paste on face for more than 5 minutes. Soaking in a salty bath will draw impurities from the skin. This is a great total body detox strategy. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - William Mahar

Spring’s almost here, but we’re still in the time of year where most people seek some comfort from nourishing teas or warm baths. With the economy the way it is now, however, we’re also trying to cut out unnecessary purchases. Why stress out over buying the things you want to help you not stress out?

Many people don’t know how easy it is to make some of the products that they buy regularly or to tailor some of their indulgences to make them more affordable. Cutting costs while maintaining quality is vital, especially if you want to buy organic. (continue reading…)