DIY Geranium Essence for lotions: Day, Night skin and face cream, and sore muscle lotion.

I had just too much fun playing... and saving $

DIY Geranium Essence Master Mix recipe , Day and Eve creams, and Sore muscle lotion recipes below. 

I was making various lotions; trying different mixtures and I wanted to add Geranium as the main ingredient. I made eleven new jars of products; all at a reduction of the cost! I was spending $25-$35 a jar, so I'm counting the savings, not to mention the absence of chemicals!

                    ..................................................................................................................................The far right stack's top two are sore muscle creams, the bottom one is a simpler version of a calming Shea Butter mixture. The Middle pile is my new Evening cream; every night, before bed I lather it on my face, neck and decollete area. The stack on the far left is face cream. Each day, as I head out, I make sure to rub this wonderful stuff onto my face, neck and decollete area. My skin thanks me the rest of the day! Since I have activities that may get me dirty (painting, gardening, and sweating in general) I also add it throughout the day too. For makeup, I simply add a bit of color to it, making it into a tinted moisturizer! Currently, I now have three Day Creams, three Night Creams, and two sore muscle creams in my refrigerator, while I keep four out for my daily use: One Daytime, One nitetime, One sore muscle lotion, and one Shea Soothe.Besides Geranium's wonderful effect on mood, as well as being a natural repellent to insects, it is great for skin and hair care! Not only is it good for oily and combination skin, but it tones and tightens mature skin tissue as well! It can help treat injured skin, healing facial wounds, as it will help regenerate healthy cells, not to mention the damage of the sun (I'm on the lake a lot). Geranium offers soothing, calming effect to skin as well as mood! Lol, a win, win. 

I have tried using my "master mix," a recycled spaghetti sauce jar full of Geranium Essence on my hair. I simply made a hair mask by applying it straight out of the finished jar onto my hair, finger-combing it through. I additionally made a mudd mask for my entire body's skin by simply rubbing it all over me. --Sorry, I didn't take a picture. Lol, I didn't think you all would want to see that!-- After waiting for 15 minutes in the bathroom, I simply stepped into the shower to shower it all off. My hair was fuller and younger looking (how I'd describe it). A hair commercial would say it was, "vibrant with a healthy glow." ;-) 

Something like this, my hair isn't this long, nor am I that gorgeous! Tee hee...

Geranium Essence Master Mix Recipe: 

I didn’t have any geranium oil and I wanted to do something different, that included more of nature's natural bountiful gifts, so I made some. I grow primarily red and white geraniums, which needed pruning, so I took the cut flowers, 

all the scraps (stems and leaves) and made a geranium mixture loaded with geranium’s goodness for    ~my various DIY recipes! 

Once they were slow simmered in solid coconut oil, over low heat for an entire day. (*Note: Cook with a lid to aid in the steaming; additionally, the leaves and flowers were washed by putting into a strainer within a bowl of water to soak and rinse well. Then I did not dry the material, so the water also helped in the steaming process.)  I put the mixture into my powerful juicer, which separated the steamed oil, coconut oil and juices from the dry scrap material (that went out to the compost). 

The next step was picking out skin nourishing ingredients that improve the appearance of skin. The ingredient list needed to include restorative and rejuvenating properties to the skin, anti-aging benefits that reduce the appearance of imperfections, like the reduction of wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars; an anti-inflammatory, skin soothing softness, a glowing, youthful complexion, while hydrating, creating a moisture holding barrier, while promoting circulation and aiding in a healthy cellular function. 

Note: Not all the ingredients listed are needed to make a great lotion! The list are the items, based on their results, I have used, loved and am ready to recommend. 

Day Face

Cream and Night Face Cream:

Pick one or two carrier oils, five Essential oils, two seed or vitamin oils, one tea, and one more addition of something new, which you haven't tried yet! Fresh ingredients like real geranium's and oatmeal will need refrigeration (although, I use one jar at a time, keeping it in my air-conditioned home bathroom and it seems to last around two weeks; I can't say past that because I use it up). Also note, using distilled water in any recipe will extend it's shelf life. 

Ingredients:

• Lavender Essential Oil
• Frankincense Essential Oil
• MyrrhEssential Oil
• Geranium Essence (the above recipe) or Essential Oil
• Cypress Essential Oil
• Cedarwood Essential Oil
• Amurense Bark extract
• Melaleuca Essential Oil
• Hordeum distichon (Barley) Extract
• Immortelle  https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=970
• Rose-water
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• Carrot Seed essential oil
• Meadowfoam Seed Oil
• Vitamin E Oil
• Vitamin C Powder
• Cucumber Gel
• Oatmeal (I grind up finely in a food processor to get "colloidal oatmeal")
• Chamomile
• Shea Butter
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Honey
• Green Tea
• Bentonite Clay
• Rosemary Antioxidant CO2 Extract
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Beeswax Pastilles
• Beeswax
• Sandalwood essential oil (I'm only recommending this oil that is farmed in the U.S., as it  is near extinction in it's native land.  Hawaiian is a good choice). https://www.mydoterra.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=875

Carrier oils: 

• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Coconut Oil (organic solid and/or fractionated). 
• Almond Oil
• Argan Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Vegetable Glycerine  Although, due to Palm oil production destroying our rain forests. If you want to try it, just make sure it is made from coconut oil and not palm ;-). 

Recipe that I did:

1/2 Cup each of Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, 

1 Cup of whipped Shea Butter, 

1/4 Cup Aloe Vera, 

1 Cup Geranium Essence, 

2 Tbl's Rosemary Extract, 

1/3 Cup Vitamin E and C oil, 

14 drops of each: lavender, frankincense, myrrh, Immortelle, 

6 drops of melaleuca, 

3 capsules of Green Tea (or loose green tea, strained) in the Day Face Cream, 

2 bags or loose Chamomile Tea or 3 drops of chamomile essential oil, in the Night Face Cream 

3 capsules of Evening Primrose oil in the Night Face Cream.  

Mix with a hand mixer the base creams: like Shea Butter and /or carrier oils like solid coconut oil to whip them into a creamy lotion first.  

Then add in your homemade Geranium Essence; see my master mix of Essence? I simply keep it in the refrigerator, until I need it:

 (No worries if you're not wanting to make the essence, you can use geranium essential oil too. I just wanted to try something that contained more of  "nature's gifts." 

To the Evening cream I added evening Primrose capsules, opening them to let their oil out and chamomile tea. Chamomile comes in an essential oil, but I didn't have any, so I improvised: I cooked a small amount of almond oil in a measuring cup to boil, added loose tea (two tea bag equivalence, just tear them open), then I strained the oily mixture; catching the loose tea in the strainer. Note in the next picture: the green chamomile mixture is in top picture, while the orange powder on the bottom of the picture is the green tea. 

To the Day cream I added 3 Green Tea capsules, opening them to release their powders from a capsule (I used Pharmanex, but you can make green tea like I did with the Chamomile). Link:  https://www.nuskin.com/content/nuskin/en_US/products/shop/px_categories/cell_protection/01003529.html

Whip with your hand mixer. I like to use a portable one: 

Upon request, I'm adding the Shea Soothe recipe: 

Using a hand mixer, whip 1/2 Cup Shea Butter. 

Add 1 Tbl of Vitamin E, 1 Tbl aloe vera, and 7 drops each of 

lavender, frankincense, and myrrh. Simply stir it in. 

I keep this on hand because it is calming for a quick-fix for most skin irritations. 

Sore Muscle Remedy, or Deep Blue Alternative

I was on a roll with my lotion making, so I also made two sore muscle jars by adding Deep Blue, Eucalyptus, and Aroma Touch to a base lotion of whipped Shea Butter. Now, every night before bed I message my feet, knees, wrists, hands, and anything else that is sore from the Long Day...

Recipe: 

In a bowl, whip 1/2 Cup Shea Butter with a hand mixer. Add 7 drops each of Deep Blue and Eucalyptus, Add 4 drops of aroma Touch. Stir to mix well. 
Fill 2 recycled clean or new jars with Shea Butter mixture. Use as needed on sore, tired 
muscles. Ahh... 

Bring Spring In w Creativity; the Outdoors in, Flowers, and FlowerPot Cupcakes! How to cook kid's cupcakes.

How to have spring fun with Cupcakes. ;-)

I love to have fun with spring; I like to bring in flowers, grasses, bulbs, and I make food that is fun springtide!         Daffodils, don't you just love them?The sure sign of spring...

Or, you can take carnations, or roses and simply add food color to their water to get them any spring color you desire. Green is great for St. Patrick's Day or Spring. (But,for earlier in the year, you can even go red for Valentine's Day!) How about red, white and blue on July 4? The options with using food coloring are endless!  Or use this idea to be just another creative way to bring in the green! Use fancy when deciding on what vases or containers to hold your flowers. Aren't tea cups so adorable?

(dislaimer: pic from lookiloos)

Another very simple way to bring in the green.                    

Simple black retangular vases look great w grass.

Now for the CuPcaKeS:

I love to make various springtime cupcakes this time of year. The kids love them too!

Can you think of anything more kid-friendly-spring, than FlowerPot Cupcakes?

                               Silicone flower pots make kid friendly cupcakes. I bought these at Michaels. I have also filled them w chocolate pudding and gummy worms, lol. ;-)

 I love to play w colors of icing!

 I found this idea too cute to not share! I am always looking for a cupcake that is more boyish for my sons. How about these? Dain loves argyle.

So, have fun with the simple cupcake:

 Or you can always dye your dog green for the Spring. ;-)

 Lol, Not serious, just joking. ;-)

15 Foods to MellowOut or to Boost your Mood! Herbs, Food tackle Stress. Mother Nature's Organic, Natural Cures out of your kitchen; Gardening, Diet.

15 Foods to MellowOut or to Boost your Mood!

We all have been there, pressure at work, sadness that you cannot shake, or stressors that put you over the edge. While some may need to ask their doctor about antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications, others may simply benefit from Mother Nature’s natural cures. You have nothing to lose, give her a shot. Mom Nature can decrease stress hormones and soothe your sleep-deprived body, here are remedies that you can find with food and herbs.

Lavender (disclaimer, pic from Corbis)

I grow many herbs and vegetables in my back yard, but you can find any of these organic remedies in your grocery stores.  I grow lavender and Chamomile in my flower pots on my deck, so that they are within a quick reach. Lavender aids stress-related sleep disorders, treating mild insomnia; it is an aromatherapy to help your mind turn itself off. Have you ever gone to bed, tossing and turning all night, thinking up solutions, To-Do lists, and of your kid’s schedules? Native to the Mediterranean basin, Lavender can come in dried flowers and in essential oils like you find in potpourri, body lotions, teas and candles. I love the calming scent of candles, but what works for me is to make up a tea with a mixture of dried Lavender and Chamomile.

Chamomile

Some nights it’s our minds we cannot turn off, other nights, it’s our bodies. Chamomile can help the latter. Research shows that in animals, chamomile suppresses muscle spasms, which in effect, calms the body. Chamomile is native to Europe and Asia, but in the United States you can easily find it in tea, located in any grocery store. Note anyone who is allergic to hay or ragweed may not be able to take Chamomile.

St. John’s Wort (disclaimer: Alamy photo)I found out about the effects of this perennial herb through my experiences as a pharmaceutical representative. One of my drugs was Evista, an anti-osteoporosis drug for women. Many of the women complained of symptoms that were of a PMS nature; St. John’s Wort was the usual recommendation. St. John’s Wort is credited for improving mood and increases interest in activities in mildly depressed patients. However, check with your doctor in regards to interactions with any medications you may be taking before using it.

Passionflower

(Disclaimer: photo from Getty Images)

Yes, a flower can take you off that edge mentioned before. It is a creeping vine that is native to southern United States; you can grow it in your backyard! Vines are so easy to grow; they take off fast, and are tolerant of most things. This pretty little flower has more than looks on its side, it is used to treat nervous stress and anxiety in Britain; it was an approved over-the-counter sedative and sleep aid until 1978—drugs advanced and took the place of herbal treatments. You can find this flower in the form of an herbal supplement, or in teas.

Valerian Root

(Disclaimer: photo found from Alamy)

Valerian root has a sedative-like effect on humans. Often used in a medicinal tea infusion and tincture, this root can be found in approximately 60 different forms, including tablets, tea, juices, and drops. Just be sure to discuss it with your doctor before using in regards to possible negative reactions with food or medications. This root is cultivated in Europe, Japan, and in the United States; its history goes back into ancient Greece (It was documented by Hippocrates).

Green Tea

Improvement in mood is the result of an amino acid in green tea, theanine, which isn't present in any of the other caffeinated beverages.. Theanine is said to have a tranquilizing effect in the brain, which results from the production of alpha brain waves that induce a state of relaxation. Additionally, theanine alters the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Here is a link to a recent study with it's results:  

http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Tea-As-a-Mood-Booster---How-Green-Tea-Positively-Affects-Depression&id=3465821. 

Another benefit found in green tea is Catechins, which are antioxidants; catechins are known to take down the risk of diseases such as heart, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.  It is good for the blood (lowers cholesterol), brain, heart, and weight loss. So have a hot cup of tea and enjoy.

Okay, those are the herbs that I frequently use, now for the food. More and more doctors are looking at diet as a means to treat many illnesses, as well as prevent them. When I wrote nursing care plans for my patients, the first thing that I looked at was improving their diet. Food does affect so many things!

Sweet Potatoes

(Disclaimer: Getty Image)

The next time you have the urge to eat away your anxiety, keep in mind, we reach for comfort food like macaroni and cheese because you are craving what a carbohydrate can bring you, Serotonin, a mood stabilizer. Sweet potatoes work as a power stress-busting food because of their sweet flavor and high concentration of carbohydrates- two common stress-related cravings. To boot, sweet potatoes are high in fiber, so that you digest this complex carbohydrate in a slow and steady manner, besides keeping you full longer, fiber also keeps you physically-and emotionally-satisfied longer.

Whole Grains

Now that we have mentioned fiber, need a happiness boost? Try snacking on a healthy portion of complex carbohydrates, triggering the release of serotonin, known to be the feel good hormone; allowing you to feel calm, relaxed and happy. The ideal carbs include whole grains, cereals, oats, quinoa, brown rice, legumes, peas, beans, and lentils. Food labeling and advertising can be tricky, because food can be claimed as “whole grain” with so little of the good stuff in it. Check the label and look at the fiber content, it if says 2… you do the math, if it says, 6-12… this is a good whole grain product.

Spinach Salad

Are you feeling sluggish, can’t concentrate, or are just having trouble keeping your eyes open? Perhaps climbing back into bed isn’t an option, skip the late-afternoon coffee, which will keep you wired, -- have a spinach salad instead. Homocysteine is associated with damage to blood vessels, in addition to interfering with the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients into the brain. A decreased blood flow will leave you feeling sluggish or slow to process or recall information. Oxygen is carried in the blood, if you are low, you will feel tired. Folic acid, or folate, helps your body to process and lower homocysteine levels. Eating food rich in folate, like all green leafy vegetables, as well as potatoes, beans, peas, and mushrooms will give you that needed boost!

Salmon Burger

Anxious, worrying about all of daily life’s hurdles? If anxiety and worries are consuming your day, consider heading out to lunch with a friend. A conversation with a friend will lift your spirits and so will your meal, if you order salmon. Salmon is one of the riches sources of Omega-3, fatty acids, a nutrient that will help tame your anxiety. Omega-3 is the strongest in cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel. Extensive research has been done on the effects of Omega-3, giving results to support its prevention, and treatment of clinical depression. There is also evidence that it helps to reduce anger and irritability. Thank you Salmon! Oh, and if you’re not making this sandwich at home, ask for a whole- grain bun. ;-)

Egg Salad Sandwich

PMS, that fun visitor, or you just have the symptoms that are PMS-like, most people go to comfort food like macaroni and cheese, ice cream, or potato chips. Consider an egg-salad sandwich instead and here is why, an egg salad sandwich is the perfect combo of carbohydrate and tryptophan! Tryptophans as well as carbohydrates both enhance the release of serotonin. Avoid high-sugar, high fat carbohydrates, like sweets or chips; these choices will leave you feeling sluggish and grumpy after your blood sugar takes a spike, only to then quickly drop. Opt for wholegrain bread; pair it with Tryptophan and protein rich eggs to get the mood improvement effect of serotonin. Sunflower seeds or turkey also are high in tryptophan.

Low-fat Milk

Need a happiness boost? Vitamin D deficiency in your diet may have something to do with the source of your sadness. This nutrient has many different roles in the body, one of which is to help in the production of serotonin. We have discussed how serotonin can help you feel calm, relaxed and happy. If you are low on vitamin D, you may be affecting your body’s ability to stabilize your mood and reduce feelings of depression. To increase your vitamin D intake, look into fortified low-fat or skim milk, fortified cereals (Kashi is great), or mushrooms. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are a good idea too, especially for women nearing an osteoporosis age. -- Note, some people have seasonal depression for the same reason-- they need vitamin D (the sun provides D as well).

Peanut Butter

(Disclaimer: from Getty Images)

Feeling irritable, cranky or unfocused from lack of sleep? Both of these symptoms point to your body needing fuel. Peanut Butter or peanuts are high in vitamin B6, which helps regulate the blood sugar and stabilize mood. If you choose a natural peanut butter you can avoid the excess sugar, which could negate the positive effects of the B6. If you spread the peanut butter on a hard to break down, slow digesting, carbohydrate, such as whole-grain toast, you will stay satisfied longer.

Apple w Peanut Butter

Again, a great fuel option, your body is cranky because it needs fuel. Just be sure to refuel the right way: with foods that don’t leave you with a blood sugar crash an hour later, setting the crankiness cycle in motion all over again. To blast irritability, eat combination foods at each meal and snack. Combination foods contain a carbohydrate in combination with protein. Carbohydrates are a great source of energy that quickly burns out. Adding some protein will slow the digestion process, causing your sugar and energy levels to remain stable for a longer amount of time. The apple is your healthy complex carbohydrate and the peanut butter is a healthy protein-fat. Combining these powerhouse foods tastes delicious and gives you energy that lasts for hours!

Dark Chocolate

Leaving the best for last, dark chocolate (milk chocolate does not have the same effects); I want to explain why this cocoa treat seems to make us feel better whenever we are in need. If the stress of the day is building, what can calm you down fast? Find that chocolate bar that you have hiding in your desk drawer. Dark chocolate reduces the stress hormones that are swarming in your body. In fact, studies show, just eating a smidge of dark chocolate (1.4 oz.) has the power to lower the stress hormones cortisol and catecholamine’s in the body, reducing your anxiety and giving you that needed pat on the back. Plus, the pure joy of eating your favorite treat --let us not leave that out, it may trigger the release of endorphins in your brain, which offers an immediate happiness boost. That is two hormone helpers in one sweet treat!