Hello September!

Hello September - This is a busy month for me in and out of the garden. I am busy cleaning things up and planting new things for Fall. I am also traveling a bit this month and visiting some new gardens so I will post a bunch of photos next month. I am teaching a DIY beauty workshop at the next Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs, PA. This is one of my favorite fairs, because it is held at a Mountain Resort so lots of fresh air and scenic views. Here are a few of the recipes I will be sharing. One is a volume boosting hair spray using Epsom Salt.

Epsom salt is not just for the bath. It is rich in magnesium which is a well known skin healer and helpful in keeping your scalp clean and healthy. "A clean scalp means healthy hair."

Rosemary Mint Hair Spray

1 /2 cup hot water

2 Tablespoons Epsom salt

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

5 drops essential oil of rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

5 drops essential oil of peppermint or 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves

Mix together all ingredients and let sit until cool. Strain into a clean spray bottle. To use: Spray on clean, damp hair and still as usual or let air dry.

Yield: 4 ounces

We will also be making foot soaks. I love a good bath soak but you may not have a tub or the time. You can use your favorite bath recipe as a foot soak. When your feet feel good you do! Foot soaks have awesome health benefits not to mention they keep your feet looking their best.

Apple cider vinegar is perfect for foot soaks as it also helps soften and naturally remove tough skin spots. A good foot soak is a must before a home pedicure.

Lavender Thyme Foot Soak

2 Tablespoons baking soda

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon dried lavender

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Note: You can also use fresh herbs in this soak just double the amount.

In a small bowl mix together all ingredients. Spoon into a small clean jar with a tight fitting lid. To use: Fill a large bowl or basin with warm water and add your foot soak. Soak your feet for 15 -20 minutes massaging rough skin spots with a natural luffa or pumice stone.

Yield: 3 ounces or one foot soak

For more recipes and ideas check out my latest book "Natural Beauty for All Seasons." and if you want a signed copy you can order here on this site. You can also purchase it on the Mother Earth News Site or anywhere they sell books!

You are beautiful !!!

xoxo Janice