This particular recipe is for using with a scent ring, a diffuser or an aroma lamp.

* 20 drops rosewood
* 10 drops neroli
* 5 drops lavender
* 5 drops thyme
* 3 drops cinnamon or clove

Add essential oils to a clean dark glass bottle. Gently rock to blend. Follow your diffuser’s directions for the proper amount to add. For a scent ring add 5-6 drops. For an aroma lamp follow the manufacturer’ s directions, or add about 8-12 drops along with 1 teaspoon of water into the well of the lamp. Store remainder in a cool place.

Adapted from Perfumes, Splashes, and Colognes, by Nancy M. Booth (Storey Books, 1997). http://www.care2.com/

I couldn’t believe how easy it is to make this luxurious cream perfume. It is such a great gift idea, and so quick you can whip up a batch at the very last minute and still have it done in plenty of time!

We include two different formulas: one is bright and citrusy (according to a recent study I just saw discussed on the internet, wearing citrus scents makes you appear thinner to the opposite sex!) and one spicily reminiscent of the Three Kings’ gifts. Both are completely divine.

INGREDIENTS

* 2 tablespoons grated beeswax
* 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
* 1-2 teaspoons pure essential oils

1. Melt beeswax in an enamel or glass pan over boiling water. Add sweet almond oil; combine. Be patient with this step; it’s important to blend them completely.

2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the oils of your choice (see formulas below).  Read more...

* 1 cup distilled water
* 1 cup vodka
* 1/8 cup glycerine
* 1 tsp vitamin E
* 15 drops Lemon Essential Oil
* 15 drops of Orange or Tangerine Essential Oil
* 15 drops Grapefruit Essential oil
* 1 drop yellow food coloring

Blend all ingredients and store in spray bottle. Use after shower to refresh. Shake before use.

Reflexology, also called zone therapy, comes under the heading of alternative medicine. It involves the practice of massaging, squeezing or pushing parts of the feet, hands, body or in the ears with the goals of affecting other parts of the body.

Interestingly, although reflexology has been classified as an alternative medicine approach, there is no consensus among practitioners (reflexologist) on how the practice is supposed to work.

There does appear to be a unifying theme or idea that areas of the feet and hands correspond to different areas of the body. The theory is that by manipulating these areas the reflexologist can make significant changes in a specific organ system or in an individual’s overall health.

The ideas behind reflexology are not new. It was practiced in the Egyptian culture as early as 2330 B.C. the practice, as we know it today, was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham. Her first work was published in 1938 and since 1942 workshops have been constructed around the world.  Read more...

* 3 parts Patchouli
* 1 part Gardenia

Just because artificial fragrances can be harmful to our health doesn’t mean we can’t still smell delicious without them. This cologne formula is light and very refreshing — just the thing for warm summer days — and it uses all-natural ingredients. Not only that, some of them are thought to be cheering, concentration-enhancing, and relaxing!

Some of us like to keep this delightfully fresh cologne in the fridge for a cooling, uplifting spritz when we need one.

INGREDIENTS

* 1/2 part essential oil blend
* 1 1/2 parts water
* 8 parts vodka, rum, or brandy

Essential Oil Blend

* 10 parts lemon essential oil
* 10 parts rosemary essential oil
* 5 parts lavender essential oil
* 5 parts bergamot essential oil

1. Combine ingredients thoroughly, pour into a glass jar with a screw lid, and allow to sit for 3 to 6 weeks.

2. Decant finished cologne into a spritz bottle or a blue or amber glass bottle.

* .75 cc rosewater
* 3 cc vanilla vodka
* 2 drops rose absolute
* 6 drops sandalwood EO

This made about a dram of fragrance (approx. 4 cc’s) which I thought was a good size to just make a wee sample. It did smell good.