Here is selection of lovely gifts that are easily made to give as gifts, or to keep and use for yourself! These are wonderful for any time of year, but they are especially appropriate for in the early months of the year as people start spending more time outdoors.
Freshening Carpet Cleaner
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1-2 Tablespoons (4 to 5 whole) crushed bay leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Cloves or 2 Tablespoons Lavender Flowers
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container, and allow to sit for at least one week before use, shaking occasionally.
To Use: Sprinkle on carpet and allow to sit for at least half an hour, then vacuum as normal.
Fresh Citrus Bath Scrub
- 1 cup dried orange and lemon peel
- 1 cup cooked oatmeal
- 1 cup blanched almonds
Combine all ingredients (dry) in a blender and pulse until the ingredients make a fine powder. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
To Use: Add a few drops of warm water to about a tablespoon of scrub in your hands, enough to make a paste. Rub the paste into skin in upward circular motions. Rinse well.
Super-Simple Rose Moisturizer
- ½ c. Glycerin
- 1 c. Rosewater
Combine well. Store in airtight container, preferably cobalt, amber, or green glass.
This is a lovely, mild and nourishing moisturizer, with an equally lovely and mild scent, perfect for in the spring.
Essential Oil Insect Repellant
- 4 parts citronella oil
- 2 parts lavender oil
- 1 part pennyroyal oil
- 1 part eucalyptus oil
- 1 part tea tree oil
- 1 part jojoba oil
Combine well. Do not use undiluted on skin; add 1 part blend to 16 parts jojoba or almond oil, or vodka, depending on whether you want an oil or spray, respectively. If making a spray, shake well before each use.
Sinus Headache Eyepillow
- ½ cup flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon crushed spearmint leaf
- 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint leaf
- 1 tablespoon lavender buds
- 1 tablespoon eucalyptus leaf
- 1 tablespoon rosemary leaf
- Two 10x4" pieces of material
- Sew the two pieces of material together, leaving one (short) end open. Combine remaining ingredients and fill the pillow, adding more if necessary. Sew remaining side closed.
Simple Sugar Scrub
- Sugar (white and/or brown)
- Sea Salt (optional; makes it more 'scrubby')
- Honey
- Olive Oil (or other oil of choice)
Combine ingredients until you reach the consistency you want. Store in airtight container; in the fridge, if you will not be using it immediately.
To Use: Rub into skin in upward circular motions. Rinse well with warm water.
And remember, presentation is almost as important as the gift itself... if it’s in a jar, add some nice lace or piece of cloth under the ‘o’ ring, over the lid itself. Use nice ribbons. If it’s in a bag, get those nice little inexpensive ‘wedding happy’ bags from the Wal-Mart craft section. Colored cellophane adds a lovely touch without being any more expensive than plain clear, usually. Be creative!
Genevieve Kiger - Genevieve is passionate about all manner of natural subjects; herbs, herbalism, aromatherapy, and general natural health and body care.
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