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#Wordless Wednesday-Orange Marigold’s
Category: DIY
The “Swiss Army knife” of Essential Oils
Lavender is the most commonly infused into oils and uded topically. It is one of my favorite herbs for it’s numerous beneficial attribute, including it’s antibacterial and antiseptic uses, and soothing mild sedative properties, which can naturally support an exceptionally long list of common ailments.
Cuts and scaring
Insect bites
Eczema
Burns
Headaches
Anxiety
Sleeplessness
Depression
Hypertension
Preeclampsia
Constipation
Labor pain
Melinda
Source:
Stampington.com
The ability to add a link is still not working.
Feasting on Flowers
If you’d like to add edible flowers to your garden and recipes, there are a few things to remember. Pick them early in the day, before the sun grows to hot, and use the promptly or store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Wash them, gently dip them in a seal container of water and dab onto soft towel.
Here are some varieties to get you started, but be sure to research the flavors, tips and more.
Carnations
Chamomile
Cornflower
Dahlias
Dandelions
Elderflower
Geraniums
Gladiolias
Hibiscis
Honeysuckle
Lavender
Lilac
Magnolias
Nasturitium
Pansies
Roses
Snapdragon
Zucchini
Melinda
Source:
DIY Refreshing Room Spray
There is nothing pleasant about lingering foul order. This citrus-scented spray helps eliminate unwanted odors from any room from in the house.
You will need
Spray bottle: small
Distilled water
1 tsp dish soap
1 tsp vodka
30 drops of citrus essential oil
How to Make
Fill a small spray bottle two-thirds with distilled water
Add the dish soap, vodka, and the essential oil
Tighten the spray top and swirl the mixture for 30 seconds before spraying.
The spray is a great housewarming gift or for use around the house.
Melinda
Reference:
Repost
Spiced Wine Sachet Is A Cozy Beverage
This is a great hostess gift, great for parties, or makes an inexpensive gift for someone at the office.
You will need
Tea sachet/Cheesecloth
Spices
Dry red wine
Pot/Slow cooker
Orange slices
Honey/Sugar (optional)
To make
For a cozy beverage to have by your side, fill the tea sachet (or a square of cheesecloth) with cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns to simmer in some wine. Or attach these sachets to a bottle of wine for a holiday gift.
To make spiced wine, pour a bottle of dry red wine into a pot or slow cooker, and place the sachet into the wine. Add a few orange slices and simmer on low, do not boil, for about 45 minutes. Sweeten the wine with a few tablespoons of honey or sugar, if desired.
Serve in mugs with garnishes like cinnamon sticks or star anise.
Melinda
Refernce:
Throat Got You Down?
Magnolia Issue #10
Throat Soother
1 large lemon
Ginger root, fresh 2″ knob
Turmeric root, fresh 2″ knob
2 cinnamon sticks
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup honey
Slice
lemon, ginger, and turmeric paper-thin using a mandolin or sharp knife. Layer slices in a half-pint jar. Break cinnamon sticks lengthwise into several pieces and tuck them in jar. Add apple cider vinegar.
Pour
Pour honey into the jar, covering the other ingredients. Place jar in the refrigerator. The honey becomes thin syrup and read to use in 12 hours.
To Use
Stir up 1/4 cup into a hot tea or water: or take 1-2 tsp. syrup each hour as needed to soothe sore throat or cough. Shake the jar occasionally. Keep Refrigerated for up to three weeks.
BONUS Grannies Recipe
Mix equal parts honey, whiskey and lemon. Refrigerate in a pint jar, leave a spoon in and take a spoonful or two every time your throat needs it.
Super Bonus Gramps Recipe
Keep the bottle of Black Velvet on the nightstand, when you wake yourself up coughing, take a sig.
Melinda
Repost
DIY Pressed-Flower Gift Tags
What a way to decorate your gifts and people love it when you go the extra mile.
You Will Need
Rolling pin
Air-dry clay
Glass/or cookie-cutter
Pressed flowers
Toothpick
Scissors
Twine
Wooden beads
To Make
Use the rolling pin so it is about 1/4 inch thick
Press a glass or cookie cutter into the clay and remove excess clay around it
Gently place pressed flowers on the clay circle using a rolling pin very gently to press the flowers in.
Use a toothpick to create a hole in the clay
Let it dry for a couple of days
Cut a length of twine and insert it into the hole
Add a bead, tie the twine, and then tie the twine in a knot to finish
This is a simple and inexpensive way to decorate any gift.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Ideal Essential Oils For Hair Care
Dry Hair
Lavender
Rosemary
Ylang-ylang
Rose
Chamomile
Geranium
Parsley
Rose
Sandlewood
Hair Loss
Lemon
Chamomile
Lavender
Thyme
Calendula
Frankincense
Peppermint
Sage
Rosemary
Hair Growth
Ginger
Lemon
Peppermint
Cedarwood
Tea Tree
Grapefruit
Cypress
Lavander
Rosemary
Enjoy
Melinda
Reference:
Hydrating Beard Oil
You Will Need
3 TB jojoba oil
3 TB argon oil
2 TB olive oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
6 drops oine essential oil
6 drops lavender esstential oil
3 drops sage essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops spruce essential oil
Dropper bottle
To Make
Mix all ingredients together, and add to a dropper bottle. Use daily after showering to help moisturize the skin and takme the hair.
I bet the man in your life with a beard will love the beard oil.
Melinda
Reference:
Flower-Power Facts
This post is one you may want to print to keep for your DIY Folder.
Calendula
treats blemishes; heals skin; reduces inflamation
Chamomile
relaxes nerves; soothes dry, rough or sensitive skin; diminishes puffiness; neutralizes irritants
Daisy
reduces the apperence of dark spots and hypermentation
Dandelion
treats warts; eczema and skin disorders; protects against UVB damage and harmful photoaging, combats acne
Geranium
encourages cell growth; balances hormones; reduces breakouts irritation , inflammation and skin infections
Sunflower
prevents premature aging; protects the skins outer layer
Ylang-Ylang
soothes redness; treats acne causing microbes; balances oil production
Jasmine
unclogs pores; hydrates; softens skin
Enjoy!
Melinda
14 Ways To Use Dehydrated Lemons
This is a great idea and the uses are endless.
Display in a potpourri bowl
Use a place of a shower steamer
Create a dried lemon garland
Amplify a face stean recipe to open pores
Combine with Epson salt for an energizing bath soak
Pair with fresh or dried ingredients in a stovetop simmer pot
Attach to fresh lavender or rosemary wreath
Create a floating candle display
Hide as a surprise inside a homemade bath bomb
Add to gift tag or packaging
Tuck it into a wax sachet to refresh
Immerse in a milk bath
Savor in a summer dough bowl candle
Embed in handmade soap bars
Enjoy.
Melinda
Reference:
Easy To Make Calming Essential Oil Blends
This combination smells lovely and helps to soothe anxious feelings. You can keep one in your purse to have on hand throughout the day.
YOU WILL NEED
Carrier oil: fractionated coconut oil/grapeseed oil/jojoba oil
Glass roller bottle 10-ml.
6 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops orange essential oil
6 drops patchouli essential oil
4 drops frankincense essential oil
TO MAKE
Add the carrier oil to the glass roller bottle. Add essential oils to the bottle, and shake to combine.
Melinda
Repost
Reference:
Willow and Sage by Stampington
Blogger Fav Slow-Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal
This is the perfect year-round recipe and it’s so easy to make.
This recipe is from True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari, all the recipes are free of glutens and refined sugar.
What You Need
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
4 cups full-fat coconut milk
2 bananas sliced
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Pink Himalayan salt
2 TB pure maple syrup
Serves six
How to make
In a slow cooker, combine oats, coconut milk, bananas, and 2 cups of water with the vanilla, cinnamon, and a big pinch of salt. Stir together, and cook on a low setting for 8 hours.
In the morning or when it’s ready to be served, add maple syrup to the oatmeal. Stir to combine and serve warm.
Melinda
Wrapped With Wax Paper
A jar of homemade scrub or infused oil, or bath salts, is a superb gift in itself, but making your own aesthetically pleasing packaging to it elevates the gift even more.
You Will Need
Wax paper
Glass jar: small
Twine
Driend Lavender srpig
Mini-clothespin
To Package
Fold a piece of wax paper so it’s almost square. Place the folded wax paper on top of a small glass jar and secure with twine. Insert a dried lavender sprig and secure with a mini-clothespin.
Notes
Be sure to use an airtight jar and secure the lid tightly. You don’t want the contents to leak into the packaging.
Use your imagination when decorating the jar.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Understaning Essential Oil Soap Blends
Here we’ve compiled a few examples so you can start experimenting.
Tops Notes
Bergamont: sweet, fruity
Lemon: fresh, crisp
Orange: sweet, fruity
Grapefruit: fresh, citrusy
Peppermint: strong, minty
Lime: fresh, citrusy
Spearmint: fresh, minty
Clove: warm, spicy
Mild Notes
Clary Sage: herbaceous
Juniper Berry: floral
Eucalyptus: strong, fresh
Tea Tree: medicinal, herbaceous
Lavender: herbaceous: floral
Lemongrass: strong, citrus
Base Notes
Cedarwood: mild, woody
Black Pepper: spicy, sharp
Cinnamon Leaf: spicy, strong
Patchouli: earthy, musky
Vetiver: war, spicy
Yalg-Yalg: strong, floral
Sandalwood: woody, warm
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Safety Tips For Working Without Preservatives
Make smaller quantities, approximately what you will use in three months.
Make sure you only use absolutely clean and sterile equipment, utensils, and storage bottles.
Take out only as much product as you will use in the next week, and always store the rest in the refrigerator. If properly made and stored, the backstock will last three to four months.
Don’t dip your fingers in the container because you can introduce contaminants that will make the product go bad sooner. Instead, use a sterile spoon or spatula to transfer product from the backstock container to a daily-use container. Similarly, either use a spoon to scoop out the product for daily use or keep it in a pump bottle.
Store the daily-use container away from direct sunlight and heat.
If the recipe separates or smells off, discard it and make a new batch.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
20 Supplies For Handmade Gift-Wrapping
Wrapping your gifts has never been easier, and you may have many items needed at home.
Fabric scraps
Wax paper
Parchment paper
Twine
String
Greeneery
Dried natural elements
Brown paper bag
Muslin bags
Cheesecloth
Glass jars
Scizzors
Tape
Glue
Naturally dyed materials
Ephemera
Decorative tape
Writing tools
Whole spices
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Easy DIY Self-Care Eye Pads
From Makeup and Beauty
This DIY is easy and super quick to do. It can also be done in the comfort of your own kitchen platform to relieve your eyes of all the exhaustion and get rid of the dullness around the eyes.
You need:
Carrot (Known for its discoloration properties, carrot juice would help you get rid of the darkness and dullness around eyes)
Raw Milk (Known for its anti-tan properties, milk has always come handy in getting rid of dark circles around eyes)
Round Cotton Pads
Grater
To make the Eye Pads:
Grate about a teaspoon full of carrot in a bowl
Now, add some grated cucumber to the carrot.
Add about a teaspoon of raw milk (unheated) to this mixture.
Now, add a teaspoon full of rose water to this.
Now let this mixture rest for about 20 minutes to let the carrot and cucumber soak properly in the milk and rose water mixture.
Now, squeeze out the carrot and cucumber pulp and put the juice in a separate bowl.
Now, take the cotton pads separate the two sheets of cotton, and spread a thin layer of the pulp onto one side of the cotton.
Now take about a teaspoon of the juice extract and spread it over the thin layer.
Make a sandwich by closing the thin layer sheet with its other cotton sheet.
I hope you enjoy this easy-to-make self-care treat and remember you are worth it! Self-care is mental health care.
Melinda
20 Supplies For Gift-Wrapping
Fabric Scraps
Wax paper
Parchment paper
Twine
String
Greenery
Dried natural elements
Brown paper bags
Muslim bags
Glass jars
Decorative tape
Tags
Whole spices
Twine
String
Cheesecloth
Tape
Glue
Scissors
Natural dye materials
Ephemera
Writing tools
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Safety Tips For Making Natural Products
Sterilize Containers & Tools
Use clean, sterilized spray bottles, containers, and tools when making natural products. The dishwasher works well to clean and sterilize tools, particularly for something that will be stored long term. Wipe out any jars or bottles with 100% vinegar before adding a product to the container. Make sure to use clean hands or tools when using and applying the product.
Water Safety
Distilled (or boiled & cooled) water is best to use for any homemade product calling for water because it removes any potential contaminants. Tap water should be boiled for 15 minutes and cooled before use.
Label Products
Label your products with the name and date made. This can be as basic as using a permanent marker to write directly on glass or tape.
Avoid Mixing Certain Products
There are a few ingredients that should not be mixed together due to chemical reactions: this applies mainly to cleaning products.
There are mainly three notorious natural combos, using, using four different ingredients (baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and Castile soap) that should be avoided.
Storage Tips
Store your products in a dark, cool place. Store them in airtight containers to eliminate humidity and other contaminants. Reduce the chance of outside water coming into contact with the product; for example, scoop out a scrub with a spoon rather than your fingers.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Juniper Berry Acne Serum
You Will Need
Mortar & pestle or coffee grinder
2 TB. juniper berries
1 TB. dried rosemary
1 TB. dried calendula petals
Glass jar with ring
3 OZ. hemp seed oil
3 OZ. jojoba oil
Cheesecloth
Funnel
Dropper bottles: amber-colored 2 OZ. (3)
Spoon
Small pot
To Make
Using a motor and pestle or coffee grinder, lightly crush or grind the juniper berries. For the cold-pressed foldlore theodicy, add crushed, rosemary, and calendula petals to a sterilized jar. Top with hemp seed and jojoba oils and seal the jar. Shake to combine and place in a cool dry place for four to six weeks. Give the jar a good shake every few days to aid the infusion. Once the oils are infused, place a layer of cheesecloth over the jar, using the ring to secure it. With the help of a funnel, pour the cooled oil into dropper bottles.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Eczema Soothing Botainical Bath Tea
You Will Need
Large bowl
2 cups dried red clover
1 cup dried calendula
1 cup dried yarrow
Wooden spoon
2 Glass jars: 1 QT./ 1 PT.
Line tea bags
To Make
In a large bowl, combine herbs. You may want to break up the larger red clover and calendar flower heads if you are using whole flowers so they will be more evenly distributed within the mixture. Stir to combine with a wooden spoon, and scoop into a glass jar. Store out of direct sunlight. To use as a simple bath tea, fill a linen tea bag with the hears, tie it tightly, and place in a warm bath.
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Melinda
Super Easy Charcoal Face Mask
You Will Need
Small plastic or glass bowl
2 TB. bentonite clay
1 TSP. activated charcoal
2 TB. apple cider vinegar
2-3 drops essential oil (optional)
Wooden or plastic spoon
Silicone face spatula (optional)
To Make
In a plastic or glass bowl, mix together the bentonite clay, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils if desired, using a wooden or plastic spoon. To use, apply the face mask to a clean face or other trouble areas using the silicone face spatula or clean fingers. Allow mixture to harden slightly, about 5-10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. It’s best to do this in the shower because it can be messy. For best results, use one a week.
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Melinda
Homemade Dry Shampoo for Lighter Hair
Materials
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 30 drops lavender or lemongrass essential oil
- measuring cup
- small metal funnel
- shaker container, glass or metal lid, or repurposed salt or spice shaker
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a measuring cup and mix using a whisk or fork.
- Use a funnel to transfer the mixture into your repurposed shaker or spoon it into a shaker container. Tighten your lid.
- Sprinkle generously onto your roots as needed.
- You can rub the mixture in with your fingers or a brush.
Melinda
Repost
Chocolate Coconut Face Mask
I can smell the chocolate already.
You Will Need
Yields About 11 Treatments
Small bowl
1 TB. pure coco powder
1 TB. coconut milk powder
1 1/2 TB. white kaolin clay
Spon/Silicon spatula
2 oz airtight container
Small mask/pinch bowl
Face mask brush (optional)
To Make
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Use the back of a spoon or silicone spatula to break up any clumps. Once the mask base is well blended, pour it into a container with a lid.
To Use
Place 1 teaspoon of the mask base in a small mask or pinch bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of warm water, and stir until smooth. Apply to your face and neck with a face mask brush or your handstand let sit for three to five minutes. Gently remove with a damp cloth, rinse your face with warm water. Use the mask one or two times a week for a luxurious, moistering antioxidant treatment. The shelf life is about 12 months.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
5 Allergy Relief Essential Oils
Essential Oil Facts
Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before topical use. Since essential oils are very potent and concentrated, a few drops go a long way. Never ingest essential oils even if the manufacturer claims it’s safe. Learn which essential oils can’t be used around children or pets.
Peppermint: unclogs sinus; relieves scratchy throats, acts as an expectorant; and eases common cold symptoms.
Basil: acts as an anti-inflammatory; can kill bacteria, yeast, and mold; soothes coughing symptoms; relieves pain.
Eucalyptus: opens up lungs and sinuses; improves circulation; reduces common symptoms; improves airflow through nasal passages.
Lemon: supports lymphatic system drainage; relieves stuffy nose; relieves cough and respiratory conditions.
Tea Tree: destroys airborne pathogens; has antiseptic properties; relieves inflamed nostrils and sinuses.
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Melinda
DIY Refreshing Room Spray
There is nothing pleasant about lingering foul order. This citrus-scented spray helps eliminate unwanted odors from any room in the house.
You will need
Spray bottle: small
Distilled water
1 tsp dish soap
1 tsp vodka
30 drops of citrus essential oil
How to Make
Fill a small spray bottle two-thirds with distilled water
Add the dish soap, vodka, and the essential oil
Tighten the spray top and swirl the mixture for 30 seconds before spraying.
The spray is a great housewarming gift or for use around the house.
Melinda
Repost
Inflation Buster! Homemade Reusable Dryer Sheets
Inflation Buster!
Willow and Sage by Stampington
You will need
2 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups white vinegar
3-4 TB. vegetable glycerin
Jar with sealed lid: large wide mouth
12 drops orange essential oil
12 drops lemon essential oil
7 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops peppermint essential oil
Cotton quilting squares/washcloths
To Make
Add water, white vinegar, and vegetable glycerin to a large jar. Close the lid and shake vigorously. Add the essential oils. Close the lid and shake again. Add cotton quilting squares or washcloths, and you’re done. Be sure to shake the jar and wring out the cloth before adding them to your load of laundry.
Note
Essential oils last longer in dark glass containers. Since I reused a clear jar, I store my dryer sheets in a dark place to extend their shelf life.
This is an inflation buster! When you can use a product more than one time you’re helping the planet.
Melinda
Repost
Homemade Potpourri
Willow & Sage by Stampington
You Will Need
Dried flowers, herbs, and other natural elements
Spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and vanilla beans
Dried fruit/Apple and citrus peels
Dehydrator (optional)
15-20 drops essential oils/fragrance oils
1 TB. orris root powder
Airtight glass container
To Make
Dry the herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, and other natural elements. You can leave them to dry for two or three weeks, use a dehydrator, or place them in the oven at 200 degrees for two hours until dried. Add the essential oils or fragrance oils to the natural elements. Add the orris root powder as a fixture to prevent the essential oils from evaporating so the mixture maintains its aroma longer.
Store in an airtight container for a few days before using. Once open, the scent lasts for about two to three weeks. Restore the scent by adding more essential oils.
Notes
For the dried flowers, herbs, and other natural elements, gather pinecones, cypress, pine cuttings, sage leaves, and flowers.
Some essential oil combinations are: sage, rosemary, and orange; fir and spruce; cinnamon bark, pine, and orange; clary sage, juniper, and fir; and bergamot and Douglas fir.
Melinda
Infused Oil With Wild Rosehip
From Willow & Sage from Stampington
You Will Need
Dried Rosehips
Spice grinder/Mortor & pestle
Glass jars
Organic jojoba oil/carrier of your choice
Cheesecloth/Muslin
Glass dropper bottles
To Make
Making this oil is so simple! Grind the dried rosehips either in a spice grinder or using a mortar & pestle to break them open and reveal the seeds. Fill the glass jar halfway with the crushed rosehips and cover with jojoba oil on top so there’s no room or air.
Secure the lid, and let it sit in a cool dark place for six weeks. When ready, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or muslin into the pouring vessel, and transfer to glass dropper bottles. This oil should stay shelf-stable for over a year.
This infused oil is great for your skin since it’s high in vitamin C, fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants. A little goes a long way.
Enjoy.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 