Spa Sunday

Agatha Christie Bath

Who doesn't like to read in the bathtub (if you can get away from little ones)? Chrisie herself loved to take long hot baths and eat apples, at the same time! Apples are naturally astringent and contain malic acid, which helps remove dead surface cells, leaving the skin smoother. For a simple present, package this bubble bath with some fresh-picked apples, a good mystery novel and a new bath pillow.

1 cup fresh apple juice or unsweetened bottled apple juice

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup mild liquid hand or bath soap

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Stir together all the ingredients and pour into a pretty bottle. To use: pour 1/4-1/2 cup into the tub under running water. You may need to shake gently to remix ingredients.

Yield: 12 ounces, enough for 3-4 baths.

Natural Hair Rinses

Natural hair rinses are simple to create and fun to use. They serve a variety of practical purposes, such as treating dandruff, adding color, and restoring body to dull hair. They also help cleanse the scalp and promote new hair growth. Here are a few favorite after-shampoo hair rinse recipes.

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

1 tblsp chopped fresh lavender leaves and flowers

1 cup water

Mix together all the ingredients and let sit overnight. Strain before using. To use, simply pour over your wet, clean hair, massage well into your scalp, then rinse with warm or cool water.

For color:

Blondes- 1/4 cup strong chamomile tea or juice of 1 lemon and 1 cup water

Redheads- 1/2 cup strong red hibiscus tea

Brunettes- 1/4 cup strong sage or rosemary tea

For Shine:

1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 1 cup water or 1/4 apple cider vinegar and 1 cup water.

Yield: each recipe makes enough for 1 rinse.

Source text: "Natural Beauty For All Seasons"

Source photos: web