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

Spa Sunday

The Perfect Facial

Skin cells regenerate every twenty-one days, so a monthly facial is essential for maintaining a healthy and glowing complexion. A complete facial involves a six-step process: analyzing, steaming, massaging the skin, applying the mask, rinsing the face and moisturizing the skin with a strong protective cream. Facials may take up to an hour to complete, but they're worth the effort. Not only your skin but your whole body will feel refreshed and clean.

Six steps to beautiful skin:

1. Analyze: Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Pull your hair back from your face and secure. Examine your skin carefully in the mirror using a good strong light. Is it dry, oily? Take note of blackheads or blemishes and pluck any stray facial hair with tweezers.

2. Steam: Fill your bathroom sink with hot water, then make a tent with a towel and lean forward over the basin. Let the steam envelop your face for 5-10 minutes. Steam baths help soften the skin, opening pores and extracting impurities. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the hot water will enhance your steam "session".

Calming Scents
Basil
Chamomile
Jasmine
Rose
Lavender
Marjoram

Energizing Scents
Sage
Eucalyptus (good for breathing issues too)
Orange
Lemon
Peppermint
Rosemary

**Note: If you have severe acne, skip this step. Steaming is not recommended for badly broken-out skin, since it can aggravate the condition by stimulating blood vessels and activating oil glands.

3. Massage: Using your fingertips, gently massage your face in smooth upward strokes. The length of the facial massage depends on your skin type: twelve to fifteen minutes for dry skin and as little as five minutes for oily skin, to avoid producing more oil.

4. Facial mask: This is the most relaxing part of the facial process. Create a fresh mask based on your skin analysis: for dry skin, a moisturizing mask containing egg yolk or banana; for oily skin, an astringent mask using egg whites or aloe vera gel. Using your fingers or a small pastry brush, spread the mask onto your face and neck. Create a thin even layer, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes. Leave the mask on for fifteen to twenty minutes to dry thoroughly.

5. Rinse: Rinse your face with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse for at least one minute, then pat your skin dry.

6. Moisturize: Using your favorite facial moisturizer, massage the cream or lotion onto your face and neck, and allow it to soak in. Your skin will look radiant, and your body will feel recuperated and revitalized.



In honor of our last "Humpday Hottie" and video by RayneAtTwilight....

Black Velvet Hair Rinse

A Black Velvet is a popular English drink, but few people realize that it also makes a great finishing hair rinse and will give your hair extra body and bounce. Don't worry if the spirits have gone flat; the alcohol's effect will leave your hair feeling healthy and vibrant.

1/2 cup champagne
1/2 cup stout beer

Mix together the champagne and stout beer. Pour the mixture over just-shampooed hair and style as usual. Any extra beer or champagne may be kept in the refrigerator for other rinses.

Yield: 8 ounces, enough for 1 rinse.

*source text: Natural Beauty for All Seasons by Janice Cox

*source photos: Various web

Scuttlebutt and Prattle, at your service.

Spa Sunday

Homemade shampoo on Spa Sunday!

Good Sunday morning friends! Today on Spa Sunday we give you homemade recipes for shampoo and conditioner. And tell you an easy way to keep your nails clean and white!

Remember to change your shampoo regularly to avoid buildup!



Natural Shampoo

1 oz. Olive oil
1 egg
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until well combined. Use like regular shampoo. Discard any leftovers.

Natural Conditioner

1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp olive oil
3/4 cup lukewarm water

Beat the egg yolk until it's thick and white. Add the oil and mix well. Then add the water into the egg mixture and mix well. Massage into clean, damp hair. Rinse with plenty of warm water after about 10 minutes.



You can care for your nails, naturally.
Use this recipe to whiten your nails and make your nails look clean and fresh.

1 denture tablet
1 cup warm water

Pour the water in a small bowl and drop the denture tablet in it. Soak your hands in the mixture for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.


Let us know how you like these ideas or if you have an idea for Spa Sunday or if there is something you'd like see!
Scuttlebutt and Prattle, at your service!