Foot Spa

Yep, I was right.  Rose petals in the foot bath was delightful! :):):):)

Herbal Foot Soak

 Lately my feet have been extra achy by the end of the day, so tonight I thought I would treat myself to an herbal foot bath.  I got out my foot spa (if you don't have one a dishpan or other such thing will work just as well) and headed to the herb garden to gather my herbs.  I had my water lukewarm and I added some fresh peppermint, lovage and chamomile.  It was heavenly!  I probably soaked them for at least 45 minutes!

 Here is a list of herbs you can use and what their benefits would be:

Horsetail:  Excellent for tired feet and will help reduce perspiration.

Lavender:  creates a refreshing tonic for tired feet.

Lovage:  A strong natural deodorant, it's perfect for feet that have been stuffed in shoes all day.

Marjoram:  Soothing to tired and weary foot muscles.

Peppermint:  Energizing and cooling for hot and tired feet.

Chamomile:  Calming and relaxing plus great for skin.

Thyme:  Cleansing and refreshing for overworked feet.

Just use your imagination.  I think Rose petals would be delightful!  I think Lemon Verbena would also give a refreshing feeling!  I do believe I have a new nightly ritual! 

Modesty Heart Check

Modesty seems to be something that is lacking in today's world.  As a christian mother I desire to teach my daughter the importance of modesty.  First I need to show her what the word of God says and then I need to show her by example.  


I recently ran across a Modesty Heart Check and thought I would share it.

Heart Questions to Ask

1.  What statement do my clothes make about my heart?

2.  In choosing what to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave?  Am I seeking to please God or impress others?

3.  Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?

4.  Who am I trying to identify with through my dress?  Is the word of God my standard or is the latest fashion?

5.  Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?

6.  Does my clothing reveal allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check (some things you should look for as you stand in front of the mirror).

From the top...

1.  When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over?  If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.

2.  If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest.  If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons or put on an undershirt.

3.  If your top is see through, put on an undershirt. 

4.  Does my shirt reveal any part of my cleavage?  Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head?  Is my shirt just plain too tight?  If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving down...

5.  Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands?  If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low?  Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.

6.  I also have to turn around to see if what I am wearing is too tight around my back side, or if the outline of my underwear shows.  If so, I know what I have to do!

7.  Do a "sit-down" check with your skirt or dress.  If you see too much leg you need a longer skirt/dress.  I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I am seated.

8.  And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits!  Does it reveal too much when I walk?  Pins are also helpful here.

9.  Before I leave I need to give my skirt a sunlight check.  Is it see through?  If so, I need a slip.

10.  Finally, I must remember to do the modesty check with my shoes on.  High-heels make dresses and skirts appear shorter.

I think this is a good list to keep taped on the closet door or by a full length mirror!

1 Timothy 2:9-10

 ⁹In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

¹⁰But which becometh women professing godliness with good works.

Beautiful Lips....Homemade Lip Balm

I made lip balm today for the first time!  It was so easy and fun and I will definetly be making more.    I love making products that I know exactly what is in them.   There is a feeling of satisfaction that comes over me when I make something myself instead of purchasing it in the store.  It makes me feel all Susie homemaker.   It's a feeling of self reliance and proficiency.  I love chapsticks and lip balms and I know it's going to sound a little bias, but this is the best my lips have ever felt. :) So much better than a store bought product.  My lips feel so soft, smooth and fresh!  Here's the recipe I used:

3 tsp. grated beeswax (or pellets)

3 tsp. cocoa butter (can also use shea)

2 tsp.  olive oil (or other oil such as almond or coconut)

2 drops of honey

4 or 5 drops of spearamint flavored oil

1 vitamin E capsul (cut open and use liquid)

The vitamin E acts as a preservative and is optional.  This made enough to fill 4 chapstick tubes.  I purchased the tubes on ebay and I also purchased a pippet from ebay to fill the tubes which was much easier then trying to funnel the mixture.

There are so many  different recipes on the internet (just ask google) and I am going to be trying some different ones soon.  I think I wil try a wild berry next time and add a smidge of color. 

If you are wanting something all natural for your lips but don't want to take the time or spend the money to make lip balm I have a very simple mixture for you:

One drop Olive oil
One dropy Almond Oil
One drop Honey

That's it!  Apply to your lips before going to bed!

Remember....don't wait for you lips to get dry and chapped.  Apply lip balm on a regular basis and your lips will stay moisturized and soft and supple.

If your lips are already really dry and flakey try this great lip cure:

1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Mix together all ingredients and apply to your lips and leave on overnight. In the morning you will awake to smooth, soothed lips. If you have any mixture left it should be stored in the refrigerator because of the fresh lemon juice.  It's sort of like a deep conditioning treatment for your lips!

Beautiful lips are natural lips!

Sugar Scrub for Dry Skin

When you find a good thing you just have to share it!  I absolutely love the way this sugar scrub makes my skin so soft and smooth instead of dry and itchy like the winter months tend to leave it.

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar (you could also use white sugar or a mixture of both)

1/2 cup canola oil or olive oil

2 drops vanilla or almond extract (optional)

In medium bowl combine sugar and oil.  Mix with a wooden spoon until you achieve a paste-like blend.  Add extract if desired and stir until well mixed.  Transfer to a clean airtight container to slow breakdown of the oil.  Store mixture that you are not using in the refrigerator for 6-12 months.

In shower, massage mixture gently over damp skin.  It will exfoliate and moisturize at the same time.  Do not use on broken, irritated or scarred skin.  Avoid Eyes.

Recipes for Beauty

Today as I was reading in my favorite magazine The Girlhood Home Companion I came across this writing by Carla Lynn Klimuk:

Recipes for Beauty

~For attractive, fuller lips: speak more words in kindness; keep sweetness flowing from my tongue in praise and worship for the Father, and part my lips often in prayer.
~For beautiful eyes: keep my eyes to the heavens, my focus on God's will for my life and the blessings He has given to me; stay away from gazing over my neighbor's fence and always look for the goodness in other people.
~For stronger ears: listen for the still, small voice of the Lord each day, listen to my family's hearts; and listen to the Word of God.
~For better posture: walk with the knowledge and confidence that my steps are ordered by the Lord; He who has started a good work in me will finish it, and trust that He will catch me if I fall.
~For weight loss: unburden myself from the heaviness of stress, anger, hatred, bitterness, discontentment, strife, and the weight of thinking that I control my future.
~For stronger arms: wrap them daily around my loved ones; and lift them often in worship and adoration towards my Creator.
~For stronger legs: I think constant knee bending in prayer will achieve maximum results.
~For stronger hands: keep steady at the tasks laid before me; and keep them folded in constant prayer.
~For stronger feet: walk this earth lightly; walk God's will for my life firmly, and wherever I go leave a mark worthy of God.
~For a stronger heart: forgive others, forgive myself; anger less; be a river not a reservoir; focus on my blessings; flow instead of fight; give without thought to reward, and love without bounds.
~For dressing and adornment: put on the robe of Christ; fashioned and tailored in the perfect fit for me, allowing room for growth and maturity. I like how it never grows old, never goes out of style, is appropriate for business, casual, church, evening, grocery store and gardening attire. And the color suits me perfectly.

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price. I Peter 3:4

A few tips to.....Live well, Laugh often, Love often....in 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 8 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/Her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends & family will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.