Thrifty Tuesday Blog Feature

One of my teacup candles was just featured in Thrifty Tuesday at The Hot Glue Hangover. Natalie has put together such a nice collection of sweet Mother's Day gifts ideas--all under $100! If you're still searching for that perfect present for Mama, head on over to The Hot Glue Hangover for some inspiration!

Aromatherapy/Botanicals Tip of the Week

I've been looking around for a good recipe for natural shampoo and I think I've finally found it! I plan on trying this one out as soon as Mountain Rose Herbs starts stocking their organic castile soap again ;)

Basic Shampoo for Natural Hair 
(from Easy Aromatherapy Recipes)

1/4 cup (60ml) distilled water or herbal infusion (see below)
1/2 cup (120ml) liquid castile soap
1/4 teaspoon vitamin E (or 1 capsule)
5 drops grapefruit seed extract
Essential oil blend for your hair type
1/4 teaspoon Grapeseed oil (optional, don't use if your hair is oily or fine; it may make your hair greasy)

Combine all the ingredients in a 250ml dark glass or PET plastic bottle. Shake before using.

Additional Ingredients for Your Hair Type
Dry or damaged hair: 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin and 2 tablespoons (30ml) aloe vera gel
Oily hair: 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
Thinning hair: 2 tablespoons (30ml) aloe vera gel
Dandruff: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons (30ml) aloe vera gel

Handy Hint
If you want a thicker shampoo, reduce or eliminate the water. If you eliminate the water, you don't need the grapefruit seed extract--it's a natural preservative that kills any bacteria in the water.

Introducing...Soaps!

Awhile back, I started experimenting with soaps. For my first attempt, I used a cocoa butter base to make soaps to give as Christmas gifts. My friends and family really loved them, so I started looking around for different bases that I could use. I finally came across a really great goat's milk base that is sulfate-free while still having a rich lather. My boyfriend and I have been using it for the past few months, experimenting with different fragrances and essential oil blends. Now I'm getting requests from friends and family for my goat's milk soap!


I'll be debuting my soap at craft fairs this summer and will hopefully be adding them to my Etsy shop soon, too. I'm starting with Cool Citrus Basil, Jasmine Honeysuckle, Lavender, White Tea & Berries, and Spring Rain. What do you think? Which of these fragrances would you like to have in a soap?