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 Relax
There
is an Ancient Chinese proverb that states - "Tension is who
you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." This
simple statement is so true - learning to relax is all about learning
to be yourself. We all live full, busy lives. Learning to unwind
should be an important part of our everyday routine. Relaxation
will enhance your own Natural Beauty and everyone will want to
know your "beauty secret!"
Many
of my readers have shared their favorite ways to de-stress themselves
with me over the years. Journal writing, screaming into pillows,
yoga, exercise, meditation, and playing with their children have
all been listed. But the number one way to relax seems to be in
the bath!
Taking a bath certainly tops my list. Nothing is more indulgent
or satisfying than to fill the tub with hot water, close the door
and soak. It is amazing how in 15 to 20 minutes all the "have
to dos" seem to fall into place and problems go down the drain
with the bathwater.
A simple hot bath with a scoop of your favorite bath salts is
all you need. If you are feeling a bit more creative: light candles,
play music, read poetry, sip your favorite beverage, and fill
the bath with bubbles! You own private oasis is right in your
own home waiting to be used.
Here is one of my favorite recipes from my first book, Natural
Beauty at Home (Henry Holt and Company) for colored bath salts.
It is super easy to make and can be packaged as a pampering gift
for a special friend that could also use a bit of Relaxation.
Enjoy!
Colored
Bath
Bath
salts are fun to make and use because you can choose the color
and scents to match your mood or décor. You may also add dried
herbs and flowers to your salts. I like to fill pretty glass jars
with colored salts and set next to my tub. My favorite soothing
scents are lavender, chamomile, and vanilla. If you are sensitive
to color or scents you may leave them out.
Ingredients
1 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup kosher salt or sea salt, coarsely ground
Food coloring (optional)
Essential oils, scented perfume oil, or flavored extracts such
as vanilla or almond (optional)
Directions
Place
all of the salts in a large plastic resealable bag or bowl. Mix
in the color a few drops at a time. If it is too dark, add a bit
more salt. Mix in scent a few drops at a time. Pour into a clean,
dry container.
To
use: Pour 1/2 cup into your tub, under the running water.
Yield: 12 ounces, enough for three baths
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Natural Beauty Q&A
Acne
at Any Age
Many of you wrote about tips for keeping skin clear
and fresh at any age. Remember to keep your skin clean
and well moisturized. Yes, your mother was right -
never go to bed with a dirty face. Some other skin
saving points to follow:
|
1. |
Drink
lots of water at least eight to ten glasses each
day. Water will do more for your looks then the
most expensive creams and lotions. |
|
2. |
Feed
your skin from the inside out. Eat a balanced
diet full of fiber, fresh vegetables, and fruit.
You may also want to avoid salty foods and seafood.
Both are sources of iodine, which can cause acne
flare-ups in some individuals. |
|
3. |
Keep
your hands off of your face. |
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4. |
Use
a weekly gentle scrub such as ground almonds,
oatmeal, or cornmeal. |
|
5. |
Honey
makes an excellent facial mask for troubled skin
because it has antibacterial properties. |
|
6. |
Treat
your skin with some TLC. Do not steam or scrub
your skin. This will only aggravate the situation
and stimulate your oil glands. |
|
7. |
Relax
and get plenty of sleep. A clear head often equates
to clear skin. Lack of sleep and stress can sometimes
lead to unexpected breakouts. |
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Feedback
If
you have a question or topic you would like covered - please feel
free to write to me. I also love hearing about your own "natural
beauty" tips and treatments! Please email me here at lamasbeauty.com
and I will post your questions and ideas in future columns.
Have
a beautiful day!
Janice Cox
Discuss
this topic with others right now at Beauty
Tips!
Janice
Cox has been making her own beauty treatments for over twenty-five
years. She is the author of three books on Natural Beauty:
Natural Beauty at Home, Natural Beauty for All Seasons, and
Natural Beauty from the Garden, all published by Henry
Holt and Company in New York. Her books contain over 600 recipes
for Body, Bath and Hair Care products.
Janice writes a regular column for Natural Living Today magazine,
"Recipe for Beauty." Her recipes and ideas have also appeared
in Self, Shape, Fitness, McCall's, Country Living, Organic Gardening,
Herb Quarterly, Herb Companion, The Natural Way, Health, Mothering,
Fit Pregnancy, New Woman, At Home Mother, American Health, and
Natural Way magazines. She has appeared on National television
and radio programs discussing Natural Beauty. Mrs. Cox has turned
her passion for home beauty into a full time career and has become
a nationally recognized expert on Natural Beauty.
She is the mother of two beautiful daughters, Lauren (age 9) and
Marie (age 6). Along with keeping her husband and daughters well
cared for, she is also involved with Girl Scouts, School activities,
Gardening, and Handicrafts. Janice and her family live in Medford,
Oregon.
"We are all born with a natural beauty, it is how we choose
to use it that makes us truly beautiful."
To learn more about Janice Cox, visit her website at www.janicecox.com.
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