Make a Lavender Face Mist for an Easy Mood-Boost

Facial mists are a great way add some aromatherapy to your day. They are easy to make and you can make them in a variety of scents, depending on the aromatherapy benefits you desire.

Lavender is a great tension-tamer! The scent of lavender can help to alleviate stress-related headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and even anxiety. It has also been shown to boost mood and relieve depression.

Treat yourself to this gentle mist whenever you need a pick-me-up and some freshness in your day.

You'll need:

• A small, empty spray bottle (1-3 oz., found at drugstores)
• Lavender essential oil (organic, if possible!)
• Clean, filtered water

To make the mist:

1. Fill the spray bottle 4/5 of the way with cool, fresh, filtered water. Depending on the size of the bottle, you may need to use a funnel so it doesn't spill.
2. Add 5 drops of the lavender essential oil. Replace the spray bottle cap and shake.
3. Close your eyes, and, holding the spray bottle about six inches away from your face, spray the mist 2-3 times.

Inhale the fragrance of the lavender and allow it to soothe your mind. Keep your eyes closed as you imagine the rest of your day falling beautifully into place.

May your days be stress-free and happy.

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Sachets

Sachets are scent-filled pillows that add a bit of aromatherapy to areas of your life that might need some brightening-up! They are easy to make and a fun way to spend a few hours. You'll need:

• Fabric ~ Pick a pattern or color that resonates with you: deep red or amber work well for musky scents; rich browns for chocolate or earthy scents; soothing blues and greens for tranquil scents. Use organic fabrics if possible!
• Potpourri ~ Make your own or purchase your favorite. I like to use lavender buds from my garden, mixed with flaxseeds for weight.
• Ribbon to match the fabric, enough to tie the sachets closed.
  
• Optional: beads, charms, or other accessories for decoration.
  

Here's how:

1. Using a ruler and good scissors, measure and cut a strip of fabric that's 10 1/2" x 3 1/4".
2. Fold in the raw edges, about 1/4".
3. Iron the fold or hold in place with pins, toward the "wrong" side of the fabric.
4. Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew the edges into place, until no raw edges are showing on the "right" side of the fabric.
5. Fold the fabric strip in half, "right" sides facing each other, "wrong" side facing out. Sew the edges together, 1/4" in from the sides.
6. Turn the sachet right-side out and fill it halfway with potpourri.
7. Tie the bag with your ribbon and decorate with beads or charms.

Place the sachets in drawers, under pillows, in your car's glove compartment, on your desk, in your computer bag, in a pocket ~ wherever you need a new scent!

May your days be filled with sensual delight.

Sandalwood Incense: Spiritually Cleansing

When using incense for cleansing rituals, many people gravitate toward sage, which is best known for its potent spiritual and energetic cleansing properties. But did you know that sandalwood incense can be a powerful cleanser, too?

Sandalwood incense originated in India and has been used since at least the 6th century, mentioned in early Sanskrit writings

The metaphysical aspects of sandalwood provide cleansing and purifying properties, and is known in Ayurvedic medicine to have a cooling effect on the circulatory system ~ a good thing to know for the upcoming summer days!

Sandalwood is also used as an aphrodisiac in rituals for sensual pleasure ~ and with the purifying effects of the scent, you can be sure those rituals are free of negative energy. Just pure love and pleasure!

It's also been said that sandalwood can help rejuvenate one's self from too much mental exertion, and can help dissolve emotional tension.

Some tips for incorporating sandalwood incense into your day:

• Burn sandalwood while relaxing in the bath. Visualize your body and soul being cleansed from the inside out.
• After an argument, forgiveness, and reconciliation, clear the lingering negative energy with the smoke from a bundle of sandalwood incense sticks. Be sure to let the smoke linger in the room's corners, where negative energy gravitates!
• Keep a small incense burner at your desk and burn a stick in the afternoon, when mental fatigue starts to set in.

May you be cleansed and refreshed in every way!