Aromatherapy Thursday - Cinnamon

A wonderful fragrant tart found in ETSY shop Back Home Scents at http://www.etsy.com/people/BackHomeScents?ref=ls_profile  

As the weather became cooler and it seemed to be raining or at least misting every other day I would start longing for one of my other favorite scents...Cinnamon.  During those chilly Midwest Septembers Apple and Cinnamon just seemed to be the appropriate scent wafting through the rooms, it warms the heart and the home.

Scent your home with this wonderful Cinnamon Room Spray found in ETSY shop Inside Brogans Behive at http://www.etsy.com/people/InsideBrogansBeehive?ref=ls_profile

While the spice, Cinnamon, is harvested from the soft inner bark of the Cinnamon tree, the sweet aroma of Cinnamon essential oil is distilled from the tree's leaves.  This wonderfully fruitful trees are found in Southeast and South Asia.  Most people will find the spice a common seasoning in their kitchen, but most of them are also using the preground or "powdered" Cinnamon.  I suggest to the passionate cook invest in a spice grater.  Nothing compares to the scent and flavor of a freshly grated Cinnamon or even Nutmeg.  It is a little time consuming but well worth the investment, I actually grate my own spiced right before using them in my dishes and find the difference well worth the time.

This wonderful fragrance oil was found in ETSY shop Ecco Lights at http://www.etsy.com/people/eccolights?ref=ls_profile

The scent of Cinnamon essential oil from the leaves is much more delicate than the hearty scent of the bark.  The oil from Cinnamon has a rich history in religions and spiritual traditions.  Although I think of it more for its aesthetics, Cinnamon oil has many practical uses.  It is a known antiseptic  and its scent can help reduce nausea so it could be a wonderful aid during the flu or other illnesses.  Cinnamon dons other holistic properties that are said to help with respiratory symptoms, as an aphrodisiac, an astringent and also to combat fatigue and depression.  Please see the safety notation at the end of this post.

What a beautiful find!  This amazing soap was found in ETSY shop RUSTICONATURAL at http://www.etsy.com/people/RUSTICONATURAL?ref=ls_profile

There are a few simple and inexpensive ways that one can enjoy the fragrance of Cinnamon. One  would be to add a few drops of Cinnamon essential oil or sprinkle a teaspoon of Cinnamon spice into a small pan of simmering water, turn heat off, and allow the fragrance to waft through the room.  While traveling you can use a cotton ball with one or two drops of the oil stored in a sealed bag until used.  I prefer to buy a wonderful finished product such as the ones found on ETSY.

Note:  When using any essential oil too much of a good thing can have a negative impact so make sure to practice safety.  Aromatherapy should never replace medical treatment and you should consult your physician before using any alternative medicine.  Please note that Cinnamon oil should be avoided during pregnancy and with small children.  Also dilute essential oils prior to use directly to the skin by mixing 2 drops essential oil to 1 teaspoon carry oil such as sweet almond.  Cinnamon oil can irritate the skin so preform an allergy test prior to use and remember that natural and homeopathic treatments have side affects so consult an expert before using for any kind of treatment.

Aromatherapy Thursday ~ Scent Memories ~ Apple

I think the reason I love Aromatherapy and creating natural products is due to beautiful scent memories.  It is September 1st and my thoughts wonder back trough scent memories of summer's end...new erasers, new shoes, pencil shavings..  Needless to say these are not exactly a potpourri fragrance, but the wonderful fragrance of a hot apple pie cooling in the kitchen is. 

This wonderful fragrance oil was found at ETSY shop Adamsboro Sundries at http://www.etsy.com/people/AdamsboroSundries?ref=ls_profile

Most of my life I have lived in the same area of the Midwest next door to an apple orchard called Shefelbines.  Every weekend we would go to their wonderful little home based store and pick out the fruits for the week.  They had little samples of their many many different apples along with a variety of beautiful pumpkins, gourds, and squash.  Even if I grew our own pumpkins the festivity of their shop was so enticing that I would have to fight the urge to purchase another.  The scent of crisp fresh apples filled my lungs and would remind me that the crisp autumn months are just around the corner.  Now and forever the scent of apples and the month of September will be partners. 

I have since moved away and the trips to the homey apple orchard are a distant memory.  So the first week of September I switch out all of my summer candles, potpourri, and oils to an apple cinnamon.  A sweet melancholy comes over me.  I enjoy this phase in my life but I miss the days when they were little and all the joyous moments we had.  That chapter has closed but I love to reread those pages about our trips to the Shefelbine's Apple Orchard; the memory of the sweet scent of crisp apples still fills my senses.

This beautiful print was found at ETSY shop Vickie Wade Fine Art at
http://www.etsy.com/people/VickieWadeFineArt?ref=ls_profile

Show Your Support! Vote For Us At THE TOP 10 TEAMS CONTEST

Please show your support by voting for the Promotional Frenzy Team that I and many other wonderful ETSY Shop owners belong to.  Each of the members of this team have posted two of their favorite times to be featured in this contest.  You will not only get a chance to show your support for small businesses and artisans but also see many beautiful and useful items. 

The winning team will receive $450 in free advertising.

Click on the widget below and vote 10's for all the items featured or as many as you can to move our team to the top!
So I will see you there!  Have a wonderful day.

The Monday After the Packing

So my Butterfly In The Attic Shop is all packed up and ready to go. I am really out of shape because that little bit really wore me out. But on the upside Postcards In The Attic is still up and running strong and it will give me a chance to give it a little bit more love. It has been kind like the middle child and needs some TLC. So to kick off this new dedication here are a few of the treasuries featuring some of my fun postcards in them. Please take a little time to check them out. They offer beautiful handmade jewelry, amazing organic soaps, and other wonderful treats. I am absolutely addicted to shopping at ETSY.

Few More Treasuries Before Nights End

Here are a few more treasuries before the Midnight hour and Butterfly goes into hibernation for a little while. Postcard In The Attic will be up for a little longer. It also has great coupon codes featured on the front page of this shop.

For Postcard In The Attic use PITA25OFF for 25% of an order of $10 or more and PITA50OFF for orders of $100 or more.

For Butterfly In The Attic use BUTTERFLYS50OFF for 50% off handmade naturals and BUTTERFLYS75OFF for anything vintage that is regular price.

Thank you and have a great and restful Sunday night.

Crazy Treasury Fun!!!

Hi I am in a lot of treasuries some curated and some are BNR/BNS.  If you haven't joined in the fun of the BNR/BNS you should try some are really fast pace and amazing.  Love them!  So here they all are...

The Curated Ones First







BNR/BNS fun

Aromatherapy Thursday - Neroli

Neroli sounds so exotic and unobtainable but it is simply the fragrance of Orange Blossoms.  True Neroli essential oil is expensive, similar to Rose Otto; but unlike Rose where you are readily able to find fragrance oils that are beautiful, I have not found a substitute for Neroli essential oil. 

ETSY Shop, Shifflett Studios, has created a beautiful "Lotion Bar - Mandarin Neroli Essential Oil Blend" the shop can be found at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShifflettStudios?ref=seller_info  

I love the scent of Neroli because it reminds me of my first summer living in California.  I had the windows open at night; there was a warm gentle breeze with a light floral scent wafting through my bedroom window.  I had a water fountain in my Japanese garden and I could hear the trickling sound as I drifted off into my deepest sleep ever.  The next morning I left refreshed for work and seen all of the orange groves in bloom and realized that the heavenly scent that lulled me to sleep the night before was coming from these fragrant groves.  I had fallen in love with that sweet floral scent ever since.

This vintage postcard found in ETSY Shop Vintage Plum at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintagePlum?ref=seller_info

I hope that everyone gets a chance to experience the scent of actual orange blossoms because that is something that you cannot copy or truly capture in a bottle.  But there are many absolutely beautiful products made with high quality fragrant essential oils that tantalize the senses and are well worth purchasing.Neroli is known to be calming and sedative when used in aromatherapy.  Some of its other properties are as an aid in relieving depression symptoms and as an aphrodisiac. 

This wonderful organic vegan all natural votive candle can be found in ETSY shop Lil Sprout at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lilsprout?ref=seller_info

It can also be used in rubs and massage oils to calm and heal the skin.  Note never use any essential oil in straight (neet) form due to having many possible negative effects.  Essential oils should always be mixed with carrier oils such as grape seed or vegetable oil or mixed into a bath blend such as Epsom salts or sea salts.

Create a home spa and add this wonderful relaxing Sugary Shea Scrub from ETSY shop Deda Notions at
http://www.etsy.com/people/DedaNotions?ref=ls_profile

A wonderful and simple way to enjoy the sweet calming scent of Neroli is to place 2-3 drops of oil onto a cotton ball and leave next to your bed on the night stand.  What a wonderful fragrance to fall asleep to.  But I prefer the luxury of bath soaks, massages and other home spa pampering.  So here are a few of the wonderfully tantalizing treats found on ETSY.

This wonderful Essential Oil blend of Bergamont and Neroli can be found in ETSY shop Kim's Scents at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KimsScents?ref=seller_info

Please remember to always use patch tests for topical mixtures prior to using and that some people may have allergies to certain scents.  Always consult your physician prior to using aromatherapy and aromatherapy should never take the place of medical treatment.

Today's Treasuries

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButterflyInTheAttic?ref=si_shop

Finally I am back.  That was a long time to wait for the blogger to come back up.  I don't know about you but I was having withdrawls.  LOL  Well to make up for lost time here are some of the treasuries that have featured my items today.  Please stop by and make a comment or just say hello to the Butterfly.

First a Sneak Peak


My Dear Johnny


BNR Buy and Stay BNE TILL 16 SALES - BIG RAFFLE


OPEN BNS SoapSuds BNS Round 3 Sales 31 Today 7


OPEN BNR - Designs Lucky 13 - 6 Sales Today ~ 279 Total Sales


OPEN - BNR - BUY AND STAY / BNE TILL 16 SALES - BIG RAFFLE

Saturday Treasuries for Butterfly In The Attic

Good morning. I would love it if you would visit me in the following treasuries that feature some of my items. Some times the treasuries are BNR or BNS but they are truly a lot of fun sometimes they are curated. 

I just purchased an item that is absolutely perfect for a friend and would have never been able to find it anywhere outside of ETSY. So stop by, chat and say "HI Butterfly" in the comments so I know you visited me. 

Thank you in advance.

Friday's Treasuries with Butterfly In The Attic

I would love it if you would stop by these treasuries and say HI to the Butterfly. They have lovely items with great discounts on many of the shops (including mine) at the BNR and BNS treasuries. The regular treasuries are simply pretty and fun to look for what wonderful items are featured. Hope to see you there.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Chamomile

Grow Your Own!!!  Seeds found in ETSY shop Cubits at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cubits?ref=seller_info

Chamomile is such a sunny dainty little flower that has a clean soothing scent.  It looks and smells like came straight from the summer sun.  I am particularly fond of Chamomile because it was the first "herb" I discovered growing wild in the Midwest fields.  Of course there are many kinds of Chamomile and typically those that we relate to aromatherapy are German, Roman, and English Chamomile.  Their fragrances are more delicate than the wild Chamomile I found.

These dried flowers can be used to make your own wonderful relaxing blends.  Found in ETSY shop Herbal Sunshine at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/herbalsunshine?ref=seller_info

Chamomile is heralded for its soothing properties not only through aromatherapy but in teas.  It is often used to sooth stomach aches and noted for calming the nervous digestive tract. 

This scrumptious Chamomile Tea can be found in ETSY shop Spirit Horse Herbals at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/spirithorseherbals?ref=seller_info

In aromatherapy no other pair seems more natural as Lavender and Chamomile; Lavender aides in sleep and relaxation while Chamomile provides an additional soothing property.

This relaxing combination can be found in ETSY shop Skinplicity at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Skinplicity?ref=seller_info

Using these two wonderful herbs together can be as simple as adding 3 drops of Chamomile oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil into 2 Teaspoons of vegetable or grape seed oil.  Because of their clean scents, many other oils, such as Bergamot, can be easily added for additional "tones” creating a little more complex aroma.  Using this same combination you can treat yourself to a relaxing bath.

This wonderful Organic Herbal Bath Soak can be found in ETSY shop Organic Pagan at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThyLocalOrganicPagan?ref=pr_shop

Chamomile has also been noted to add special shine to a person's hair.  Used alone steeped as a strong tea it, can be used as a rinse to highlight blonde hair.  But it can also be used in companion with other herbs and ingredients to bring out highlights for anyone and it will give your hair a beautiful luster.   (My mother never let me color my hair so finding that large patch of wild Chamomile was extra important to me as a teen.)

This wonderful Herbal Rich Hair Oil was found in ETSY shop Brown Butter Beauty at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristineGant?ref=seller_info

To Chamomile the flower that makes you smile...




Remember to always check for allergies prior to using any essential oil or aromatherapy product.  Use the patch test as described in my blog post, Aromatherapy Thursday - Lavender.  Also note that aromatherapy is to enhance and bring enjoyment to a person's life and never to be substituted for medical care with your physician.  If you are a pregnant woman or if you are planning to use aromatherapy on a child you should check with your physician first.

We Are Relocating and That Means Moving Sale!!!

My family and I have decided to relocate within the state, Yeah!, but this is a BIG state!  So the distance still is significant and I would love to sell as many items from two of my stores as I can before the big day.  I will be able to knock out two projects at once; reduce inventory to give everyone something new to look at next month and lighten my load a little. 

I have made two treasuries one is featuring some of my handmade items and one that is featuring some of my vintage items.  What I would love would be that anyone who blogs, FB, tweets, etc to post this sale everywhere.  Please with sugar on top.
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButterflyInTheAttic?ref=pr_shop

For Butterfly In The Attic the coupon Codes are:


10% off an order of $5 or more using BUTTERFLYS10OFF
15% off an order of $10 or more using BUTTERFLYS15OFF
25% off an order of $20 or more using BUTTERFLYS25OFF
50% off an order of $100 or more using BUTTERFLYS50OFF

http://www.etsy.com/people/postcardsintheattic?ref=si_pr

For Postcard In The Attic the coupon Codes are:


25% off an order of $10 or more using PITA25OFF
50% off an order of $100 or more using PITA50OFF.


Thank You

My New Discovery on ETSY

I just discovered what they call BNR and BNS treasuries. These treasuries are wonderful fun for sellers and buyers alike. I have bought an item from each of the treasuries I am proud to post below and then they add one of my items to the treasury. I have purchased two pieces of jewelry, some homemade lip balm and some Lilac Soap. Please tweet, FB or convo these for me. Stop by each and leave a comment, I appreciate the support and I am sure the other shop owners will appreciate the feedback and sales too. I am really excited about this new opportunity (I am sure you can tell.) Hope to see you there.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Mandarin

This beautiful fine art print was found in ETSY shop Honey & Jam Photography at http://www.etsy.com/shop/honeyandjamphotos?ref=seller_info

The lovely fragrance of Mandarin oil is an uplifting and stimulating scent that can create a feeling of euphoria.  The Mandarin is part of the citrus family and has similar properties but with a gentler action.  This property makes using Mandarin oil for aromatherapy ideal for most people including children and those that are pregnant.  


A wonderful Mandarin Orange/Citrus Blend Sugar Body Scrub found in ETSY shop Sweet Sunny Girl at http://www.etsy.com/people/sweetsunnygirl?ref=ls_profile

I love the citrus family because it reminds me of summer and sunshine.  So it is a wonderful treat to make a lovely bright colored sachet or potpourri mix to brighten up your room in the winter.  The stimulating scent helps chase my winter blues away.  It is also a lovely refreshing fragrance on those hot summer days.  What a perfect natural gift.

My Sunny Citrus Sachet mix in ETSY shop Butterfly In The Attic at
http://www.etsy.com/listing/67026880/handmade-sunny-lemon-grass-sachet-mix

The Mandarin’s fruity and mild aroma blends well with many other fragrances such as chamomile.  This mixture of 4 drops Mandarin and 1 drop Chamomile oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier will be a nice soothing rub which can also prevent and treat stretch marks.  A bath of 3 drops Mandarin oil and 3 drops Rose oil mixed with 1/4 cup Epsom salts creates a relaxing home spa in your bathroom.  There are many uses for Mandarin oil in aromatherapy.  I have included a treasury with many wonderful treats that use this Heavenly fruity scent.

A wonderful Satsuma- Whipped Soap found in ETSY shop Paradise Body Shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ParadiseBodyShop?ref=seller_info

Always use a carrier oil such as vegetable oil or sweet grape seed oil with essential oils at a ratio of approx. 5 drops of essential oil to 2 teaspoons of carrier.  A carrier can also be Epsom salts, sea salts, or anything that will dilute the oil.  Often essential oils are very powerful and can damage the mucous membranes of the nose if inhaled directly from the bottle.  A technique called "wafting" is used when testing the scent of essential oils.  This technique is simple:  open the container and holding it at least 4 inches away from your nose, use your hand and gently wave across the top up to your nose to waft the fragrance to you.  Never directly sniff from the container's opening. 

Aromatherapy Thursday Picks...Mandarin...Part 1


Aromatherapy Thursday Picks...Mandarin...Part 2


Luxurious Bath and Beauty...Mandarin


Sunny Citrus Summer Fun

Treasuries Featuring Butterfly In The Attic

Some of the wonderful people at ETSY has featured items from my shops in treasuries recently.  I would love to share their creative choices and curation.


Always End Up Wearing Grey featuring my Lavender Bath Salts



Sweetness featuring my Lavender Oatmeal Bath Sachets



Pink Lullaby featuring one of my antique postcards



Sunshine featuring my Handmade Lemon Grass Sachet Mix



Summer is Just Around The Corner featuring my vintage saucy seaside postcard



and last but not least
I Love You Mom featuring my vintage plastic buttons



Thank you to all my ETSY friends for your support.

Creating My New Bath Products & The Walk Down Memory Lane It Stirred

I've been so busy having fun creating my special bath and aromatherapy products. I haven't had many opportunities to work on these and I am so glad that I have been able to today. It brings back many beautiful memories.

My daughter, Ashley Rose, has significant special needs, but despite these challenges she is one of the most creative people I know. I spent many years with her and her brother, Wally, creating potpourri and bath salts as gifts for family, friends, and teachers. I feel blessed to have had such creative children; they both are artists, although in very different ways.

Ashley's rendition of Sponge Bob in playdough.  She is an abstract artist.

One year, when the kids were in their teens, the local library offered a craft show for children. Although she was older than the usual participant they allowed her to sign up because she was at the same level as the other kids cognitively. We spent hours in my gardens and out in the fields picking beautiful flowers, leaves, herbs, and pods to add to her creations.

We brought in buckets and bags of our handpicked goodies. As I started to prepare them for cleaning and drying I noticed that she had picked a significant amount of wild catmint (catnip.) If you have a cat, more than likely you are aware of its strong pungent odor. I tried to very gently tell her that this was not an appropriate ingredient for potpourri. She insisted that she wanted to keep it. Since there was an entire grocery bag full I figured it was her project and who am I to tell her what to use.

We spent hours carefully stripping petals and leaves from their stems. We placed them on our drying sheets, in my oven, in my dehydrators, and anywhere else they could dry in time. We had quite a little production line going.

About a week later everything had dried and was ready to mix with the fixatives and essential oils. Ashley was very skilled with this already, so with supervision she concocted most of the entire potpourri herself. With the exception of the catnip, which I purposely set aside, not sure what I wanted to do with it.

Ashley spent many hours mixing and adding a little of this and a little of that. It is amazing but if you let kids make potpourri it always turns out beautiful. We also had time to make Bath Salts and Soaks. She loved mixing the salts with the dye and fragrance. These also always looked very professional when she was through.


After almost 10 years Ashley's Potpourri still has the light fragrance of Hyacinth and just as beautiful as when she made it.

 Ashley helped me package all of her creations with beautiful cardstock headers that had Victorian lettering brightly declaring, "Designs by Ashley Rose" with a picture of a beautiful cabbage rose and the item's description.   At the point we were almost done with all of our hard work I thought she had forgotten about her catmint. But of course she had not and she asked me where it was. I showed her the container and told her that we could sell it people that had cats. I made the header and we packaged it. She was happy but I was skeptical thinking that I would be lugging around 2-3 pounds of catnip all day.

The day of the big craft show Ashley I set up our little table and chairs. Wally helped us, but at that age he was not extremely thrilled with the whole girly process so he went to find something else to do while we peddled our wares. We set out all her wares and a sign with the prices. The prices probably were a little low but I wanted her to feel the excitement of success from a job well done and it worked. She was selling items left and right.

Pretty soon we sold the last bag of catmint. Ashley's wild catnip was the talk of the craft show. We had several people come up asking if we had more and were disappointed that they had missed out. Ashley was beaming, not only is she the most creative person I know, but she is the best sales lady I know.

Even though I am making these items for my business, the simple smell of lavender or hyacinth will bring me back to those wonderful summer days.   Back to the day when my kids were little and we were creating our handmade gifts together. It was a treasured learning experience for them but also for me and it was a good thing that I didn't get rid of that catmint.

Here are some of my newly listed items that I was able to create today without getting too nostalgic.

Lavender Bath Salts at Butterfly In The Attic http://www.etsy.com/listing/71825380/handmade-lavender-bath-salts

Almond Milk Bath by Butterfly In The Attic at http://www.etsy.com/listing/71799984/handmade-almond-milk-bath

8 oz Almond Milk Bath by Butterfly In The Attic at http://www.etsy.com/listing/71800714/handmade-almond-milk-bath

Please remember to go to: http://byhandgiveaways.blogspot.com/search/label/saturday tomorrow and vote for my Lavender Bath Salts under Butterfly In The Attic.  They will look like the Lavender Bath Salts shown above.  I want you to know how much I appreciate the time you take to visit the blog and cast your vote.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Geranium

Many of us grew up with grandmothers and mothers running to the garden center every year to get their traditional red, white, or pink Geraniums.  I remember these plants as very lovely to look at but not having any smell.  Over the years I have discovered that there are many variations of this well known plant.

Geranium Window Box - Large 12" x 18" print of original watercolor painting frames to 18" x 24"
This print from Rhonda's Studio can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/fourteeneighteen?ref=seller_info

In aromatherapy most often oil from the stems and leaves of the Rose Geranium are used.  However, I have personally grown a Cinnamon Geranium and Citronella Geranium and both smell delicious.  

Geranium Rose Essential Oil found in ETSY shop Adamsboro Sundries

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdamsboroSundries?ref=seller_info

I am particularly fond of how the Rose Geranium oil pairs with Rose oil.  I only use a small amount of the Geranium oil when mixing the two but it makes the Rose scent pop.  You can create wonderful bath salts, potpourri, message oils, and lotions with the Geranium as your main scent.  Rose Geranium not only smells wonderful but does have a reputation with the ladies.



It is noted in many books to help with a woman's premenstrual symptoms, including tender breasts.  This is one the only homeopathic tips I know that works for reducing that dreaded symptom many women suffer with every month.  For relieving this symptom mix a few drops of Rose Geranium with a few drops of Lavender in warm water and then soak a towel in this mixture.  Ring the towel out so it isn't soaking wet (of course) place on the tender area and lay another towel over the top and relax.  Leave this as long as you can, if you are like me it will be as long as it stays warm. 

Creating bath mixtures using the oil has been noted to help with premenstrual symptoms also.  Along with the therapeutic effects of the bath using Geranium Oil in a vaporizer or diffuser may help with those fluctuating hormones.  And the scent has an overall effect on a person's mood; it has been used to chase away the blues and can increase the sense of harmony and wellbeing.  This lovely scented oil has many wonderful properties and can be used in such a variety of ways that I personally see a benefit when using it.  Please note that pregnant women should not use Geranium oils due to the effect it has on hormones.



Geranium Rose Bath Tea found at an up and coming ETSY Shop Tree Of Life Botanicals
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreeofLifeBotanicals?ref=seller_info

Geranium is can be used topically for balancing oily and dry skin.  Whenever using essential oils always mix with carrier oils such as sweet almond or vegetable oil.  The mix ratio for most oils is 5 drops of essential oil to 2 teaspoons of carrier oil (for adults only.)  Make sure to do a patch test to assure that there are no allergies to the oil/oils you plan to use.  To patch test; use a very small area of your body, your wrist works well, place a dab or drop of the mix on your skin and allow remaining there for 24 hours checking for any reaction. 

Please note that any aromatherapy should never take the place of a visit to your physician and to always consult with your physician before using any homeopathic product.

Here is a treasury that features ETSY shops that offer lovely handmade bath and beauty with Geranium oil scent.

I'm Exhausted and It's Only Tuesday - I'm In Need Of A Home Spa

So...I realize that it is only Tuesday but for some reason or another I am exhausted.  I can't drink enough coffee or smell enough peppermint to get myself going.  Along with those symptoms, I have a writer's block of sorts so I apologize in advance. 

I am dreaming of getting a spa treatment on a Caribbean Island but the reality is that I am freezing my tuchus off on a mountain.  So...what's the next best thing?  A home spa!   My treasury and featured shop include those home spa necessities.  I hope you can treat yourself to some of these yummy delights.

To start off my fantasy spa...Hana sent me a wonderful sample of her Detox Foot Scrub and Hydrating 101 Body Butter.  I really enjoyed the foot scrub but I especially loved the Body Butter.  It is thick, very creamy and absorbs right away leaving your skin feeling immediately softer.  Love it!!!  So, thank you Hana Essentials at  http://www.etsy.com/shop/hanaessentials?ref=pr_shop



Wonderful scent at Hana Essentials



Love how my skin felt after using this product A++ at Hana Essentials



Maybe this is what I need to wake up today found at Hana Essentials



Now to complete my fantasy home spa...My Treasury

If you are on a budget; fear not.  Here is a treasury full of spa-bath & beauty samples all $2.00 and under + Shipping. Treat yourself or treat a friend or maybe both!

Aromatherapy Thursday - Tea Tree

I have noticed as I am out and about many people with the sniffles.  At this time of year I find more susceptible to catching many nasty little bugs and often the air in rooms and around me feels sick.  Tea Tree is a wonderful plant that has a long history as a tea, antifungal, and as a treatment for many different things that require antiseptics.  In fact it is history that Captain Cook used it to fight the scurvy in his crew on their voyages.  

Aromatherapy, of course, focuses is on the plant's effect on a person when they use the plant's essential oils and aroma.

Tea Tree has a pleasant earthy scent that is fresh and clean.  I personally love the scent of tea tree and find it to be very helpful when I am not feeling well.  It is known to be the strongest disinfectant so if used in your "sick" room it does really help clear out the air.  Often when not feeling well I will simply add a few drops to a diffuser or vaporizer and place it in the main rooms of my home.  This is also good after someone in your home has been sick to clear out those bugs from the air and freshen up your home.  

Most of us have experienced the Vicks Vapor rub as a child.  I personally hated it; the greasy paste smelled so strong it burned and felt ice-cold against my feverish skin.  Not to say it doesn't work but I much prefer my own mixture now that I am an adult.  Using sweet almond oil as a carrier (or if you don't have that readily available you can used vegetable oil) add four drops of tea tree oil with one drop of lavender essential oil to two tablespoons of carrier oil.  Use as a rub on the same areas you would use Vicks: the chest, neck and back. It has wonderful properties that sooth and helps fight the bugs you have.  

Most people are not sensitive to the Tea Tree oil, it is a more gentle oil that can be used "neet" like Lavender, but there are always people that are sensitive.  So an allergy test should always be conducted prior to using any essential oil.  Place a small drop of the oil on the wrist and check for any reddening or reaction for 24 hours.  Of course if there is a reaction or reddening do not use.  Always be conscious of those that have respiratory issues whenever using aroma therapy, what may help some people can increase another's health issues.  And by no means should aromatherapy take the place of medical treatment prescribed by your physician or take the place of a doctor's visit.

I have include a wonderful treasury of many products offered on ETSY that contain Tea Tree Oil.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Peppermint

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Many images come to mind for this special day:  Shamrocks, Pots of gold, Leprechauns, and Peppermint.  (Good lead in, yah?)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67339131/vintage-postcard-st-patrick-harp-heart

Taking long car rides to new undiscovered places is such fun...for most people.  Unfortunately for a few or maybe many it is not fun.  Car sickness has not been one of my experiences although there have been times that I felt queasy due to an illness while riding in the car.  For those that have experienced that there may be a simple holistic means of reducing that sickening feeling. 

It has been found that Peppermint will often help with car sickness.  I personally use it for when I am not feeling well and have nausea.  Simply having that wonderful minty freshness in the air around you can reduce the sick sensation. 

Peppermint has other wonderful properties:  it can also ease headaches, help open up that stuffy feeling when you have a cold or sinus problem, sooth muscular pain when you use it as a rub, and it has mood altering affects.

Needless to say I am a strong advocate of aromatherapy.  Peppermint is extremely powerful for my moods.  If I am tired or in a slump as soon as I open a jar of my sachet and that wonderful aroma meets me I become more alert right away.  Peppermint has a reviving and mood boosting property along with helping to calm nerves.  Alert and Calm!!  Many of us would love that.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69580535/antique-postcard-man-in-nightgown-in-bed

Just like in any aromatherapy caution must be used.  Pay attention to signs of allergies to specific smells and herbs, respect others that do have allergies because it can be very detrimental to their health, and never directly smell essential oils from the bottle (it can burn the mucous membrane) or use it directly on your skin (a variety of reactions can occur.)  Essential oils are very concentrated and can cause many negative affects if used "neat" or straight from the bottle.  Most all of them need to be mixed into a sachet, potpourri, bath product, or message oil. 

One simple method of using peppermint oil in your car to ward off car sickness is to place a few drops on a cotton ball and set that cotton ball on your dash board or some other location that will allow it to fill the air with its minty freshness.  I sell a wonderful sachet mix that could easily be put into a pretty cloth bag or a simple muslin bag and used in the car or anywhere.  I use it to freshen my house after someone has had a bug or if I am tired.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67026289/handmade-invigorating-peppermint-sachet

I created this treasury for the love of mint.  Have a wonderful Alert and Calm Day