DIY Gifts

So as we were talking about making it a greener holiday season it got me thinking about what to do about Christmas gifts in this recession. Turns out a lot of people think about this. There are so many different websites with some great ideas!

I found some wonderful ideas that I will be using this year and will probly only have to spend $20 to make around fifteen to twenty gifts. I'm really excited to get started on them too. I even found some for the kids. The one that really caught mine and my husbands eye is the homemade wine. Your own concoction and then you can make your own labels and reuse those empty wine bottles that you would normally recycle. I'm even thinking of making wine carrier bags to go with these for next year as we want to experiment with some different wines. To go along with wine there are many other options with beer or different liquors either distilling your own or just finding a recipe to make your own while buying the liquor.

Everyone knows a mom who doesn't take enough time for herself. How bout you help her out with some DIY spa ideas. Bath salt has so many different recipes to try out. You can put these in a nice jar with your own label. Try this holiday bath salt:
1 cup epsom salt
1 cup baking soda
4-5 drops of red food coloring
4 drops peppermint essential oils
Mix salt and baking sode in a medium ball. Add food coloring and oils mixing quickly to avoid clumps. You can make another batch without the food coloring to layer in a jar to give it a candy cane effect. Use two tablespoons for a bath.
Bath bombs, bath soaks, body scrubs, masks, and the opportunities keep on going. I'm already coming up with birthday gifts along with who is getting what for Christmas and I'm so excited to get started.

Don't forget the kids! There are so many organic playdough recipes and silly slime I couldn't pick just one. I know these are found in family and church cookbooks along with so many other options on multiple websites. Check out what they can help make for the grandparents and teachers at www.ecobites.com.

There are so many options to help you save a little cash and also help you recycle some items around your house. Don't forget to check out www.treehugger.com and www.thedailygreen.com which will both help you on your search.


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DIY Spa Day!!

I don't know about you but I love the spa especially a whole day where you get the bath, facial and the whole deal. Well, maybe you can but I can't afford all that due to the economy right now so I thought why not bring the spa to me! There are so many different options for what you can use for a natural cleansing. The one thing you must do is stock up on honey!! Here are a few recipes that if I haven't used yet I will be soon.

Honey Cleansing Scrub-

• 1 Tblsp of Honey
• 2 Tblsp finely ground almonds
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Rub the mixture gently on your face and rinse with warm water.

Firming Face Wash

• 1 Tblsp honey
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp glycerin (which can be found at health stores)
• enough flour to make a paste around 1/4 cup

Smooth over face let sit for ten minutes and rinse with warm water.

Facial Toner

• 1 Tblsp honey
• peeled and cored apple

Puree ingredients in blender. Smooth over face, leave for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Moisture Mask

• 2 Tblsps honey
• 2 tsp milk

Smooth mixture over face and throat and rinse with warm water.

Courtyard Milk Bath

• 2 cups dry powder milk
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 6 drops rose scented oil
• 5 drops vanilla scented oil
• 4 drops lavender scented oil
• 4 drops lemongrass scented oil

This mixture can be premade and kept in a nice container for yourself or put it in multiple containers to use as gifts. Add a cup of the mixture to your bath and enjoy! The scented oils can be mixed to what your preference is.

For a simple skin softening bath add just 1/4 cup honey to your bath.

I'm looking forward to my next DIY day at the spa!