Recipes Galore!!!!

[dcroome2005]

Not sure if this on the site ( too lazy to do a search) but a friend fowarded this on to me and even though I don't do soaps and stuff, thought I would share with my friends on the board.. Maybe some of you can make these and send some samples out to me LOL j/k

Enjoy

1. Almond Oil Wrinkle Cream 1 tbs. of an infusion of comfrey leaves... OR... 1 tbs. of a decoction of comfrey roots (see below) 1 tbs. lanolin 2 tsp. sweet almond oil 2 tsp. water 2 tsp. cod liver oil Melt lanolin and almond oil in a double boiler. Add water and allow to cool. Mix in cod liver oil and comfrey. Apply gently to face and rinse off after 5 to 10 minutes. This is a rich moisturizer that boosts the water-holding capacity of your skin and helps plump out wrinkled areas. Infusion: This is a beverage made like tea, by pouring boiled water over plants and steeping to extract the active ingredients. The normal amounts are about 1/2 to 1 ounce of plant to one pint of boiled water. You should let the mixture steep for 5 to 10 minutes, covered, and strain the infusion into a cup. Decoction: This preparation allows you to extract primarily the mineral salts and bitter principles rather than vitamins and volatile ingredients. The normal amounts are about 1/2 ounce plant to 1 cup water. Bring ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for up to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and steep the mixture with the cover on the pot for a few minutes.

2. Almond Rosewater Body Lotion 1/4 cup rosewater (can be purchased at some health food stores or pharmacies, also carried at most middle-eastern or indian specialty groceries or specialty cooking stores such as Williams-Sonoma... OR... you can try your hand at making your own rosewater, see recipe below) 1/4 cup glycerin 2 tbs. witch hazel 1 tbs. almond oil Mix together rosewater and glycerin. Add witch hazel and almond oil. Stir completely to dissolve. Pour into a pretty bottle. Recipe for rosewater: To prepare rosewater, first gather fresh rose blossoms; do this during the morning, after the dew has evaporated. Place the petals in a glass, stainless steel, or enamel saucepan and cover them with distilled water. Weigh the floating petals down with a heat-resistant glass dish. Place the pan over low heat and allow the pot to release steam for at least an hour. You should begin to see drops of rose oil floating on the surface of the water. Do not allow the water to boil. When the water has taken on a rosy hue, feels thick and soft, and shows evidence of rose oil on its surface, strain the liquid through a tea strainer, using your fingers to press all the liquid from the petals. Store in refrigerator. Rosewater may be used as a skin toner; just apply to the face with a cotton ball. Important Notes: NEVER use rose petals that have been sprayed with any kind of pesticide for making rosewater!! Consider using only enough distilled water to cover the rose petals. Otherwise, the solution becomes more dilute. Please remember to use only the petals, not the sepals, stamens, or green foliated bracket holding the petals in their grouping.

3. Apple Zinger Facial Mask (For Oily or Acne Prone Skin) 1 medium size apple, grated fine 5 tbs. honey Mix the grated apple and honey well. Smooth over skin and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

4. Bath Bombs / Bath Fizzies 2 tbs. citric acid (you can get this at a pharmacy) 2 tbs. cornstarch 1/4 cup baking soda 3 tbs. coconut oil (or any other emollient oil like almond, avocado or apricot kernel oil) 1/4 tsp. fragrance oil 3-6 drops of food coloring (if desired) Paper candy cups Place all of the dry ingredients (first 3) into a bowl and mix well. Place coconut oil into a small glass bowl and add fragrance and food coloring. Slowly add oil mixture into dry ingredients and mix well. Scoop up small amounts of the mixture and shape into 1" balls. Let the balls rest on a sheet of waxed paper for about 2 to 3 hours, then place each ball into a candy cup to let dry and harden for 24 to 48 hours. Store bombs in a closed, air-tight container. To use, drop 1 to 3 bombs into warm bath water.

5. Chamomile Body Powder 2 tbs. crumbled dried chamomile flowers 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tbs. orrisroot 1/2 tsp. alum Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Sift and store in powder shaker. Use to keep skin soft and dry.

6. Chamomile / Mint Astringent (Non-alcoholic for Sensitive Skin) 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 tbs. dried) 2 tbs. dried chamomile flowers, crushed 4 cups water Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Boil for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain liquid into a jar, cover and refrigerate. Will keep 2 weeks refrigerated. Apply with cotton balls to skin. This astringent is especially good for sensitive or very oily skin.

7. Chamomile Fields Shampoo 4 bags of chamomile tea (or 1 handful of fresh chamomile flowers) 4 tbs. pure soap flakes 1-1/2 tbs. glycerin Let the tea bags steep in 1-1/2 cups boiled water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and with the remaining liquid add the soap flakes. Let stand until the soap softens. Stir in glycerin until mixture is well blended. Pour into a bottle. Keep in a dark, cool place.

8. Cherry Berry Bubble Bath 1/2 cup unscented shampoo 3/4 cup water 1/2 tsp. salt (regular table salt is fine) 15 drops cherry fragrance oil Pour shampoo into a bowl and add water. Stir gently until well mixed. Add salt, and stir until mixture thickens. Add cherry fragrance oil and place in decorative bottle. Can also be used as a body wash!

9. Cinnamon Soap Unscented glycerin soap 10 drops cinnamon oil 1 drop red food coloring (optional) In a heavy saucepan, melt the glycerin soap over low heat until liquefied. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cinnamon oil and food coloring until well mixed. Pour the soap into a mold and let set for 3 hours or until hardened. Makes one 4-ounce bar.

10. Citrus Astringent 3 tsp. lemon extract Juice of one lime 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to a jar and shake well. Store in the refrigerator, will keep up to 6 months. Tightens pores, refreshes skin, and helps remove oils from skin.

11. Citrus Blooms Body Splash 2 cups distilled water 3 tbs. vodka 1 tbs. orange peel, finely chopped 1 tbs. lemon peel, finely chopped 5 drops lemon verbena essential oil 10 drops mandarin essential oil 10 drops orange essential oil Combine the fruit peels with the vodka in a jar, cover and let stand for 1 week. Strain the liquid, add the essential oils and water to the liquid. Let stand for 2 weeks, shaking jar once a day. Keep in a dark bottle or keep in a cool dark area.

12. City Shampoo (Removes Impurities from Hair) 3/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup shampoo concentrate (or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 tsp.) 1/2 tsp. table salt 1 tbs. dried thyme 1 tbs. dried peppermint 1 tbs. dried lavender 1 tsp. witch hazel 1 tsp. almond oil 7 drops cinnamon oil 3 drops ylang-ylang oil This shampoo is known to be effective in removing impurities such as smog and city grime from the hair. In a heavy saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the dried thyme, peppermint and lavender. Remove the pan from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the herbs from the water and pour the herbally infused water into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir until well mixed. Add the salt, witch hazel, almond oil, cinnamon oil and ylang-ylang oil to the mixture, stirring until thick. Bottle and close.

13. Cocoa Butter Hand Cream 4 tbs. beeswax 4 tbs. cocoa butter 4 tbs. almond oil Melt together beeswax and cocoa butter. Add almond oil. Mix completely until smooth. (May use blender). Pour into a pretty pot or jar. Let harden and it is ready to use or to be given as a gift.

14. Coconut Mint Moisture Cream 4 tbs. mint infusion 1/2 tsp. borax 3 tbs. coconut oil 2 tbs. olive oil 1 tbs. almond oil 1/2 tsp. beeswax Prepare the mint infusion in advance by placing three or four sprigs of mint into a teacup and filling with boiling water. Infuse it for two hours before straining. Dissolve the borax in the liquid. Place the oils and wax in a double boiler and melt them gently. Remove from heat and slowly add the reheated mint infusion. Whisk until it is cool. This fluffy cream can be used either as a day or night cream and is suitable for dry, normal and combination skins. For oily skin, try substituting a lighter oil or one that absorbs easily such as jojoba, grapeseed or apricot oil. You can also add vitamin E to prolong shelf life.

[dcroome2005]

15. Cold Cream (For Cleansing and Soothing the Skin) 52 oz. white beeswax 1/2 cup almond oil 1/2 tsp. borax 1/4 cup rosewater This recipe gives you a basic all -purpose cold cream / moisturizer, which you can add scented oils to, if you'd like. Place the beeswax in a double boiler and add the almond oil. Melt the wax over low heat, stirring constantly to combine the ingredients. Take off the heat and dissolve the borax in the rosewater and slowly pour it into the melted wax and oil, whisking constantly. It will turn milky and thicken, continue whisking while it cools. When it reaches thick pouring consistency, pour into glass jars or china pots. Makes 7 oz.

16. Cooling Foot and Body Powder 1/2 cup powdered arrowroot 1/2 cup cosmetic clay 2 tbs. powdered ginger 20 drops tea tree oil (or lavender essential oil) This light, fragrant powder absorbs moisture and fights bacteria to eradicate perspiration and body odor. It also helps relieve athlete's foot. It contains tea tree oil and powdered ginger, both of which have antiseptic and antifungal action. If you're making a body powder, you may prefer to use lavender essential oil in place of the tea tree oil; it has a little less antiseptic power, but more fragrance. Instructions for making powder: In a large jar, combine the arrowroot, cosmetic clay and ginger. Cover and shake to mix. Add the tea tree or lavender oil and shake again. You may want to sift the powder through a fine mesh strainer to break up any drops of oil. Store in a covered, dark glass jar. Apply as needed to feet or body. Stored in a cool, dry place, the powder will keep indefinitely.

17. Cooling Summer Body Spray 1 tbs. witch hazel 1 tsp. lemon extract 1 tsp. cucumber extract 1 cup water For a refreshing cool feeling, make an after shower spray by combining all the ingredients. Place in a pump spay bottle and spritz onto skin.

18. Cream Bleach for Body Hair Soap flakes 1/2 cup peroxide 2 tsp. ammonia Mix ingredients together until it forms a paste. Spread on hair to be bleached and let sit for 15 minutes, then wash it out. Repeat every few days until hair has no color. Do this on a monthly basis. Do not use on eyebrows or eyelashes!

19. Crescent Moon Massage Oil 10 tsp. wheat germ oil 6 drops chamomile oil 4 drops neroli oil 2 drops rose oil 1 drop basil oil This is a green-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a small bottle and seal well. Warm up oil before doing any massage.

20. Cucumber Facial Mask (Cleans and Moisturizes) 1 tbs. instant nonfat dry milk 1/2 peeled cucumber 1 tsp. plain yogurt Put all ingredients into a blender and mix well until smooth. Apply to your face (avoid your eyes). Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off. Mix a fresh batch for each use.

21. Custom - Scented Bath Crystals Rock salt or sea salt (you can also use water softener salt for this; it is much cheaper than sea salt) Essential oils 1/2 quart glass or clear plastic jar with tight-fitting lid Add approximately 4 teaspoons of the essential oil to the rock salt in a 1/2 quart container. If container is larger or smaller, add or subtract oil as needed. Cap the lid tightly and wait at least two days before using.

22. Custom - Scented Bath Oil Sunflower oil Essential oil or potpourri refresher oil in your choice of scent(s) Corked container Crystal beads, dried flowers, little seashells, etc. (optional - for bottle decoration) Pour sunflower oil through a funnel into the corked container, leaving a little space at the top, at least an inch. Add 4 teaspoons of the essential oil per 1/2 quart. Cork the container and agitate the bottle gently. Let it sit for 2 to 3 days before using. You may add things to the container to make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the nose... whatever you want or will match the decor of your bathroom.

23. Custom - Scented Bath Powder 1/2 cup cornstarch 2 tbs. arrowroot powder 2 tbs. baking soda Few drops of essential oil of your preference Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let stand a few days to dry, then sift through a flour sifter. Pour into a powder shaker container.

24. Custom - Scented Bath Salts 1 cup epsom salt 1 cup sea salt 2 cups baking soda Essential oil(s) 10 drops food coloring (optional) Combine the first 3 ingredients in a large bowl, then add 4 teaspoons of essential oil in any fragrance or combination. Stir. You may also tint the bath salts if you so desire by adding 10 drops of food coloring to the bowl after you add the essential oils. Stir again. Store bath salts in a tightly capped container for 2 to 3 days before using. You can also divide the bath salts equally between 2 large bowls, tint them different colors, and then carefully pour them into a clear container, making what appears to be "sand art". Or tint one red, and scent both containers with peppermint oil, then layer it in a clear container and wrap with red ribbon. This "peppermint stick" makes a great Christmas gift!

25. Custom - Scented Body Lotion 1/8 tsp. borax 1/4 cup distilled water 1/2 cup almond oil 1 tbs. grated beeswax Fragranced essential oil, your choice of scent(s) Combine borax and distilled water; set aside. Heat almond oil and beeswax together until beeswax is almost melted. Remove from heat and stir. Heat borax and water mixture to almost boiling. Slowly pour water into heated oils while stirring with a wire whisk. Once the water is completely mixed into the oils allow the mixture to cool. Once it is completely cool add the essential oil or oils of your choice for fragrance. Makes about 8 ounces.

26. Custom - Scented Bubble Bath #1 5 drops fragrant oil or essential oil (your choice of scent) 1 quart water 1 bar castile soap (grated or flaked) 1-1/2 ounces glycerin Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour into running bath water.

27. Custom - Scented Bubble Bath #2 2 cups soap flakes or grated soap 1 gallon water 1/4 to 1/2 cup glycerin 2 cups shampoo or liquid dishwashing detergent Scented oil of your choice Mix the soap flakes, water and 2 tbs. glycerin in a pot and set over low heat, stirring occasionally until the soap has dissolved. (This liquid soap can be stored in a covered container and used as an all-purpose soap or hand soap in the kitchen also.) In a bowl, add 2 cups of this mixture to the rest of the glycerin, shampoo and add a few drops of your favorite scented oil. Put into a quart container and store covered at room temperature. To use, add about 1 cup to your tub as it's filling.

28. Custom - Scented Glycerin Soap 1 lb. block of glycerin soap 1/8 to 1/4 oz. of essential fragrance oil 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup powdered herbs or rose petals or oatmeal, cornmeal or almond meal (herbs & meals are optional)... OR... 1/4 to 1/2 cup herbal infusion (tea) Melt glycerin in double boiler with water (or herbal infusion). If using powders, stir in with non-metallic spoon. Let cool slightly (not enough to harden - still pourable) and add the scent. Mix in and pour into molds or saran wrap-lined box. Let harden, cut into bars and bevel the edges and rough spots with a paring knife. This recipe can also be made with castile soap flakes or they can be used in combination with the glycerin soap.

29. Custom - Scented Hair Gel 2 tbs. flax seeds 1 cup water Few drops essential oils Place flax seeds and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and allow to cool completely. Add the essential oils when cooled. Place in a glass container and store at room temperature.

30. Custom - Scented Liquid / Gel Soap 2 cups soap flakes or grated bar soap 1/2 gallon water 2 tbs. glycerin Fragranced or essential oil of your choice Food coloring of your choice (optional) Mix first 3 ingredients together in a large pot or dutch oven. Set over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the soap has dissolved. Add fragrance oil and food coloring and mix well. Transfer to a jar and cover tightly. For a less thick gel soap, use 1 gallon of water

[dcroome2005]

31. Custom - Scented Shampoo 3/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup shampoo concentrate (or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 tsp.) 1/2 tsp. table salt 20 drops fragrance oil of your choice Food coloring of your choice (optional) Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir with a wire whisk until well blended. Add the salt, fragrance oil and food coloring and stir until well blended. Pour into a bottle and close.

32. Custom - Scented Shower Gel 1/2 cup unscented shampoo 1/4 cup water 3/4 tsp. salt 15 drops fragrance oil Food coloring (optional) Pour shampoo into a bowl and add the water. Stir until it's well mixed. Add the salt, fragrance oil and food coloring. Suggestions for scents: kiwi extract, raspberry extract, strawberry extract, coconut extract, vanilla extract, etc... (I personally like the raspberry and vanilla mix... smells so good!)

33. Cuticle Cream 3 tbs. paraffin 1/2 cup mineral oil 1 tbs. coconut oil 1 tbs. glycerin Slowly heat paraffin with the oils in a double boiler. Stir until blended. Add in the glycerin and remove from heat. Let cool before using.

34. Dandruff Shampoo 40 drops lavender essential oil 20 drops rosemary essential oil 10 drops birch essential oil 10 drops cedarwood essential oil Carefully mix all of the essential oils together. Be sure to use only real, not synthetic oils. Add the oils to an 8 ounce bottle of shampoo and shake very well to mix completely (or you can use a recycled old shampoo bottle for mixing). You can use whichever shampoo you currently prefer, but it is best when adding essential oils to use a neutral based shampoo or a natural baby shampoo that you can buy at any health food store. A neutral base shampoo gives the essential oils a better chance to work. Use the shampoo daily or every other day. Use a small amount to massage into wet hair, then rinse out. Note: It is important to remember that you should never apply essential oils directly to your skin or scalp. They must always be diluted in some sort of carrier oil or shampoo base.

35. Deep Conditioner for Beautiful Hair 1 small jar of real mayonnaise 1/2 of an avocado Put ingredients together in a medium bowl and squish together with your hands until it's a minty green color. Smooth into hair all the way to the tips. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head with saran wrap. Leave on for 20 minutes. For deeper conditioning put a hot, damp towel around your head over the shower cap or saran wrap. If you have really long hair and only need conditioning at the ends, cut the ingredients in half and apply only to the ends and just wrap them.

36. Desert Sands Layered Bath Salts 5 drops yellow food coloring 4 drops red food coloring 4 drops musk oil 3 drops Jasmine fragrant or essential oil 3 cups epsom salts 1 cup baking soda 2 tsp. glycerin Combine baking soda, epsom salt and glycerin until well blended. Add scents until there are no clumps, just a fine powder. Divide the mixture evenly into 3 separate bowls. In the first bowl add 3 drops yellow food coloring, in the second bowl add 3 drops red food coloring, and in the third bowl add 2 drops yellow food coloring and 1 drop red food coloring. Stir each bowl until the color is well mixed. Allow the air to dry it for a few hours before placing in a bottle. Once dried, layer the colors... red first, then orange, then lastly yellow.

37. Dissolving Bath Oil 1/4 cup sweet almond oil 24 drops fragrance or essential oil 2 tbs. gum arabic 2 cups distilled water Mix together and pour into running water. The gum arabic acts to blend oil and water so it doesn't separate in the tub. Makes enough for 1 bath.

38. Dry Shampoo 1/2 cup cornstarch Fragrance oil (optional) Sprinkle cornstarch into your hair and massage into hair and scalp. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes, then brush through hair. Repeat if necessary. This is wonderful to freshen-up your hair in a pinch between shampoos... or great to take on camping trips when fresh water is unavailable for using a liquid shampoo. You can also add a couple drops of fragrance oil to the cornstarch for a nice scented dry shampoo.

39. Earth Bath Salts 1/2 cup epsom salts 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup rock salt 1/2 tsp. vitamin E 2 tsp. light oil (almond, sunflower, etc...) 20 drops Patchouli essential oil 15 drops Cypress essential oil 5 drops Vetivert essential oil Green food coloring Mix all salts and baking soda together. Then combine oil, essential oils, vitamin E and a few drops of coloring in a separate bowl. Add liquid to salts and mix thoroughly. You can add more green food coloring, if desired, but I find it nicer when it's a very light green as it does not look as artificial. To use, add a few heaping tablespoons to bath.

40. Easy Milk Bath 2 cups dry milk powder 1 cup cornstarch 1/8 tsp. fragrance oil of your choice Blend together all ingredients in a blender. Add 1/2 cup mixture to hot bath water.

41. Echoes of the Wild Massage Oil 10 tsp. safflower oil 5 drops orange blossom oil 2 drops sandalwood oil 2 drops jasmine oil This is a citrus-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a small bottle and seal well. Warm up oil before doing any massage.

42. Enchanted Body Mist 2 cups distilled water 3 tbs. vodka 5 drops everlasting essential oil 10 drops peony essential oil 10 drops sandalwood essential oil Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle, shake well. Allow to settle for at least 12 hours. Store in a cool dry place.

43. Exotic Patchouli Massage Oil 10 tsp. grapeseed oil 7 drops patchouli oil 4 drops jasmine oil 2 drops rose oil This is a woodsy-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a small bottle and seal well. Warm up oil before doing any massage.

44. Falling Stars Body Mist 2 cups distilled water 3 tbs. vodka 5 drops lavender essential oil 10 drops chamomile essential oil 10 drops valerian essential oil Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle, shake well. Allow to settle for at least 12 hours. Store in a cool dry place.

45. Fields of Gold Milk Bath 4 cups powdered milk 1 cup boiled water 1/2 cup dried chamomile or 5 chamomile tea bags Steep chamomile in water for 20 minutes. Strain liquid. Mix liquid with milk and add to bath water. Especially nice after a long day.

46. Fizzy Bath Crystals 8 oz. cornstarch 8 oz. citric acid 16 oz. baking soda 1 tsp. fragrance oil Mix cornstarch and citric acid together thoroughly. Add fragrance oil as desired. Blend in baking soda. Package and label. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per bath. Enjoy!

47. Foaming Bath Oil Balls 1/4 cup baking soda 2 tbs. citric acid or ascorbic acid (powdered vitamin C) 1 tbs. borax powder (for softening) 2 tbs. powdered sugar (for binding) 2 tbs. sweet almond oil 1 tsp. vitamin E oil (preservative) 1/4 tsp. fragrance or essential oil Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended. Drizzle in almond oil and stir until mixture is moistened. Add vitamin E oil and fragrance and stir until well mixed. Take teaspoon size globs of mixture and form into ball shapes with fingers. (Mixture will be VERY crumbly and fragile, so do the best you can. Add a little bit more of the vitamin E oil... I find that helps.) Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper and leave alone for 2 to 3 hours. After 2 to 3 hours, reshape balls. Let the balls air-dry and harden for 10 days. Store balls in a closed container to protect from moisture. To use, plop a ball into your bathtub in warm water!

48. Fragrant Honey Milk Bath Oil 1 cup honey 2 cups milk 1 cup salt 1/4 cup baking soda 1/2 cup baby oil Fragrance oil of desired scent Combine honey, milk, salt and baking soda in a bowl. Fill your tub and pour the mixure in. Add the baby oil and a few drops of the fragrance.

49. Frizz Tamer for Hair 1/2 cup conditioner 1/4 cup honey 1 tbs. almond oil Mix ingredients well. Pour mixture over damp hair, work it in. Leave it on for about 20 minutes for a good deep conditioning. Wash out. This works for all hair types.

[Stephanie]

Oh my gosh - I have GOT to stop looking at this board lol! I can't get any real paying work done!

[dcroome2005]

50. Fruitcake Soap Loaf 8x3 7/8x2 15/32 Foil loaf pan (comes in sets of 3) Rectangular soap mold 2 1/2 pounds unscented, clear glycerin soap 1/4 tsp. each cherry, pineapple, lime, vanilla and cinnamon fragrance oils 1 1/2 tsp. gingerbread fragrance oil Red, yellow, green (liquid) and brown (paste) food coloring Melt 4 ounces of soap in small saucepan over low heat or in a glass container in the microwave. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon cherry fragrance oil and 5 drops of red food coloring. Pour half of this soap (2 ounces) into a cell of the rectangular soap mold, the other half into another cell. Repeat the process with the pineapple fragrance oil and yellow food coloring, then the lime fragrance oil and the green food coloring. Melt 4 more ounces of soap, add brown food coloring paste (or you can use 5 drops of red, 3 drops of yellow and 2 drops of green liquid food coloring to get brown as well). Pour equally into 2 cells of the rectangular soap mold. When all 8 bars are completely set, remove them from the molds. Using a cutter/scraper, cut each bar into approximately 24 small chunks (cut into 4 lengthwise pieces and then into 8 crosswise pieces). Put all the chunks into a bowl and mix well, place in freezer for several hours. Melt 1 1/2 pounds of soap. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of gingerbread fragrance oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of vanilla and cinnamon fragrance oil. Add brown food coloring paste (or 20 drops of red, 12 drops of yellow and 8 drops of green liquid food coloring) until it's the color you'd like. Try to match the color of the brown cubes you made earlier. Pour a very shallow layer into the loaf pan, add a single layer of fruit chunks, pour more of the gingerbread soap to cover, add another layer of fruit chunks and cover with another layer of gingerbread. Continue until the soap is gone and the pan is full. Allow the loaf to set completely. Put in the freezer for a few hours. Remove frozen loaf from pan. Thaw completely. Dry condensation with a paper towel. Cut the loaf into slices and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or a small sealable plastic bag and tie with pretty ribbons. Or if you'd like to give the whole loaf as a gift, you can create holly leaves and berries to decorate the top... Melt a small amount of soap and stir in some green food coloring. Do the same with red. Pour into the bottom of the rectangular soap mold to make a thin layer of each. Cut holly leaves out of the green and berries out of the red and place on top of the loaf before wrapping in plastic wrap. Looks very pretty! Include a pretty knife for slicing and you have a really neat gift!

51. Green Apple and Aloe Vera Shower Gel 3/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup shampoo concentrate (or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 tsp.) 1/2 tsp. table salt 2 tbs. aloe vera gel 15 drops apple fragrance oil 1 drop green food coloring (optional) Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir until well mixed. Add the aloe vera gel, salt, apple fragrance oil and coloring. Stir until thick and well blended. Pour into a squeeze bottle and close

52. Hair Color - Blonde Highlights for Hair 1 cup lemon juice 3 cups chamomile tea (brewed and then cooled) Mix ingredients together. Pour over damp hair. Let it sit for 1 hour while you sit in the sun. Wash out.

53. Hair Color - Red Highlights for Hair 1/2 cup beet juice 1/2 cup carrot juice Mix ingredients together. Pour over damp hair. Let it sit for 1 hour while you sit in the sun. Wash out.

54. Herbal Aftershave 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol 1/4 cup witch hazel 1/2 cup distilled water 3 drops oil of benzoin 1 tbs. olive oil 1/2 cup dried herbs and/or a few drops of essential oils of your preference (some ideas for herbs: rosemary, sage, cinnamon, cloves, crushed lavender flowers, orange or lemon peels, etc.) Combine ingredients in a jar. Cover and place in a dark, fairly cool place. Shake the jar once or twice a day for 2 to 3 days. Strain out herbs and refrigerate.

55. Herbal Facial Sauna (For Acne) 1 tbs. lavender 1 tbs. red clover leaves 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, mashed Sprinkle the lavender, red clover leaves and strawberries in a bowl of steaming water. Place face over the steamy concoction and cover head with a towel. Soak up the fruit and herb-rich steam for 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse face with cool water and pat dry. Best when done once a week.

56. Herbal Shampoo 2 tbs. dry peppermint 2 tbs. dry spearmint 1 tbs. dry sage 1 cup water 2/3 cup baby shampoo Combine herbs and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 20 minutes. Strain out the herbs and mix the baby shampoo with the herbal water. Pour into a plastic squirt bottle or jar.

57. Honey Almond Bubble Bath 1 tbs. light oil (olive oil works well) 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup liquid soap (WalMart Liquid Antibacterial works well) 1 tbs. almond extract 1 tbs. glycerine Mix all ingredients together in a squirt bottle. Uus 1/4 cup per bath. You will love how this makes your skin feel!

58. Honey Lemon Leave-in Hair Shine 1 tsp. honey 4 cups (1 qt.) warm water Squeeze of lemon Mix honey with water and add squeeze of lemon. Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual, then pour honey-lemon mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry and style hair as usual.

59. Honey Wheat Germ Lotion (For Super Soft Skin) 1 cup dry chamomile 4 tbs. honey 1 cup milk 8 tsp. wheat germ Steep chamomile in milk for a few hours. Strain, keeping liquid. Add honey and wheat germ to liquid mixture. Blend well. Place in a bottle. Refrigerate any unused portions. Keeps up to a week.

60. Hot Oil Treatment for Hair 1 tsp. soybean oil 2 tsp. castor oil Few drops fragrance oil (optional) Combine ingredients and warm on low heat. Massage mixture into the scalp and hair. Wrap hair in a hot towel for 15 minutes. Shampoo and rinse out.

61. Kosher Bath Salts 1 cup kosher salt 1 cup baking soda 2 tbs. glycerin Place ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Put in a decorative container.

62. Lemon Sparkle Shampoo 3/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup shampoo concentrate (or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 tsp.) 1/2 tsp. table salt 2 tbs. dried chamomile 1 tbs. dried rosemary 2 tsp. sweet almond oil 1/4 tsp. lemon oil 1 drop yellow food coloring (optional) Heat the water in a saucepan, bringing to a boil. Add dried chamomile and rosemary to the water and remove the pan from the heat. Let the herbs sit in the water for 20 minutes. Pour the water through a strainer and into a collecting bowl. Discard herbs. Add the shampoo concentrate to the water and stir until it has dissolved. Add the almond oil, lemon oil and food coloring. Stir until blended. Add the salt and stir until the mixture thickens. Let the mixture cool to room temperature and bottle. For a special touch, if giving as a gift, place in a pretty colored bottle and tie with pretty ribbons and glue on some silk flowers.

63. Lotion Bars (Solid Bath Oil Bars) 2 oz. deodorized cocoa butter or mango butter 2 oz. beeswax, refined beads 2 or 3 oz. liquid vegetable oil such as jojoba, sunflower or sweet almond 2 tsp. essential oil or fragrance oil of your choice 1/2 to 1 tsp. of Jojoba Wax Spheres in color of your choice for coloring Melt cocoa or mango butter and pour 2 ounces into an 8 ounce Pyrex measuring cup. Add 2 ounces of beeswax beads (total of 4 ounces in cup). Add jojoba wax spheres. Melt together in microwave. Now add the liquid vegetable oil. Use 2 ounces for a hard bar, which would bring your total to 6 ounces... OR use 3 ounces for a softer bar, which would bring your total to 7 ounces. Stir to mix thoroughly. Add essential or fragrance oil when mixture has cooled slightly. Pour into small soap molds. Pop out when cool, about 2 hours. For best results, put in refrigerator a few minutes before popping out of mold. Some uses include: Rub on body when getting out of shower while still damp, wet hands and rub with lotion bar, use as a drawer sachet, cut off a sliver and let melt in hot bath water, massage into cuticles to soften them, rub onto elbows and knees, or use for massage (softer bar recipe).

64. Makeup Remover and Moisturizer 1/2 cup paraffin 1 cup mineral oil 1/2 cup water 2 tbs. alum Slowly heat paraffin with the oil in a double boiler. In a separate saucepan, heat the water until it simmers, then dissolve the alum in it. Let cook, then add to the warm mineral oil and paraffin mixture. As everything cools, the paraffin will rise to the top. Drain off the water. The residue is your makeup remover.

[dcroome2005]

65. Mechanic's Hand Cleanser 1 cup borax 1 to 2 tsp. pure turpentine 1 tsp. sweet orange essential oil 1 cup ground soap With very clean hands, work the turpentine and essential oil into the borax until there are no lumps left, then work into the soap. Keep it in a wide-mouthed jar or tin that's easy for him to open when his hands are greasy, and which you won't mind getting dirty on the outside. Don't forget to put a nail brush and pumice stone out with the hand cleanser.

66. Milk and Honey Facial Mask 1 tbs. dry powdered milk 1 tsp. milk 2 drops of honey Combine all of the ingredients until you have a paste. Apply to the face and let sit until dry. Rinse off with warm water. Your face will have a radiant glow!

67. Minty Cocoa Butter Lip Balm 1-1/2 parts cocoa butter 1-1/2 parts grated beeswax 3 parts edible vegetable oil of your choice (almond, apricot kernel, avocado, extra virgin olive, hemp seed, jojoba, kukui nut, macadamia nut, castor all work well... but keep in mind if you plan on selling lip balm or giving as a gift, that some people are allergic to nut oils) Spearmint and/or peppermint flavoring oil Melt the cocoa butter and beeswax slowly and carefully in a microwave, or over a double boiler on the stove until melted. Add oil and stir well. Add spearmint or peppermint flavoring oils, or both, a few drops at a time, to taste. Gently reheat if needed. Cool slightly before pouring into containers. To test consistency, place a drop on a spoon and set in the refrigerator to cool for a few minutes. Test on your lips. For a softer lip balm, add more oil. For a harder lip balm, add more beeswax.

68. Minty Fresh Herb Bath 1 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried mint (chop up finely if it's fresh) 1 cup fresh bay leaves, finely chopped 1 tsp. coconut oil 1 tsp. almond extract Mix ingredients together then place in a mesh bag such as cheesecloth. Place under hot running bath water. Sit back and enjoy.

69. Misty Passions Perfume 3 drops passionflower oil 2 drops ylang-ylang oil 3 drops neroli oil 1/2 pint (300ml) 70 percent alcohol or vodka Pour the alcohol into a bottle or jar. Add the oils and shake well. Let stand for 1 week before using.

70. Northern Nights Bath Salts 1 cup kosher salt 1 cup baking soda 3 drops pine balsam oil 2 drops cinnamon oil 2 drops cassis oil 2 tbs. glycerin Mix ingredients together, blending well. Break up any clumps.

71. Oatmeal Bath or Facial Scrub 1 small bar castile or baby soap, grated (or Dove soap for dry skin problems) 2 cups oatmeal, blended or processed into powder 1 small package blanched almonds, blended with the oatmeal Mix the ingredients well. Put in a pretty jar with a plastic spoon. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons in bath water, or use 1 teaspoon to scrub face.

72. Ocean Blue Bath Salts 1 cup epsom salt 1 cup baking soda 4 drops blue food coloring 3 drops Jasmine fragrant or essential oil 4 drops vanilla 2 tbs. glycerin Combine dry ingredients, mix well. Add color and scents one at a time. Keep stirring until mixed well. Break up any clumps and keep mixing until you have a semi-fine powder. Add glycerin and mix well.

73. Oriental Nights Perfume 4 drops sandalwood 4 drops musk 3 drops frankincense 2 tsp. jojoba oil Mix all the ingredients together and shake well. Allow perfume to settle for at least 12 hours. Store in a cool dry place.

74. Oven-Baked Bath Cookies 2 cups finely ground sea salt 1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 2 tbs. light oil 1 tsp. vitamin E oil 2 eggs 5-6 drops essential oil Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together all the ingredients. Take a teaspoon of the dough and roll it gently into a ball about 1" in diameter. Continue doing this with all the dough and place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet. (You can decorate the cookies with clove buds, anise seeds, or dried citrus peel if you wish.) Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, until they are lightly browned. Do not overbake. Allow the cookies to cool completely. To use, drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Do not eat! Yield: 24 cookies, enough for 12+ baths.

75. Paraffin Wax Treatment for Hands 1 block paraffin wax (about 4 oz.) 1 oz. light oil 20 drops essential oil, lavender is rather nice Few drops of olive oil (you will use this to coat your hands) Casserole dish, greased with oil Plastic sandwich bags Melt the paraffin, the light oil and the scented oil in a double boiler. Be sure to use a double boiler for safety purposes. Very carefully pour the wax into the casserole dish and wait until a skin has formed on top of the wax. When this happens, the temperature should be about right for submerging your hands. **But before you do, be sure to test the wax for comfort in case the wax is still a little too warm for your liking. Testing a little on your wrist usually works.** Get your hands ready by washing them and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Smooth on the olive oil and be sure to cover every inch of your hands and fingers. Dip each hand into the wax repeatedly until you have several layers of wax built up on your hands. Have someone help you put on the sandwich bags onto each hand and then relax for about 30 minutes. For added benefit, place a bath towel over your hands as you wait. To remove the wax, simply peel it away. Start at the wrist area and pull it down. It should come off in large sections. Give yourself a little hand massage and you are done.

76. Peaches and Cream Bath Bar Castile soap (or pure white unscented, such as Ivory) 1/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup powdered milk 1 tbs. sweet almond oil 1/8 tsp. peach fragrance oil 1 drop orange food coloring (optional) Shred the castile soap and set aside. Heat the water in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir in the shredded soap until it forms a sticky mass. Remove the pan from the heat and add the powdered milk, sweet almond oil, peach fragrance oil and food coloring. Stir until well blended. Spoon the soap into a mold and let set for 4 hours or until hardened. Makes one 4-ounce bar.

77. Peach Shower Gel 3/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup shampoo concentrate (or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 tsp.) 1/2 tsp. table salt 1 tbs. apricot kernel oil 15 drops peach fragrance oil 5 drops vitamin E oil (2 capsules) 1 drop orange food coloring (optional) Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the apricot kernal oil, salt, peach fragrance oil, vitamin E oil (just break open the capsules) and coloring. Stir until well blended and thick. Pour into a squeeze bottle and close.

78. Peel-Off Mask 1 packet unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup fruit juice or herbal tea Heat together to gently dissolve the gelatine. Let cool until almost set. Apply to face. Let dry completely, then peel off.

79. Peppermint Clarifying Shampoo 3/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup shampoo concentrate (or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 tsp.) 1/2 tsp. table salt 2 tsp. jojoba oil 1/8 tsp. peppermint oil 1 drop red food coloring (optional) Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir with a wire whisk until well blended. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well blended. Pour into a bottle and close. This is a tingly treat for the scalp for all types of hair. It stimulates the scalp without drying. Makes 8-1/2 ounces.

80. Peppermint Lotion (Relieves Itching) 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol 3-4 drops peppermint oil (oil of eucalyptus can be used in place of peppermint, if you prefer) Pour the water and alcohol into a bottle, then add the oil. Cap and shake well. Apply to skin with a clean cloth.

81. Raspberry-Vanilla Bubble Bath 8 oz. unscented liquid soap 2 oz. distilled water 8 drops vanilla fragrance oil 6 drops raspberry fragrance oil 2 drops red food coloring Mix all ingredients and pour into a container.

82. Salt Glow Scented Body Scrub 1 cup salt, any kind - the different sizes give a different feel 1 cup vegetable oil, any kind - a lighter one might rinse off more easily 1 cup unscented liquid soap Few drops of scented oil of your choice Mix all the ingredients and massage into the skin... use a light touch, especially with the coarser grains of salt, until you are used to it. Shower as usual. This will give your skin a polished, moisturized glow while removing dull, dead cells. Do not use on irritated skin or right after shaving.

[dcroome2005]

83. Scented Rocks (A Nice Alternative to Potpourri) 1/2 cup plain flour 1/2 cup salt 1/4 tsp. essential oil in your favorite scent 2/3 cups boiling water Food coloring, if desired In bowl, mix dry ingredients well. Add essential oil and boiling water to dry ingredients. (Scent will be strong, but will fade slightly when dry.) For colored stones, blend in food coloring, one drop at a time, until desired shade is reached. Blend ingredients and form balls. Allow stones to dry. Place rocks in a bowl or dish to scent a room.

84. Silky Smooth Body Lotion 1 cup aloe vera gel 1 tsp. lanolin 1 tsp. vitamin E oil 1/3 cup coconut oil 1/2 to 3/4 ounce beeswax 3/4 cup almond oil 1 1/2 tsp. essential oil Use a blender or food processor to mix the aloe vera gel, lanolin and vitamin E oil. Microwave coconut oil and beeswax together in a glass container on high for 30 seconds, stir. Repeat heating in 10 second increments until fully melted. Stir in almond oil, reheating if necessary. Run blender or processor at low to medium speed, then pour in melted oils in a thin stream. As the oil is blended in, the cream will turn white. As soon as the melted oils are added and you've achieved mayonnaise-like consistency, stop the blender, add essential oil and pulse-blend. Do not overblend. Transfer cream to glass jars while still warm - the lotion will thicken quickly. This lotion really absorbs well and leaves no residue on the skin. Makes two cups.

85. "Smelly Jelly" Air Fresheners 1/4 to 1/2 cup AGROSOKE polymer crystals (sold at Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, etc...) Clean water (distilled, bottled or from a water filter) Food coloring HIGH QUALITY fragrance oil (that's the key) Jelly jars and ring tops (Mason makes nice quilted-looking ones in 3 sizes - perfect) Pretty lace fabric OR very loose-weave fabric cut into squares (4" x 4" or a little larger) Get a large bowl or pot and put the 1/4 to 1/2 cup of crystals in it. Fill it up 3/4 full with hot water and a few drops of food coloring. Remember - these crystals expand a few hundred times their original size, so pick a bowl large enough! Stir the colored mixture to saturate all the crystals. Wait. Every 10 minutes or so give the crystals a stir. After about 30 minutes all the water should be gone and the crystals should be gel-like. If not, wait some more. It will absorb all the colored water. Next, you can add the fragrance oil to the whole bowl of gel OR you can split it up into separate bowls and scent them separately. You only need a few tablespoons of scent. After you add the fragrance oil, stir well. I make it rather strong so it never runs out of scent. Line up the jelly jars, fabric squares and jar top rings. Add the jelly to the jars almost to the top. Place a fabric square over the top. Screw the jar top ring on to secure the fabric in place. Then pour a tablespoon of water through the fabric top. Do not let the water come out the top. Fill almost to the top only. Lastly, tie a ribbon around the ring if you want to or just leave it as it is. Don't throw away the jar top circles! These are great to use when you don't want to use the smelly jelly right away. Just put these on the jars BEFORE the fabric is added, to seal in the scent. Then take them off and reapply the fabric and rings when you're ready to use your smelly jelly. These last for months, but remember - water must be poured through the fabric top every week or so to keep them from drying out - very important!! If you happen to forget, they can be brought back from total dry out though. I forgot one and had nothing but crystals and oil in the jar, but I added some water... a few hours later, a perfect smelly jelly!

86. Soapwort Shampoo 2 cups water 1-1/2 tbs. dried soapwort root, chopped (most health food stores carry this) 2 tsp. Lemon Verbena (for a citrus fragrance)... OR 2 tsp. Catnip (promotes healthy hair growth) Bring water to a boil. Add soapwort and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add either Lemon Verbena or Catnip, then allow mixture to cool. Strain the mixture, keeping the liquid. Pour into a bottle. Makes enough for 6 or 7 shampoos. Store in a cool, dark place. Must be used within 8 to 10 days.

87. Soap Crayons for Kid's Bath 1 cup soap flakes 1/4 cup boiling water Food coloring Ice cube tray Drop the water into the flakes, one teaspoon at a time, stirring constantly. It will be thick and hard to stir. Spoon some of the soap into different bowls and color each with the food coloring until it has the consistency of thick paste. Press spoonfuls into the ice cube trays and microwave on low for 15 minutes to dry the crayons out. Let them dry at room temperature for several days and give it another day after unmolding. The kids will love these!!

88. Solid Perfume 3 parts sweet almond or jojoba oil 2 parts white beeswax 1 part scented oil Melt all ingredients over double boiler until well mixed and integrated. Pour into containers and let cool.

89. Soothing Scented Aftershave 2 cups rubbing alcohol 1 tbs. glycerin 1 tbs. dried lavender 1 tsp. dried rosemary 1 tsp. ground cloves Stir ingredients together in a bowl. Transfer to a jar, cover, and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. Shake occasionally to mix ingredients. After 3 to 4 days, strain out herbs. Keep refrigerated, will keep for 1 to 2 months. Yield: 2 cups.

90. Soothing Sensations Massage Oil 10 tsp. safflower oil 5 drops lavender oil 2 drops violet oil 2 drops chamomile oil 2 drops frankincense oil This is a floral-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a small bottle and seal well. Warm up oil before doing any massage.

91. Summer Leave-in Hair Conditioner Pure aloe gel (natural sunscreen) Green tea (protects against UVB rays) Jojoba oil (natural sunscreen) Cocoa butter (emollient) Vitamin E (preservative) Coconut oil (emollient) Essential oil (scent) Buy ingredients at your local health food store. Experiment with the amount of each ingredient that gives you the best results. Boil water for the green tea separately and allow to steep. Combine all ingredients (except essential oil) in saucepan and bring to a boil. Take off the heat and let cool, then add some of the steeped green tea and stir. Pour mixture into glass or plastic containers. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Slick hair back with mixture before going in the sun or swimming. Mixture protects hair against the summer sun, chlorine, salt water, and other pollutants. You may have to wash your hair several times to remove all of the conditioner afterwards, but the results will be soft, shiny hair!

92. Suntan Lotion 2 oz. salt-free mayonnaise 2 oz. black tea (brewed very dark) Juice of 1 lemon 5 (400 IU each) vitamin E capsules Mix mayonnaise, tea and lemon juice together in a blender. Pour into a container and squeeze contents of vitamin E capsules into it. Keep refrigerated no longer than 1 week.

93. Tea Tree Temptations Massage Oil 8 tsp. grapeseed oil 6 drops jasmine oil 2 drops tea tree oil 2 drops neroli oil This is a spicy-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a small bottle and seal well. Warm up oil before doing any massage.

94. Tropical Dreams Bubble Bath 3 drops rose fragrant or essential oil 2 drops jasmine fragrant or essential oil 1 ounce glycerin 1 ounce coconut oil 1 bar castile soap (grated) 1 quart water Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour into running bath water.

95. Truly Homemade Shampoo Shampoo is just liquid soap, usually made with vegetable oils rather than animal fat, and with glycerin and alcohol added during the soapmaking process. The basic ingredients for regular soap are lye (potash leached from ashes), fat (animal tallow) or oil, and water. Depending on how basic you want to get, you could even make your own lye and render your own fat, but that's VERY time consuming. Try the following recipe for a gentle homemade shampoo: 2 lb. 10 oz. olive oil 1 lb. 7 oz. of solid-type vegetable shortening 1 lb. coconut oil 10-1/4 oz. lye 2 pints water 1-1/2 oz. glycerin 1/2 oz. alcohol 1-1/2 oz. caster oil NOTE: You will need a candy thermometer to test temperatures Mix oils together. Place in a container and set the container in a large pan. Mix the lye solution - pour the lye into an enamel coated container of 2 pints of cold water and stir steadily. When cooled, pour lye solution into a glass container and set in another large pan. Bring both to between 95 and 98 degrees F - this will mean pouring either cold or hot water into the pans, depending on the original temperature of the ingredients. Add the lye solution to the oils, pouring in a steady stream while continuing to stir. The mixture will turn opaque and brownish, then will lighten. It's ready when its surface can support a drop of mixture for a moment. The consistency should be like sour cream. Stir in 1-1/2 oz. glycerin, 1/2 oz. alcohol and 1-1/2 oz. castor oil. Add any colorants or scents if you desire. Now, you can pour the mixture into molds and allow to harden, then make the shampoo as you need it by shaving off flakes and boiling in water until they dissolve - about 1 pound of shavings per gallon of water. Or, you can add more water to mixture, boil, and allow to cool, then place in bottles for use.

96. Vanilla Almond Soap 1/3 cup whole almonds 1 (4 ounce) bar castile soap 1/4 cup distilled water 1 tbs. almond oil 1/8 tsp. vanilla fragrance oil This soap is great for removing dirt and oil from the skin without drying. Vanilla gives it a delicious fragrance and the ground almonds provide a beautifully textured soap. Grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor or coffee grinder and set aside. Shred the soap and set aside. In a heavy saucepan bring the water to a boil; then reduce heat to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond powder, almond oil and vanilla fragrance oil, stirring until well blended. Spoon the soap into a mold and let set for 5 hours or until hardened. Makes 1 bar.

[dcroome2005]

97. Vanilla Coconut Thick Gel Shampoo 3/4 cup distilled water 1/4 cup shampoo concentrate (or substitute 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1-1/2 tsp.) 1 tsp. table salt 1 tbs. coconut oil 2 tsp. jojoba oil 10 drops vanilla fragrance oil 10 drops coconut fragrance oil Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate, stirring until well blended. Add the salt, coconut oil, jojoba oil, vanilla fragrance oil and coconut fragrance oil, and stir with a wire whisk until the mixture becomes a smooth, thick liquid. Pour into a bottle and close. A plastic squeeze bottle will work best for this thick gel shampoo.

98. Vanilla Rose Bubble Bath Gel 1/4 cup distilled water 2 tbs. shampoo concentrate (or substitute 1/4 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1/2 tsp.) 2 tbs. rosewater 1 tbs. liquid glycerin (can be found at most drug stores in the first-aid section) 1/4 tsp. table salt 10 drops vanilla fragrance oil 4 drops rose fragrance oil Warm the water and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir with a wire whisk until well blended. Add the rosewater, liquid glycerin, salt and fragrance oils. Stir until well mixed and pour into a bottle.

99. Velvet Apple Bubble Bath 5 drops green apple fragrance oil 1 quart water 1 bar castile soap (grated or flaked) 1-1/2 ounces glycerin 5 drops green food coloring (optional) Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour under running water in bath.

100. Whispering Rain Body Mist 2 cups distilled water 3 tbs. vodka 5 drops sandalwood essential oil 10 drops bergamot essential oil 10 drops cassis essential oil Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle, shake well. Allow to settle for at least 12 hours. Store in a cool dry place.

101. Wild Garden Shower Soap 1/2 cup distilled water 1/2 cup orange flower water 1 tbs. dried peppermint leaves 1 tbs. dried chamomile 1 tbs. dried rose petals 1 tbs. orange blossoms 1/2 tbs. unscented glycerin soap 1 tsp. castor oil Combine the distilled water and orange flower water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the peppermint, chamomile, rose petals and orange blossoms. Let steep for 1 hour. Strain the herbs and flowers from the water and reheat gently. Add the glycerin soap and stir in the castor oil. Let cool to room temperature and bottle.

[dcroome2005]

OK I am done.. Sorry for all the post.. Just wanted to make sure you got them all.. Good luck all and hope this helps someone :-)

Christina

[jenniejr]

Damn girl! That's alot of recipes!

[tlc26]

How the heck am I supposed to print all of those!! lol

Thanks

that is a shload of recipes!

[Lisa]

Thanks for sharing!!

[dcroome2005]

Your Welcome.. I apologize for posting this in the wrong section. This should have been in the recipe section.. If someone wants to move this for me please :-)

Christina

[Margaritamama]

Damn girl! That's alot of recipes!

........ and a whole bunch of typing OUCH!!

[tlc26]

thank goodness for copy and paste!!

[kandlekrazy]

:bump:

for the newbies that may miss some good recipes here when searching.

[Loulougirl]

Wow awesome!

[katgarcia]

I've been looking for a good bath bomb and simple body scrub recipes, Thank you! I can't wait to try them.

[aalore]

Wow, great stuff!

[WillowBoo]

Good Lord....how many words a minute do you type?????

[Pam W]

:bump:

for the newbies that may miss some good recipes here when searching.

time for another bump ....:bump:

[beckemmons]

Man there are so many that i want to try!