An Evening of Pampering
By Lucinda Jenkins and Brenda Hyde

We all need to set aside some time to pamper ourselves, whether to reflect on events in our lives or to escape with the latest romance novel. It's important to energize ourselves by allowing a little self nurturing at least once a week.

The following recipes, combined with your favorite book or magazine, a nice cup of herbal tea and a few scented candles will assure you an evening of rejuvenation!

Herbal Bath

Combine together:
4 cups of dried lemon verbena
2 cups of dried thyme
1 cup of peppermint
1/2 cup of Epson salt

Mix together ingredients. Place 1/4 cup or so in cheese cloth or muslin, tie with string or rubberband and add to your bath. This has a great energizing scent.

Cucumber Mask

You will need:
1 small cucumber
Chamomile and green tea, a brewed cup of each
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1 ounce aloe vera gel

Peel the cucumber and puree in blender until smooth. Strain the puree through a sieve and reserve the juice. Take 2 ounces (1/4 cup) each of your chamomile and green tea and place in a pan. (Be sure to sip the leftover while preparing recipe). Add unflavored gelatin and aloe vera gel heating until gelatin is dissolved. Add cucumber juice to the mixture and set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so. Apply to the face and let dry. Peel off if the skin is normal or rinse off if the skin is sunburned or extra sensitive.

Lavender Body Powder

Combine together in a bowl:
1 cup of finely ground dried lavender buds
(or lavender buds powdered)
1 cup of bentonite clay
1 1/2 cup of cornstarch
Lavender essential oil

Whisk the clay and the cornstarch together,add your powdered lavender buds, and then 3-5 drops of essential oil. Allow to sit covered in the bowl and then transfer to shaker jar. Enjoy your all-natural body powder

Dream Pillows

Combine together in a bowl:
1 cup mugwort
1/2 cup rose petals
1/2 cup german chamomile
1/2 cup of sweet hops
1/3 cup lavender buds
1/3 cup catnip crushed
1/4 cup peppermint

Mix the ingredients together make cloth bags from a 5x12 inch piece of material fill cloth bags with your mixture sew the top of the bag shut and sweet dreams! These also make great craft fair items, inexpensive gifts or neat items for gift baskets.

About the Authors:
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer, editor and owner of Old Fashioned Living.com. Lucinda Jenkins of Glenbrook Farms is a soapmaker, business owner, and herbalist. You can purchase your herbal pampering ingredients on her website Glenbrook Farms Herbs and Such. Glenbrook Farms is our source for all of our herbal supplies, soaps and more.