Happy Holidays

Well here it is December 7th already. Can hardly believe how the time flies. Thought I would have a ton of time when I retired from my traditional job but I find that is not the case.Well here in Minnesota we are having some cold snowy weather. Am always looking for something that is comforting and warm to drink. Here is a fun easy recipe for Ginger Tea. It is warming for the body and tends to settle the tummy as well. You can find ginger root at just about any grocery store and I like to grate it up or chop it then put extra in the freezer in little bags to pull out and use as needed.
Ginger Tea: Bring three cups of water to a boil, add about eight slices fresh ginger to the water and boil ten minutes. Strain out ginger pieces add honey to taste enjoy !!

Show Your Skin Some Love

A body polish that will seem decadent and almost yummy enough to eat..1/2 Cup Raw Sugar,1/4 Cup Oil  ( I use almond, walnut, or olive oil )  1 Tbs. chopped walnuts, and 1 Tbs. of cocoa powder, 1 Tbs lavender.(you can also use dried rose petals)  Massage into damp skin rinse off, the sugar and nuts will exfolliate dead skin and the cocoa will add a touch of brightness and the oil will lock in the moisture...Skin dessert..how fun.

The brew that can help clear skin breakouts !!

You are washing your face and feel the beginning of a pimple on your face. Using a teenage acne cream left your skin dry and flaky last time you used it. For an adult remedy steep one tablespoon of basil ,dried or fresh, in one cup water. Boil for twenty minutes, then dab this liquid on the spot that may become a pimple.Basil is rich in estragole, an antimicrobial compound that can kill bacteria at the root of the breakout, this should help clear your skin by morning. It works !!

Body Scrub...yes you can do it !!

It is simply easy and costs very little. Use any plastic or glass jar four to eight ounces is a good size. (old peanut butter jars are great, I prefer glass.) Get Epsom Salts at any large store in their pharmacy section usually. They now even have scented salts and it is available in small and large sizes. Get some dried or fresh lavender or bay leaves chop up and mix with salt. About a tablespoon works well. Pour salts and herbs in jar, add baby oil to cover...and wow you have a body scrub. You can do this without the herbs but is so fun to include them, think of it as a little bit of the earth's spirit added to your scrub. You can add a few drops of food coloring shake to disperse color, do not use too much. Also you could add a few drops of essential oil. If you use essential oil be sure you know how to use them. There are some you would not use if you were pregnant and some you would not use if you had serious medical conditions. Apply generously to feet,legs,and arms (I like to do this while in tub)..slip into the water, rinse,..... smoother skin than you have ever had for pennies....

Herbs for food on the grill

Next time you grill chicken, pork or potatoes add a few sprigs of Rosemary as you are cooking (just lay them on top or chop them up and sprinkle liberally) over the food as it is cooking ,use your usual spices also, this just adds additional zip to the food....yummy.