Honoring the spring Goddess

There is old Bulgarian folk tale called "garbage for plums", which has inspired many children and adults and also some art projects. The tale is about man who wants to find good and caring bride for his son. He chooses rather strange, but clever way to do it. He goes with his donkey from village to village and offers fresh plums in exchange for garbage. Many women come with piles of dust, thinking that he is crazy. At the very end modest girl comes with small pile of dust. She claims that she borrows it from her neighbor, because she did not have any dirt in her home. The man is very happy to find hard working and humble bride for his son. During every spring cleaning, i remember this fairy-tale.

Connie and Nina experimenting with oils

Rose-hip seed oil, rosemary and lemons

I started this blog some time ago and now May has already arrived and midsummer is near. Since then, new flowers has been potted and herbs collected. I have been planning to use few wonderful Bulgarian oils, gift from my mom for our spring cosmetic circle. I am sure that everyone who is interested in home made cosmetics and herbal tinctures, has already preferable brands to purchase. I have also favorite oil manufactures and understand the importance of finding out what are best money value organic brands. Here is small promotion of Zoya goes pretty products, which i find well priced and good quality. Their rose-hip seed oil has rich color and high concentrated aroma. There are other organic brands which i use and shall link for reference. One day i wish to diffuse my own oils.

After discovering the many benefits rose-hip seed oil has, i had to invite my friends for a new recipe try out. Apparently rose-hip oil encourages the skin to form its own collagen, due to the richness on vitamin A. You can find out more about the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of the oil from many sources like this one. Rose-hip oil has lightening properties and also nourishes dehydrated skin. We decided to go for this anti-aging facial moisturiser and the result after one day use was long lasting hydrated skin. The recipe is easy to make and i love the finale aroma combination of frankincense and patchouli oils. We substituted the mango butter with Shea butter and i also reduced the essential oil drops amount.

Rosehip oil facial moisturiser

Ingridients:

1 tbsp beeswax pearls

1 tbsp shea butter

1/4 cup sweet almond oil

10 drops vitamin E

2 tbsp rose-hip seed oil

4 drops frankincense essential oil

4 drops patchouli essential oil

Instructions:

Pour in heat-safe glass bowl over boiling water. Add Shea butter, beeswax pearls and sweet almond oil to the bowl and let them melt while gently stirring. After fully melted, let the bowl cool down a bit. You will notice in about 10 minutes that mixture changes slowly texture. Add the rose-hip seed oil, vitamin E and essential oils while stirring slowly. Let the mixture sit aside for a moment and then it will be ready to pack in glass jar or tin container. For best and longer preserver keep it in fridge.

Many DIY creams use beeswax and through discussion with my mom i decided to do my research weather its true that beeswax is clogging the skin pores. Obviously everyone's skin will react differently and i thought there has to be some knowledge on their effect. There are many sources on the subject, but here is one which has also own comedogenic rating system.

Through this self making cosmetics process, i learned that Vitamin E acts like preservative and that some oils cannot be heated. I discovered that creams which carry water solutions have shorter lifespan. Accordingly the oils also have different shelf life. This list has some timelines to keep in mind.

Lemon poppy seed scrub

Home made body scrubs are usually easy to make and since spring is best time for skin peeling i researched for a new formula to test. Came across this delicious sounding recipe and we gave it a try.

We did not have vanilla essential oil, but after we red the benefits it has, decided next time to include. Allow yourself to have some hours to let the lemon zest dry out.

Yummy lemon poppy seeds

Ingredients:

4 lemons

1 tbsp poppy seeds

1 cup sugar (i used organic crystal sugar)

1 tbsp vanilla extract (not for cooking)

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup coconut oil

Preparation:

Peel and cut in fine slices or zest the lemon skins and allow them to dry for 2 hours spreaded on plate. Mix in bowl poppy seeds, cornmeal, sugar, vanilla and lemon zests. Pour over the coconut oil and stir well. Store mixture in sealed jar. To use massage gently in shower all over the body and feel the sweet and fresh embrace. Welcoming your valuable comment on how did the recipes work out for you.

Herbal house cleaning

I was wondering what to do with rest from the lemons. Then i remembered my carpets were in need of spring cleaning. On next new moon i will use herbal wash waters for the floors. I researched for carpet cleaning solution recipes and found vinegar and rosemary water... and this spiritual cleansing carpet sprinkle. One can use lemons in many other ways throughout the whole house.

Rosemary Vinegar "all purpose" cleaner

1 cup rosemary infused vinegar
2 cups distilled or filtered water
glass spray bottle

How to make Rosemary Infused Vinegar

Use 1 cup fresh or dried rosemary. Add it to one liter jar with lid and fill it up with white vinegar. Screw the lid and give it good shake. Store the jar in dark place for at least two weeks. Remember to shake the jar at least once a day. After two weeks strain the vinegar through fine cloth. Then its ready.

Mix all ingredients well and have a green cleaning home day. Have to add here my recommendation for all pet owners. This pet stain odor remover product has natural aroma and does the dirty work. It is sold in US online, but i suggest one can prepare same solution at home. Miauuu and happy cleaning.

Lemon zest it is not lemon juice. Easy to make short-bread, refreshing in every way.

References: 

About vinegar as germ killer https://www.care2.com/greenliving/vinegar-kills-bacteria-mold-germs.html

Rosemary's anti fungal activity http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=32053#.VRarobqR-QK

Olive-oil, lemon zest, rosemary short-bread recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/2013/lemon-rosemary-olive-oil-shortbread/

Cure Household Odors: https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/clear-the-air-10-natural-ways-to-cure-household-odors-45759#vanilla-extract-uses