AROMA SHAMPOO 
Start with a base, then you add your essential oils according to what you want for your hair. grapefruit (and other citrus) : if you want to add shine 
basil : if your hair is dry (go easy, basil has a very strong aroma...not pleasant)  
geranium : for dry hair  and so on... 
for my small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, i use the following: you can add and subtract as you wish...  warning: this shampoo does not lather much, so if you like to get sudsy, you  won't care for this.  
15 drops geranium  15 rosemary 6 lavendar 6 peru balsam 5 basil 6 pink grapefruit 2 chamomille 2 primrose 
conditioner: 2 sandalwood (i add more because i LOVE the scent) 2 balsam 10 lavendar 3 primrose 3 carrot 3 chamomille 4 orange 6 rosemary 6 geranium 
**************** here is a great idea for deep conditioning hair. 
*Hot Oil Treatment 1/2 c. olive oil 1/2 c. boiling water 
Place olive oil and boiling water into a pitcher or juice container. Shake well (until oil has broken into tiny droplets. Massage into hair. Put a shower cap or plastic bag over your hair and wrap your head in a towel. Leave mixture on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual  ********************** 
also check out these sites 
http://cgi1.geocities.com/FashionAvenue/1441/index.html 
http://www.esosoft.com/thelibrary/index.htm ************************* 
EASY MILD LAVENDER SHAMPOO (1 cup, 240 ml) 
3/4 cup (180 ml) Distilled water 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Xanthan gum (thickener) 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Lemon juice 1/4 cup (60 ml) Coco betaine (surfactant) 3 Tbsp. (45 ml) Polyglucose (surfactant) 25 drops Lavender Essential Oil  
SALT GLOW 
2 cups sea salt 1 ounce base oil 6-8 drops essential oil 
For exfoliating massage and bath: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well with your hands. Make sure to crush the little drops of oil that clump in the salt. Stand nude in a drop bathtub and gently massage the body, starting with the feet. Work your way up, massaging in a circular, clockwise motion. As the oiled salts fall to the base of the tub, pick them up and reuse them until the entire body,(except for face and neck) has been massaged. Then fill the tub with warm water and soak your cares away. The skin becomes soft, stimulated and sweetly scented 
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BATH BOMBS 
2 TBSP citric acid 2 TBSP cornstarch 1/4 cup baking soda 3 TBSP coconut Oil (or you can use any other emollient oil like almond oil, avocado oil. or apricot kernel oil) 1/4 tsp fragrance or essential oil 3 - 6 drops liquid colorant  
Place first 3 ingredients in a bowl and mix well. In a small glass bowl melt oil then add fragrance or essential oil and colorant slowly add oil mixture to dry ingredients and blend well. make truffle size scoops and shape into balls. {can use molds for different shapes if desired} Balls should be about 1" in diameter. let the balls rest on a sheet of waxed paper for 2-3 hours. gently reshape if needed. let the bombs dry and harden for 24-48 hours. store the bombs in closed container to keep fresh. to use, drop 1-3 bombs into warm bath water to release fragrance and oils.  
*notes* 
*If the bombs start "growing" while in the mold, pop into a  200-225 degree oven for about 10 minutes. When the bombs are hard to the touch, remove from oven and allow to cool. The "hardening" process will continue, and you should be able to rescue the batch.  
*keep baking soda and citric acid to a 2:1 ratio for more reliable mixture.  citric acid is almost the same as ascorbic acid. Just powdered vitamin c or even that stuff sold in the canning section of the store called fruit fresh. It all works basically the same. 
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CANDY CANE BATH SALTS 
2 cups Epsom Salts 1/2 cup sea salt or rock salt 4-5 drops peppermint oil 2-3 drops red food coloring 
place the Epsom salts in the blender and pulse several times to get a finer grind and your bath salts will dissolve quicker. Mix thoroughly using your hands to stir the ingredients. Now add the essential oils drop by drop, one ingredient at a time, until the scent seems      right. using your hands and fingertips, mix it until all salt particles are moistened. This may take up to fifteen minutes or longer. As to proportions, rely on your nose to determine the exact quanties. The more potent the finished products' scent, the less will have to be used for each bath. They should be strongly scented.      To use, add from 2 tablespoons to one-half cup of the bath salts to a full tub. Mix with your hands into the water.  
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BASIC BATH SALTS 
work 3 parts Epsom salts      2 parts baking soda      1 part table salt (or borax)      Essential (scented, herbal/floral) Oils   ************************ 
QUICK BATH CRYSTALS RECIPE     1 c. Sea Salt     1 c. baking soda     15 drops essential oil (fragrance of choice)     Food Coloring 
Mix ingredients together and pour into jars. Add regular food coloring; it won't stain skin.  
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HERBAL BATH CRYSTALS RECIPE 
    1/2 c. Sea Salt     1/2 c. Epson Salt     1/2 c. fresh herbs or flowers     1/4 c. baking soda     16 drops Essential Oil (fragrance of choice) 
Blend ingredients in a food processor and add a few drops of food coloring.  Spread mixture onto cookie sheet to dry, add several drops of essential oil and stir well.  Try scents like spruce, lemon, rosemary or eucalyptus. 
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BATH SALTS 
2 cups Epsom Salts 1/2 cup rock salt or sea salt 4-5 drops oil of essence 2-3 drops coloring 
Put salts in a bowl.  Add coloring and mix until you have the desired color. Add  oil of essence and mix well. Put salts in a large clear jar or bottle. Use 1/4 cup salts in a tub of warm/hot running water. 
***  The oils you use, are ones that can be found at craft stores and used in soap making. Same thing for the coloring. You may also use food coloring if you wish. I use rubber gloves (you can find them at craft stores and they are gloves like doctors or food service  workers use) and mix this all by hand. I also use a glass bowl for mixing the salts in. 
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FOAMING BATH SALTS 
1/2 cup liquid soap(I use clear) 1 tablespoon light oil (like sunflower oil) 6 cups rock salt coloring 
Mix together soap, oil, and coloring. Pour this mixture over the rock salt in a large bowl. Stir continuously until the salt crystals are evenly coated. Spread the salts out in a thin layer on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper and allow to air-dry. This can take up to 24 hours. Put the bath salts into a decorative container when they are completely dry. 
To use :  Pour 1/4 cup of the salts into the bath under running water. Yields : 48 ounces, enough for 24 baths. 
****  I also used oil of essence for fragrance, and they turned out fine. 
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FINE BATH SALTS 
1/2 cup fine sea salts or table salts 1/2 cup baking soda 1 teaspoon sunflower oil 2-3 drops essential oil 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil 
Place all the ingredients in a resealable plastic bag and knead until well mixed, or you  may stir all the ingredients in a glass or ceramic bowl. 
To Use : Add 1-2 tablespoons to your bath under running water. 
SEE **** BELOW ABOUT SENDING IN CARDS ETC. 
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CANDY-COATED TEASPOONS (CAN USE ROUND HARD CANDIES(ONE INCH IN DIAMATER OR LIFESAVERS) OR CANDY CANES 
Vegetable cooking spray 34 pieces of fruit flavored hard candy (about 1 inch in diameter)  CRUSHED 2 TBSP light corn syrup Heavyweight plastic spoons 
Line a jelly-roll pan with waxed paper; spray with cooking spray.  In a small, heavy saucepan combine crushed candies and corn syrup over low heat.  Stiring frequently, heat until candies melt.  Spoon candy into bowl of each spoon. Place spoons on prepared pan with handles on the rim of pan and spoons level.  Allow candy to harden.  store in an airtight container. Makes about 24 spoons. 
For giving, Im cutting squares of clear and red celophane,  putting the spoon in the center and drawing the edges around the bowl of spoon and tying with ribbons. 
Some of these I plan to give with tea mixes (bagged in baggies and then put them in homemade fabric bags.  I'll attach the spoon to the bag. 
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BASIC BATH SALTS      3 parts Epsom salts      2 parts baking soda      1 part table salt (or borax)      Essential (scented, herbal/floral) Oils 
     Mix thoroughly using your hands to stir the ingredients. When  making bath salts place the Epsom salts in the blender and pulse several  times to get a finer grind and your bath salts will dissolve quicker.  Some people will tell you to use a spoon or other utensil, although if  you are like me, you will find the salts work better if you use your  hands. This is now the base from which you can create a wide variety of  bath salts. Its wise to add colors to bath salts. Use plain food coloring for this purpose, letting it fall drop by drop onto the salt  base. 
     If two or more colors are required to mix an exotic hue (such as  purple), mix these in a spoon first and then add to the salts to avoid  creating a two-toned product, unless of course, you plan on a two or  three tone salt. Add many drops for a darker colored salt; fewer for a  lightly hued salt. Mix the color into the salts until it is evenly  distributed; again use your hands or you may use a utensil. 
     Now add the essential oils drop by drop, one ingredient at a time,  until the scent seems right. using your hands and fingertips, mix it  until all salt particles are moistened. This may take up to fifteen  minutes or longer. As to proportions, rely on your nose to determine the  exact quanties. The more potent the finished products' scent, the less  will have to be used for each bath. They should be strongly scented.  
     To use, add from 2 tablespoons to one-half cup of the bath salts to  a full tub. Mix with your hands into the water. Enjoy your homemade bath  salts 
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this is like a toner which most teens have oily skin so its perfect for them. 
FLORIDA GRAPEFRUIT FRESHNER 
Peel from 1 medium size grapefruit 1 vitamin C tablet 1  cup boiling water 
Place the grapefruit peel in a small ceramic or glass bowl. Dissolve the vitamin C tablet in the boiling water and pour the solution over the peels. Allow the mixture to cool completely.  When cool, strain the liquid into  a clean container.  
SCENTED ROCKS 
Place rocks in a bowl or dish to scent a room. A nice alternative to potpourri! 
1/2 cup plain flour 1/2 cup salt 1/4 teaspoon essential oil (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 ingred. (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. 
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GEL AIR FRESHER 
using liquid potpourri, or from scratch. They make great gifts!  You will need: 
2 cups of distilled water Essential oil/fragrance of your choice. 4 packages of knox gelatin Food coloring (optional) Heat 1 cup of water almost to a boil. Add the gelatin and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat add another cup of distilled water, 10-20 drops of oil/fragrance, and food coloring if desired. 
You can replace food coloring and oil/fragrance with premade liquid potpourri (available at most craft stores, candle shops, etc.). The procedure would be the same. 
Heat 1 cup of the liquid potpourri, almost to a  boil. Stir in 4 packets of Knox gelatin, until dissolved. Then stir in 1 cup  cool liquid potpourri.  Pour the mixture into clean baby food jars and set at room temperature  overnight until "set". 
You can place the jars in the  refrigerator if you need them to set more quickly, but be aware that the smell will permeate the  fridge.  
For gift giving, you can decorate the baby food jars by wrapping with  material, or gluing on wallpaper, stickers, wrapping paper, etc.  
To use, place the jar on the stovetop (not directly on the burner!) while  cooking, heat in a potpourri burner, or simply set out on a table and enjoy  the aroma. 
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NO-CALORIE SUNDAE (BATH SALTS) 
Materials 
Glass or plastic ice cream sundae dish, 4 inches tall Round white nylon bath puff, 6" diameter Red or Pink round bath-oil bead. Plastic dessert spoon (or ice teaspoon) Bath Salts Pink ribbon rose with leaves, 1" across Pink double-sided satin ribbon, 1/8" wide, 24 inches Cellophane wrapping paper Curling ribbon Small gift card 
Instructions 
Place spoon into dish. Fill plastic bag with bath salts so that when bag is placed inside of dish the bath salts fill dish just below rim. Twist top of bag closed; seal with transparent tape. Place bag in dish. 
Fluff bath puff. Place puff, with string at bottom, into dish. Place bath  bead on top of puff. Fold satin ribbon into small multiloop bow. Glue center of bow to top of toothpick. Glue ribbon rose to center of bow. Push toothpick into puff. 
Cut a 26' square from cellophane wrapping paper. Place sundae in center of paper. Gather paper around stem of dish. Tie several strands of ribbon  around dish stem; curl ribbon. Gather paper at top of sundae; tie with  curling ribbon in the same wat as stem. 
To attach gift card, punch hole  in upper left corner. Tie card to ribbon steamers at top of sundae.  
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HAND MADE CREAM 
1 Cup Coconut Oil 3/4 of an ounce Beeswax (2 and 1/2 Tablespoons) 1 cup of luke warm distilled water 30 to 50 drops Essential oil 
Directions: 
To a glass bowl or heat safe measuring cup add your coconut oil and beeswax. Set the glass bowl or cup into a sauce pan of water allowing the water to come half way to three quarters of the way up the outside of the glass bowl. You want to heat this mixture just until the beeswax melts. Remove the cup from the sauce pan. Cool for a few minutes, but not long enough for the beeswax to harden. You should be able to put your finger in the oil without getting burned, and a film of hardened beeswax should form at the edge of the bowl. 
Put the lid on your blender and remove the center ring handle in the lid. The use of a wide mouth funnel inserted in the hole of the lid will help reduce splattering. Pour the  warm water into the blender through the funnel and  turn the blender on high speed slowly adding the oil-beeswax mixture, a small amount at a time. 
The correct consistency of the cream will depend on the temperature of the oil mixture, but also on how slowly the oil is poured into the water. The mixture should begin to harden after about three quarters of the oil has been added in the blender. 
Add the rest of the oil you have left slowly, until the mixture becomes too stiff to take any more oil, which doesn't happen very often. There may be a little water left in the blender, if so, pour it out, or absorb it from the edge of the blender with a tissue. 
You will now have a thick, beautiful cream. Add the essential oils last, turning on the blender just enough to blend the oils. Be careful at this point to not over blend the mixture. Use a spoon or spatula and scoop the cream  into your 1 or 2 ounce jars. 
Store any extra cream in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. Normally, hand made creams have a shelf life of 3 to 6 months. An essential oil to add to creams for prolonged shelf life is any citrus type essential oil like manderin, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit, etc. Some have actually boiled grapefruit peels and used the grapefruit water as the water for the cream as an added preservative. e-free!!!!! 
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HAND MADE LOTION 
3/4 Cup Coconut Oil 1/2 of an ounce Beeswax (2 Tablespoons) 1 cup of luke warm distilled water 25 to 30 drops Essential oil of your choice 
Directions: 
To a glass bowl or heat safe measuring cup add your coconut oil and beeswax. Set the glass bowl or cup into a sauce pan of water allowing the water to come half way to three quarters of the way up the outside of the glass bowl. You want to heat this mixture on low just until the beeswax melts. 
Remove the cup from the sauce pan. Cool for a few minutes, but not long enough for the beeswax to harden back to solid form. You should be able to put your finger in the oil without getting burned, and a film of hardened beeswax should form at the edge of the bowl, this is normal. 
Put the lid on your blender and remove the center ring handle in the lid. Insert a wide mouth funnel in the hole of the lid of the blender to reduce splattering. Pour the warm water into the blender through the funnel and  turn the blender on high speed slowly adding the oil-beeswax mixture, a small amount at a time. Don't add it all at one time or you will get a big mess. The correct thickness of the lotion will depend on the temperature of the oil mixture, but mainly on how slowly the oil is poured into the water. 
The mixture should begin to thicken after about three quarters of the oil has been added in the blender. Add the rest of the oil you have slowly, until the mixture becomes nice a smooth. There may be a little water left in the blender, if so, pour it out, or absorb it from the edge of the blender with a paper towel. You will now have a beautiful lotion. 
Add the essential oils last, turning on the blender just enough to blend the oils. Be careful at this point to not over blend the mixture. Use a spoon or spatula and scoop the cream  into your 1 or 2 ounce jars. Store any extra cream in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. 
Normally, hand made creams have a shelf life of 3 to 6 months. An essential oil to add to creams for prolonged shelf life is any citrus type essential oil like manderin, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit, etc. Some have actually boiled grapefruit peels and used the grapefruit water as the water for the cream as an added preservative. 
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REFRESHING NATURAL FACIAL MIST (4OZ., 120ML) 
1/3 cup (80 ml) Distilled water 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) Rosewater 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) Orangeflower water 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Vitamin C 4 drops Lavender essential oil 3 drops Sweet orange essential oil 
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FRAGRANT BATH OIL (4 oz., 120 ml) 
1/4 cup (60 ml) Jojoba oil 1/4 cup (60 ml) Soybean oil 1 tsp. (5 ml) Honey 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Polysorbate 80 (emulsifier) 35 drops Rosemary essential oil 30 drops Lemon essential oil 10 drops Sandalwood essential oil 
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BODY WASH SCRUB ( 8oz., 240 ml) 
1/3 cup (80 ml) Rose distilled water 1/3 cup (80 ml) Distilled water 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Xanthan gum (thickener) 1 tsp. (5 ml) Lecithin 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Lemon juice 3 Tbsp. (45 ml) Polyglucose (surfactant) 3 Tbsp. (45 ml) Coco betaine (surfactant) 3 Tbsp. (45 ml) Coarse oats, oatmeal or fine oat barn 10 drops Lavender essential oil 20 drops Germaben II (preservative) 
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EYE VITAMIN GEL (2 oz., 60 ml) 
3 Tbsp. (45 ml) Distilled water 1/4 tsp. (1.25 ml) Xanthan gum (thickener) 2 tsp. (10 ml) Aloe vera 1/4 tsp. (1.25 ml) Vitamin E acetate 1/4 tsp. (1.25 ml) Provitamin B5 1/2 tsp. Lecithin 8 drops Germaben II (preservative) 4 drops Lavender essential oil store refrigerated 
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LIQUID HAND SOAP (4 oz., 120 ml) 
1/4 cup (60 ml) Distilled water 1/4 tsp. (1.25 ml) Xanthan gum (thickener) 1 tsp. (5 ml) Lecithin 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Lemon juice 2 Tbsp. (30 ml) Coco betaine (surfactant) 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) Polyglucose (surfactant) 10 drops Germaben II (preservative) 6 drops Chamomile essential oil 
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HERBAL SCALP TONIC (4 oz., 120 ml) 
1/4 cup (60 ml) Distilled water 1/8 cup (30 ml) Witch hazel water 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) Burdock Tincture 1/4 tsp. (2.5 ml) Vitamin C 1/4 tsp. (2.5 ml) Vitamin E acetate 5 drops Lemon essential oil 
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EASY MILD LAVENDER SHAMPOO (1 cup, 240 ml) 
3/4 cup (180 ml) Distilled water 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Xanthan gum (thickener) 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) Lemon juice 1/4 cup (60 ml) Coco betaine (surfactant) 3 Tbsp. (45 ml) Polyglucose (surfactant) 25 drops Lavender Essential Oil 
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NATURAL HERBAL CHEST CREAM FOR COLD AND COUGH 
1 oz. (30 ml) Plant Oil (e.g. sunflower, jojoba etc.) 1 tsp. (5 ml) Beeswax 1 tsp. (5 ml) Sheabutter 1/8 tsp. (0.625 ml) Vitamin E Acetate 10 drops Teatree Essential Oil 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil 5 drops Marjoram Essential Oil 
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It'd also be great to put in a basket with other gifts like a potpourri pie, candles, bath salts, soaps, lotions, etc ! You can also paint the jars or draw on them with markers. There are paints and markers at craft stores that are able to be used on glass.  
*Put fresh cinamon sticks in your vacuum cleaner bag to keep carpets selling sweet.  
*Spray some perfume on a cotten ball and wipe it on your  light bulbs around the house. When you turn the lights on the heat releases the scents. Lavender oil or vanilla extract also work well. 
http://www.mindspring.com/~earthscents/index.htm I got this from the dollar stretcher hope you like it! 
*Are your candles discolored? Soiled or discolored candles may be restored by rubbing them with a flannel cloth dipped in alcohol 
*Use lifesavers candy to hold candles in place on your next birthday cake! Kids love 'em!  
*Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips  
*Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle~perfect shaped pancakes every time!  
*To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the  potatoes  
*When starting your garden seedlings indoors, plant the seeds  in egg shell halves. Simply crack the shells around the roots of your  plants and transplant them outdoors~the shell is a natural fertilizer!  
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FOR SHINER HAIR use 
*BLONDES lemon juice 
*REDS & BRUNETTES apple cider vinegar. 
This takes off the soap film, and shines up hair.  
*Broken lipstick - Melt both ends with a match, then cool. 
*Candles -  Chill for 24 hours before using, they burn longer & don't drip.  
*flavored coffees using hard candies as flavoring...substitute hot cocoa  miz for the coffee and creamer: 
www.copykat.com/copykat/97.html 
save your bottles and lids. Wind bottles, salad dressing bottles, soy sauce, etc. bottles look great with the Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath in them. As for the Lip Gloss........ If you go to a dollar store, a drug store (especially like Drug Emporium etc.), Wal-Mart, K-Mart etc. and look in the bins that they sale trial size items in and where they sell make-up containers, etc., you'll find a little plastic round pill container with a lid. They run about $.50 each. They are perfect for the lip gloss. Remember the lip gloss that was sold in the 1970's at places like Spencers and The Gap ? It was in small tin/brass flats with a lid that slid open ? Usually two flavors in one ? This gloss is a lot like it. 
*The best place to purchase bees wax and coconut oil is a health food store. I have a great one here in town that sales food, spices, medicines, vitamins, fragrance oils for making things like this, bee's wax, etc. It's inexpensive and wonderful stuff.  Make sure that the containers you are using are thoroughly cleaned. I usually wash them in the dishwasher with the heat dry on so that they are good and clean. 
Also, touch the products and insides of the containers, as little as possible. You want to keep as many germs out as possible.  Enjoy ! 
You could probably use a different flavor for the lip gloss if you wish. Use your imagination ! Just make sure you use extracts. You may try imitation flavors, if you want to. I'm not sure how they would work. I know both of these recipes turn out great the way they are. 
*Powdered Milk bath mix in a jar 
http://www.makestuff.com/milk_bath.html 
*Toity library is at 
http://www.esosoft.com/thelibrary/index.htm 
*The Mining Co. has soap & candle info at 
http://candleandsoap.miningco.com/mbody.htm 
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What oil would best suit the smell of homebaked bread?? I am working on  making some "fake" bread for baskets and would like to add the scent  if possible.>>  Sweetcakes probably has a bread scent fragrance oil - 
http://www.sweetcakes.com 
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HERBAL BATH BAGE                   Tie these spearmint and elder flower bags under running bath water.                           4 ounces rolled oats, chopped             2 ounces elder flowers, crushed       2 ounces nettle leaves, crushed 2 ounces spearmint, crushed           1 ounce soapwort powder  
1. Prepare the bags. The blend will yield sufficient mix to fill ten 2" by 3" drawstring bags.  2. In a bowl, mix  together all of the ingredients.  
3. Spoon the mixture into the bags and  pull up and tie the drawstring.  Tie the bags under the bath faucet and  run hot water on them.. 
They are also called Bath Tea Bags as they are  much like a tea bag. You can make them very elegant or very plain  depending on the cloth you use. use an old coffee maker to scent up a room. 
By not using a filter, and adding a few drops of essential oils or por-pourri oil to the water and let it go through......  The heat will release the scent. I have yet to  try this....must dig up the old coffee-maker. 
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LAVENDER ICE 
Lavender's sensuous smell lends a soothing quality to this blue-green-colored soap.  Known for its healing properties as a nerve relaxant, lavender essential oil provides relief from anxiety, irritability, stress, headaches, and skin problems.                           1 cup finely minced fresh lavender       20 ounces Everclear or grain alcohol                    40 ounces unscented castile soap base, grated     1 ounce lavender essential oil soap mold (if not a standard commercial mold, line with plastic wrap) 
1. In a food processor, combine the lavender and Everclear and process at high speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a jar, seal tightly, and let stand for at least 24 hours.  
2. Strain the lavender and alcohol mixture. Place the liquid and grated soap in the top of a double boiler.  
3. With a minimum  of stirring, melt the soap.  
4. When the soap and liquid have blended  and the mixture is clear and runny, stir in the lavender essential oil.  Pour into the prepared molds.  
5. Leave the soap to cool to room temperature or until it has formed a thick skin and is firm to the  touch. Release the soap from its mold and allow to dry for 4 to 6 weeks.  
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BATH BOMB RECIPE 
  10 T. baking soda   5 T. powdered sugar or cornstarch   5 T. citric acid   5 eyedropper essential or fragrance oil   2 T. almond oil 
Mix dry ingredients together and then drizzle in oils while stirring it in. Spoon into small molds and press in mixture very hard. Bake the bombs for 2-3 hours at 150-200 degrees. Let cool on a baking sheet before removing as they are very fragile until cooled. Cure 2 weeks before using. 
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QUICK BATH CRYSTALS RECIPE 
  1 c. Sea Salt   1 c. baking soda    15 drops essential oil (fragrance of choice)   Food Coloring Mix ingredients together and pour into jars. Add regular food coloring; it won't stain skin 
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HERBAL BATH CRYSTALS RECIPE 
  1/2 c. Sea Salt   1/2 c. Epson Salt   1/2 c. fresh herbs or flowers   1/4 c. baking soda   16 drops Essential Oil (fragrance of choice) 
Blend ingredients in a food processor and add a few drops of food coloring. Spread mixture onto cookie sheet to dry, add several drops of essential oil and stir well. Try scents like spruce, lemon, rosemary or eucalyptus.  Melt and Pour, thats easy for a beginner. 
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Here is a place for M&P Directions... http://www.greencottage.com/soaps/recipes.htm Gives lots of info to get you started. 
Angelic Candles. They even have a web site - http://www.angeliccandles.com/ I think their Butter Cookies or Peach are my favorites, but the others are all wonderful. The site doesn't mention retail sales, but I know they do retail sales at their candle factory in Lubbock. Of course if anyone is interested in a fund raiser, these candles sell great! Hugs, 
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done in just a saucepan on the stove: I don't have a simmering pot or a potpourri pot but is sounds nice to be able to do that. 
SIMMERING POTPOURRI 
*Use this simmer for a headache or stuffy feeling -- it will make your head clear almost instantly!  
1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves  1/2 cup cinnamon bark pieces  Mix ingredients together. Place 2 tablespoons in a saucepan of water.  
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*To help calm a fever: Apple cider  simmered with cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and lemon peel soothes, calms  and brings relief. Easily done in a crockpot. 
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CLOVE STOVETOP POTPOURRI RECIPE 
Boil cloves in a mixture of 1 c. water and 1/4 c. white vinegar. Simple, but  great! Not only does this recipe remove odor, but floods your home with an old  fashioned aroma. 
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HOLIDAY APPLE CIDER STOVETOP POTPOURRI RECIPE 
Place 2 cinnamon sticks broken into pieces, 10 cloves and 4 c. apple cider in a  pot and simmer on the back burner of your stove. Replace liquid as needed. This recipe brings back many nostalgic memories of when I sat in my Grandmothers country kitchen and savored the aroma of cinnamon and spice simmering on her wood  cookstove. 
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SHOWER GEL 
1/2 cup liquid soap 1 teaspoon almond or sesame oil 4 drops essential oil 
Mix together all ingredients and stir well. Pour into a clean plastic container (safer than glass in the shower). YIELDS : 4 ounces 
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SUGGESTED SHOWER GEL SCENTS 
*RELAXING : 
Chamomile Nerili Rose Lavender Ylang-ylang 
*ENERGIZING : 
Bergamot Geranium Juniper Eucalyptus Rosemary Lemongrass 
** YOU MAY CHOSE ONE OR A COMBINATION OF TWO OR THREE OF THE ABOVE SCENTS TO MAKE YOUR GEL WITH. YOU CAN ALSO FIND YOUR OWN SCENTS. 
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SENSUOUS SCENTED BATH OILS 1/2 cup light oil (olive, almond, macadamia, light sesame, apricot kernel, or your favorite)  
Essential Oils -- See list below 
Pour the oil into a clean container and add the essential oils a drop at a time. Shake gently to blend. Store in a cool, dark, dry place. 
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SOME ESSENTIAL OIL COMBINATIONS :  
*KINDLE THE SPIRIT : 
5 drops essential oil of lemon 5 drops essential oil of lavender 3 drops essential oil of peppermint 
*RELAX THE MIND : 
5 drops essential oil of jasmine 5 drops essential oil of chamomile 5 drops essential oil of sandalwood 
*AWAKEN YOUR CREATIVITY : 
5 drops essential oil of basil 5 drops essential oil of rosemary 3 drops essential oil of lavender 2 drops essential oil of frankincense 
(RECIPE FOUND IN "NATURAL BEAUTY FOR ALL SEASONS" BY JANICE COX) *********************************************** ********* 
SCENTED DUSTING POWDER 
1 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon orrisroot powder 1/4 teaspoon essential oil (your choice of scent) 
Place cornstarch and orrisroot powder in the blender and blend on low speed. With the blender still running, slowly add the essential oil. When well mixed, pour the powder into a clean container. YIELDS : 8 OUNCES 
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SIMPLE BATH POWDER 
1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup rice flour 1/4 teaspoon essential oil 
Place cornstarch and rice flour into blender. Add essential oil and mix well. Pour into a clean container.  
YIELDS : 8 OUNCES  I LIKE TO FIND NICE JARS OR EVEN THOSE PAPERMACHE ROUND BOXES YOU CAN FIND AT CRAFT STORES, TO STORE MY POWDER IN. IF I USE THE PAPERMACHE BOX, I COVER IT IN A PRETTY PAPER OR FABRIC FIRST. DON'T FORGET TO ADD A POWDER PUFF! I HAD A HARD TIME FINDING A BIG FLUFFY ONE, LIKE THE ONES THEY USE TO MAKE. NEXT TIME I'LL BE MAKING MY OWN.  (RECIPES FOUND IN "NATURAL BEAUTY FOR ALL SEASONS" AND "NATURAL BEAUTY AT HOME" BY JANICE COX) *********************************************** ********* 
SIMPLE FANCY SOAP 
Petroleum jelly for greasing the soap molds 1 bar of pure white soap (such as Ivory or Pure and Natural; glycerin and Castile soaps work well too) grated - - approximately 1 1/4 cups 1 tablespoon of water 
* Lightly grease the inside of your soap mold using a small amount of petroleum jelly.  Place the soap and water into the top part of a double boiler or in an ovenproof dish in a saucepan of water and heat gently over medium heat. Stir occasionally until all the soap is melted and resembles and smooth, fluffy white pudding. This may take up to 30 minutes. the soap will start out looking very dry and grainy, then turn thick and smooth. Do not allow the mixture to boil.  
When all the soap is melted, carefully spoon it into your prepared molds. Overfill the molds just a bit; the soap may settle, and you can always trim away any excess after it has cooled. You need to work quickly because the soap cools quickly. Tap the edge of your molds gently to remove any air bubbles.  Allow the molds to sit until the soap is completely cool. 
Tap the soap shapes from the bottom of the molds and place on a wire rack to dry. Let the soap sit for at least 24 hours on the rack. If your shapes seem a bit rough around the edges, you can smooth them out with a sharp knife.  
For gift-giving, wrap your soaps in pretty boxes, paper, fabric, or netting tied with ribbon. Do not use airtight containers because it's important to let the soap breathe.  
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VARIATIONS 
*SCENTED SOAPS 
Add a few drops of your favorite perfumed oil or essential oil after the soap mixture is melted and before you spoon it into your molds. 
You need to use oil based scents because alcohol based scents may cause your soap to separate.  
*COLORED 
You can purchase dyes for soap making, or use food coloring. You can also make your own natural dyes using vegetables, herbs, and spices. 
*GREEN is made using liquid chlorophyll, 
*RED from beetroot powder mixed with water or by using strong red herbal tease such as those made with hibiscus flowers. 
*BROWN or CREAM colors can be made from using teas such as chamomile and orange pekoe. 
*For YELLOW you can use saffron or turmeric. 
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TEXTURE 
Add a tablespoon or two of grainy substance such as cornmeal, ground nuts, or chopped up loofah sponges to your melted soap before spooning mixture into molds 
Make sure you stir the mixture well before spooning into molds. Adding texture to the soap can also color it a bit.  
* AS A RULE OF THUMB, YOU WANT TO USE 10% OF THE AMOUNT OF WATER TO SOAP. AN EXAMPLE : IF YOUR BAR WEIGHS 20 OUNCES, YOU WANT TO USE 2 OUNCES OF WATER. MOST BARS ARE ABOUT 1/2 OUNCE, SO YOU WILL USE 1 TABLESPOON (1/2 OUNCE) OF WATER.* 
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AROMATHERAPY 
Use aromatherapy to help you get through the hectic season! 
*MUSCULAR ACHES(MASSAGE OIL) 
10 drops juniper 7 drops lavender 8 drops rosemary In 2 fl. oz (50 ml) of carrier oil (almond oil is really good here) 
*RELAXING MASSAGE OIL 
13 drops lavender 2 drops geranium 10 drops sandalwood In 2 fl. oz. (50 ml) of carrier oil 
*DEPRESSION (a quick pick-me-up bath) 
2 drops clary sage 2 drops bergamot 2 drops ylang-ylang 
Add to bath water; mix well. 
(Apparently don't want to use the essential oils straight on your skin - except in special circumstances - because the oil can be irritating)  
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*If you just want a pleasant room scent - like peppermint and orange for a jolt of alertness, or lavender for a relaxing evening: add the essential oils of your choice to a small bowl of warm water and place it over the radiator, or the heat register.  
*If you are going to use the inhalation method - add about 10 drops of essential oils to the basin. You just want to inhale the vapors.  
*If you want to use the oils at bedtime to assist with sleeping (lavender or marjoram), or if you have a cold and need help breathing (eucalyptus oil), the essence should be at the pillow's edge, and not come into contact with the skin. (Use a flannel square safety pinned to the edge of the pillow to keep the oils off the pillow itself.) 
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HOT COCOA 
I use any and every hot cocoa recipe I find and buy peppermint sticks (old fashioned, straight and not shiny) and candy canes and peppermints. 
I then blend whichever peppermint I'm using (old or regular) and make it into a fine powder. I mix it all the way with the hot cocoa mix. SOmetimes I will fill the jar up until about an inch from the top and put a layer of the peppermint powder there or chopped up peppermint. 
Sometimes I will tie candy canes on the ribbon around the jar top.   
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NAMES: "Candy Cane Cocoa", "Minty Hot Chocolate","Peppermint Cocoa", OR "Candy Lane Cocoa" 
instant hot cocoa: 1 cup powdered milk 1 cup powdered coffee creamer (Creamora, Coffee-Mate, etc.) 1 cup sugar 1/4 to 1/3 cup cocoa powder dash salt (may omit)  Mix well and sift. 
To use, mix 4 heaping tsp. per 8 oz. hot water. Stir and enjoy. 
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FOAMING VANILLA HONEY BATH 
1 cup oil 1/2 cup honey 1/2 liquid soap (I use the clear and fragrance free ones) 1 tablespoon vanilla extract  
Mix together all of the ingredients and pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. 
TO USE : Shake (the mixture separates) well before using. Pour 1/4 cup into the bathtub under running water.  
MAKES : 16 ounces, enough for 8 baths 
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VANILLA LIP GLOSS  
1 tablespoon grates beeswax  1/2 tablespoon coconut oil (it's actually pretty solid) ** 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil  1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract  
Place the beeswax, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil in an ovenproof container. Heat gently ( I believe I heated it at 200°F) until the wax and oils are melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well. Pour the mixture into a clean container and allow to cool completely. 
MAKES : 3/4 ounces  ** 
Coconut oil is actually pretty soild until heated and melted. I purchased mine in a health food store. Matter of fact, that's where I purchase most of my ingredients from. 
melt and pour clear soap for $5..and change in the craft dept..It's 2 lbs so makes quite a bit. You melt it,without adding any other liquid, add some food coloring(I use Wilton Paste colors)Add some Lavender Essential oils(available in a health store),and pour it into a mold.I like to use the rubbermaid drawer dividers.Let sit till hard,slice and it's yummy. You can use any essential oil,or combination of them.This soap lathers very well. 
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1. COMMON HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES FOR BATHING 
*Add 1/2 c. nonfat dry milk to warm water for a soothing bath   
*Add 1/2 c. or more baking soda to the bath water to soften your skin  
2. SCENTED BATH BAG RECIPE 
1 oz. rolled oats   1 oz dried lavender   1 oz dried lemon balm   1/2 oz dried orange peel   1/2 oz dried lemon peel   2 dried bay leaves   2 dried rosemary sprigs       8 small muslin bags made from 6"x8" fabric 
In a large bowl mix the oats, lavender and lemon balm. Lightly crush the orange and lemon peel and the bay leaves with a mortar and pestle, then add to the mixture in the bowl. 
Break up the sprigs of rosemary and add to the mixture. Divide the mixture into 8 parts and put into the bags. Fasten with a string. 
When getting ready to take a bath, hang the sachet bag over the hot water tap so the hot water will pour over it to release the wonderful flavor. Continue using the bag until the fragrance is gone. 
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Simmering Potpourri 
*Use this simmer for a headache or stuffy feeling -- it will make your head clear almost instantly!  1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves 1/2 cup cinnamon bark pieces  
Mix ingredients together. Place 2 tablespoons in a saucepan of water.  
*To help calm a fever: Apple cider simmered with cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and lemon peel soothes, calms and brings relief. Easily done in a crockpot. 
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LIP BALM 
6 T. castor oil 1 T. grated beeswax 
Stir together over low heat until wax is melted and remove from heat. 
Add: 1 tsp. honey 1200 I.U. of Vitamin E  (use gelcaps, pierce with pin and squeeze Vitamin E. out) 6-8 drops flavoring of your choice Optional: Add 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil or Metaluca Oil, it acts as an antibacterial and makes the lip balm good for cold sores Mix thoroughly and place into small jar. 
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Milk Bath 1 cup powdered milk 1/2 cup baking soda OR 1/2 cup cornstarch  (I prefer the cornstarch) 6-8 drops of essential oil of your choice for fragrance 4-6 drops food coloring 
In blender or food processor, stir together milk and soda or cornstarch. You may add coloring at this time 1-2 drops at a time so you can see how the color will develop. Blend in essential oil. Store in NONPLASTIC container for several days to allow fragrance to develop. (If you store it in plastic container the fragrance will be absorbed by the plastic) Use 1/2 cup per bath. I make mine using dried lavender and then add lavender essential oil for extra fragrance. It really makes for a soothing, relaxing bath! 
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Bath Salts 1/2 cup sea salt OR canning salt 1/2 cup Epsom salts 1/2 cup soda essential oils food coloring Mix dry ingredients well. Add food coloring 1-2 drops at a time and blend well. Stir in essential oil. Seal mixture in NONPLASTIC container and let sit 2-3 days before use. 
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Recently a lady that owns a local soap business put on some classes to demonstrate soap making and then these items I listed above for gifts. We mixed up the ingredients for the milk bath and bath salts in zip-lock bags. That's an easy way to see how much coloring you want to use. Orange colored bath salts with orange essential oil for fragrance is a really nice combination! Essential oils can be purchased at most health food stores. They are quite intense so you only need to use a few drops to have a scent that really lasts.  
*Where to find Sea Salt. 
At most grocery stores & health stores. Add to your tub of water, but not water to the salt mixture. 
*Wher eto buy Epsome salts Wal-Mart, and most drug stores. 
*Where to buy essential oils Ben Franklins, Rose Crafts, health food stores, some Wal-Marts. Be sure to use REAL natural oils. or the ones you use to make soaps and bath stuff with, NOT THE SCENTS USED IN CANDLE MAKING. 
*Some good bath salt scents: 
Lavender, Rose, Magnolia, Mulberry, Banilla etc. 
*Types of salts for foaming bathsalts.: Epsome & Sea salt, Sea Salt & Baking Soda, and Rock salt(Morton Brand is pure) salt for the foaming bathsalts. 
*Some tips for dispensing salts: 
Small ziplock bags(snack size works well), then make an envelope out of scrapbook or the like paper and slip the bag into it. Then slip that into a card and be sure to lable the contents and instructions on the envelope. 
*Some things you can add to a bath salt basket: 
Soaps, candles(start saving those baby food jars as well as other small glass jars with lids), scented dusting powder, sinus gel masks(make one of your own with sain and rice to heat in the microwave). These are just a few suggestions. Use your imagination and add anything that appeals to you! 
*Calendula Ointment(can be used for animals as well as humans){common names: Pot Marigold, Mary Gowles, Golds} 
Gathering should be done in bright sunshine. Finely chop 2 heaped double handfuls of Calendual(leaves, stems, flowers) 
500g(17.63oz) of YELLOW vaseline is heathed and the chopped Calendula is added, stirred, and removed from stove. 
Cover and let stand for a day. Then warm it, filter through a piece of linen and poured into prepared clean jars. 
*To make a tincture: 1 handful of flowers are macerated in 1 litre of alcohol. Keep in sun for 14 days. 
Infusion: 1 heaped teaspoon of herbs to 1 cup water. Calendula tea is also good for diarrhoea, athletes foot, sores, stomach disorders, wounds, contusions, bruises and sprains, ulcers & swellings, to name a few.) Ointment is recommended. 
*Any and all essential oils can be added to your water.  Here are some suggestions... 
To clear air of Bacteria and Viruses: Lavender, Rosemary, Tea tree, Niaouli,  Eucalyptus readiata, cypress, bergamot. 
To Combat stale air: Lemon, Lavender, Rosemary, Grapefruit, Eucalyptus lemon, Cypress. 
To help Concertration: Basil, Cardamom, Bergamot, Grapefruit. 
Add one to nine drops into your water of each, vering on your likes and dislikes. 
*Another method....add 1 or 2 drops to a cold light bulb and let dry. 
When  you turn it on...instant aroma!! ( make sure light bulb is cold ) 
*Room Sprays: 4 or more drops to 1 cup of water. Dilute in warm, not boiling  water, and shake and spray. 
*Try the old, natural, tried & true OATMEAL facial. Then, tighten the skin with raw egg, till it dries. Then do the final facial wash & rinse.     *Some sleepover tips: Do facials, shampoo each others hair(warm some olive for hair then wash) Give then some bottles of  cool colored nail polish (&  lots of cotton balls to place between the toes) and let them paint each others feet! Pull out all "your" great oldies records, that have been gathering dust.... The Supremes, etc. Any Motown music is always fun & also they're classics.... so I'll bet these young gals will be singing & dancing to them too! Make lot's of popcorn & have plenty of cold  soda pops on hand. Also, buy some "Bazooka" bubble gum & see who can blow the biggest bubble. Rent a "theme" movie such as "GREASE" with Olivia Newton John & John Travolta. If it's a sleep over, be sure to tell them to wear baby-doll pajama's & to bring sleeping bags & pillows! Oh yeah, & their robes too, just in case your preteen son & his friends decide to come down from the hills! :-)     
"The Party Helper" http://www.tricountyi.net/~thepartyhelper 
also check out these sites http://cgi1.geocities.com/FashionAvenue/1441/index.html http://www.esosoft.com/thelibrary/index.htm 
*Essential oil info: 
They are the oils extracted from plants, trees, shrubs, fruit, herbs, seeds, etc. They are very volatile oils that readily evaporate, but have many healing properties.  
Here's a listing for those interested in Aromatherapy to get your feet wet or if your looking for companies with quality essential oils and products.  Listed are journals anyone can subscribe to. It's my utmost pleasure to be of help. 
Essential Oil Companies Aroma Vera 5901 Rodeo Road Los Angeles, CA 90016 800-669-9514 310-280-0407 fax 310-2800395 http://www.aromavera.com 
Leydet Aromatics, Inc. P. O. Box 2354 Fair Oaks, CA 95628 916-965-7546  fax 916-962-3292 Web Site: http://leydet.com Email: leydey@leydet.com 
Original Swiss Aromatics P. O. Box 6842 San Rafael, CA 94903 415-459-3998 fax  415-479-0614 http://www.sabia.com/ 
Amrita Aromatherapy, Inc. 1900 W. Stone Fairfield, IA 52556 800-410-9651 515-472-9136 fax  515-472-8672 
The Aromatherapy Catalog Joint Adventure P. O. Box 824 Rogers, AR 72757 800-898-7873 501-636-0579  Their paper is recycled in the catalog and smells of patchouli, wonderful!! http://www.AccessNewAge.com/aroma 
Natural Oils Research Association http://www.acemake.com/NORA/ 
The Essential Oil Company P. O. Box 205 Lake Oswego, OR 97034 503-697-5992  FAX 503-697-0615 800-729-5912  FAX 800825-2985 Email: order@essentialoil.com ***************************************************** When it's time for a break from the ordinary!! Birch Hill Happ-e-nings Aromatherapy, Essential Oils and Supplies http://members.aol.com/~albuddy1/aroma1.htm ***************************************************** Associations National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy 836 Hanley Industrial Court St. Louis, MO 63144 314-963-4449 fax  314-963-4454 email:  info@naha.org  OR PawGep@aol.com 
Journals 
The International Journal of Aromatherapy P. O. Box 309 Depoe Bay, OR 97341 503-392-4006 fax 503-392-4544 
The Aromatic Thymes 75 Lakeview Parkway Barrington, IL 60010 847-526-0456 fax  847-526-8432 email:  aromatic@interaccess.com 
The Aromatherapy Quarterly P. O. Box 421 Inverness, CA 94937-0421 415-663-9519 email:  aromamag@nbn.com 
************************** HERBAL CARPET FRESHNER 
1 c. baking soda 1/2 c. lavender flowers 
Crush the flowers to release their scent, then mix thoroughly into the baking soda and sprinkle onto carpets. Let set 30 minutes, then vacuum. 
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GLASS CLEANER 
1/4 c. white vinegar 1 T. cornstarch 1 qt. warm water  
Mix ingredients thoroughly. Apply with a sponge and wipe dry. Non-toxic 
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TOILET BOWL CLEANER  
Drop in 2 denture or 2 Alka-Seltzer tablets. Let set 15 minutes, then scrub with brush. Both are safe on porcelain and are economical substitutes for expensive store-bought toxic cleaners.