Self Pampering

8/6/2019 Self Pampering

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Self-NurturingFor

Nurturers


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About This BookThis guide to self-nurturing is the collaborative effort of Catie Gosselin ofWomanLinks.com.

and Brenda Hyde ofOldFashionedLiving.com.

Catie Gosselin is owner/editor ofWomanLinks.com.; a community of empowerment,spirituality and support for all women. Catie and her husband live in Massachusetts. She isthe home schooling mom of two energetic kids, two feuding cats and a bunch of fish.

Brenda Hyde lives in Michigan with her husband, and three kids. She is a writer, cook andgardener. She can frequently be found finding new ways to use the word whimsy. Checkout her articles, projects, incredible recipes and features at her site,OldFashionedLiving.com.

Catie and Brenda met three years ago over the Internet and became fast friends. Althoughboth agree a keen sense of humor and ample supply of chocolate is the answer to justabout anything, sometimes women need a bit more to make it through the day. The needfor this book arose from their own experience as home-based moms and entrepreneurs, aswell as experiences of their audiences. Women, on the whole, balance a heavy load, butrarely take the time to care for themselves. Self-Nurturing for Nurturers is intended to be afirst step in turning the focus back to ourselves.

Enjoy it in good health, and be sure to share it with a friend. That is, after all, how it came tobe in the first place.


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Serenity PrayerGod, grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the thingsI can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.


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Spicy Citrus Tea

2 tea bags2 cups of water

1/2 orange juice1/4 cup lemon juicesugar to tastea dash of cinnamon

Pour the boiling water over teabags, and steep for a few minutes.Remove bags and add juices,sugar and cinnamon. Either serveiced, or warm.

Cappuccino Cooler

1 1/2 cups cold coffee1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream1/4 cup Hershey's syrupcrushed icewhipped cream

In blender, combine coffee, ice cream and syrup. Cover and blend until smooth. Serve overthe crushed ice, and garnish with whipped cream. Makes 4 servings.

Toffee Coffee Mix

2/3 cup instant coffee1 cup non-dairy creamer1 cup brown sugar

Combine all ingredients well. Place in air-tight jars. To serve, place 2 - 3 teaspoons of mixin a mug and add boiling water.


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Icy Fruit Tea Concentrate

4 black tea bags1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup honey1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, crumbled1 cup orange juice3/4 cup pineapple juice1/4 cup lime juiceice cubes1 quart plus 2 cups carbonated water

Place tea bags in a medium bowl and add boilingwater. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove tea bags.

Add honey and mint and mix well. Mix juices in alarge container. Add tea mixture and refrigerate untilready to use. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubesand add 1/2 cup tea concentrate. Fill glass withcarbonated water.

Lavender and Lime Tea

3 Tbs. crushed fresh lavender flowers or 1 Tbs. dried lavender flowers

1 cup boiling water1 6 ounce can frozen limeade concentrate5 lavender flower sprigs

Place the lavender in a small teapot or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the flowers. Steep,covered, for at least 10 minutes, or until cool. Prepare the limeade according to directions.Stir and strain the tea into the limeade. Serve over ice, with the flower sprigs for garnish.

Herbed Ice Cubes

Pick a handful of mint, lemon balm or lemon verbena. Break off the individual leaves andrinse. Be careful as to not bruise or crush the leaves. Fill a pitcher with cold water-squeezea fresh lemon into it. Stir. Fill ice cube trays with the lemon water and add one herb leaf toeach cube. Freeze and store in resealable plastic freezer bags. Add to iced tea and enjoy!


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Strawberry Lemonade

1 1/2 cups sugar1 1/2 cups water3 cups freshly squeezed lemon

juice1 pint fresh strawberries-cleanedand tops removedIce

In container, stir together sugarand water until sugar dissolves.

Add lemon juice and stir. In blender, puree strawberries and strain to remove seeds. Addstrawberry puree to lemon mixture and stir. To serve, pour into glasses filled with ice.

Chocolate Mint Sipper

1/2 teaspoon mint extract2 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips2 cups hot chocolate (from your favorite instant)15 miniature or 3 large marshmallows

Stir the extract and chips into the hot chocolate until the chips melt, top with themarshmallows. Mmmm.. Makes 2 cups.


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When the mind knows, we call it knowledge.

When the heart knows, we call it love.

When the being knows, we call it prayer.

~ Osho


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Pampering Bath TreatmentsLavender Rose Bath Bag

Mix together equal parts of rose petals,lavender and chamomile. Place in a muslinbag and tie tightly. Let steep in a tub of warmwater while relaxing.

Lavender and Milk Bath Sachet

Combine 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers, 1/4

cup instant, powdered whole milk, and 1/4 cupoatmeal. Place into a muslin drawstring bag.Toss the bag into the bathwater as it's running. You can also use the bag to rub your skin asyou bathe.

Chamomile Foam Bath

4 tablespoons dried chamomile2/3 cup boiling water4 tablespoons grated soap

Crush the Chamomile and mix with the water and soap. You can also stir in a teaspoonful ofoil, such as Almond Oil. Pour into a running bath for a special treat!


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Old Fashioned Peppermint Milk Bath

1/2 cup powdered milk1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves

Crush the mint with a spice or coffee grinder or a foodprocessor. Mix mint and milk together and store in a coveredcontainer. Keep in a cool dry place. To use, place a smallamount under running bath water.

Citrus and Herb Bath

3 or 4 chamomile tea bags3 or 4 fresh oranges, sliced

Equal parts lavender and lemon rind

Place in a muslin bag or a square of muslin tied tightly with string. Add to warm bath as thetub and filling and while bathing.


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'Prayer is not asking.

It is a longing of the soul.'

~ Mahatma Gandhi


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Skin and Body TreatsA skin smoother:

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oiland teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows,heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10minutes. Rinse off with water.

Herbal Shampoo:

Make your own herbal shampoo by pouring 1 cup

boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried herb or 2tablespoons fresh herbs. Steep overnight, then strainand add the liquid to a purchased mild baby shampoo.

Cleansing Milk:

Mix together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon light oil, and 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice.Store in refrigerator in covered container. Use as you would your regular cleanser.

Mint Foot Splash:

1 1/2 cups distilled water30 drops grapefruit seed extract liquid concentrate1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves

Crush the mint leaves and combine the ingredients in a glass jar. Let it sit covered at roomtemperature for two to three days. Strain, and transfer to a storage container, such as glassbottles. Can be stored in the refrigerator up to three weeks.

Herbal Hair Rinse:

Simmer rosemary or lemon verbena leaves in rain water or bottled water for a half an hour,strain and bottle. Your hair will smell wonderful!


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Minty Foot Soak

1 /4 cucumber (chopped, do not peel)1/ 2 lemon (peeled, seeded)4 gallons water1 cup chopped fresh mint1/ 8 tsp mustard powder1 tsp lemon extract1/ 4 cup peppermint extract

In a blender, mix cucumber and lemon on medium speed until smooth. In a large pot, heatwater until boiling and add mint. Remove from heat and let sit until temperature becomesmanageable for your feet to soak in. Transfer to a plastic bucket or tub large enough to holdmixture. Add cucumber, lemon, mustard, and extracts and stir. Soak feet until water cools.

Homemade Hair Conditioner

1 cup fresh minced herbs1 quart distilled water,glycerin

Combine the herbs and water, simmer 15 minutes, then let stand one hour to infuse. Addone tablespoon of glycerin, one drop at a time while stirring. After shampooing your hair,comb about a teaspoon into the wet hair. No need to rinse out. Bottle the extra conditionerand keep in the refrigerator.

Chamomile Skin Freshener

Add 3 chamomile tea bags to 2 cups boiling water and steep until cool. Mix in one Vitamin E

caplet by pricking with a pin and squeezing out contents. Apply to face with a cotton ball oruse a spray bottle to spritz face.


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Easy Rosemary Rinse

2 tablespoons dried rosemary2 cups water

Add rosemary to boiling water and allow it tosteep while it cools. Strain and rinse your hairafter shampooing. This is supposedly also bea dandruff treatment!

Rosemary Hair Conditioner

Fill a glass jar halfway with rosemary leaves, and fill the jar with sunflower oil. Let it steep inthe sunshine for at least a week. (A sunny windowsill will work well) Shake the jar at leastonce a day when you pass by. Rub the oil through your hair ten minutes before washing.(This works great while soaking in a tub, then washing your hair)

Rose Moisturizer

Mix 1/2 cup distilled water, 3 tsp. glycerin and 5 drops of rose essential oil. Use on your faceas you need it. Simple and elegant! Keep in a covered container.

Chamomile Rosemary Foot Bath

1 cup cider vinegar1 cup water3 tablespoons chamomile flowers1/2 cup rosemary flowers

Steep the above for ten minutes, and soak feet. Wonderful for tired feet!


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Dry Skin Mask

1 tsp. honey1 tsp. finely ground fennel seed1 tsp. oil1 egg yolk

Combine the ingredients in abowl and mix well. Cover yourface and throat with the mask for30 minutes. Remove the maskwith warm water, then splashyour face with cold water when

it's removed.

Avocado and Honey Moisturizing Mask:

Mash up 2 tablespoons avocado, mix with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 egg yolk. Smoothon your face-leave for 10-20 minutes or while you are soaking in the tub. Rinse off withwarm water.

Homemade Toning Mask

1 tsp. plain low fat yogurt1/2 egg white1/4 tsp. oil1 tsp. mashed fresh parsley

Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with water.


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Oatmeal Face Scrub

Dried or fresh Chamomile

2 tablespoons fine oatmeal (process in blender)

Pour a cup or so of boiling water over a handful of freshChamomile or about a tablespoonful of dried and infusefor about 20 to 30 minutes then strain, setting the liquidaside. Mix 3 tablespoons of the herbal infusion with theoatmeal to make a paste. Let stand, allowing the oatmeal to soften, about 5 minutes. Gentlymassage the mixture into your face for five minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Pat dryand moisturize.

Milk Mask

In a glass bowl, combine 1/4 cup buttermilk and 1/4 cup powdered milk. Mix together toform a smooth paste. Spread on face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off withcool water.

Chamomile Face Scrub

Make an herbal infusion of dried chamomile by pouring boiling water over the herbs and

soaking for 20-30 minutes and straining. Add:

3 tablespoons of the infusion2 tablespoons fine ground oatmeal

Mix these together to form a paste. Let stand, letting the oatmeal to soften, about 5 minutes.Gently massage the mixture into your face for about five minutes. Rinse well with warmwater. Pat dry, tone, and moisturize.


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Herbal Hair Conditioner

2 tsp. lemon juice

1 full teaspoon honey1 egg2-3 drops rosemary oil1/4 cup vegetable oil

Add the juice and honey to the egg andbeat well. Pour into a double boiler andheat, stirring, until it is warm andcreamy. Let it cool. Add the rosemaryoil to the

vegetable oil and slowly drizzle into the egg mixture while whisking to blend.


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'Seek not outside yourself, heaven is within.'

Mary Lou Cook


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Relaxation Techniques

Diaphragmatic BreathingLie comfortably on a bed, sofa or the floor. Place your hands overyour diaphragm (the muscle directly under your lungs), at thebottom of your rib cage. As you breath, notice if only your chestrises. The goal is to completely fill your lungs, pushing thediaphragm down. When this happens, the belly, along with thechest rises, with each breath.

Set aside 5 uninterrupted minutes to practice diaphragmatic breathing. Youll notice as yourbreathing deepens, it slows and your body relaxes in response.

As you become comfortable with this breathing pattern, use it whenever you feel your bodytense or feel stressed.

Three-Part BreathingSit comfortably upright. Slow your breathing, directing your inhalation. It is helpful to picture

the target area during the breathing process. First breath into the diaphragm area,expanding the belly. Continue the inhalation, filling the rib area with oxygen. Finally, carrythe inhalation into the upper chest. Pause a moment, and then begin the exhalation fromthe top down; chest, rib, diaphragm. Pause again, and repeat the inhalation process fromthe bottom up followed by the exhalation process from the top down.


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Music as MeditationMusic can be a powerful aid in relaxation and meditation. Amongits benefits, it has been shown to strengthen the immune systemand increase feelings of wellness and serenity. Try theserecommended selections as part of your prayer/meditationpractices.

Charlotte Church - Voice of an AngelKrishna Das - Breath of the HeartChant Spirit in SoundRobert Gass - Alleluia to the Pachelbel Canon in D / Kyrie

Alleluia Chants

JournalingA journal contains examinations of ones spiritual and personal growth, as opposed to adiary which logs daily events. Journaling is an introspective process, focusing on who am Itoday rather than what did I do today.

There is no one correct way to journal. Finding the time of day, writing materials and focusis a highly subjective process. Whether it is a leather-bound journal, a notebook from thesupermarket or a word processor file on the computer, start with materials with a

comfortable feel. Fill your journal with quotes, affirmations, or prayers in addition to anyintrospection you feel moved to add. Be more concerned with getting your thoughts outrather than the quality of your writing.

Use the following resources as a stepping stone for your journaling practice :

Leaving a Trace : On Keeping a Journal : The Art of Transforming a Life Into Stories byAlexandra JohnsonJournaling From the Heart by Eldonna Bouton

A Book of Life: Spiritual Journaling in the Twenty-First Century by Katrine Stewart

The Tradition of JournalingUsing A Journal For Personal DevelopmentJournaling : A Tool for the Spirit


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Index

B

bananas, 4beverages, 4breathing, 19

C

chamomile, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16coffee, 4, 5, 10

conditioner, 13, 14, 17

E

egg, 15, 17

H

honey, 6, 12, 15, 17

J

journaling, 20

L

lavender, 6, 9, 10lemon, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 17

M

mask, 15, 16meditation, 20milk, 4, 9, 10, 16mint, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13music, 20

O

oatmeal, 9, 16orange, 4, 5, 6

P

prayer, 3, 8, 11

R

relaxation, 19rosemary, 12, 14

S

shampoo, 12strawberries, 4, 7

T

tea, 4, 5, 6

Documents

Self Pampering