Something besides Calgon, take me away!

I am a water sign, living in the desert, deprived of ocean, lakes, streams, and ponds...not to mention, puddles for most of the year. My refuge if the bathtub. I can't live without one...oh wait, I am! As luck would have it, I have access to a deep claw foot tub 1-2 times a week. I do make use out of it.


It's Autumn going into Winter, we'll start with these seasonal bath delights!


Cinnamon Apple or Pumpkin Body and Hair Mask
2 pounds of cut and cored apples 
3/4 cup of water
or 1, 16 ounce can of pumpkin
1/4 cup of water
1-2 cinnamon sticks, broken
1/2 cup of coconut oil, apricot oil, or untoasted sesame oil
1 lemon, juiced and zested



Place apples or the pumpkin, cinnamon sticks, lemon juice, and water in a large pot. Cook until you can mash the apples or the pumpkin is bubbly. Strain through a mesh colander to remove the liquids (You can drink the liquid!) Place the strained mix back into the pan, add the oil and lemon zest. Use while still warm: sit in the empty tub, wet your body, slather your whole body (keep away from eyes) and your hair in the mix. Fill the tub just a bit and lie back and relax for 10 minutes. Place a face cloth over the drain to catch pulp, then turn the shower on and rinse well. Rinse your hair, but shampoo the next day. Let the oil work some magic overnight. Your skin will love the fruit acids, you and your hair be thoroughly moisturized by the oil, and you will feel renewed by the essential oils in the lemon zest.


Chai Body Tea
2-3 cinnamon sticks, broken
1 tablespoon of whole cloves
1 tablespoon cardamom pods
1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns
2 inch piece of smashed ginger, or 1/4 cup sliced dry ginger
green tea bags or loose green tea
1/4 cup of baking soda
If you are not sensitive to dairy, 1/2 cup of dried milk powder.


Place all ingredients, except baking soda and milk powder, in a tea sack, or clean, thin, cotton sock. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the sack or sock, turn the heat low, and let simmer covered for 15-20 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the baking soda and stir to dissolve. Bring the pan into the bathroom. Start your hot tub and the contents of the pan: both the sack/sock and the liquid, and the milk powder if using. Immerse yourself into a hot cup of tea! Keep away from eyes and give yourself a quick rinse after you have turned into a prune. Not only does this smell amazing, your skin loves the antioxidant green tea, the energizing spices, the moisturizing milk powder, and the PH balancing baking soda. Why not make a huge batch using the dry ginger? Buy some tea sacks online, and a make the most unique holiday gift anyone has ever heard of! Packing it in a recycled jar or tin will please the most au natural friend you have.



 Spice Bazaar Bath and Body Oil
1/2 cup of untoasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons of sandalwood chips or 6 drops of sandalwood oil
1 tablespoon dried patchouli leaves or 3 drops of patchouli oil
3 cinnamon sticks, broken
1 tablespoon whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Place all ingredients into a glass jar. Let seep for 1-2 weeks, shaking the jar 2x daily. Strain through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and store in the 'fridge.
To use in bath, add to hot running water, and rinse well after using, or use after your bath for a long lasting scented body moisturizer or massage oil. Keep away from eyes, and avoid direct contact with 'tender skin below the waist' if using as a body or massage oil. Sesame oil absorbs UV rays, soothes wind and sunburned skin, and is a wonderful moisturizer. This sensual, earthy spiced oil is pleasing to men and women. Another unique gift idea!

TLB 2010