Growing up we did a lot of walking, skating, biking and running. And, at the end of the day, you were sure to hear one of the adults declare “my dogs are barking!” This was clear indication that their feet were tired, achy, hot and hurting.

Funny way to acknowledge the condition of one of the most used part of our body, but it did bring attention to how much we are on our feet.

I’m a big fan of reflexology and believe that stimulating the nerves in the feet can have a positive effect on the rest of the body. Besides that wonderful , it just feels good. I mean really good. Man, there’s nothing like a foot massage to get you up and moving again. Except maybe a foot soak before the massage.

Soaking your feet has many benefits on their own such as, reducing swelling and softening dead skin. When you add a few other components to your soak, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to do it.

Soaking Up the Ahh..Not Your Dollars
To get started with a foot soak, you don’t need to go out and spend lots of money on an electric foot spa (unless you want to) and supplies. You can create your own spa experience at home with a few tools and tips.

Tip #1
Make a trip to your local Dollar Store and spend $3.00.

• Buy a small plastic tub big enough to fit your feet
• Buy a bag of marbles
• Buy a box of Epsom salts

Tip #2
Use essential oils to max out the benefits of your foot soak. Here is one of my favorite blends. 

• 10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops of Ginger essential oil

Now that you have your tool and tips, let’s get the soak going.

1. Find a comfortable area to sit in. Gather all the things you’ll need to keep you occupied for 20 minutes (ex. phone, magazine, book, knitting…nothing).
2. Find a level space on the floor to place your tub.
3. Place a towel on the floor to absorb any spills, and put the tub on top.
4. Pour your marbles in to the bottom of the tub.
5. Into the tub, pour lukewarm to hot water (about the same temp as your bath), filling  half  way.
6. Add a cup of Epsom salt and your essential oil blend.
7. Put feet into water and move feet across the marbles. This will stimulate the nerve endings in your feet.
8. Relax for 20 minutes.

Once your soak is over, dry off your feet and use a pumice stone to sloth off dry skin on the balls and heals of your feet. Follow-up revitalizing massage oil using the same essential oil blend added to 4 oz of sweet almond oil. Be sure to massage the feet ankles and calves. It’s all connected and will make a big difference in how you feel.

Related posts:

1. Treat Yourself To An Aromatherapy Shave

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Post tags: father's day, foot massage, foot soak

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Shaving is one of those grooming rituals that both men and women do on a daily bases. The problem is shaving can leave your skin dry, irritated, inflamed, and, if you don’t have the proper equipment & time, cut to shreds. Instead of using products made of chemicals you can’t pronounce, try an aromatherapy shave and protect your skin while will getting a smooth shave.

Shaving Cream Replacement
Shaving creams promise to do so many things, from turning you into a stud muffin to making your legs the first thing people will notice when you walk into a room, when the one thing you want it to do is work without the irritation shaving leaves behind.

A good replacement for those creams is shea butter. As you’ve heard me say so many times before, shea butter is one of those multi-purpose skin healer that you need to keep on hand. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals and is a natural moisturizer for dry to normal skin types.

To use the shea butter, simply apply a small amount into the palm of your hand (believe me, a little goes a long way) and rub onto the area you intend to shave. Shave as you normally would. For an added benefit, try using  jojoba oil mixed with the shea butter or use it alone. Jojoba oil is naturally an anti-inflammatory oil and will leave your skin healthy and glowing.

Follow-Up Is Key
Now that your skin is freshly shaved, it needs a soothing, astringent lotion.  Follow-up with a shaving lotion to add another layer of protection. It so simple and easy to make an aftershave “lotion” at home. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 4 oz bottle with disc cap
2. 4 oz of witch hazel
3. 15-20 drops of essential oil

Make all the ingredients into the bottle and shake. Using a cotton ball, apply the lotion to your skin. Shake before each use.

Blends For Him and Her
For Him

• 10 drops Orange essential oil
• 3 drops Sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops Vanilla essential oil
• 1-2 drop(s) Cinnamon essential oil

For Her

• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
• 3 drops Geranium essential oil

Both

• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Tea tree essential oil

Show your skin some love the next time you pull out that razor.

Related posts:

1. Are Your Dogs Barking? Soothe Them With A Revitalizing Foot Soak & Massage

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Post tags: aromatherapy, father's day, shave, shaving

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Lately I’ve been trying to do more things that will help me relax.  I often feel so scattered that it’s hard to focus, move through my foot-long to-do list or just bring my body to a natural state of rest at the end of the day.  Some of the things I’m doing more of these days are going for walks, reading while burning a special aromatic blend in my aromalamp, knitting, taking long baths and exploring my creative side.  Oh, and I’m watching more cartoons.  Ok, the truth is now out: I’m a huge cartoon fan.  But it has always been a great way for me to relax and slow down the thought processes.

Curious about what other people do to relax, I asked the question “What do you do to relax?” over at twitter.  Here are some of the responses:

• ebb567: I meditate, knit, read a good book, do some slow yoga
• theelfinpoet: write, read, go hiking, play with hector (my puppy), create digital collages
• HeadHealthNut: Good question! Yoga, Pilates, Deep Breathing, Hot Bath and something else I can’t reveal on Twitter.
• Ryan875: put the kids to bed!!! ROFLMAO
• WannaBeSkinny:  read a book.  Watch TV.  Play with my kitties.  Goof off in net (ie twitter).

Toot Your Own Horn Tuesday Give-Away

So, now I’m throwing the question to you.

What do you do to relax?  Tell me what you do to relax in the comments below and you’ll be entered into our Toot Your Own Horn Tuesday Give-Away!  This month I am giving away bath goodies to 3 randomly selected commenters.

This month’s give-away includes a bar of our moisture-rich My Momma’s “It Heals Everything” Moisturizing Shea Butter Soap and a Soap Saver Exfoliating Body Scrubber.  A great way to relax, release and revive.

BONUS ENTRY:

• retweet this post on twitter to be entered in a second time

So, go Toot Your Own Horn and let me know how you get into A Relaxing State Of Mind!  Give-Away ends tonight, Tuesday, March 30, 2010,  at 11:59 pm (EST).

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You can stop saying “No way!”, because, yes way,  you can do this.  You can even time me if you like.

Ready?  Go!

1. Sit down.
2. Add a few drops of  lavender essential oil on to a cotton ball and sit it near you.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Inhale a slow, deep breath.
5. Exhale slowly counting to 5.
6. Done!

How did I do?  Repeat your 10 seconds of relaxation as often as needed.

Do you have a sure-fire way to relax?  Share it with me in the comments below.

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© Clesha Staten for Simply Clesha: In Your Secret Place, 2005-2010. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: lavender essential oil, Rejoice, Relax, Revive, Rejoice, Revive

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Post tags: st. charles seminary

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