Creamy Soy Milk soap with Mangosteen

The exotic and fruity Mangosteen

paired with creamy soy milk and soothing, cleansing 

oatmeal  make up this soap.

Mangosteen is a tropical superfruit that grows on the

Garcinia Mangostana tree, mainly of Southeast Asia.  The fruit itself is a force to be

reconned with as it is full of antioxidants and numerous health benefits.

The scent it contributed to this soy milk soap is subtle, and fruity.

I colored it naturally with a bit of paprika.

And added a TBL of finely ground oatmeal as a  skin loving soother.

Enjoy, ............ Anna

Lavender, Petitgrain and Amyris soap from Germany

Gorgeous Lavender Soap from Doreen's Soap Paradise, in Germany !

I was SO happy to receive this lovely soap from Doreen who is a sister-soaper in Bad Salzuflen, Germany.

This Lavender soap was scented with Lavender, Petitgrain and Amyris.  

Petitgrain is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the bitter orange plant

and is known for its soothing, stress relieving qualities. Very refreshing scent.

Amyris is in the citrus family but has an aroma like sandlewood, slightly woody, I LOVE it! 

It takes about 30 years for the plant to produce its sweet essential oil. It is also known for its

stress reducing properties. Great skin regenerator too. Uplifting fragrance. 

When you blend these two exceptional essential oils with Lavender, you get Doreen's richly

scented woodsy lavender soap!  Good job Doreen with this blend, it is stunning.  Just love it.

                                                           Nicely beveled edges.

            And the lather was just as great as the scent!   Rich and thick with lots of bubbles!  WOW!

It left my skin feeling moisturized, and refreshed, I definitely felt the effects of the petitgrain and amyris. 

                       

Doreen has a blog that has gorgeous soap as well as fine knitted scarfs, adorable candy baskets, doilies and some awesome cotton/linen face cloths, all hand knitted or crocheted by Doreen.  She also has authentic German recipes with great pictures. 

Check out her blog:   Doreen's Seifen-Paradies

 Thank you Doreen for the soap and wonderful chocolate bars, ( the best chocolate I've ever eaten!)
and candy that you sent us,  and thank you for sharing a bit of your beautiful country,
Germany with us here in America!

                                    Am Markt          Market Square

Villa

Salzhof mit dem Denkmal Paulinenquelle

                                   Untere Muhlenstr                          

                                   

Aspirin Mask and blemish spot treatment recipe

A natural skin care remedy for clearer, healthier skin, right from your own "Pantry Spa".....

Aspirin, Lemon and Honey

As a facial mask, or spot treatment for acne and redness.
For informational purposes only, not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions.
Updated: 2/16/16

A great natural skin care treatment to add to your routine. The aspirin mask is becoming quite popular now, but is not new to the skin care world.

Aspirin  ( acetylsalicylic acid) is a derivative of salicylic acid  It is anti-bacterial, anti-
                inflammatory, 

                ( a beta hydroxayl acid ) it acts as a powerful exfoliant that sloughs off dead, dry
                skin cells that clog pores, cleaning them and stimulating 
                collagen and new skin cell growth as well as healing blemishes.      
                

 Honey   is naturally anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and hydrating (a humectant),

              killing bacteria, reducing swelling and moisturizing the skin.  No kidding.

Lemon   is optional in this recipe. It is also a salicylic acid, if you are having problems with

               breakouts, blackheads etc, lemon juice will help unclog the pores which is the

               main reason for breakouts. It's vitalmin C helps minimize sun damage also. 

Water or Jojoba oil ( or other vegetable oil like grapeseed or olive ) Joboba is preferred
               as it is closest to the skins natural sebum, but it is pricey.

RECIPE:   Can be used as an all over mask or as a spot treatment for blemishes.  I personally have never used this as a full facial mask only as a spot treatment, so I  will only
be sharing the spot treatment recipe.  I only share recipes that I have personally used and tested at Natures Home Spa.  

FOR SPOT TREATMENT:
First warm up honey, just a small amount.  

Use uncoated aspirins, but if you have the coated variety just
hold them under warm water and rub
between your fingers until the coating wears off,  you can tell when this happens as the aspirin feels gritty and will dissolve quickly in your hand.    

Add aspirin to your honey. Add a drop or two of lemon juice, this is optional.  Stir well.  

Apply to troubled spots on your face. Acne, pimples, white spots from ingrown hairs,  blackheads. Leave on for 10 minutes, rinse.

Do not use the aspirin mask if you are allergic to aspirin,
or if you can not take aspirin for any other reasons.
Aspirin is not suitable for children under 12 or pregnant women.