The holidays are fast upon us. We’ve just had our first true snow fall and the cold night air has the hint of wood fire. Walking down town is festive as holiday decorations have begun to fill the windows of local shops. It's easy for me to start to feel the anticipation of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and I am also reminded of the slowly encroaching anxieties of getting all that needs to be accomplished done. We have officially entered the period of 'frenzied shopping' and with that comes conflicting feelings!
Owning a retail shop, I welcome the busy-ness of this season though I would like to pose that this time of giving could also be a time filled with heartfelt and simple gestures of love and connection. A gift from the heart is much more profound than the big box stuff we are so heavily hit with. In an attempt to keep it real, to keep it healthy, and to keep it friendly to our pockets and to this beautiful earth we are blessed with, I have some wonderful ideas for gifts that natural, wholesome, and green! At Dancing Willow we have all the fixing for your own natural Holidays! We have offerings that are organic and healthy, goods to fill your senses and your soul.
Taking a bath can is one of my favorite activities on a cold winter night. A days tension can literally melt off the bones. A bath is a relished time just for me, to relax and and take care, to sooth overly excited senses and to warm frozen toes after a day of winter activity. For me, a bath is probably the closest I will ever get to going back to the womb! Adding scented bath salts make the experience especially healing and restorative. Here is a great idea for a simple gift that is affordable and sure to please. Make a big batch and use for teachers, co-workers, friends and family. Kids also love to spice up bath time, so perhaps include them in the making!
DIY Herbal Bath Salts
Choose any of these essential oils below or mix and match a few together:
Lavender essential oil has a scent that’s a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It is soothing to hot inflamed skin, it's anti-microbial, is used to aid in sleep and calms the mind.
Orange essential oil is citrusy fresh, and a mood elevator.
Eucalyptus essential oil is invigorating and fresh. It is often used to open up stuffy noses and loosen up chest congestion and is a classic spa scent.
Peppermint essential oil is cooling and stimulating. It helps to relieve headaches, and relieves congestion and is an invigorating scent for the home.
Bergamot essential oil is a sweet, yet spicy citrus-like scent that leaves you feeling calm, at peace and confident. It is great combined with lavender for the winter blues.
Fir needle essential oil a the classic scent of the holidays fresh and clean, take a walk in an alpine forrest without ever leaving your tub!
Rosemary essential oil is both warming and pungent. It improves circulation and is great for sore, tight muscles after a day in the cold. It relieves headaches when combined with peppermint.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is exotic and floral with a hint of the tropics. This lovely aroma is intoxicating and sensual and is known to ease anxiety and depression.
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup natural sea salt
- 25-50 drops essential oils. depending on desired strength
- (Optional) 2-3 tablespoons dried herbs or botanicals.
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in a well-sealed container and add a beautiful bow with a fresh sprig of something green from your yard tucked in!
ESSENTIAL OILS ARE ON SALE IN DECEMBER!
10% OFF 1/4 AND 1/8 OZ. BOTTLES
20% OFF 1 OZ. BOTTLES
(discount applied at checkout)
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a warm and meaningful holiday season and an amazing year ahead. May it hold for you blessings, opportunity for growth, prosperity, and health. As always, we are grateful for your continued support and are honored to share our products with you!
Warm Wishes,
Deb and all of the Dancing Willow Herb shop staff