Summer can almost become lost in the seemingly endless flurry of backyard barbeques, harvesting, canning, drying and preserving crops, camping trips, outdoor music concerts, visits to the local swimming hole, and family road trips. Sometimes, it seems as though not enough time remains to relax and leisurely enjoy the summer itself. In September, as the weather begins to wane in preparation for autumn, take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the fleeting rays of summer’s warmth before autumn arrives. Since these recipes contain ingredients and aromas that evoke and reflect the warmth, energy, and essense of summer, they are also wonderful for uplifting the mind, spirit, and body during cold and gloomy winter days!
One of the simplest, yet most delightful bath treatments! If you have a bounty of fresh flowers and herbs in your garden, save a few sprigs for this decadent and medicinal bathing experience. Taking baths during the summertime may seem counterintuitive, but on cooler nights or mornings, baths are relaxing and soothe sore muscles that have been overexerted by summer activities.
Pick fresh herbal sprigs from the garden. Some favorites include Calendula, Chamomile, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Peppermint, Red Clover, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Thyme, and Oregano. Bundle the botanicals with twine, and hang under the faucet allowing water to run through the herbs. Once the tub is full, you can allow the herbs to float freely in the bathtub or simply enjoy their beauty as they hang from the faucet.
Homemade bubble bath is not as bubbly as commercial varieties and the suds don’t last very long, but it is completely natural and is so much gentler on the skin. Bathing in the aroma of Lemongrass and Lavender is refreshing and sure to lift the spirits! This blend is perfect for all ages.
Mix all ingredients together and pour directly into running water.
Refreshingly light with a hint of citrus and sweetness, this is a perfect oil for the summertime. Pour a little directly into bathwater, massage into the skin after bathing, or apply whenever skin feels a little dry.
Pour all ingredients into a glass bottle and roll between palms to distribute the oils evenly.
Dab this luscious blend onto pulse points after bathing. It has a wonderful aroma of flowers, citrus, and summertime sweetness that isespecially useful during times of stress, anxiety, irritability, or depression.
Drip all essential oils into a glass bottle and roll between palms to evenly mix the oils. Add Jojoba oil and roll again. Add additional essential oils if you desire a stronger perfume.
The same blend as above, but in a convenient aromatherapy spray that can be spritzed around the home or used as a body mist to refresh and uplift the spirits.
Pour water and Witch Hazel Extract into a 4 oz bottle with a mister top. Add essential oils and roll between palms to evenly mix. If you desire a stronger aromatherapy spray, simply increase the amount of essential oils used. The recipe can be easily doubled, or you can just add extra of whichever oils you like the best to create your own special blend!
Sip on this delectable cocktail while blissfully soaking in the sun’s warmth! St. Germain is an incredible liquer made in France from freshly handpicked Elderflowers. The flavor is absolutely captivating, sublime, and indescribable – like nectar. This is St. Germain’s signature cocktail from their website www.stgermain.fr
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Champagne first, then St. Germain, then Club Soda. Stir completely. Garnish with a lemon twist, making sure to squeeze it to release the essential oils into the glass.
Enjoy!
~ irene
