Taking time to care for your skin is important. This amazing organ is what allows us to face the world every single day. I've been making my own skin-loving recipes for almost a decade, and I've learned which types of recipes are as good as over-the-counter products, which are actually better when made by hand, and which should be left to the professionals. Facial masks are among some of the most effective recipes in the “better when handmade” category.

To many, the thought of making bath bombs is intimidating. It’s true that the process takes a little more finesse than some DIY skin care recipes, but I’ve found that understanding the role that each ingredient plays helps me to consistently make the best bath bombs.

This time of year—coming up on Father’s Day—I take some extra time to appreciate how blessed I have been in the quality of the men who have played significant roles in my life. I was raised by an excellent single father, I’m married to the best of husbands, and I’m privileged to be mother to two fantastic sons. From the time I was a little girl, “my” men have always had my back, believed in me, lifted me up, and supported my dreams. So when it comes to their health, I’m serious about providing everything I can to support their overall well-being.

Many a parent will vow that the arrival of their child was the greatest gift they’ve ever received—and also the most demanding! As the proud keeper of a tiny new human myself, I am deeply immersed in the difficult but rewarding work of merging pre-baby life with parenthood, and one truth that’s never been clearer to me is that families need the support of their village to thrive. Since we can’t always be there physically for the ones we love, we often look for ways to pass on that love and assistance through a thoughtful gift, be it lovingly selected or lovingly made.

Choosing natural body care products whenever possible has been a priority of mine for a long time, both for my health and the health of the environment. I started by buying more eco-friendly versions of the pre-made products I was already using, but over time, I started to wonder if this was the best way to achieve my goals. After all, these “greener” versions may not have contained the worrisome ingredients of more conventional cosmetics, but they almost always came in single-use packaging that definitely wasn’t helping the planet…and they didn’t do much for the health of my budget, either! That’s what sparked my interest in creating my own beauty products—and I’ve never looked back.

Winter can be hard on the skin, especially the complexion. If you think about it, you literally “face” the blustery temperature and winds of winter, only to come inside to be abruptly met with warm, dry heat. This cycle can create quite a bit of turmoil for your skin, and it’s times like these that your largest organ appreciates some extra love and attention. This is what sparked the inspiration to create a DIY protective balm for the face (though I actually use it for the whole body).

Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to love—love for a partner, for friends, or for family, yes, but it's also the perfect excuse for some self-love too. Simple to create, our plant-based recipes are perfect for pampering those whom we cherish. These sumptuous preparations are formulated to relax the body and mind, uplift the spirit, and incite feelings of closeness and love.

Essential oil diffusers are a cornerstone in the world of aromatherapy. When I first learned about diffusers, I incorrectly associated them with products simply meant to deodorize a space, like a scented hanging air freshener for your car, for example. The truth is however, that these little devices can transform living spaces and influence overall states of being through the power of aromatherapy.

Who doesn’t love a good massage? Whether it’s performed by the hands of a skilled professional or the one you love (both, if you’re lucky!), a little added massage oil can help work out the tension. Another bonus is that a natural, nourishing massage oil can also act as a skin-supporting moisturizer for your back—an area which we sometimes neglect due to the flexibility required to reach it on our own!

My beauty regimen is extremely simple, and over the years I have stuck almost exclusively with single oils and butters for face and body care. Lotions were never really my thing. However, after trying our Mountain Rose Herbs organic skin creams, I was willing to make an exception! These skin creams are instantly softening and long-lasting, and they have just the right touch of lingering scent from essential oils.

Perfumes can make a statement, evoke fond memories, or add a finishing touch to our special occasion preparations. Our collection of natural aroma oils offers an ideal way to enjoy your favorite botanical scents, without the harsh, synthetic chemicals found in many conventional fragrances. Conveniently packaged in 10 mL roll-on bottles, they are easy to apply wherever a little uplifting energy is desired—whether as part of your home body care rituals, or when you need some essential oil goodness on-the-go!