Ylang Ylang Sugar Scrub

Homemade sugar scrubs are the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, a friend’s birthday, or even fun to make just for your self! As the coarse sugar exfoliates, the fragrant coconut oil moisturizes, with the gentle scent of Ylang Ylang that creates a therapeutic relaxing effect out of this world. Toss in some green tea for antioxidants and you've got it made.

If you haven't heard of Ylang Ylang oil before, it is derived from star-shaped flowers on the tropical Ylang Ylang tree and has a sweet, rich, spicy fragrance. 

In aromatherapy, Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress, balance hormones, and promote a positive outlook. Topically, it is known for its nourishing and protective properties in skin care. I also use Ylang Ylang oil for freshening up wax candles that have lost their scent or add a few drops to the hot tub to create a virtual tropical vacation.

Infused with the fragrant aroma of Ylang Ylang oil, this sugar scrub recipe will take you on a tropical aromatherapy escape, that will leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth all over.

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 green tea bags

1/2 cup coconut oil

10-20 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil 

Directions:

Step 1: Place the sugar in a small mixing bowl. (You can use coarse, raw sugar, but any plain white sugar will do.)

Step 2: Cut & empty the bags of tea bags into the sugar.

Step 3: Add the coconut oil. 

(Depending on the air temperature of your area, you may 

need to warm the oil up in the microwave a little so it becomes soft.) 

Step 4: Add 10-20 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil,

depending on the strength of aroma you prefer.

Step 5: Mix all of the ingredients together.

Step 6: Store in an airtight glass jar container.

To give as a gift, I used a small, scrap of brown paper bag for the labels and attached it with a piece of double stick tape on the back then, wrapped it with a piece of twine for a natural, homemade feel. It makes for a quick and easy gift!

To apply the sugar scrub just take a small scoop and massage it into any dry, cracked areas such as elbows, fingers, or heels, then rinse with warm water. Rub in any residual oil that remains on the surface of your skin. Enjoy soft, smooth skin ready for sandal weather. 

You can find Ylang Ylang essential oil here.

Smells Amazing and is Totally Edible!

Power Nog

The holidays don't have to be a fitness train wreck. Come enjoy a cup of this protein rich Power Nog without the saturated fat, artificial flavors, added color, corn syrup or preservatives often found in processed eggnog cartons, and maintain your muscle gain throughout the holidays instead.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup nonfat milk

1/3 cup liquid egg whites

1/4 cup vanilla protein drink

1/2 tsp cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

A dash of nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, egg whites, protein drink and cornstarch

2. Stir continually over medium-high heat until hot and bubbly (about 7-10 minutes)

3. Remove from heat and add vanilla 

4. Pour into mugs and froth with an electric whisk

5. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg

Makes two servings 

To make this healthy, holiday workout recovery drink, I used Premier Protein from Costco, which comes in a liquid sweetened form, but any brand of vanilla whey protein will do. Just keep in mind that if you use an unsweetened vanilla protein powder you may need to add an additional 1/4 cup milk and sweeten to taste with maple syrup or agave.

Enjoy!

Living in the Overflow

Mantras. 

That word brings to mind different things to different people. 

But, we all do it. 

We make mantras every day whether we think so or not. 
A mantra is anything we repeat over and over in our thoughts.
Our thoughts can turn to worry if we are not intentional.
These sort of mantras are not beneficial.

I will never be able to get all this done.
I don't have enough time. 
I'm not good enough.
I'm too old ... Or, maybe I'm not old enough?
What if I fail?

But, mantras can be beneficial if we are intentional. 

I am able to do all things.
I have enough time. 
I'm am enough.

I'm always in the right place at the right time.
What if it does work out?

Our minds think 60,000 - 80,000 thoughts per day. That's about 3,000 thoughts per hour.

We can choose to make as many of those thoughts as beneficial as possible. Sometimes I use scripture. Sometimes I use an inspiring quote. Sometimes I just make something up that sounds good. I post it on the bathroom mirror. Tape it on the dash of the car. Carry it in my back pocket. I read aloud over and over and ponder what it means. I imagine and feel the outcome.

Then, go and have a blessed day expecting something good!

Pocket cards like the one shown above are available in the shop here.