ForeverWed.com - Beauty

Relax

There is an Ancient Chinese proverb that states - "Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." This simple statement is so true - learning to relax is all about learning to be yourself. We all live full, busy lives. Learning to unwind should be an important part of our everyday routine. Relaxation will enhance your own Natural Beauty and everyone will want to know your "beauty secret!"

Many of my readers have shared their favorite ways to de-stress themselves with me over the years. Journal writing, screaming into pillows, yoga, exercise, meditation, and playing with their children have all been listed. But the number one way to relax seems to be in the bath!

Taking a bath certainly tops my list. Nothing is more indulgent or satisfying than to fill the tub with hot water, close the door and soak. It is amazing how in 15 to 20 minutes all the "have to dos" seem to fall into place and problems go down the drain with the bathwater.

A simple hot bath with a scoop of your favorite bath salts is all you need. If you are feeling a bit more creative: light candles, play music, read poetry, sip your favorite beverage, and fill the bath with bubbles! You own private oasis is right in your own home waiting to be used.

Here is one of my favorite recipes from my first book, Natural Beauty at Home (Henry Holt and Company) for colored bath salts. It is super easy to make and can be packaged as a pampering gift for a special friend that could also use a bit of Relaxation. Enjoy!

Colored Bath

Bath salts are fun to make and use because you can choose the color and scents to match your mood or décor. You may also add dried herbs and flowers to your salts. I like to fill pretty glass jars with colored salts and set next to my tub. My favorite soothing scents are lavender, chamomile, and vanilla. If you are sensitive to color or scents you may leave them out.

Ingredients

1 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup kosher salt or sea salt, coarsely ground
Food coloring (optional)
Essential oils, scented perfume oil, or flavored extracts such as vanilla or almond (optional)

Directions

Place all of the salts in a large plastic resealable bag or bowl. Mix in the color a few drops at a time. If it is too dark, add a bit more salt. Mix in scent a few drops at a time. Pour into a clean, dry container.

To use: Pour 1/2 cup into your tub, under the running water.

Yield: 12 ounces, enough for three baths

Natural Beauty Q&A

Acne at Any Age

Many of you wrote about tips for keeping skin clear and fresh at any age. Remember to keep your skin clean and well moisturized. Yes, your mother was right - never go to bed with a dirty face. Some other skin saving points to follow:

1.	Drink lots of water at least eight to ten glasses each day. Water will do more for your looks then the most expensive creams and lotions.
2.	Feed your skin from the inside out. Eat a balanced diet full of fiber, fresh vegetables, and fruit. You may also want to avoid salty foods and seafood. Both are sources of iodine, which can cause acne flare-ups in some individuals.
3.	Keep your hands off of your face.
4.	Use a weekly gentle scrub such as ground almonds, oatmeal, or cornmeal.
5.	Honey makes an excellent facial mask for troubled skin because it has antibacterial properties.
6.	Treat your skin with some TLC. Do not steam or scrub your skin. This will only aggravate the situation and stimulate your oil glands.
7.	Relax and get plenty of sleep. A clear head often equates to clear skin. Lack of sleep and stress can sometimes lead to unexpected breakouts.

Have a beautiful day!

Janice Cox

Janice Cox has been making her own beauty treatments for over twenty-five years. She is the author of three books on Natural Beauty: Natural Beauty at Home, Natural Beauty for All Seasons, and Natural Beauty from the Garden, all published by Henry Holt and Company in New York. Her books contain over 600 recipes for Body, Bath and Hair Care products.

Janice writes a regular column for Natural Living Today magazine, "Recipe for Beauty." Her recipes and ideas have also appeared in Self, Shape, Fitness, McCall's, Country Living, Organic Gardening, Herb Quarterly, Herb Companion, The Natural Way, Health, Mothering, Fit Pregnancy, New Woman, At Home Mother, American Health, and Natural Way magazines. She has appeared on National television and radio programs discussing Natural Beauty. Mrs. Cox has turned her passion for home beauty into a full time career and has become a nationally recognized expert on Natural Beauty.

She is the mother of two beautiful daughters, Lauren (age 9) and Marie (age 6). Along with keeping her husband and daughters well cared for, she is also involved with Girl Scouts, School activities, Gardening, and Handicrafts. Janice and her family live in Medford, Oregon.

"We are all born with a natural beauty, it is how we choose to use it that makes us truly beautiful."

To learn more about Janice Cox, visit her website at www.janicecox.com.