Holiday Stress Relief!

Every year I say I am going to start my holiday shopping early. Every year. Although my intentions are good, between Thanksgiving day and New Years Day, my stress level usually rises from my normal 2 to a constant 10! Maybe it's that my job is busiest this time of year, maybe it's my business being at it's peak, maybe it's the person who just about ran me over in the Target parking and to top it all off, the social demands of the season. Yep, you got it! I am EXHAUSTED every night when I pour myself into bed and my body feels the stress of it all!

Although I certainly don't know the answers even how to prevent the stress of the season, but one thing I DO know is your sense of smell can play a huge role in stress relief! That's right...smelling things can cause a alter your stress level!

I have come up with some amazing ways to use our scents to melt away the stresses of the season!

A hot bath with some amazing bath salts, cold process soap to wash away the stress and lotions and body sprays so your body, mind and soul thank you!  A Clamshell Melt or a candle! The sense of smell is so powerful that you can literally change your outlook!

I loved this soap so much when I made it, that I thought, what would make it even more relaxing? The colors! Cool shades of blues and greens with white.....That just soothes me right there!  For this project you will need the following:

Cold Process Soap Mold
Olive Oil
Palm Oil
Coconut Oil
Lye
Ultramarine Blue Gel Tone
Neon Green Gel Tone
Titanium Dioxide
Bubbles & Lights Eucalyptus Spearmint Type

Following the instructions for Cold Process Soap and Safety Rules mix your lye as you normally would or mix equal parts lye and water by weight. Cool to room temperature.

Mix together 1 pound each of the three oils and then divide them into three separate containers for mixing. Add about 1 tsp each of the three colors into each pot that have been diluted in about a tbsp of warm water. This will help prevent the colors from speckling and more evenly distribute them. Add 1 oz of scent to each container of oil.

Prepare your mold. I use wax paper to line mine, others use freezer paper, parchment paper, and some even use plastic bags. Whatever works for you. :)

Mix each of the colors and pour into the mold, allow the layer to set up a bit before pouring the next layer

This is a photo of each of the layers being poured. The layer below it is solid enough to support a new layer being poured on top of it. This will allow for nice, even layers in your finished soap.

This is a photo of it cut. This is an easy soap with lots of amazing potential. Match with candles, lotions, body spray, room spray, hand sanitizer and more! The possibilities are endless! Make gift baskets with the matching products for your next show!









I've compiled a list of aroma's that work well and have a relaxing effect. Spring is a great time to introduce your customers to new products & ideas!
Basil Sage Mint, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Spearmint, Frankincense and Myrrh, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary Mint, Sage & Citrus, Sandalwood Vanilla and Ylang Ylang!
Give a line of Relaxation scents a try this year!