Sunday, May 31, 2009

Make It Monday! ~~~~Herbal Steam~~~~

So I still have a few more days of work to do on my outdoor dining area / patio... My husband and I worked our patooties off this weekend, but everything seemed to go wrong. Our measurements were off on our curtain rods, the pergola cover was too short, the rain got to the chairs I just re-covered, but despite all of it I am still happy with the results and looking forward to posting pics.

In addition to the patio, I worked a little on my small but very special herb garden I am attempting to grow. Searching for ways to use all the herbs I hope to grow, I ran across this DIY Herbal Facial Steam recipe courtesy Miss Martha!

Herbal Steam Tools:

1/3 cup dried lavender blossoms1/3 cup dried calendula blossoms 4 to 5 drops geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

Herbal Steam How-To:

1. Add dried lavender and calendula (plus any additional herbs of your choice) to a large French press or teapot. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and steep for about 10 minutes.
2. When the herbs are finished steeping, fill a clean bathroom sink halfway with very hot water. Pull up a chair that will allow you to hang your head over the basin, about 6 to 8 inches from the water. Press or strain the herbs, then add the herbal infusion to the water. Add geranium essential oil.
3. Drape a large bath towel over your head and shoulders to create a "tent" over the sink and steam your face and neck for 3 to 5 minutes. If the water cools, add hot water as needed to produce more steam.
4. After steaming, splash your face and neck with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean, fluffy towel.
5. All skin types, especially mature skin, will benefit from a post-steam facial massage to keep skin moist and soft. Simply apply a few drops of a light oil (such as avocado or apricot kernel) to your fingers, then gently massage your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck using small, inward circles.


XO
SHS

PS Photos Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

9 comments:

blue moss said...

so hard when things just keep going wrong...but it sounds like you got alot done....looking forward to pics :)

our little love nest said...

I hate when things don't go as planned but I am so excited to see the pictures of all your hard work. The herbal steam sounds lovely.

sarasophia said...

I am definitely trying this!

and the pics you posted of your outdoor area are lovely<3

sarasophia

KERRY said...

Oooh i love herbs in pots! Sounds like you're doing really well, despite set backs. Looking forward to seeing the pics.

knack said...

.....my husband and I are the same way!! We just get quite a kick out of ourselves when we try to conquer a big project...especially when it involves measuring...oooh heavens to betsy......:)

**your potted herbs look great...can't wait to see more of your patio

HeddyShea said...

Forgive me, forgive, but I cannot take credit for the photos I posted- and truly, truly forgot to post PHOTOS COURTESY Marthastewart.com... I wish those were mine, but I have no photgraphy skills as of yet!

Daryl at Vermont Cottage said...

Hey Heddy! What a great post. Looks wonderful. Check out my blog when you can. I tagged you!

D.

nicole mountz said...

you just inspired me to make my own little herb garden :)

Jessica Turnbow said...

I will try this, thank you!