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