Tag: self care

Beauty Potion

Busy day working and taking care of the family? Join us on Facebook @galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library on Monday, March 29th at 12:00 p.m. to make DIY self-care products.

Ingredient list is available below:

Beauty Potion

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Tbsp. Rosewater
• 1/2 tsp. Aloe Vera Gel
• 1/2 tsp. Olive Oil (Substitute for jojoba, almond, or coconut oil)
• 1/2 tsp. Glycerine

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Mix the aloe gel with glycerine to form a smooth paste.
  2. Then add olive oil or almond oil and finally add rose water.
  3. Store it in a small container and use it whenever you feel like.
  4. Take a pea sized amount of the serum and massage in upward motion on the skin for a minute or two. Use every day or on alternative days. Massage your neck and face in upward motions.

Benefits:
• Quick absorbing.
• Light weight.
• Gives you a nice glow.
• Rose water refreshes your skin.
• The oil moisturizes your skin.
• Skin feels really soft after you use it.
• Free of chemicals.
• You get to customize it!

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Avocado Face Mask

Busy day working and taking care of the family? Join us on Facebook @galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library on Monday, March 22nd at 12:00 p.m. to make DIY self-care products.

Ingredient list is available below:

Avocado Face Mask

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 med-large avocado
• 1–2 tsp. raw, local honey
• Optional: 2 tbsp. rolled oats

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  2. Wash your face with a cleanser, dry, and then apply the mask liberally to the face and neck.
  3. Let sit on your face for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash the mask off your face and follow-up with your typical skincare routine.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Liquid Hand Soap

Join us on Saturday, March 20th at 1:00 p.m. on Facebook LIVE @galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library to make DIY self-care products.

Ingredient list is available below:

Liquid Hand Soap

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c. castile soap liquid
• 1/2 c. distilled water
• 1 Tbsp. vitamin E oil (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. sweet almond oil or olive oil or jojoba oil (optional)
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil optional
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a mason jar or recycled soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap, followed by the oils. Shake the ingredients together.
  2. Shake the soap dispenser before using, then squirt a small amount on your hands as needed, rinsing with water.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Aromatherapy Candles

Busy day working and taking care of the family? Join us on Facebook @galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library on Monday, March 15th at 12:00 p.m. to make DIY self-care products.

Ingredient list is available below:

Aromatherapy Candles

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 c. Soy Wax Flakes
• Natural Wicks (Anchors
Optional)
• 80-120 Drops of Essential Oil (See scent list below)
Other supplies:
• 8 oz. Mason Jars (or jars of choice)
• Stirring Utensil
• Pens or Chopsticks to Secure Wicks

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Melt soy wax in a pot over low-medium heat. They should melt fairly easily but turn up the heat slightly if taking more than a few minutes.
  2. Stir
  3. Once melted, add essential oils.
  4. Anchor wicks to the bottom of mason jars.
  5. Tape wick upright to a horizontal chopstick or pen.
  6. Pour the wax into the mason jar and then repeat until all jars are full.
  7. Depending on the size of the mason jars you may have some wax leftover.
  8. Let stand until solid (about 1 hour).
  9. Cut the wick to the desired length.

Scents to Relieve Anxiety:
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Peach, Rose, Rose Geranium, and Violet Leaf.

Scents to Ease Depression:
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose Geranium, Sandalwood, Tangerine, and Ylang-ylang.

Scents to Improve Memory:
Bay Laurel, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, and Rosemary.

Scents to Invigorate and Overcome Fatigue:
Angelica, Benzoin, Camphor, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove Basil, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, and Spiced Apple.

Scents to Deal with Stress, Nervous Tension, and Insomnia:
Bergamot, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cloves, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Melissa, Valerian, Vanilla, Violet, and Ylang-ylang.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Natural Mascara

Busy day working and taking care of the family? Join us on Facebook @galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library on Monday, March 18th at 12:00 p.m. to make DIY self-care products.

Ingredient list is available below:

Natural Mascara

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp shea butter
• 1 1/2 tsp beeswax
• 2 tsp jojoba oil
• 2 capsules activated charcoal
• 2 drops Vitamin E oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a double boiler, melt the first 4 ingredients
  2. Once melted remove from heat and add in the charcoal and Vitamin E
  3. Cut small corner off plastic bag and use it like a cake decorator to pipe it into the empty mascara tube
  4. Apply your homemade mascara as you would your regular mascara and smile to yourself….no more chemicals on those lashes!

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Natural Deodorant

Join us on Saturday, March 6th at 1:00 p.m. on Facebook @galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library to make DIY self-care products.

Ingredient list is available below:

Natural Deordorant

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 Tbsp. unrefined coconut oil
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. unrefined shea butter
• 1/4 c. arrowroot starch/flour
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. baking soda
• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 6 drops grapefruit essential oil
• OPTIONAL: 1 drop tea tree essential oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place coconut oil and shea butter in a glass bowl or jar and place the bowl/jar inside a medium saucepan.
  2. Add water to the saucepan (enough to surround the bowl/jar but not to overflow it) and bring to a boil.
  3. As water is heating up, ensure to stir coconut oil and shea butter and continue to do so until it melts.
  4. Once melted, add in arrowroot starch, baking soda, and essential oils.
  5. Place in a 3-ounce jar and allow to cool at room temp or in the fridge (will harden faster in the fridge) until it’s reached a solid-state.
  6. Cover with lid until used.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

1. Wet underarms slightly (this helps with even application)
2. Spoon out a pea-sized amount with a wooden scoop or with fingers and rub between fingers before applying directly to underarms.
3. For a regular day, one application in the morning should be fine. For hotter days, workouts or if you’re particularly sweaty, feel free to reapply as needed.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Whipped Body Lotion

Busy day working and taking care of the family? Join us on Facebook @galluplibrary or YouTube at Octavia Fellin Public Library on Monday, March 1st at 12:00 p.m. to make DIY self-care products.

Ingredient list is available below:

Whipped body lotion

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c. organic shea butter
• 3 Tbsp. organic coconut oil room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. vitamin E, Jojoba or Argan oil
• 5–6 drops food grade essential oil I suggest lavender, lemon or Frankincense
• Optional: 2 Tbsp. witch hazel

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine everything with a handheld mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Store in an airtight, glass container.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Self-Care Saturday

Join us on OFPL’s Facebook @galluplibrary on Saturday, December 5th at 1:00 p.m. to make Gingerbread Sugar Scrub DIY self-care products.

The ingredient list is available below.

GINGERBREAD SUGAR SCRUB

Ingredients:
• 1 c. brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 c. coconut oil, solid
• 1 tbsp. molasses
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Instructions:
1. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in a large bowl.
2. Top with coconut oil and molasses
3. Using the back of a fork mash the wet ingredients into the dry to make a crumbly mixture. Depending on how solid the coconut oil is, you may need to use your hands.
4. Place scrub into a mason jar with a secure lid. Will last for several months in a cool location.

To use:
1. On wet or dry skin, apply scrub liberally all over the body.
2. Scrub into the skin to remove dead skin cells.
3. Wash off completely.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Visit YouTube, @galluplibrary, for all
Self-Care Episodes.

Self-Care Saturday

Join OFPL Live on Facebook, @galluplibrary on Saturday, October 10th at 1:00 p.m. to make DIY cosmetics with inexpensive ingredients. You can find the majority of ingredients at local stores like Wal-Mart, Albertsons, & La Montana Co-Op.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Each ingredient list is available below:

Homemade Rosewater & Face Toner

Ingredients:
Homemade Rosewater:
• 7 Organic Roses
• 1.5 L Distilled water (enough to cover the rose petals)

Homemade Rosewater Face Toner:
• 1 Tbsp. Pure Rosewater
• 4 Tbsp. Distilled Water (or enough to fill your spray bottle)
• 1 – 2.5 oz. spray bottle

Instructions:
Homemade Rosewater:
1. Remove petals from stems and run them under luke-warm water to remove any leftover residue.
2. Add petals to a large pot and top with enough distilled water to just cover (no more or you’ll dilute your rosewater).
3. Over medium-low heat bring the water to a simmer and cover.
4. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes or until petals have lost their color and are pale pink.
5. Strain the mixture to separate the petals from the water.
6. Discard petals and place water in a glass jar to store.

Benefits of Rosewater?
• Helps balance the pH of the skin
• Soothes skin irritation
• Reduces redness (has anti-inflammatory properties!)
• May reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Stress Relief Tea

Ingredients:
• 2 tsp holy basil
• 1 tsp lemon balm
• 1 tsp chamomile
• 1/2 tsp lavender
• 1/2 tsp eleuthero root

*All ingredients need to be dried out.

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or cup.
2. Top with hot water.
3. Place a plate or top onto mason jar and let infuse for 20 minutes.
4. Remove plate and filter tea through strainer or cheesecloth.
5. Add honey or sweetener if desired.
6. Sip and enjoy!

Chamomile – Chamomile is a relaxing nervine that helps encourage restful sleep. Better sleep = decreased stress.
Lavender – like chamomile, lavender is a relaxing nervine that helps encourage better sleep. In addition, multiple clinical trials have shown that lavender decreases anxiety and perception of pain (source).
Lemon balm – As an antispasmodic carminative, lemon balm is useful when stress or anxiety affects digestion (i.e. IBS) because it acts on both the digestive and nervous systems.
Holy Basil – also known as Tulsi, this adaptogenic herb works with your nervous system to bring it into balance. It also has a relaxing and uplifting quality, acting as a mildly relaxing nervine which makes it a great option for those with anxiety and depression.
Eleuthero – known as the “work hard, play hard” herb, this adaptogenic powerhouse can help balance the nervous systems of those known to work a little too much and play a little too hard. It helps boost physical and mental stamina and endurance as well as promoting a healthy immune system.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:
• 1 c. brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 c. coconut oil, solid
• 1 tbsp. molasses
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Instructions:
1. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in a large bowl.
2. Top with coconut oil and molasses
3. Using the back of a fork mash the wet ingredients into the dry to make a crumbly mixture. Depending on how solid the coconut oil is, you may need to use your hands.
4. Place scrub into a mason jar with a secure lid. Will last for several months in a cool location

To use:
1. On wet or dry skin, apply scrub liberally all over the body.
2. Scrub into skin to remove dead skin cells.
3. Wash off completely.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Self-Care Saturday

Join OFPL Live on Facebook @galluplibrary on Saturday, September 12th and 26th at 1:00 p.m. to make your DIY cosmetics from items around your home. Each ingredient list is available below.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Saturday, September 12th at 1:00 p.m.

Honey-Based Lip Scrub
  • 2 tsps. Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Honey
  • 1 tsp. Coconut Oil
  1. Mix everything together in a small bowl until you have a paste.
  2. Apply to lips with fingertips and massage into your lips to gently slough off dry, dead skin cells.
  3. You’ll be tempted to eat the mixture – it tastes pretty darn good!
  4. Rinse with warm water and follow with lip balm.
  5. Keep any extra in a small container.
Sage with Blackberry Body Scrub
  • 1 1/2 cups White Sugar
  • 2 Tbsps. & 2 tsps. Coconut Oil
  • 4 to 6 large Sage Leaves
  • 1/4 cup Blackberries
  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process on high until smooth.
  2. Put in glass jar with snug fitting lid
  3. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week
  4. To use, wet skin, gently scrub with sugar scrub, and rinse with warm water. Pat dry.

Saturday, September 26th at 1:00 p.m.

Lavender Bath Bomb
  • 2 oz Baking Soda
  • 1 oz Epsom Salt
  • 1 oz Corn Starch
  • 1 oz Citric Acid
  • 4 tsp. Coconut Oil
  • 1 tsp. water
  • Optional: dried flowers, herbs, food coloring, biodegradable glitter or essential oils

Okay, so you do have to buy some accessories for this process such as something to mold the bath bomb with and if you’re not big into canning and preserves you may not have citric acid laying around. But not to fear, it’s all worth it if you love a good tub! Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately. Then slower (spoonful by spoonful) mix the wet and dry ingredients together until you end up with a sand-like consistency. Pack the mixture into the mold and leave overnight to dry.

Rosemary with Peppermint Foot Scrub
  • 3 tsp. Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. table salt
  • 1 tsp. coconut oil
  • 1 ½ tsp. olive oil
  • 3 drops peppermint oil
  • 1/2 tsp rosemary

Toss everything in a cup, and stir together. If it’s too dry, add a bit more oil. If it’s too wet, add more salt.