Bath Butter Sugar/Salt Scrub Recipe

Love using a scrub in the shower? This is an interesting tutorial from Go Planet Earth to make your own Bath Butter Sugar/Salt Scrub. I found this recipe to be really interesting because of the combination of salt and sugar. I have heard of making a scrub out of either salt or sugar but I never heard of a recipe that uses both. According to the author using both makes an excellent exfoliator. What also makes this recipe spectacular is that adds a bath butter which you can purchase from Go Planet Earth.

I guess this is another recipe I will have to add to my list of recipes to try.

Valentine Cupcake Soaps Tutorial From Go Planet Earth

Want to learn how to make these adorable cupcake soaps for Valentine's Day? You can purchase the tutorial from GO Planet Earth for $5.96. These soaps would be really cute to make and give as gifts. If you purchase those pink bakery boxes and put your soaps in them would really be the icing on the cake.

If you are not sure if you want to purchase the tutorial, check out this clip that appears on You Tube. If you really like it, then go ahead and purchase the tutorial.

How to Make Message Candles

Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year's is just around the corner. Are you trying to think of something creative to make? How about creating Message Candles? What are message candles? Well, the best way to describe them is a fun way to personalize a candle. Would you like to learn how to make these personalized gifts? Then check out these easy step by step instructions from Ehow on How to Make Message Candles. These would make a fun activity to have at any kind of party from bridal and shower showers or any other type of celebration. Even if you kids are old enough to be involved, they would have a ball making this project on a rainy day or maybe at their next birthday party.

Make it: scented sachet w/recycled greeting cards

Are you wondering what to do with some of the greeting cards you have received over the year? Instead of throwing them away, why not recycling them into this creative scented sachets? I found this neat idea on Cathie Filian's blog Domestic in the City. And I think it is a really cute idea to repurpose your greeting cards. What a great idea to get the kids involved and give them out as gifts for Valentine's Day, Mother' Day or even a party favor at a bridal or baby shower.

The supplies needed for this project are: Used greeting or note cards, Scissors Potpourri, (dried lavender, cinnamon sticks, etc. ), Tulle squares, Long-reaching 1/4-inch hole punch, glue stick, hot glue and glue gun, and decorative ribbon.

For full step by step instructions for this project, visit Make it: scented sachet w/recycled greeting cards on Cathie's blog.

What is Carrageenan?

I have a recipe for a bath jelly, which includes gelatin to make it into a semi solid state like jello. But there are vegans out there who do not use this type of ingredient in their everyday lifes. So I was wondering what I could replace the gelatin with. I have heard of agar. I have not tried agar or Carrageenan? What is Carrageenan? According to Wisegeek.com:

"Carrageenan comes from algae or seaweed, and can be used as a thickening agent in place of animal-based products like gelatin, which is extracted from animal bones. It is usually derived from either red alga, sometimes called Irish moss. Carrageenan is a common ingredient in many foods, such as milk products like yogurt or chocolate milk.

One can make one’s own carrageenan by boiling down Irish moss for about 20 to 30 minutes. When the mixture cools, and the moss is removed, one is left with a gelled substance. Since many recipes call for a thickening agent, many vegetarians use carrageenan in place of products like gelatin, since it is 100% vegetarian.

One can often purchase powdered carrageenan at natural food stores. It may be used in the preparation of certain wines and beers. Also many sliced deli meats are enriched with carrageenan. Carrageenan may also be marketed in its jelled form as a personal lubricant. Companies like Tom’s of Maine® use carrageenan in a variety of products from toothpaste to deodorant.

Some use carrageenan to make foods like vegetarian marshmallows, to gel jelly, or stabilize ice cream. As it cooks, it often has a fish like odor. This odor and taste is usually masked by the foods in which it is used. Carrageenan in algae form is also quite rich in iron and sulfur. However, when it is processed into a gel, it usually looses these minerals.

Carrageenan is also equivalent to agar, which is derived from red algae, and sometimes seaweed. The process is the same for producing agar as it is for making carrageenan. In both instances, the alga is boiled down to make a jelly substance.

Agar is used as a culture for bacteria in medicine and microbiology. Its gel-like substance is the perfect place to grow bacteria or to test for bacterial presence. Some also use agar as medicine, since it tends to produce a laxative effect.

Like carrageenan, agar may be used in ice cream, soup, jelly, or in brewing wine or beer. It also is a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. In fact, since virtually no difference exists between the two substances, they are excellent substitutes for each other. It is more common in Asian countries to see agar listed as a thickening agent, while in the US, the term carrageenan is more commonly used."

Whipped Belly Butter Tutorial

Are you looking for an unique recipe to add to your collection? Or are you bored with your current recipe? Here is really nice recipe for Whipped Belly Butter from Anne-Marie aka The Soap Queen that you may want to try. This recipe/tutorial appears on Anne-Marie's Soap and the Finer Things in Life.

If you are wondering how Anne Marie selected the ingredients for this particular recipe, she includes a link which explains how she came about that very subject. She also includes a link about infused oils if you are interested about that subject. So make sure to scroll down the page and find those informative links.

Lip Veil Recipe

Have you ever heard of a lip veil before? I had not either until I saw this recipe for it on the blog Do It Yourself Skincare. According to Alison, a Lip Veil (or Lip Gloss) is often used when a person wants to have some color on their lips, but does not want an intense, solid lipstick color effect. Lip Veil is also often used as an introduction to makeup for preteen and young teenage girls who want to wear some makeup, but are too young to wear a more intense lipstick color. Lip Veil is generally sheer (think of how a veil is see-through) and is perfect for when you want shine with a tint of color.

I guess that makes sense. I guess I always called it lip tint, so I guess I learned something new today. Know that I know what a lip veil is I will have to give Alison's lip veil recipe a try. I hope you will too!

Cold Proces Soap/Melt and Pour Soap Recipe

Here is an elaborate technique for all of you cold process soapmakers out there! This unique recipe combines melt and pour embedded shapes with marblizing technique of cold process soap. What it reminds me of is the commercial from the 70's for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups where the actors are saying you got peanut in my chocolate and you got peanut butter in my chocolate. Instead you've got melt and pour soap in my cold cold process soap.

If you are intrigued with the idea like I am, then check out the step by step instructions called Cold Process Soap with a Twist which appear on the blog Soap and the Finer Things in Life.

Thanks Anne Marie for another cool soapmaking idea!!!

Soaplove Tutorial - I Heart Soap

Yes, I know we just got over celebrating Christmas and New Years. But Valentine's Days is just around the corner and you do not want to give the standard candy and flowers. How about making these adorable soaps? If you like what you see, then check out this really cute soap project from Soaplove which appears on the blog Soap and the Finer Things. This I Heart Soap Tutorials would be a great Valentine's Day gift or to give to your loved one anytime you want to show your love for them.

The supplies you need to make these adorable soaps are 2 ounces Naturally Clear soap base, 6 ounces Bright White soap base, Candy Jar fragrance oil set, I Heart Soap mold, Water Soluble Paper and Non-Bleeding Red liquid colorant.

Fortune Cookie Soaps

Chinese New Year's is just around the corner. How would you like to celebrate the New Year and spread good fortune to your friends by making these Fortune Cookie Soaps? I found two separate tutorials that can help you with this project.

The first one is from Go Planet Earth. Go Planets Earth's Ultimate Fortune Cookie Soap Recipe And the other one is from Anne Marie (aka the Soap Queen). In her 4th of July special, Anne Marie shows you how to make pinwheel soaps and fortune cookies.
In this special edition, Anne Marie has an instructional video on how to make fortune cookies. In particular show, she first demonstrates how to make pinwheel soaps. So be patient. It is well worth the wait.

I am not sure where you can get the clear chinese take out containers, but you can purchase a variety of colors and styles at your local Michaels stores for about $1.25 each. Or if you are making alot, you can purchase plain white containers in a large quantity. And if you are really artistic or creative you can decorate your own containers.

Have fun. Gong Hei Fard Choy!

Bath Jelly Recipe

What is a Jelly Bath? It's exactly what it sounds like--a bath additive that thickens the water to a consistency something like half-set jello. The maker claims it to be as cozy as a "bath blanket" that keeps bath water warm for up to 2 1/2 hour.

Are you interested in learning how to make this unique product? Well, Go Planet Earth has provided very simple instruction on how to make your very own Bath Jelly.

In order to make this product, you will need the following supplies: 1/2 cup melted transparent melt and pour soap (You can also substitute the melt and pour with a liquid shower gel), 2 cups boiling water, 1 envelope Knox brand unflavored gelatin, 1/2 oz Germaben II (a preservative that prevents mold and available from many online supply companies), 1/4 to 1/2 ounce fragrance oil, Water based soap color, several small containers (i.e. empty yogurt containers, or plastic baby food tubs).

The author states you need the perservative if you won't be using the bath jelly within a few weeks. I believe that Germaben II may be a perservative that contains parabens. You may want to select a preservative that does not contain parabens such as germall. Or the author suggests adding a couple teaspoons of Vodka (yes, the kind you drink) will also help prevent mold.

Recipes for Floral Waters

Love floral waters and would like to create your own? Here are some soothing, fragrant, decorative floral waters recipes from Possumal Homemade that are both convenient and inexpensive to make. You can use floral waters as a refreshing after bath splash, or a mild astringent, spritz for an air freshener, or uncover and let the fragrance refresh a room. So try the following the variety of recipes that this site has to offer:

Types of Floral Waters

Alcohol Based floral waters:

Alcohol based floral waters are made by combining fresh botanicals with a grain alcohol (vodka) and letting them sit for a few weeks to scent and color the liquid. Use only the glass jars with non metallic lids. The solution is then strained and fragrance oils are dissolved in the scented alcohol. This fragrant mix is added to distilled water to dilute the finished product. Dried botanicals can be added to the bottles for decoration, if you wish.

Vinegar based floral waters:

Another type of floral water is made from fresh botanicals and vinegar. Vinegar based floral waters make fine astringents for your face and also may be added to bath water. Fresh botanicals are soaked in vinegar for three weeks (or until all the color and fragrance has been leached out). Use only glass jars with non metallic lids. I sometimes strain the mixture, add additional fresh botanicals, and soak an additional three weeks to make an extra fragrant blend. The mixture is then diluted with distilled water or rose water. No additional fragrance oils are added.

Lavender & Rose Floral Water:

Mix 1/4 cup fresh lavender buds and 1/4 cup red rose petals with 1/2 cup vodka (or enough to cover) in a jar. Let stand covered in a cool, dark place for two weeks. Decant and strain the mixture. Add 10 drops rose oil and 5 drops lavender oil, stirring gently to dissolve the oils. Add 3 cups distilled water. Let stand an additional week for the scents to mellow. Pour into a decorative bottle with sprigs of dried lavender and dried rose petals for decoration.

Orange Spice Water:

Mix the rind of one orange and 10 whole allspice berries with 1/4 cup vodka in a jar. Let stand, covered, for two to three weeks in a dark, cook place. Decant and strain the mixture. Add 15 drops sweet orange oil and stir to dissolve. Add 3 cups distilled water. Let the scents mellow for another week. Pour into decorative bottles with a few allspice berries and a long strip of dried orange zest for decoration.

Fairy Water:

Gently heat 1 cup apple cider vinegar. Pour over 1/4 cup fresh rose petals, 1/4 cup mint leaves, and 1/8 cup sage leaves. Place in a covered jar and let stand, shaking daily, for two weeks. Decant and strain the mixture. Add 1/2 cup rose water to the vinegar. Decant into decorative
bottles.

Source: http://possumsal.homestead.com/Bath/00003.html

Sage & Citrus Wax Melts

Here is another great and creative idea from Debbie May of Wholesale Supplies Plus. These Sage and Citrus Wax Melts would be a great addition to scent any room of your time. Why not trying making these today! Make sure to check out Wholesale Supplies Plus' Blog and Website for more creative soap and candle making ideas.

So what are Wax melts? First of all, wax melts are cubes of wax that have been highly fragranced. They are melted without the use of a wick in a special tart burner. When they are melted the wax releases a wonderful fragrance. Melts are very popular in today’s retail market. Wax melts are sometimes called wax tarts or wax potpourri, so if you see these terms they are interchangeaable.

The ingredients you will need to purchase to make these wax tarts are : 1 lb. of IGI 4794 Tart Wax, 1 ½ oz. Sage & Citrus Fragrance Oil , ¼ Block - French Candle Dye Block #14 an 4 Six Cavity Hinged Clamshells. All ingredients can be purchased directly from Wholesale Supplies Plus.

To make the wax melts you will need the following equipment: Metal Melting Pot - Used Exclusively for Wax, Spoon - Used Exclusively for Fragranced Wax and aCandy or High Temperature Thermometer

5 Colour ITP Swirl - Cold Processed Soap

So you have made several batches of swirled that had only two colors and now you want to be daring and try for more. But you are you afraid? Would you like to see how someone has done it? Here are instructons for 5 Colour ITP Swirl - Cold Processed Soap from Aussie Soap Supplies that may give the boost of confidence that you just need. You may not want to try these neon colors for your first try with more color.

Balms & Essential Oils: Fact & Fiction

Are you wondering if all balms are the same? Are balms are safe for everyone? Do balms last forever? Or all carrier oils, plant butters & essential oils are the same? IF you want to have answers(fact or fiction) to these burning questions and more about balms and essential oils, then you want to check out this article, Balms & Essential Oils: Fact & Fiction, which appears on the blog title, Best Balms Blog. The Best Balms Blog is a blog dedicated to informing its readers about the world of balms. Give it a read and see what you learn.

How To Make a Multi Colored Pillar Candle

How would like to learn how to make this multi-colored pillar candle? Then check out this pillar candle tutorial from My Craft Book. Since you are creating this candle, you can use any color that would match your decor. Candles are great accent to any decor and often brings ambiance to any room.

What is Candelilla wax?

Have you ever heard of Candelilla Wax? Well, I did not know much about it myself until I heard it mentioned in a body balm class I took at The Nova Studio.

Candelilla Wax is a wax derived from the leaves of the small Candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, Euphorbia cerifera and Euphorbia antisyphilitica, from the family Euphorbiaceae. It is yellowish-brown, hard, brittle and opaque to translucent.

According to Wikiepedia, Candelillia wax is mostly used mixed with other waxes to harden them without raising their melting point. As a food additive, candelilla wax has the E number E 902 and is used as a glazing agent. It also finds use in cosmetic industry, as a component of lip balms and lotion bars. One of its major uses was a binder for chewing gums.

If you make your own lip balms and body balms and you want to cater your products to vegans, Candelilla wax can be used as a substitute for carnauba wax and beeswax.

Winter Recipes with Spice

Recently my mother brought me a handout with some really nice recipes for winter. In this November 2010 Newsletter article from Mountain Rose Herb called Winter Recipes with Spice
which has some really unique recipes that I would like to try. The first one is called Clove and Sweet Orange Lip Balm. I love the aroma of oranges and inserted cloves into them so this is a recipe that I would really like. Since I loved the orange ginger lip balm I received awhile back, I am sure that it will be difficult to decide which one would be my favorite. Although it is important to note regarding orange essential oil is photosensitive so it is important not to wear this outside during the daylight hours.

Another recipe I definately would like to try is the Winter Spice Aroma Spray. I really think this recipe would be a winner. If you like to take baths instead of showers, you may want to make Oatmeal & Spice Bath recipe for your next soap. And for those would love to use body scrubs you should try the Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Body Scrub.

Blending Oils to Make Your Perfume Fragrances

Are you tired of the ordinary perfume scents that you are finding in the retail establishments and you want to create your own? You may want to check out this article from Beauty-Tips.net on how to create your own scents. The article titled, Blending Oils to Make Your Perfume Fragrances gives you the basics on creating your very own scents.

In the sidebar, you may want to check on the additional information about essential oils, recipes and where to purchase them. There are really good articles on what to look for on essential oil label, Storage and Durability of Essential Oils, Essential Oils Application and Dosage ,Essential Oils Precautions and more. If are stumped on where to start for recipes, there is a list of several essential oil recipes to get you started.

If that does not get you started on your new hobby and you want to learn more, you may want to check out The Nova Studio in Point Richmond, CA. Lori Nova, owner of The Nova Studio, teaches a rare class called Making All-Natural Perfumes (aka Essential Oil Blending) which covers how to make three different types of essential oil perfumes. Check out the website for the next time it is offered. It is a class worth taking the investment and time to learn the world of perfumery.

What is Palm Kernel Oil?

Have you heard of Palm kernal oil? I know that it can be used in some cold process soap recipes. If you are wondering what Palm Kernel oil is then here is a full description from Wisegeek.com:

"Palm-kernel oil is an oil which is extracted from the seeds of the oil palm, a tree native to Africa and widely cultivated in Africa and parts of Asia. The fruit which surrounds the seed can also be pressed for oil. Depending on where one lives, it may be easy or difficult to obtain pure palm-kernel oil, but products which contain this oil are often abundantly available.

This oil is not terribly healthy. It is extremely high in saturated fats, and low in essential fatty acids, making it a poor addition to the diet. Straight palm oil extracted from the fruit around the seed is actually healthier, but palm kernel oil is cheap and readily available in many regions, making it an attractive alternative to the healthier and often more expensive palm oil.

Like other oils which are very high in saturated fat, palm-kernel oil is typically solid at room temperature, and it can withstand very high heat. In parts of Africa and Asia, it is a commonly used cooking oil, and it can also be used in cosmetics. Many cosmetics manufacturers utilize palm-kernel oil as an inexpensive substitute for things like coconut oil and shea butter. While palm-kernel oil certainly gets the job done, it has less cosmetic benefits than more expensive ingredients, and some people find that it adds a somewhat greasy texture.

There are a number of ways to extract palm-kernel oil from the seeds, ranging from traditional methods which involve roasting the seeds, cracking them, and grinding them to extract the oil to more modernized methods which are designed to extract every possible drop of oil from the seeds. Several manufacturers also use a fractional distillation process to separate the oil into various components which can be sold individually, maximizing their profit.

Palm-kernel oil also comes with environmental issues. In some regions of the world, native rainforests have been cleared to make way for the cultivation of oil palms, thanks to rising demand for palm oil. In addition to being used in cooking and personal care items, this oil can also be distilled into biofuel, and because of its low expense, many biofuel manufacturers have turned to palm oil and palm-kernel oil. Clearing of rainforests for oil palm plantations has obvious environmental effects, and in some regions, the cost of palm oil and palm-kernel oil has climbed so high, thanks to the demand, that people cannot afford these oils for cooking."

I have heard that palm kernel oil comes with some environmental issues and some are not using this item for that sole purpose.

Avoid Grainy Body Butters – How To Gently Melt Mango and Shea Butter

When using Mango and Shea Butters in your body product recipes does your product come out grainy? If you would like to remedy this problem you should check out the article, "Avoid Grainy Body Butters – How To Gently Melt Mango and Shea Butter". This article appears on the blog Skincare Naturals and could help shed some light on making your mango and shea butters less gritty.

I have not tried this tried this tip before but if you have any tips on this issues, please share. There has been some argument that tempering your shea butter does not really work. It really depends on the quality of the product and where you get it from. I do not know myself if this is true, but again if you purchase shea butter from a particular supplier that does not become grainy when you incorporate it into your products, please let us know where you buy it from. Thanks.

Another Fragrance Blending Tip

In teaching various soap, bath and body products classes, I have told my students that they can create their own special fragrances. In order not to waste essential or fragrance oils, I suggest to my students to take a Q-tip or Cotton Ball and place each scent on a separate piece and place them in a ziplock baggie and seal it closed. After twenty-four hours, open up the baggie to see how the scents work together. If you like you can reseal the bag and check again in another 48 hours. Remember to record any results in your journal.

As I was reading, Marie Browning's Totally Cool Soapmaking for Kids, I found other way to accomplish the same thing. First, gather your scents. Place a few drops of different scents on a small piece of paper towel. Count the number of drops of each scent you use and record them. Second, place the paper towel in a plastic bag to let the scents blend for a few hours. Once time has passed, evaluate the fragrance blend by sniffing and recording the results.

Rich Butter Foot Balm (microwave version)

Love making your own body balms but you are looking for one for your feet? Here is a recipe for Rich Butter Foot Balm from Aussie Soap Supplies. What is really interesting about this recipe is that you can make it in the microwave. Now to be honest I heard that you should not melt beeswax in the microwave because it can be combustible. I have never tried melting beeswax in a microwave before but beeswax does have a flashpoint and I am not quite sure what that maybe.

What is also interesting about this recipe is that you can subsitute macadamia wax for beeswax. I have never heard of macadamia wax before. Has anyone used it to sub for beeswax? I have heard of carnuba wax and candelilla wax as a substitution for those who are vegans. So if you have used macadamia wax before I would love to hear your experiences with this ingredient. I am just wondering if it gets gritty like cocoa butter or shea butter when you melt it.

Recipe: Neopolitan Sugar Scrubs

When I was a kid, I always remember the Neopolitan Ice Sandwiches at the local store or would purchase from the ice cream man. Yes, I foundly remember Joe, the ice cream man, driving around our Belmont neighborhood selling scrumptious ice cream treats. When I saw this Neopolitan Sugar Scrub recipe on the Soap Queen's blog Soap and the Finer Things brought back those childhood memories and I thought I would share it with you. Because it may bring back the same memories for you. If you do not have a local store to purchase supplies to make the sugar scrubs, you can purchase all the supplies you need from Brambleberry.com.

If you would like to check out the video instructions for this recipe, Anne Marie has also shared this fantastic video on how to make these lovely sugar scrubs.

Make Solid Sugar Soap Scrub from Soap Queen on Vimeo.

How To Make Hot Process Soap in the Microwave

I have heard of making hot process soap in a slow cooker or an oven, but I never hear do doing it in the microwave. I have done melt and pour soap in the microwave but not hot process. Is it really possible? I guess it is because Amy Warden of Great Cakes Soapworks wrote this helpful How To Make Hot Process Soap in the Microwave tutorial on her blog. There are some interesting comments ranging from want to try to yikes. Has anyone out there tried to make hot process soap using the microwave? Since I am more familiar with the slow cooker version (and yes I have a dedicated slow cooker), I would like to hear your experiences.

Soapylove Tutorial: Cute as a Button Soaps

Button, button, whose got the button? I bet none of you have these "Cute as a Button" soaps? I have to say that these are the cutest soaps I have ever seen in all the years I have been making melt and pour soap.

These Cute as a Button Soaps are simple to make and the instructions to make these adorable soaps appear on The Soap Queen's blog Soap and the Finer Things in Life. These adorable soaps would be a great party favor for a baby shower, mother's day brunch or any appropiate event. If you decorate your home in a shabby chic theme, these soaps would be perfect in the powder room.

Creating Your Own Labels

Are you stumped with making your own labels for your bath and body products? Debbie from Go Planet Earth has posted a article on her blog Denise's Yadda Yadda on how to that very thing. Creating Your Own Labels gives you some simple suggestions on how to do the very thing.

Debbie has kindly given a link to Forsoapmakers.com which sells Marie Gale's book "Soap and Cosemetic Labeling". But if would would like to have a class on the subject, you might want to check out The Nova Studio. In February 2011, Marie Gale will be presenting a class on the very subject which will cover the topic from her book.

What is the Difference Between Perfume and Eau De Toilette?

I was always wondering what the difference between perfume and Eau De Toilette. While searching the internet I found this article on Wisegeek.com:

"There are several categories of fragrances today: perfume is at the top, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne, each containing a lesser degree of aromatic oils, respectively. The lower the concentration of aromatic compounds, the shorter the scent life. Perfume is highly prized precisely because it lasts from morning until night. Additionally, perfume wears well, meaning the scent stays fresh as the day wears on. In fact, good perfume is designed to smell nice throughout its various stages of wear.

Aromatic compounds used in perfumes have complex chemical interactions. While we might imagine a group of corporate executives sniffing bottles of various mixtures to see what smells best, the truth is far more complicated. Fragrant compounds tend to breakdown quickly when exposed to heat, light and air. In order for a scent to last throughout the day, tens or even hundreds of ingredients are used so that the perfume continues to ‘bloom'. Essentially, as one group of compounds is spent, another re-enlivens the scent and adds its own tone. Perfume is said to have three notes that work together to form the lasting fragrance.

The top note is the initial scent when applied. This scent lasts only a few minutes to an hour, and may be somewhat strong. As it diminishes it reveals the middle note of the fragrance, also called the heart or body of the scent. The aromatic compounds that make up the heart last longer, but eventually give way to the base note, or underlying tone of the perfume. The optimal scent of the base note takes time to develop, so initially this tone isn’t as pleasant, but is masked by the top and middle notes. By the time they soften, the base note of the perfume is fully developed, and ideally helps to bolster the other notes. This is the scent left at the end of the day.

Understanding this symphony of interactions makes it easy to see why a perfume might smell nice when first applied, but can take on a stale or heady note by the end of the day. In this case the base note of the fragrance is not to your liking. Conversely, a perfume might smell better as the day wears on if your olfactory senses prefer the base note to the top and middle notes. When you find a perfume that really appeals from morning until night, you’ve discovered a love for all three notes that compose the scent.

With all we associate with perfume, it might seem counter-intuitive that fragrant chemicals are generally caustic irritants in concentrated form. For this reason perfume is made with diluted essential oils and compounds. Generally, the concentration is bout 20-40% for perfume, 10% less for parfum, 20% less for eau de toilette, and cologne only contains between two and five percent aromatic oils.

While flowers make up the largest source for chemical compounds used in perfumes, bark, wood, resins, leaves, tobacco and citrus also contribute to the different categories of scents. Synthetic chemicals have also become popular and are more reliable from an industry standpoint, as they are consistent to work with, unlike natural products. However, the use of synthetic compounds is a new arena with an untested history in terms of health and the environment. Synthetic musk, for example, has been found in the Great Lakes due to nearby chemical processing. It has also been found in human fat cells and breast milk.

If you prefer to buy perfume that is made from natural compounds, look for the words, “all natural ingredients.” It will likely be more expensive and may be harder to find. Ingredients listed as “imitation” or “natural synthetic compounds” refers to synthetic chemicals created to copy real-world chemicals. The synthetic version(s) might have a much stronger odor than their more expensive, natural versions. However, synthetic compounds are made from different elements than naturally occurring compounds, and are not “natural.”

While synthetic chemicals are increasingly used in traditional fragrance categories, they have also given rise to a new category of fragrances, grouped together under the heading of Ozone or Oceanic. This joins the existing categories of Floral, Fruit, Green, Wood, Amber and Leather, and Oriental. "



Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-perfume-and-eau-de-toilette.htm

How To Make Gel Candles

Are you interested in making gel candles, but were afraid to try? Then take a look at this instructional video. Hope it is helpful. I had viewed another video where the presenter used a crayon to color the gel wax. I thought it was kind of strange. Anyway if anyone has created a candle by this method, please let us know what the best method to color the gel wax is. Thanks.

Football Inspired Air Freshners

The 2011 Superbowl will be at the Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, TX on February 6th. If you are having a Superbowl party, why not create these unique air freshner to give out as party favors. This Football Inspired Air Freshner idea was inspired by Alison Kontur of Bath Body Supply shared this idea on her blog Design It Yourself Skincare.

Even if your favorite team has not made it to the big game, then you can create these when the new season starts. What a great idea to celebrate your favorite team and give them as gifts for the ultimate football fan.

Scrap Ribbon Sachet

Love sachets? Here is a really cute idea for your scrap ribbons from Cathie Fillian - Scrap Ribbon Sachets projects. It involves a simple sewing technique turns ribbons into sweet smelling lavender sachets perfect for drawers and linen closets.

The supplies you will need for this project are: 12” of 2 ½ ” wide ribbon, 12” of 2 ” wide ribbon, Lavender or potpourri of choice of Matching thread, Sewing machine, Hand sewing needle and Small artificial flowers (optional).

Check out Cathie's directions on how to make these adorable sachets. Then insert your favorite potpourri and give them out as gifts. These would make perfect favors for bridal and baby showers, a tea party or any other "girly" gathering.

Happy New Year!

Well, it is hard to believe that is 2011. This year I will be celebrating my celebrating my 30 year high school graduation! My niece will be graduating from middle school this year and going off to high school. Geez, I am getting old.

Not sure what the new year will bring, but I am sure that I will be taking more classes at The Nova Studio and my continue quest for my ideal job. But right now, I am going to take it one day at time and see what happens.

I hope for good wishes for everyone in this new year!