Merry Christmas to all!
As a small gift to you, I want to share a favorite family “recipe” to fill your home with a warm and inviting aroma.
One apple sliced, or apple cider
Orange peels or fresh sliced orange
Whole cloves
2-3 sticks of cinnamon
water
Simmer all ingredients on a low to medium temperature. Add water as needed to keep it from drying off.
I hope you enjoy and happy holidays!
Mount Bonnell overlooking Lake Austin
Thinking back through the past year, it has been quite a year of changes for my family and me. A little over a year ago, I lost my job as the recession hit. With no luck finding work and my sister’s wedding approaching, my sister and I moved back home after her graduation in May. We spent the summer getting ready for her wedding–I’ll write more on that in another blog post.
After the wedding, I resumed my search for work in the Austin area. I had fallen in love with the city years ago, and ever since I have looked forward to living there. My sister and new brother-in-law set up their home in Austin, all the more reason to get there as fast as I could. I couldn’t wait to find work so I could move there!
As I was packing up for a visit to see their new digs, I received a phone call from a local company. To make a long story shorter, I interviewed with them during my visit to my sister’s, was hired, and was asked to start the next week!
I went home, crammed all I could into my car and headed back to Austin. The first week I was able to find an apartment I liked, and started to move in. Over the past few weeks I have been moving in, having family company, adjusting to the new job, trying hard to conduct my online business in a reasonable timeframe, and trying to keep my sanity. Sanity was about lost, but like all the things in cardboard boxes, I know it’s here and I just have to find it again.
Hope you are having a lovely December, and I look forward to writing you from the great Austin Texas!
Lavender Fields by K. Tuck
In the Hill Country of Texas, there are a number of small lavender farms. I had wanted to visit them in June when the lavender is in full bloom. The Blanco Lavender Festival occurred about a week ago, so I will have to wait until next June to attend the festival. Many of the farms offer tours and events such as group cuttings throughout the season.
A bottle of lovely lavender absolute arrived a few days ago. Today I made a dilution, taking the emerald colored liquid and diluting it into my regular carrier, fractionated coconut oil. The scents has lingered all day, not that I mind at all! It is a beautiful scent, more evocative of the flowers and dried buds than the essential oil. If lavender essential oil is soothing, lavender absolute is a spa getaway. It’s less sharp and herbal, more bright and floral. I have been collecting samples of a number of lavender extracts for comparison, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog post to be out later!
Many people ask about ylang-ylang. This tropical flower makes an essential oil that is a sensual and exotic floral.
Canaga odorata, ylang ylang flowers
Ylang-ylang
Ylang has a very unusual scent. Unlike many other florals that are light and delicate, ylang-ylang is deep, heady, and heavy. It is sweet and sometimes sharp with floral, butter, carmel and even rubbery notes. The aroma is sultry and sensuous, and is even considered an aphrodesiac. In Indonesia, the fragrant ylang-ylang flowers are strewn across the beds of newlywed couples.
Ylang-ylang is one of the few flowers that is commonly available as an essential oil. Many florals must be extracted with a solvent because regular steam distillation does not yield much, if any, essential oil. There are several grades of Ylang-ylang indicating what fraction of the distillation the oil comes from. The essential oils from the first few hours of distillation are called Extra and First, then hours later come 2nd and finally 3rd. When the distiller combines oils from all the fractions, this oil is called Ylang ylang Complete. Often the Extra and 1st fractions are considered the finest essential oils, while others prefer the more rounded Complete oil.
Have you been running on empty? During stressful times, it’s so easy to overwork yourself. We often force ourselves to keep going long after our energy is gone. Going too hard for too long will lead to exhaustion and often illness. I really write this to myself, as I have a tendency to push myself to the limit before taking time off. Working hard is one thing, but it’s important for your health to also relax and recharge.
So take a break! Think of not just your physical need to rest, but mental relaxation also. A long hot bath is wonderful, but not as effective if your mind stays occupied with to do lists. Clear your mind and don’t let yourself feel guilt for things you haven’t accomplished. They can be done once you’ve taken care of your own needs.
Aromatherapy is a great help to me when I am stressed. Here is a blend I make that can help to relax the mind:
I just drop these oils onto the water of my oil warmer and let them disperse into the air. As well as helping calm a tired mind, the scent sets a nice and relaxing mood.
SKN items have been featured on several blogs recently!
First we have a review of my perfume samples on Craft Gossip
http://bathnbody.craftgossip.com/stephanie-k-naturals/2009/01/02/
Bergamot Lime Room Spray is featured in this lovely green gift guide
http://longwinterfarm.com/blog/?p=123
Most recently, Sage Bergamot Massage Oil was featured on Indie Parade.
http://indieparade.com
Thank you all for your support!
My Bergamot Lime massage oil was featured this morning on the front page of Etsy.com!
Patchouli, the ultimate “love it or hate it” scent
Patchouli
Patchouli was made especially famous in the 1960s and 70s. Its extremely strong herbal scent can cover up anything, and it became a favorite for hippies. Many people still associate patchouli with that era and with hippies. Patchouli is very earthy with woody, mossy notes. It has been used for centuries in the east, and when imported to the west was associated with exotic luxury.
Often people tell me they can’t stand patchouli, but they are surprised to learn they adore a blend that contains it. Even a scent as intense and recognizable as patchouli can be tamed into subtlety.
Looking for awesome local gifts? The Saturday Market has them!
You’ll find a variety of handcrafted items and art to browse while enjoying live music. This is a great opportunity to support your local artists and small businesses.
Saturday December 20 from 12-4pm is next market date. We’ll be having it every third Saturday of the month, so mark your calendars and come back to see what’s new each market!
I’m excited to announce I am adding new mini bottles to my offerings!
Several of my current line of natural perfumes are now being offered in this size in my stores, and soon more will follow.
Full size 10 mL roll-ons will still be available.
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