The Healing Spa Pantry @ Botany's Desire

Cohen & Hacker Associates Beautiful Spa Baths

2009-04-28T22:11:00.001-07:00

Love Love Love these Designer Spa Baths

At Home Swedish Spa Retreat

2009-04-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

While I have never been to Sweden. I really appreciate their long history and love for the spa experience. They embrace this ritual as a necessity and not a luxury. It is part of their everyday life. One must remember that the spa experience does not have to cost much or be elaborate or require traveling for miles to another question. I think it just about the environment you create with flowers, spa food, lighting, bath linens etc.
http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com for help in booking your spa away retreat if you just can't get enough after experiencing your at home spa.

Create Spa Retreat at Home:

"We all need a private sanctuary, a place to relax, and refresh. It matters little where your stress comes from, career, family or both; one of the best ways to unwind is in a hot bath at the end of the day. Imagine yourself, in a tub of warm soothing water, scented with aromatic oil, or bath salts. As your muscles relax and your mind wanders, the tension of the day simply floats away.

Equally important to the process of relaxation are your surroundings. Design your bath in a way that it becomes an escape, a mini-vacation from day to day worries and concerns. With minimal expense, and a lot of imagination, you can transform your bath into a Swedish spa, where you can pamper and soak your troubles away.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think the words “Swedish spa” is natural; wood, stone, and a neutral pallet. Start with your walls. Beadboard paneling in a golden oak tone is a wonderful choice. The look is all natural, yet warm and inviting. Trim your paneling with molding and baseboards in a creamy white shade.

Once you have finished the walls, your next decision is flooring. Many people are more comfortable with carpet. This is fine, and will work well, if you choose a carpet in a neutral tone, perhaps a Berber or even sisal carpeting. While carpet is warm and convenient; a floor of natural quarry tile, in a terra cotta or even a soft dove gray would look great. If warmth is a concern, remember all the lovely bath mats and area rugs available.

While staying within the boundaries of a neutral pallet, consider your fixtures. White is the natural choice. When choosing your lavatory, simple clean lines work best with this look. Many of the new are both functional and attractive. faucets and towel racks in chrome, perhaps with white porcelain detail, complete the theme.

Finally, to enhance the look, consider your accessories. That old saying “God is in the details”, certainly applies to decrating your choice of accessories is the rope that binds the whole concept together. In keeping with the neutral theme, choose accessories of a natural design. A clear, glass bowl piled high with sea sponges looks great in one corner of the bathtub. Consider a small three-tiered shelf in chrome, these are available at many bath or linen stores. Situate the shelf near the tub, stock one shelf with assorted bath oils, salts, and glycerin soaps. Fill the other shelves with fluffy, white towels, bath brushes, and loufahs. A single chrome hook mounted on the back of the door, is a great place to hang your favorite, white terry robe. Don’t forget to use several sizes and shapes of white . They look great scattered randomly in groups.

Now, run a warm soothing bath. Light your beeswax candles, add your favorite oil, or salts, and pour yourself a glass of wine or perhaps a cup of tea. Let the worries of the day float away on a cloud of bubbles!

You will emerge relaxed and refreshed, ready to tackle anything!

Planet Apothecary.....Coming To Botany's Desire

2009-04-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness
The Keys to Wellness are Written in the Stars

Planetary Apothecary offers a modern approach to the ancient healing art of medical astrology.

From impulsive Aries to balance-seeking Libra, methodical Virgo to sensitive Pisces, each astrological personality is distinct, with specific needs of body, mind, and spirit.

Use Planetary Apothecary to understand your astrological health strengths and vulnerabilities as well as to discover wellness and lifestyle recommendations customized to your zodiac sign, including:

Healthy Eating Tips
Health-Supporting Foods
Spa and Wellness Therapies
Relaxation Practices
Yoga Poses
Aromatherapy
Natural Remedies
Flower Essences

Filled with strategies and inspiration for nurturing body and soul, Planetary Apothecary brings the healing wisdom of the planets within reach to help you optimize your physical health and emotional well-being.

The book features thirteen chapters, an Introduction as well as one chapter for each of the twelve astrological signs. In addition to reading through your Sun sign chapter, you can gain additional ways to understand your unique health needs by looking at the chapters representing your *Moon and Rising signs. At the end of the book, you’ll also find a Resources section that includes some of my favorite books and websites on astrology and natural health.

So that you can get a better sense of the scope of information that Planetary Apothecary covers plus learn a bit about medical astrology, you can download the Introduction here.

We hope to have available in our boutique by April 18th.

Masque Apothecary Treatments

2009-03-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

Natural At Home Spa Treatments....Arriving next week!!!

"Modeled after mask treatments used during professional facials, this method allows each application to be customized according to skin type. Changes in the weather, hormones and even stress can all cause fluctuations in skin's oil balance. The Masque Apothecary collection allows you to tailor each mask for your current needs.

The active botanicals, vitamins and antioxidants are highly concentrated in our dry mask formulations. This means they shouldn't be used more than twice a week, allowing at least four days between each application.

Masque Apothecary is 100% committed to both the beauty and health of your skin. That's why we never use parabens, synthetic fragrance or chemical dyes in any of our products.

Experience the collection and experience the difference in your skin."

The Bathroom Spa

2009-03-04T01:49:00.000-08:00

By Margareth Montenegro

After a long day of dealing with stress at work, homeowners are seeking a place where they can get away from it all. Most homeowners are turning their master bathrooms into an-in house luxurious retreat. With new technology, and environmentally friendly and energy efficient products available, homeowners find it easier to turn any bathroom into their private haven. According to the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers (nahb.org), homeowners are creating a spa-like sanctuary in their own bathrooms, investing a good amount of money to remodel, and increasing their return up to 90 percent.

In the past, bathrooms were made small and cramped, and were not considered a place people would spend much time in. Now, wanting a place to relax, homeowners are expanding that space to accommodate all the offerings available for peace and quiet. When remodeling, they are using the space of adjoining rooms to extend the bathroom for the sake of mind and body indulgence.

An endless array of new concepts like steam saunas or showers, multiple shower heads, air bath therapy, tubs with reflective colors and fragrances, luxurious sinks and toilets, warm floors, and silent ventilation can give any bathroom the soothing comfort offered by a spa.

A popular choice in whirlpools is the air-jetted kind. An air-jetted tub gives off gentle, champagne-like bubbles by forcing air into a high-pressure stream of water. With an air-jetted tub, a homeowner can receive the full experience of a spa by adding bath oils, sea salts, or bubbles that won't clog or damage the system. An air-jetted system doesn't circulate water, lessening the build up of residue and the growth of mold, bacteria and fungus. It also prevents hair or small objects from getting sucked into the openings.

Consumers have a choice of adding other therapeutic benefits with an air-jetted tub. Some homeowners prefer adding chromatherapy for mood stimulation, by installing lights inside the tub controlled by a remote. Chromatherapy is a way of using colors of the rainbow as a holistic healer to adjust ones mood and emotions. Air-jetted tubs can also be enhanced with inline heaters, which maintain water at a warm temperature. A few manufacturers are offering a combination of water jets and air jets with the added options for that extra relaxation.

Water-jet whirlpools are still an economical option that many homeowners can have in their bathrooms. A water jet sucks in water and shoots it back, creating stronger blasts through fewer and larger openings, and causing some bathers to scurry away. A drawback to a water-jet whirlpool is the potential growth of fungus, mold, and bacteria because the water from the system doesn't fully drain out. Water jet tubs offer therapeutic massages, but proper maintenance is required to get its full effect in every use.

Air and water jet tubs come in different sizes, finishes and styles. Both offer a wide range of shapes that contour to the body instead of lying in flat. Both can either be place to fit into a corner or fit into a normal size tub space. However, only air-jetted tubs offer hydrotherapy right in your own bathroom.

Another popular trend in creating an ultimate place of serenity is having soaking tubs instead of whirlpool tubs. These tubs fill up to the chin and immerses the body in warm water. A good example of deep soaking tubs is the Japanese barrel or an antique claw foot tub. Soaking tubs also come in various sizes, styles and finishes, offering luxury and relaxation.

Those who don't like the idea of having a bathtub taking up space or the idea of taking time to fill up a tub with water may opt for a vertical shower spa. Instead of filling water up and soaking in it, consumers enjoy the pulsation of multiple showerheads hitting their body, large showerheads cascading down soaking the entire body, and having the control of the water temperature. Many homeowners who expand their bathroom are including two vertical shower systems to fit two people while showering. Some vertical showers are being installed with steam units and a bench to sit on while the steam consumes the bath, creating a personal sauna.

Showers and baths are not the only things that can transform a bathroom into the warm environmental comfort of a spa; the flooring is also an important aspect. Homeowners are installing heated systems run by electric or water underneath their flooring. Consumers prefer stepping out of a warm bath onto a warm floor instead of stepping on to a floor that sends chills up the spine. Not only do these floors add warmth to the floor, they also warm up the entire room from floor to ceiling.

A built-in entertainment system can offer bathers an array of music and programs while relaxing. Part of the entertainment system is having televisions placed in mirrors, radio controlled by waterproof remote, and built-in wall speakers. Most homeowners can't afford having an entertainment system installed, so a portable radio can still offer the soothing sounds of a spa.

Upgrading faucets, sinks and toilets will also contribute to the ultimate spa experience by providing luxury. Many new fixtures come in unique designs and styles enhancing the look to a bathroom regardless how large or small the remodeling budget is. Faucets and sinks are chosen by material they are made of and the style they will give to the bathroom. Materials such as granite, quartz or marble offer a luxurious look. Toilets are a major element in a bathroom. Many homeowners are giving their toilets their own areas by building walls around them.

Homeowners with small bathroom-remodeling budgets can still find ways to be in tune with this new trend of turning a bathroom into a spa. Painting the bathroom in a light or pastel color can create a sense of harmony. Buying a few accessories such as aromatherapy candles, fog-free mirror, towel warmers, or new lighting can add the relaxation and soothing experience a spa offers. Upgrading the showerhead with one that offers different settings creates an inexpensive, invigorating spa experience. Investing in a portable jet spa that attaches to the side of the tub and releases air bubbles around the body is also an inexpensive way to get the massaging effect of a whirlpool tub.

Homeowners who create the ultimate luxury spa take their ideas from television, a magazine, or from a visit to a spa or hotel, wanting to replicate what they see. They are willing to spend any disposable income on any size bathroom for the added value, not just on the return, but also on health. Consumers seek comfort, relaxation, luxury, and warmth from a bathroom that offers a place to escape in the safety and privacy of their homes.

Welcome to our Healing Spa Pantry Blog

2009-03-04T01:39:00.001-08:00

Stay At Home Spa Recipes

Botany's Desire LOVES everything chocolate. We have the largest selection of natural and organic artisinal chocolates in the area. I personally believe in the health benefits of eating pure dark chocolate daily as well as incorporating it into many natural home beauty routines. When making my beauty products I use other ingredients that compliment the benefits of dark chocolate. Some of the ingredients I use are pure virgin olive oil, mineral rich sea salt from a variety of different countries, jojoba oil, Greek yogurt, seeds, oatmeal, lemons and pure essential oils. Below you will find some nice and easy recipes from Natural Spa Living.

Decadent Rose Chocolate Milk Bath

Ingredients:

½ cup dried milk or buttermilk powder
¼ cup of non-sweetened organic cocoa powder
1/8 cup of colloidal oatmeal or ground oatmeal (Colloidal Oatmeal should be available at the grocery store if not just grind oatmeal in a good processor or blender)
1/8 cup of baking soda
1 teaspoon dark chocolate shavings
1 tablespoon dried rose petals
8 oz. decorative glass or plastic jar

Mix the milk, cocoa powder, oatmeal, and baking soda together in a bowl. Place in a decorative container, then add the dried rose petals and grated chocolate shavings on top of the milk bath mixture. This recipe makes enough for two baths.

Add ½ the mixture to your bath or save for future use. When adding to the bath, you may add the mixture into a muslin “spice” bag available at grocers or an old nylon tied at one end to make for easy clean-up. However, having rose petals float in the water as you bathe is definitely decadent and part of the experience! For an extra special touch add fresh rose petals!

Revitalizing Rosemary Spritzer or Room Spray
Ingredients:
• 5 drops of rosemary Verbenone essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone) for Facial
Spritzer
• or 20 drops of rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) for Room Spray
• 1 ½ oz. of distilled water
• ½ oz (3 tablespoons) of witch hazel
Other items needed:
• 2 oz. sterile, glass spray bottle
Give yourself a quick pick-me up anytime of day with this Revitalizing Rosemary Facial Spritzer or Room
Spray. Add the witch hazel to the bottle first, then add the rosemary essential oil. Finally, pour in the distilled
water and shake well. Shake well before each use and avoid spraying into your eyes. Don.t use rosemary
during pregnancy or if you suffer from high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Invigorating Citrus Body Smoother
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup of fine sea salt
• 3 ounces + 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil
• 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil
• 3 drops of bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops of spearmint essential oil
• 1 drop of rosemary essential oil
• Optional: 1 vitamin E gel capsule

Exfoliate dry winter skin, increase circulation, and lift your mood with this invigorating body smoother. Blend
sea salt and sweet almond oil in a bowl and then add in the essential oils. Break open and add a Vitamin E gel
capsule to the mixture to act as a natural antioxidant. Blend well. In the shower, use a circular motion to apply
the body smoother working from the feet upwards and the extremities inwards towards your heart. Don.t use
soap afterwards. Rinse off and pat your skin dry to retain the moisturizing benefits of the oil. Be careful as the
shower floor will be slippery from the oil. Store leftovers in a glass jar. Note: It.s best not to shave your legs
directly prior to using a salt-based scrub.

© Natural Spa Living, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved.