"Winter Skin" Remedy

Every year around this time, my skin becomes a dry, itchy mess that no lotion can cure. I'm feeling relief this year with a simple sugar scrub.

Sugar Scrub

1/4 cup sugar
Olive oil
Essential Oil (optional)

Put sugar in a small bowl and gradually add olive oil until mixture has a thin paste-ish consistency. If you like, add a couple drops of EO for aroma therapy.

Apply at the end of your shower, rubbing in a circular motion. Air dry or pat dry with a towel. Enjoy your silky skin all day!

I really wish I had been using this on my belly when I was pregnant. It feels like it would be good stretch mark prevention!

Cleaning Mattress and Pillows/ Eco"Febreze"

To freshen fabric, try this eco-safe, DIY recipe:

Fill a standard spray bottle with water
Add 6-8 drops Tea Tree oil
and 6 drops Essential Oil (your choice!) or
3 drops Fragrance Oil

Spray fabric until damp and allow to air-dry.

I did some fall deep cleaning yesterday and thought I'd pass along my tips for cleaning mattresses and pillows.

Vacuum the mattress with your vac's upholstery attachment
(Flip and rotate while you're at it :))
Spray mattress and pillows with the concoction above. You want your mattress upholstery to be good and damp, but not wet to the foam. You can wash any spots with your homemade all-purpose cleaner if necessary.
Put pillows, two at a time, in the dyer on high heat for 30-45 minutes. This will kill any lingering dust mites.