Happy New Year!

It's been a long time, apparently, since I have actually blogged....the schedule says April of 2017. I'd say that I am a little behind. However, because of the New Year and the time for resolutions and goals, I have decided that regularly writing in my blog should be on the list.

I thought about New Year's resolutions a little bit on New Year's Eve, as I am sure that most of us do...since Facebook is plastered with memes about resolutions. I can't say that I came up with much other than blogging regularly and attempting to stick to a daily skin care regiment to tame my adult acne....which I already forgot to do this morning and will inevitably have to put a sticky note on my bathroom mirror so that I can remember to follow through.

This morning as my husband and I were driving to the grocery store to pick up some carrots for our New Year's Day traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, he asked if I had set any resolutions. To which, of course, I replied "not really, you?" Which was obviously met with a "no" response from him. My husband does not really "do" New Year's....the party, the resolutions, the whole nine yards. He would be like the Grinch of New Year's, if it were a thing.

In any event, it got me thinking about New Year's resolutions for my personal and professional life that I would actually benefit from and possibily continue the whole year through, instead of just the initial one to three months that typical resolutions seem to do. So, as I write this I am thinking of possible resolutions.

Here is what I have come up with so far:

Personal:
Daily Skin Care Regiment - because it will help reduce my acne and I will feel better about it.

Business:
Start my own ecommerce website
Blog regularly and get to know my subscribers

Day Job:
Find a way to identify with my clients - who are a new population for me.

So, in order to fulfill my above resolutions, I may need a little help from my friends...here...which means you. I can't get to know you if you don't comment, right? So, please grace me with your New Year's resolutions/goals in the comments. What is going to make your 2019 great?

Oh, E. O., It's Wednesday! (Lemongrass Essential Oil)

Introducing another new series on the Black Willow Soap blog: Oh, E. O., It's Wednesday. A blog dedicated to the benefits of essential oils. Today, I am going to talk about Lemongrass essential oil. While it is kind of an acquired fragrance for some, it is clean, light and can really wake you up in the morning (if you know what I mean).

Lemongrass not only has amazing benefits for your skin, but can also be used for other health issues, to ward of pests, and to purify your living space. First, let's go through the health benefits of lemongrass. When used correctly, lemongrass can help treat bladder infections, respiratory infections, digestive issues, torn ligaments, carpal tunnel, cataracts, cholesterol problems, hyperthyroidism, menstrual cramps, headaches, and gout. Other blogs have claimed that it can also remove warts, reduce the effects of shingles, and treat MRSA. Talk about a versatile oil!

In addition to getting rid of your warts, lemongrass oil can also be used to keep mosquitos and other biting insects away. While Citronella has been "chosen" as the catch all for warding of pesky mosquitos, lemongrass is the better choice. Citronella should not be used indoors. Lemongrass can be used wherever. Citronella will upset your dogs (they hate the smell of Citronella). Lemongrass does not seem to bother your canine companions.

Now for the skin benefits. In addition to all of the awesome things listed above, lemongrass can be used to treat bruises and varicose veins. Additionally, it can be used as a stress reliever, muscle relaxer and antioxidant. For skin, it can reduce inflammation, curb hair loss, reduce scalp problems, kill bacteria, detoxify the skin, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles...and bonus, it can boost your sex drive. Use caution when putting this oil on your skin as it can burn if not diluted with a carrier oil.

Finally, if you want a clean, light lemon fragrance in your home or workspace, lemongrass can be used in a diffuser or in a spray to purify the air in your home or office. Careful using it in your office, though. Some people are intolerant to this oil (just like lavender).

Below, I have a great Black Willow Soap product that uses lemongrass essential oil as well as a DIY recipe for lemongrass bath salts (Note: this is a basic bath salt recipe and does not contain any of the natural additives used in Black Willow Soap's bath salts).

Lemongrass Foaming Facial Cleanser Scrub

Lemongrass Bath Salt Recipe

Items Needed:

2 cups of Epsom salt

10 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil

Place Epsom salt in a medium sized bowl (one that you will not be using to prepare food in ever again). Add 10 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil and stir with a wooden spoon (again, one that you will not prepare food with again). Place in an air tight container (like a mason jar) until use, or use right away.

*You can add food coloring or soap colorant to color your bath salts, if you are so inclined.

Get Your Mask On!

Introducing a new product line from Black Willow Soaps....

All Natural, Herbal Clay Face Masks!

Earthy Lavender Herbal Face Mask

Rose Bliss Herbal Face Mask

Soothing Earth Herbal Face Mask

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