ENTREE D'ARTISTE

Santa Barbara Magazine did a shoot with me and my son, in our home and studio space, for the Feb 2010 Design and Style Issue. I was honored to work with editor, Gina Tolleson, and photographer, Nancy Neil... two very talented women artists. Here's to filling small spaces with creativity and abundance. Enjoy.

Click on the image for a larger version.

WINTER WARMTH

photo Julie B Montgomery

The days are beginning to get longer and yet we still have February and March to get thru. A lovely way to start any breakfast, especially a dark winter one, is to light a candle. Warming the atmosphere, our hearts, taking a pause in the morning rush and starting the day right. Remember to blow it out when your done.

THIEVES OIL: NATURALLY ANTIBACTERIAL

photo Julie B Montgomery

THIEVES OIL:

A British friend of mine introduced me to this wonderfully effective, and deliciously aromatic oil blend. You can buy it ready made or make it yourself to use as a disinfectant for your body, home and environment. Thieves is known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-catarrhyal properties while stimulating the immune system, circulation and the respiratory system.

Thieves Oil Recipe no.1:

200 drops clove bud essential oil

175 drops lemon essential oil

100 drops cinnamon essential oil

75 drops eucalyptus essential oil

50 drops rosemary essential oil

Thieves Oil Recipe no. 2:

Combine equal parts (50 drops ea) of essential oils of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary.

How to Use:

1. Apply to the bottom of the feet.

2. Dilute with a base oil for a stimulating massage under the arms and on the chest and at the base of the neck. Diluted recipe: Place Thieves mixture above into a 2 ounce bottle. Fill the rest with jojoba, almond, or sesame oil. Note: If you have fair skin use more base oil and use caution.

3. Using an oil diffuser, diffuse in your home or work environment for no longer than 30 minutes.

The History of Thieves

Europeans began producing essential oils in the 12th century. During the Plague of the 15th century, certain thieves were able to rob the dead without fear of becoming infected by the terrible disease. After being captured and charged with robbing the dead and dying victims of the plague, the thieves were offered a deal. The magistrate offered them leniency if they would reveal how they managed to avoid contracting the dreaded infection, in spite of their close proximity with the infected corpses. They disclosed that they were perfumers and spice traders, and that they had rubbed themselves with a concoction of aromatic herbs (cinnamon, and clove).

http://www.beauty-and-body.com/youngliving/2007_Articles/The_History_Of_Thieves_Essential_Oil.htm

http://www.quantumbalancing.com/news/thieves_oil.htm

DREAMY SKIN OIL RECIPES

photo Julie B Montgomery

Here are some lovely Ayurvedic Skin Oil recipes. Use this as a general guide, and please experiment with scents you really love. I believe what you are drawn towards, is what your body needs. I also like to add a teaspoon or so of Vitamin E Oil. These oils are great for doing a nurturing skin oil massage, or just a splash in the bath makes for a bit of heaven. I rub my and my son’s feet before bedtime for a deep sleep.

SKIN OIL RECIPES:

Dry Skin:

8 T cold pressed sesame or almond oil (1/2 cup)

16 drops geranium essential oil

16 drops neroli essential oil (expensive but so worth it)

8 drops lemon essential oil

Medium Skin:

8 T cold pressed almond or coconut oil (1/2 cup)

20 drops rose essential oil(expensive but so worth it)

20 drops sandalwood essential oil

Oily Skin:

8 T cold pressed safflower oil

12 drops lavender essential oil

12 drops bergamot essential oil

12 drops clary sage oil

Very Oily or Blemished Skin:

8 T jojoba oil

20 drops lavender essential oil

20 drops tea tree essential oil

or

8 T jojoba oil

20 drops bergamot essential oil

20 drops lemon oil

Mature Skin:

5 T jojoba oil

4 T calendula oil

1 T wheat germ oil

12 drops lavender essential oil

12 drops frankinsence essential oil

12 drops neroli essential oil

Pg. 125 Effortless Beauty, Brunig, Thomas