Marigold Body Butter

Yes, that is right! I am a believer in body butter for my skin and it is the only thing I use! Adding in some flower power just makes it better! Marigold petals are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage. They also contain compounds that can help stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can reduce the signs of aging. So why not add some marigold to my already amazing body butter!

I have been collecting marigolds all month before they freeze outside and infusing oil with them. This has been the BEST body butter I have ever made. It’s creamy, soothing and don’t worry, it loses the marigold smell which can be super pungent. What you don’t lose is the powerful benefits.

If you are not a fan of DIY projects I probably will have 10-15 more jars before it’s all gone. Get on the list! ? Just email me!

Marigold works best with most skin types. It can help with skin prone to dry spells, eczema and psoriasis. It can also help skin that is experiencing inflammation, sun burn, rashes and redness and even more!

Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, marigold is something that should make its way to everyone’s home apothecary cabinet.

Making Marigold Oil for Body Butter

You’ll need to plan a little ahead for this body butter so be sure to read this first and then get going. The first step is to gather marigold blossoms and let them dry. Pick the blossoms off and set on a cookie sheet or tray to dry outdid, but not directly in the sun. Once they get a little dry, pull the green part off and gently remove the seeds (they look like tiny match sticks). Continue to let them dry for 2-3 days. Grab a pint size mason jar and add the dried flowers and seeds.

You’ll need about one cup of infused oil so be sure to add enough almond or grapeseed oil to completely submerge the flower parts and give enough extra for the body butter. I let mine sit for three days before I made the butter.

Making the Body Butter

•one cup shea butter

•one cup strained marigold oil (use a strainer to catch the flower parts)

• three tablespoon beeswax pellets

• 1/4 cup almond oil

• splash of vegetable glycerin (optional)

• 20-30 drops of your fave essential oils  For this butter I added ylang ylang, magnolia and peppermint.

• Put all of the ingredients except the essential oils into a mason jar. Place the jar in a pot of simmering water until it melts. Once it is all melted together, pour into a glass bowl to become hard again. I even put the bowl in fridge for a while. Once it is hard, add the essential oils and whip with a hand mixer until fluffy. Store in glass jars. ENJOY!

And just like that you have marigold infused body butter packed with skin supporting ingredients!


The Honeysuckle

This little lady gave me quite a smile this morning when I sat out on my back porch for coffee. The color! This beautiful honeysuckle was a last minute purchase about a month ago since the gardening season is just about over here in Colorado. When I walk between classes near one of the group homes I teach at there is a house with a few growing along the fence and I decided I needed one. ?

I didn’t realize that honeysuckles can be so pink in color—I have only seen yellow or orange ones, and I didn’t know they would keep blooming past springtime.

I did some digging and this is what I found out about them—

The honeysuckle is a symbol of pure happiness. In addition, it conveys messages of sweetness and affection, thanks to the sweet smelling aroma it gives off. At its heaviest interpretation, the honeysuckle represents the flames of love, and the tenderness for love that has been lost. The honeysuckle will literally cling to whatever it is growing next to, resembling a lover’s embrace, and therefore giving the appropriate symbolism.

Honeysuckle can be used for abundance, learning, concentration, affection, protection, devoted love, wishes, wealth, intuition, clarity, clairvoyance, fidelity, attraction, divination, physical ability, prosperity, secrets, calm, change, confidence, creativity, the mind, peace, generosity, destiny, breaking hexes, honesty, inspiration, and balance.

I’ll take it! What a sweet surprise!

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The Dandelion


“Hello, I’m a dandelion.
A lot of people call me a weed but I’m a friend and come to help you!

When you see me, remember that I’m the ONLY one who wants and can grow in that particular spot. Because:

Either the soil is too compact / hard / stomped and I want to loosen it for you with my roots.

Or there is too little calcium in the soil – don’t worry, I will replenish that for you with the dying of my leaves.

Or the soil is too acidic. But I will also improve that for you if you give me the chance.
Or a mixture of the above reasons, of course. ?

I’m here because your soil needs my help so best you let me grow without disturbing me! When everything is fixed, I will disappear again, I promise!

Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? However meticulous you are, I will return 2x as strong! Just until your soil is improved.

You can even tell by my growth at which stage my help is at. If my leaves are flat on the ground then I’m far from ready but if they all reach up then I’m already a long way on my way.

Something completely different is that I am 1 of the first bloomers in spring so I will announce spring / summer for you.

During the day when it’s hot, I open my flowers but in the evening when it cools off I close them again quickly. In fact, if it’s not hot enough during the day I won’t open them at all!

My flowers are the first food for insects after hibernation and unlike most other plants, I have pollen AND nectar, not merely one OR the other! And I am generous with them! ?

My flowers are even delicious for you people by the way, did you know? I used to be called ??honey (or gold) of the poor?? because my flowers are so sweet in e.g. jam, sauce or salad! The internet is full of recipes – check them out.

But wait until the end of May or later before you start picking and even then, don’t pick everything yet! The biodiversity and bees will be very grateful!”

Text By Paula Kok – De Boer
Illustration By Juliste Cavallini

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Thistle

Did you know that thistle is actually part of the sunflower family!?

I saw this thistle today and was amazed by its beauty. It is one plant I enjoy in other peoples garden or in nature that is for sure.

I did a little digging about this plant that is stubborn and plentiful.

Here is what I found:

Considered one of nature’s toughest flowers, it’s one of the most debated plants by most gardeners. Some call it a weed while others view it as an excellent source of medicine and food, as well as a beautiful ornamental plant. Certain varieties are considered beneficial to wildlife because they produce a substantial amount of food for insects and birds and their foliage is also used by butterflies.

The thistle represents overcoming adversity and difficult situations. It’s a symbol of resilience. In Celtic regions, the thistle represents devotion, bravery, determination, and strength. In the Basque region of France, the thistle is considered a symbol of protection. It is also called the “flower of the sun“ and the “herb of witches”. It’s used as protection against evildoers because people believe that witches cannot look directly at the sun. The thistle is often seen on the front doors of the homes of this region. The flower’s pink and purple colors represent nobility and royalty.

Milk thistle, another variety, contains a chemical known as silymarin. Research suggests that it has bolstering effects on the liver and it is widely sold in various cleansing and detox products. Full of nutrients, the thistle has been found to contain higher vitamins and minerals compared to other more common vegetables. Various parts of the plant can make excellent additions to stews and salads, albeit with careful preparation.

I appreciate taking milk thistle for my health and observing her beauty, but I try to avoid them in my yard.

Floral Essential Oils

I have never been a huge floral essential oil fan. Somehow the essential oils in this category are growing on me more and more. It is interesting that the primary benefit of all floral essential oils are calming and soothing, so maybe that explains it.

Florals are calming for skin, joints and mood. Sounds like a perfect solution for many things, right?

Clary Sage, GeraniumHelichrysumLavenderRoman Chamomile, and Ylang Ylang are all considered some of the doTERRA floral oils. Frequently used in perfumes, these oils come from the flower of their plant of origin, whether it be an herb or tree. This is with the exception of Geranium that comes from the flower as well as the rest of the plant.

About Floral Essential Oils


The common properties that the floral oils share include emotional benefits as well as benefits to the skin and hair. Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Clary Sage have calming properties when you need stress-relief. To smooth or improve the appearance of skin, all you need is Geranium, Helichrysum, or Roman Chamomile. Clary Sage, Geranium, Roman Chamomile, or Ylang Ylang can all be added shampoo or conditioner (or massaged directly onto your scalp) to give your hair and scalp a healthy appearance.

A few of the best floral essential oils:

Clary Sage

  • During your menstrual cycle, apply two to four drops to abdomen for a soothing abdominal massage
  • Apply one to two drops to the bottom of your feet or on pulse points to take advantage of the powerfully soothing aroma
  • Apply one to two drops to your pillow for a restful night’s sleep

Geranium

  • Combine with Fractionated Coconut Oil to give your partner a sensual massage
  • Apply under your arms after a sweaty workout or a day in the sun
  • Place one drop in the palm of your hands, rub hands together, and cup over nose and mouth and breathe slowly for a grounding effect
  • Add to your next DIY potpourri
  • Put a few drops on a cotton ball and place around your home to naturally repel insects

Helichrysum

  • Apply topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes
  • Apply to the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to promote a glowing, youthful complexion
  • Use Helichrysum in conjunction with a full body massage to promote vitality and energy
  • Massage into the temples and back of neck for a soothing sensation
  • Take two drops in a veggie capsule, as it may help promote a healthy metabolism*

Lavender

  • Use directly on skin to soothe the occasional skin irritation, or to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections
  • Take in water or a veggie capsule to reduce anxious feelings and help ease feelings of tension
  • Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet for a restful night’s sleep
  • Refresh your mattress, car, or even the air with a light mist of a few drops Lavender combined with water in a spray bottle
  • Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts
  • Take one to two drops internally in a veggie capsule for a peaceful sleep

Roman Chamomile

  • Take one to two drops in water to soothe the systems of the body
  • Has a calming effect on the mind and body when taken internally
  • Taking one to two drops in a veggie capsule may help to support healthy immune system function
  • Set the stage for sleep by diffusing one to two drops, or apply to the bottom of your feet at bedtime
  • Diffuse to soothe away feelings of anger and irritability
  • Apply to wrists and neck for a peaceful evening at home
  • Apply to chest over heart for feelings of well-being

Ylang Ylang

  • Add to doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a deep hair conditioner and beat the damaging summer heat
  • Diffuse two to four drops to promote a positive outlook
  • Take one to two drops internally for antioxidant support
  • Create relaxing atmosphere by adding it to an Epsom salt bath to help you unwind

How to get floral essential oils in your home

If you are curious how to use essential oils and need to basics, check out this gorgeous ebook and then reach out to me for some guidance and samples.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.