Happy Valentine's Day...Romance is in the air, and here at Nature's Gift we've been enhancing the romance in your life... new products and recipes for romantic blends for your enjoyment.

NEW PRODUCTS

For him: Sandalwood Shave Soother for sensitive skin. A subtle but longlasting blend of Sandalwood essential oil and calendula infused olive oil in a base of Jojoba, designed to sooth skin irritated by shaving. (yes, we think our men should all smell like Sandalwood ;) We would suggest our Sandalwood Exotica Soap, to accompany it...and we've bundled the two for a moneysaving gift.

For her: Rose Velvet Cream - very limited quantities of this. I had made it as a gift for some special friends, and had some left over. The staff is hounding me for "employee pricing" on the few jars we have - so order quickly before it all goes home with them.

Both are available on our Specials page. (www.naturesgift.com/special.htm in case the link doesn't work for you.)

New Soaps

Just in time for Valentines, we've concocted a rich and creamy Jasmine Confetti bar, and brought back a new, even more richly scented Rose Confetti. Our Sandalwood Exotica is also back...this time with a bit more Ambrette/Musk for an even more exotic effect. All three are available on our specials page, and on our aromatherapy baths page. (www.naturesgift.com/aromatherapybath.htm for those who can't click through on the link.)

New Essential Oil - Ylangylang One

Softer, less exotic and more rounded than our Ylangylang Extra - this aphrodisiac oil is online at a low introductory price for use in your favorite sensuous blends.

Side note: Elizabeth Millar says that according to eastern folklore, a massage with Ylang Ylang helps keep the breasts youthful and firm!!! We've not tried this one but I thought I'd pass it along. And it is bound to smell better than the blend of mint and black spruce hydrosols that Suzanne Catty recommends as a "decollete mist" to enhance and tone the bosom. Always remember to dilute the essential oil in your favorite carrier oil before using!

Romantic Blends

All from Elisabeth Millar...

Sheer Bliss

• 2 parts Rose
• 2 parts Jasmine
• 2 parts Neroli

Spontaneous Combustion ( A reliable love potion from the East )

• 2 parts Black Pepper
• 4 parts Lemon
• 2 parts Ylang

Dream Lover (to release your fantasies and desires :)

• 4 parts Bergamot
• 2 parts Clary Sage
• 2 parts Rose

Love in the Clouds (helps two lovers lose themselves and walk together in the clouds)

• 2 parts Bergamot
• 2 parts Jasmine
• 2 parts Rose
• 2 parts Ylang

(why not one part each???)

SPECIAL SALE PRICING

Tell your Valentine this is what you want...and send him to our Specials page for some Rose or Jasmine Bliss Bath - both priced at more than 10% off their regular retail price. Or ask him to bundle them with the matching soap and a 5 ml bottle of the oil or absolute in a 10% dilution for even more savings.
Which to choose? Rose Bliss Bath is the all time favorite woman's pampering goodie...but Jasmine is reputed to be a male aphrodisiac...so you choose which is best!

We've also put our most romantic aromatic candles on sale on the Specials page - Slow Dance (deep and sensous, just like the name) and Hugs and Kisses (sweet and spicy)

Remember, sale prices ONLY apply when ordered on the Special page.

Our Goof - Your Gain

Once again, someone poured some oils in sizes that we don't normally offer. While they last, 5 ml bottles of Indian Vetiver, and 5 ml bottles of Helichrysum 10% in Jojoba are on our specials page at very attractive pricing.

Back in Stock - Cistus Hydrosol

We have been waiting (and so have some of you!) for this exotic hydrosol. It's back...both on the new and special page, and with the rest of the hydrosols (Although Cistus is normally considered an astringent, Suzanne Catty recommends it as a wrinkle reducer.)

More Recipes

Rose Oil & Honey Facial Mask

More Roses - this recipe from www.honey.com which is full of skin and body care recipes using (of all things!) Honey.

"Rejuvenate and replenish your skin. Sweet almond oil, which is light and easily absorbed, softens and nourishes skin. Honey as natural humectant, moisturizes, leaving even tired skin incredibly smooth.

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 5 drops essential oil of rose

Mix honey, sweet almond oil and essential oil of rose. Massage onto clean face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry to reveal a fresh, soft complexion."

MY NOTE - 5 drops of rose otto is far more than necessary for this amount of the mask. I would use, perhaps, 5 drops of Rose 10%, or one drop of true rose otto. As much as I love rose...that would be too much.
The mask, of course, should be followed up with a toner of either rose or white rose hydrosol. (www.naturesgift.com/hydrosol_order.htm if the link above doesn't work.)

Love Potion # 1

This formula came through on a list I'm on awhile ago. No attribution was given, so I can't give proper credit. I almost didn't post it, but it sounds just too good to pass over for Valentines:
"This is a deliciously sensous blend, perfect for a massage or as a perfume.

Ingredients:

• 7 drops patchouli essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• 8 drops rose otto
• 45ml (1.5 ounces) carrier oil

Add all essential oils to a dark glass bottle and swirl to mix. Add the carrier oil. Cap the bottle and roll it between your palms to gently mix the essential oils with the carrier oil.
This oil can be used as either a massage oil or a perfume. If using as a massage oil, this recipe will make enough oil for 2 massages. If using as a perfume oil, dab a bit on your pulse points.

NOTE: We recommend using fractionated coconut as your carrier oil for a massage, or use jojoba for a perfume oil. As with any skin care product, please use caution when using a new handmade beauty product. Just because something is natural does not mean that you won't have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients. Note the ingredients listed in all recipes and avoid them if you know that you are allergic to one of them."

My comment. I think the dilution given might be a bit too much for a full body massage. I'd cut this back to perhaps the same amount of oils in three or four ounces of carrier.

Don't forget, there are romance blends from Newsletters Past on our Hints and Tips page (www.naturesgift.com/hints_tips.htm for those who can't link through.) Don't miss Karla's "great sex and cozy intimacy blend."

and for our Aromatic Quote of the month:
The perfume of Sandwood, the scent of Rose & Jasmine,
Travel only as far as the Wind.
But the fragrance of goodness travels with us through All the Worlds.
Like the garland woven from a heap of flowers,
Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.
The Buddha

Happy Valentine's Day everyone, even if, like me, you are being your OWN valentine. (That way you get to pick exactly what will please you!)