5 Fabulous Reasons Why You Should Make Your Own Soap!
I sort of fell into soapmaking by accident.
Some years back, I had taken a very long career break to look after my young family. I was expecting my third child but wanted to spend some quality time with them. I used to miss out on the monumental days at school, like Sport’s Day and Plays, and I really wanted to be there for them. Have you ever experienced that feeling?
During this time, I realized that I needed to keep my brain cells active and needed a hobby.
I got a beginners soapmaking box and was amazed at how simple it was.
I was able to create gorgeous uncomplicated soaps using botanicals and beautiful essential oils which were delicate on the skin. This was important to me bearing in mind that 2 of my children had a skin condition which made them feel incredibly uncomfortable. This little box showed me that I could be in control of what went into a bar of soap without the fear of ingredients making my children’s condition worse.
In addition, it gave me the opportunity to start a business from home which I could fit around my family. This meant that I was there when I needed to be and didn’t miss out on the key events at school.
These are the 5 things that I learnt about why you should make your own soap:
1.It makes an interesting hobby which will help you to develop a level of creativity. It gives you something else to do which will take you away from work and the pressures of life.
2.It is good for your mental and physical wellbeing. Self care is important and this actually allows you to carve precious time out for yourself and do something which is both enjoyable and therapeutic.
3.Soapmaking gives you a level of control because you are the one who decides which ingredients go into your bars of soap. You can avoid the harmful ingredients and preservatives and replace them with good, natural products which are not going to bring about irritation and allergies. It is an empowering feeling.
4.You save money. The majority of the utensils and tools you use, are found in your kitchen. Obviously, you are not going to use the same utensils which you use in the kitchen to make your soap. The point is that you do not need sophisticated equipment to make beautiful looking soap.
5.You can have fun! Soapmaking starts off as a series of practical steps to create wonderful soap, but this then turns into fun when you make soap for yourself and the family, and even coming up with amazing gifts for teachers, friends and loved ones. It gives you such satisfaction.
Would you like to learn how to make soap?
If yes, I have a group which will be showing you how to make soap for fun and for profit. I will introduce you to the amazing world of soapmaking, the steps to take, the ingredients you can use and how to create soap for yourself, family and maybe even for making money. It’s an easy process and like it says on the tin, it’s for fun.
Here’s the link to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/soapwithmel
Can't wait to meet you!
Why Chocolate Is Great For Your Skin!
Ok, who thinks chocolate is bad for you?
Not only does it taste amazing, but did you know Chocolate Is Great For Your Skin too?
Here are some amazing qualities of chocolate for the skin:
- Chocolate is abundant with flavonoids which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This provides wonderful protection for the skin against sun damage. It is a beautiful natural sunscreen.
- Another reason Chocolate Is Great For Your Skin is that it is rich in vitamins and minerals which when absorbed into the skin, leave it gorgeously nourished.
- The combination of the minerals and vitamins with the flavonoids combats the free radicals in the environment, which means that Chocolate Is Great For Your Skin because it protects your skin from the premature signs of ageing.
- Cocoa powder is an excellent gentle exfoliant improving blood circulation to the skin which helps it to look vibrant with a healthy glow. This is particularly helpful with acne prone skin
- Cocoa powder contains caffeine and theobromine which are super helpful in firming the skin and break down fats and reduce fluid retention in the skin clear cellulite and tighten the skin
Still think chocolate is bad for you? When you eat it, chocolate isn’t great for the waistline, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid it altogether. Because Chocolate really Is Great For Your Skin!
Looking for something a little different this Easter?
Check out the Luxury Chocolate Soap range which is wonderfully moisturising and smells delicious.
SHOP Luxury Chocolate Soap range NOW
5 Ways To Maintain Your Sanity This Christmas
Christmas can be an amazing time.
It's a time to be with friends and family, however, it can be pretty exhausting. You want to have the most perfect Christmas and run yourself ragged in your attempt to please everyone.
However, you have to remember that Christmas is for you too. It's a time that you should also be enjoying.
Here are 5 simple ways to maintain your sanity during the festive season which will enable you to have an amazing Christmas.
1. Take a nap
Take 30 minutes out for a quiet nap.
This gives you a chance to recharge your batteries.
It’s going to be a busy day and you risk burn out. Turn off all distractions and tell people that you are going to take time out for a nap. This will ensure that they do not disturb you and you get an uninterrupted nap time.
2, Go outside and exercise
It's important to move and get the circulation going.
You might want to sit on the couch and watch your favourite movies whilst snacking on some Christmas delight, but you have to keep moving. It's good for burning up those extra calories as well as keeping your mind active.
3.Toolbox
Put together your own personal toolbox which you can resort to when you are in need of some special 'me time'. Pamper yourself with a face mask, a bar of chocolate, flavoured lip balm - things that make you feel good. They will help to enhance your mood and make you feel special.
4. Celebrate you
You are amazing and you need to remember this. You have overcome so much to get through the year. So be grateful for being the unique special individual that you are.
5. Bath
Relax with your favourite handmade bath bomb or natural soap. If they are fragranced with an essential oil, they will enhance your mood and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. A warm bath will relax and soothe your muscles.
In summary, enjoy your Christmas but when it gets stressful, take a step back and remember to put yourself first. You are a priority so use these simple steps.
Check out Mel's Little Luxuries for ideas on how you can pamper yourself during the holidays!
Let's Celebrate The Awesomeness of Teachers!
One thing that this past year has taught me is how incredibly amazing teachers are!
A lot of last year was spent on remote schooling. My kids were so lucky that they could still receive such a high standard of education under the guidance of their teachers.
Whilst they received a lot of help, sometimes they were left to do some independent work which the parents were tasked with supervising. It hit me like a hammer – it was hard work making sure everything was done and handed in on time! It showed me truly how much in-depth planning went into the lessons and how hard it is for teachers to keep children on task.
At home, I sometimes found the children wandering around the house or daydreaming when they should have been working. On a few of occasions, I struggled to reign them back in so that they would focus which helped me gain a new appreciation for the teachers that have to do this on a daily basis. They should really be acknowledged for this more regularly.
The Benefits of Wonderful Bath Bombs!
Bath bombs are always popular.
They are uplifting and provide a wonderful pamper experience. They even got a mention on ‘Coronation Street’ when one of the characters was telling her boyfriend to use one following the stress he was going through!!
So, what’s so special about bath bombs?
When used in a warm bath, they help you to relax just before you go to sleep.
Combined in a warm bath it is great for your circulation.
Bathing benefits your muscles, joints, and bones after a strenuous day. Bath bombs just add to that luxurious experience.
If they contain sumptuous oils and butters, they will provide you with moisturization from head to toe
How often do you use bath bombs?
Check out this Bath Treat link to see the range of Mel's Little Luxuries Bath Bombs.
The Amazing Benefits of Lavender
Lavender is awesome!
It has an amazing aroma and beautiful colour. However, did you know that it is renowned for its incredible healing qualities, particularly where inflammation occurs?
An example of this is with Rosacea.
Rosacea is a condition which sporadically appears on the skin.
It shows up as reddening of the face. Occasionally, blood vessels are visible.
This condition can be triggered by food, caffeine, alcohol and exercise.
Lavender is said to help as a natural anti-inflammatory which can calm and soothe the skin, especially in this situation.
It can be applied topically to the skin either in a carrier oil or directly. You can add one or two droplets of it to your favourite moisturizer.
One of our popular soaps, Lavender and Patchouli, is a natural handmade soap containing Lavender essential oil and is decorated with natural lavender buds. It is beautifully hydrating and moisturizing and does not dry out the skin. It also makes a lovely pamper treat.
Check out the following link to find out more about this gorgeous soap bar.
3 DIY Skincare Hacks
Your skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is subjected to all sorts of influences such as the weather and pollution.
You therefore have to do all that you can to protect it.
There are a number of things that you can find in your home to help you look after your skin. They will hydrate and moisturize leaving your skin looking healthy and glowing. 
Here are 3 simple hacks that you can try at home.
1. Coconut Oil 
This is used for cooking but makes an excellent moisturiser, especially if you suffer from dry skin. It is made up of fatty acids and natural fats. It is renowned for its antimicrobial properties. It can be used on the body by rubbing it into the desired area. It is a little heavy for the face.
2. Honey 
This natural treasure is amazing for dry skin and assisting the healing process. It is known for helping if with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. You can apply a very thin layer to your face like a face mask for 20 minutes. The beauty of honey is that it can be combined to other natural ingredients to soothe and nourish the skin.
3. Aloe vera 
I love this plant 
It has amazing soothing qualities particularly if you have caught the sun , or have skin irritations such as eczema to acne. It has been recognised for improving the skin texture. Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement, used topically as a gel, or if you have a plant, you can carefully remove one of its leaves and scoop out the inner gel. You can apply a thin layer to your face leaving it on for 20 minutes. 
If you love natural skin care with natural ingredients, check out the Mel's Little Luxuries range.
