DIY Homemade Lavender and Rose Bath Bombs

My whole family love bath bombs!  They are a wonderful way to relax in the tub after a long day of work, school, cooking, or running around the house (that’s more of my activity, not my kids…in case you wonder!) If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend that you give them a try. 




The first time we tried them was during our family vacation.   We simply purchased a bag from the drug store while we were supposed to pick up a few bottled water for our hotel stay.  Boy oh boy, we were addicted to them right the way!    It’s smells wonderful, fun to use with the fizzing and make bath time so much more relaxing and enjoyable!  The only down side of the store bought bath bombs?  They could be quite expensive!



That’s one of the main reason why I’m making my own now!  Besides saving money, I can also tailor these bath bombs to my own preferences of scents and ingredients!



There are a few must-have ingredients and I’ll explained to you why.  First item on the list is baking soda. 

Baking Soda:

In addition to complementing the citrus acid, baking soda is also the key to create the fizzing reaction.  Kids went crazy (crazily happy and excited, I should add) when the fizzing started!   Which introduced to the second ingredient, citric acid.
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/U4cAyF)


Citrus Acid:

Another requirement to generate the fizzing reaction is the citrus acid.  I usually get it online and I’ll list the link below for your convenience.  It’s so much fun to watch and feel the fizz in the tub!  I feel like I’m bathing in a tub of champagne!  The Citrus Acid also acts as a natural preservative.
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/8wbV1a)






Another ingredient for the recipe is corn starch. 

Corn Starch:

It yields a silky and smooth texture that you don’t get from other ingredients.  It also helps absorb the extra liquid in the bath bombs.  You can substitute with arrow root powder as well.  I usually have both in the kitchen as thicken agents in my cooking.
(Get your Corn Starch here: https://goo.gl/oXvfCo) 
(Get your Arrow Root Starch here: https://goo.gl/V7U379)


Epsom salt:

You can also use sea salt, or a mix of both as well.  It provides the minerals for your skin and help you relax and de-stressed! 
(Get your Epsom Salt here: https://goo.gl/b3XhjQ)
(Get your Sea Salt here: https://goo.gl/9cdcXX)






Essential Oil and Coconut Oil:

Essential oil and coconut oil are also needed in this bath bomb recipe.  They help hydrate your skin and keep your skin feeling silky smooth and soft!  You can also use avocado oil or almond oil if you like them better.
(Get your Lavender Essential Oil here: https://goo.gl/viW48P)
(Get your Rose Essential Oil here: https://goo.gl/TvcbYJ)







Witch Hazel Toner:

Last but not least, the witch hazel toner (you can use other alcohol-free toner as well).  If you don’t have it, water work just fine.  You do need the moisture in the mixture so that the bath bomb can come together for shaping.  The toner is also good for your skin and since I already have it available, it is what I used.  
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/L3iV2b)




Dried Lavender and Dried Rose Petals:

Besides looking gorgeous and adding a bit of natural colors to the bath bombs, they also add wonderful natural floral aromas into the bath bombs.
(Get your dried lavender here: https://goo.gl/nF3Koc)(Get your dried Rose tea buds here: https://goo.gl/qMpZrf)


Soap Coloring:

The soap coloring is pretty much optional.  I think they make the bath bomb look more fancy and perfect if you’re giving them as homemade gifts.  But please only use soap coloring and not food coloring.  You don’t want the bath bombs to stain your skin nor the bath tubs!
(Get yours here: https://goo.gl/uCL6Vo)







That’s pretty much it!  I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make some of these gorgeous bath bombs at home soon!  I’m sure you’ll love them! Please watch the video tutorial on the step by step instructions.  They are so much fun and so easy to make as well!



Tools and Ingredients Used:
Baking Soda (Click here for more information)
Citrus Acid (Click here for more information)
Corn Starch (Click here for more information)
Arrow Root powder (Click here for more information)
Lavender Epsom Salt (Click here for more information)
Sea Salt (Click here for more information)
Lavender Essential oil (Click here for more information)
Rose Essential Oil (Click here for more information)
Soap coloring (Click here for more information)
Witch Hazel (Click here for more information)
Bath Bomb Mold (Click here for more information)
Dried Lavender (Click here for more information)
Dried Rose Tea Buds (Click here for more information)
Small Spray Bottles (Click here for more information)
Small Funnel (Click here for more information)
Wilton Icing Flowers (Click here for more information)
Rose Shaped Silicone Mold (Click here for more information)




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Vietnamese Summer Rolls (Gỏi cuốn) 越式春捲

My family enjoys dining out at Vietnamese restaurants.  One of our favorite appetizers is this Vietnamese Summer Roll.  Check out my step by step video tutorial above to learn how to make them.



Vietnamese Summer Rolls are very light and refreshing.  Definitely a healthier choice when compared to the deep fried egg rolls.  The fillings usually consist of many different types of vegetables, herbs, a choice of protein (I’m using shrimps today), and some bean threads or rice noodles.  The veggies are usually raw and the protein is cooked in boiling water.  Therefore, the flavor is rather mild.  That’s why, they are usually served with a flavorful dipping sauce.



In my video tutorial, I’ll show you how to make both the Peanut Dipping sauce, and the Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce to accompany these delightful Summer Rolls.



The Peanut Dipping Sauce consists of Hoisin Sauce, many describe it as the Asian version of B.B.Q. sauce.  It’s super easy to prepare and tastes very rich and earthy.  It’s one of the classic sauce to pair with these Vietnamese Summer Rolls.



I personally love the Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce better.  I simply love spicy food, plus, this sauce is super refreshing.  In my video, I used both the Sambal Chili Paste and a chopped Thai Chili.  But if you prefer a milder taste, you can skip the Thai Chili and just use Sambal.  It’s not too spicy at all and packed with wonderful aroma that you won’t get from other chili sauce!



I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun and delicious next week!

Ingredients used:
Rice Paper (Click here for more information)
Hoisin Sauce (Click here for more information)
Creamy Peanut Butter (Click here for more information)
Fish Sauce (Click here for more information)
Sambal Chili Paste (Click here for more information)
Bean Threads (Click here for more information)

5 Naturally Flavored Spa Water

Do you love hanging out at the Spa?  Imagine having a totally relax day to detox; treat yourself to a nice long body wrap or massage; maybe even a little pampering pedicure!  These all sound wonderful and I believe we all deserve a little time off to unwind from our hectic lives, every once in a while.  I love going for a spa day with my girlfriends; hanging out at the steam room or Jacuzzi while sipping a little spa water and chit chat away.  But with the Kiddos off from school in the summer, it’s hard for me to “escape”!  But at least, I can make some spa water and day dream a little at home.   



I’m sure you are all familiar with the typical spa water, which usually is pretty much adding a few slices of cucumber or lemon wedges into ice cold water to keep you stay hydrated while you enjoy the Spa facilities.  Today, I wanted to share 5 different spa water recipes with you, all naturally flavored with fresh fruit and herbs.

They’re pretty much an upgraded spa water compared to the typical ones you get from the Spa (with just a few stingy slices of cucumbers? Come on! We can do better than that.)  Best of all, these are really refreshing and super easy to prepare.   Some even say these types of spa water help your body to detox.  Detox or not, I’m not too sure.  All I know is that they are a feast to your eyes and very delicious.  Plus, you can use any fruit and/or herbs that you like or in season.



Follow me to my Spa Kitchen and see how I prepare these Spa Water:

1) In a mason jar or mug, fill the jar 1/3 full with your choice of fruit and herb, then muddle with a wooden spoon
2) Fill the jar with ice cubes
3) Then, fill the jar with filtered water or chilled sparkling water, enjoy!




Super easy, isn't it?  Here are the different versions that I've prepared.

The picture below shows you the Watermelon and Mint Spa Water. Simply cut the watermelon in cubes and add a spring of mint and muddle away.  It’s watermelon season right now and this is super refreshing.  The natural sweetness from the watermelon really flavors the water and the mint adds a nice cooling factor.



Up next is the Nectarine and Meyer Lemon Spa Water.  I happen to have these ingredients in the fridge so why not?  This combination turned out really great as the sweetness from the nectarine compliment the tartness from the Meyer Lemon really well.  Both fruits add its own mild tone of floral aroma to this water.





The third one I wanted to share with you is the Blackberry and Rosemary Spa Water.  Isn't the color gorgeous?  I adore the earthy aroma from the rosemary and the blackberries really stand up to their own flavor and not overpowered by the rosemary.




Up next is the Raspberry and Lime Spa Water.  The color contrast alone is a feast to the eyes.  The raspberries I have are super sweet with just a hint of tartness, perfect combination with the lime.



Last but not least, Meyer Lemon, Lime and Thyme Spa Water.  If you don’t have Meyer Lemon, you can use regular lemon in this one as well.  Or add a slice of orange to add more citrus flavor. I love the refreshing and floral tone from the Meyer Lemon and the lemony fresh thyme really adds more depth to this drink.




I love these mason drinking jars, you can get them from here.  I prefer using glass jars because I do not want to mix citrus (think about acid) with plastic containers.  Another option is that you can use a large pitcher to make a bigger portion as well.  These are perfect for drinking throughout the day to stay hydrated, as well as for summer parties!  Aren't they festive and vibrant?  They are totally delightful to drink and you know they are good for you, too.  Plus, these are way healthier than drinking sodas!  




Another reason why I love these mason drinking jars?  I can close them tight with a lid if I don’t drink them right away.  You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 days and the flavor will infuse the water even more.  And I can just grab one and go….and usually that means going to the park with the kiddos.  Love how portable and convenient they are.




I hope you enjoy today’s post and recipes.  Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay beautiful!  Wish you all a fun and fantastic summer holiday!







Tools and Prop used in this post:
Mason Drinking Jars with Handle (Click here for more information)
Mason Jar Lids (Click here for more information)
Blue Paper Straws (Click here for more information)
Red Paper Straws (Click here for more information)
Grey Paper Straws  (Click here for more information)
Aqua Paper Straws (Click here for more information)

How To Make Homemade Hot Oil Hair Treatment

I love the cooler temperature of Autumn, but not so much the dry weather.  Unfortunately, they go hand in hand.  Not only my skin gets dry easily in Fall, but also my hair.  Especially with the area towards the ends of my hair.  It sometimes gets so dry and fuzzy, which is not too much fun to deal with.  On the other hand, my scalp gets pretty oily on a daily basis.  That makes me feel uncomfortable not to shampoo my hair everyday.  But isn't more washing will dry out the ends of my hair even more?  That sounds like a snowball effect!  Do you have the same issue?  Well, this Homemade Hot Oil Hair Treatment might be the solution for you, too.  It helps to balance out the oil and moisture in our hair.  It’s super simple to prepare and only requires a few ingredients.
 


For this Homemade Hot Oil Hair Treatment, I did a little research on the internet to gather some useful information for you, such as the benefits of different types of oils, herbs, and essential oil (don't you think the internet is the greatest invention, besides my hot oil?)  Also, I summarized the information of when and how to use the hot oil treatment and some other general information.  Besides that, some are the tips that I learn from using this hot oil myself.

First of all, hot oil hair treatment is for all hair types.   The key is to customize it to suit your needs and your hair type.  Therefore, choosing the right ingredients for your hair type is important.  You can use a single type of oil, or a blend of a few, depending on your needs.  Here are some basics oil you can choose from and their benefits.  

Olive Oil: It conditions hair and improves elasticity.
Jojoba Oil: It’s best for oily hair. The jojoba oil is like our own natural skin and hair oils.  It will leave your hair soft and light, without weighing it down.
Avocado Oil: It is the the most moisturizing oils. Great for dry and frizzy hair.
Almond Oil: It relieves dry scalp, controls hair loss and smooth cuticle of strands
Rosemary Oil: It relieves dry scalp, stimulates follicles and slows premature hair loss.
Coconut Oil: It adds shines and soften your hair! Coconut oil is great for all hair types. It also helps in reduce dandruff.
Castor Oil: It helps strengthen the hair.  Perfect for fine hair that breaks easily.  However, castor oil might leave your hair dryer. So, use sparingly in the blend. It might be best is your hair is the oily type.
Sesame Oil: It is great for all hair type and adds shines to your hair. It also helps slow down hair loss, great to treat thinning hair.




Besides oils, I also love to infuse herbs in my Hot Oil Hair Treatments.  Here’s a list of what your hair might need to improve on and the types of herbs that you can choose.

Hair strengthening:  Use chamomile, horsetail, or arnica.
Hair Clarifying: Use rosemary, parsley, sage, or nutmeg.
Hair moisturizing: Use chamomile, lavender, dried rose petals, or aloe.
Stimulating hair growth: Use Peppermint, parsley, horsetail, sage, chamomile, ginger, or cinnamon.

If you don’t have the fresh or dried herbs on hand, you can substitute with essential oils as well.  Here’s what I use in my hot oil blend (see picture below).  I used Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, infused with fresh rosemary and a few drops of peppermint essential oil.   This hot oil blends balanced out the natural oil and moisture in my hair, clarify the hair, and stimulate growth.  I love the fragrant from the fresh rosemary and refreshing peppermint essential oil.



Here’s how I prepare my Hot Oil Hair Treatment (see picture below).  In a medium saucepan, heat a few inches of water on high until boiling. Then, reduce to low heat and keep water on a simmer. Measure* and place all ingredients (except the peppermint essential oil) in a heat proof bowl and place over the pot of simmering water.  Let the oil heat up slowly and infuse for 30 minutes.  When it's done, add the essential oil.

*Measurement details are in the recipe below.



In this particular recipe, I made enough oil for 2 treatments. That way, I don’t have to do the above prep work again. Saving time and energy, smart, huh? Check the recipe below for details in how to store and reheat the oil treatment.  I think this would make a wonderful hostess’ gift too, don’t you think?  I hope you’ll bookmark this recipe and save it for the holidays.  The homemade gift-giving season will arrive sooner than you think!



Here comes the fun part on how to apply this Hot Oil Hair Treatment.  I recommend you to cover your shoulder with a towel, or wear a t-shirt that you don’t care about.  Because the oil stains could be hard to wash out.   Just a side note, my natural hair color is black and I haven’t color my hair for over a year already.  Those brown color you see on the ends of my layered hair were from previous coloring + dryness.  Boy, the ends of my hair was so dry it’s not even funny!  I felt like combing hay every single morning!




Anyway, let’s get started!  Place the hot oil in a small bowl, around 2-3 tablespoons for medium length hair.  Dip your fingertips into the oil and gently massage the oil from scalp to end.  Take your time, relax and enjoy the process.





When all the oil is used, cover the hair with a shower cap. At this point, you can also add a damp and hot towel over the shower cap for better result. Leave it on for 30 minutes.  This would be the perfect opportunity to catch up on your TV soap, reading a novel, eating afternoon snacks, or do whatever that makes you happy!  Then, get into the shower and shampoo your hair. I usually shampoo twice after this hot oil treatment. Repeat oil treatment every 2 to 4 weeks. 




Pretty easy, right?  Ready to see the before and after picture?  I’m sure you do and I was so amazed by the result.  Keep in mind, this before and after picture was taken after only 1 use of the hot oil treatment.  And I will definitely continue with it and keep you posted on my hair’s condition after a while.




Taa-Daa…..here’s the close up!  My friends! 

See how the dry and probably damaged ends on my hair improved after the treatment?  My hair was so soft to the touch that I can’t stop touching my hair afterwards.  I wish I can let you feel the difference in texture of my hair after the treatment.






Now, you can probably see why I wanted to continue with this treatment, can't you?  Don't you think the result is amazing?  I hope you’ll give this Homemade Hot Oil Hair Treatment a try.  This homemade version is way more economical than getting a hot oil treatment in the salon and you can do it in the comfort of your own home.  What a bonus!  Best of all, you can blend the oil that’s tailored to your own needs.  Do you think you’ll give this a try?  I certainly hope so.




P.S.: I purchased most of the oil and essential oil from a local health store.  You can also get them online if you can’t find them in store.  Click on each ingredient below for your reference to purchase online:

Peppermint Essential Oil
Almond Oil
Avocado Oil
Jojoba Oil
Olive Oil
Small Air Tight Glass Jar



Health and General Disclaimer:
No information, ingredient or product mentioned on this site is meant to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice.  They are my experience, my journey, and my opinions.  Please consult with your doctor before using any of the ingredients or products mentioned here.