Bath Salts - Holiday Gift Idea!

Handmade holiday gifts can be the most wonderful gifts to give. Start simple by creating a beautiful aromatic bath salt. The ingredients you will need I am sure you will find in both your kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Ingredients and measurements: 1 cup sea salt, 2 cups epsom salt, 1/3 cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon dendritic salt (to increase and retain aroma), 1/2 teaspoon almond, sunflower, or soybean oil, 1 tablespoon of desired fragrance oil. In a medium size glass bowl mix the sea & epsom salts, baking soda, and the oil. In a small glass bowl mix the dendritic salt and fragrance oil - stir well. Combine all ingredients and package as you desire. This may be used for 1 bath or to make a couple sample size pieces. To package your bath salts put in a zip lock bag and then place either in a muslin or organza bag. To be more creative you may also use a glass jar and layer the bath salt using herbs and or flowers. Attach a scoop, ribbons and a hang tag - let your creativity flow. Happy Holidays!

Spinach Lovers Recipe - Quick & Easy!

This is one of my favorite recipes - it's healthy, delicious, and easy to make. You will need olive oil, 1 small onion, fresh garlic to your taste (I usually use 2 cloves), 10 to 16 ounces of fresh spinach, diced tomatoes - either fresh or 1 28 ounce can, salt, pepper, fettuccine noodles, and feta cheese.
In a large frying pan saute the onion and garlic in olive oil, add the spinach, once the spinach is cooked add the tomatoes (you may add some of the juice from the can), add salt and pepper to taste, (remember tomatoes love salt). Serve over fettuccine noodles and top with feta cheese. This recipe only takes about 30 minutes and is good the next day served cold. You may also want to add chicken to this recipe for a heartier meal. Enjoy!

Recipe For Winter Dry Skin & A Great Holiday Gift idea!

The winter months are fast approaching and this time of year it can be difficult to keep our skin hydrated. Between our environment and the outside elements our skin becomes dry, flaky, and may even cause itching. What I have discovered throughout the years is that it is very important to exfoliate your skin, removing the dead skin cells allowing your moisturizer to penetrate deeply. Here are a few simple steps using ingredients from your cabinets to help heal dry skin and improve your skins natural beauty.
Ingredients:
Vegetable oil: olive, soybean, or sunflower oil. I recommend these oils because they penetrate the skin easily and have certain healing properties.
Sea Salt: any fine grain sea salt. The sea salt will not only exfoliate the skin but it will also help remove toxins from the body.
Herbs & Spices: optional. to make your blend an aromatic delight & a bit more exfoliating I suggest using herbs from your cabinet. Before mixing in your exfoliating blend, place the desired herbs in a coffee grinder to turn the herbs into fine granules. The herbs that I like to use are rosemary, sage, & a little peppermint - very invigorating and pleasing to the senses. Use 1 or 2 or combine all 3.
Combine: in a small bowl
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons sea salt (may increase amount) and 1 teaspoon herbs (optional).
Mix the ingredients well - almost like a paste. Apply with your hands to clean, wet skin. You may either use your hands, washcloth, or exfoliating glove to massage your skin. Rinse and pat dry. Your skin will feel smooth and silky.
This also makes a great gift - just package in a decorative container adding ribbon or raffia, and a little hang tag. Please note that if adding the herbs they may discolor.
Enjoy & be Beautiful!

Black Austrian Bracelet - Only $8.00

Reg. Price $15.99

GiveAway - Sponsored by DigitalRoom.com

Gwendolyn's Gate is happy to announce that we are hosting an 18 x 24 Rolled Poster Print giveaway sponsored by DigitalRoom.com. Check this out included in this giveaway is free shipping - yes I said FREE SHIPPING and imagine UPS Ground. Now I have never heard of free shipping with anything. Remember that old saying, "Nothing is Free". But, this is totally free! For those of us who are creative you can create your own photo enlargement or custom poster again for FREE! Did I say Free? I must add that this is open for U.S. Residents only.

Since I am a blogger, I, too am eligible to enter - of course not through this giveaway. If I win I plan on using a photo of my grand daughters blown up into a black & white - how sweet is that?
Enter to win this wonderful prize by simply posting a comment explaining how you would use the Poster Print if you win.
The winner will be chosen on Sept. 29th, 2009 and will be announced on Sept. 30th, 2009. So come on tell me how you would use your FREE Poster Print today!
For further information click on the heading above or http://www.digitalroom.com/poster-printing.html to discover the endless possibilities as to how to use your FREE Poster Print!

Natural Products From Starwest Botanicals

Good Morning. Today is a beautiful day here in Lake Villa, Illinois and I am happy to announce that you can visit Starwest Botanicals right here from my blog. Starwest Botanicals offers many natural products to enhance your overall sense of well being.
For many years I have bought products from Starwest including dried herbs to aromatherapy products and accessories. I have created my own product and used theirs - I especially like the essential oils and the aromatherapy blends.
Discover how to improve your lifestyle with Starwest Botanicals. Just click on the banner to the right!

Tea for Pink Eye

Another issue of children back to school is Pink Eye. Which is very contagious, uncomfortable and everything must be cleaned to enusre that it does not surface again! Not only that, but the kids must stay home from school - let's get them back so that don't miss anymore assigments.
A simple recipe of boiling tea bag's is the key to help alleviate the symptoms of pink eye. Plain ole Lipton Tea is the cure. Simply boil a tea bag or multiple, let bag cool (but still warm) and place on the eye. You may also use a washcloth soaked in the tea - wring out and place on the eye. Do this 3-4 times a days and you will be amazed at how quick and easy the infection subsides.
As for cleaning make sure th bdding is washed and all toys are washed and sanitized. Be sure to use organic products to help preserve Mother Nature!
Note: Please consult a physician regarding any medical issues. These recipes are not intended to replace any necessary treatment required.

Natural Therapies to Help Treat Your Cold & Flu Symptoms

The children are back to school and not only do they bring home assignments but also the cold season.  Combined with the flu season fast approaching we need to take precautions to ensure our health. There are several things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms - or prevent any ailment from occurring.

One that I like is a simmering potpourri of health!

From the herbs in your cabinet to your home garden you may naturally enhance the atmosphere to keep you and your family healthy with an aromatic pleasure.

My favorite blend of herbs and flowers to simmer are lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Add a little peppermint to enhance the affects further. Peppermint is great to help alleviate those headaches that accompany the cold and flu symptoms and will give you the energy needed to get through the day.
To make your simmering potpourri of health simply add dried lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint to either a crock pot or a pan on your stove filled with water - enough to cover your blend. The proportions may be as desired. I do suggest that you add more lavender than eucalyptus and rosemary due to the strength of the aroma's. Also, before placing your blend in your pot gently rub the herbs to help release the aroma and medicinal properties. Check the water frequently and add more as needed. If your headache and other symptoms persist place a washcloth in the potpourri wring out and place on area of desired relief.
Oh what a wonderful way to heal! Not only will you feel good but your home will be filled with the aromatic pleasure of God's wonderful gift of nature.

Benefits Of Peppermint Essential Oil

What brings me to write about peppermint is the other day my allergies were in full swing. I felt absolutely terrible from the runny nose, watery eyes to the exhaustion allergies can cause. By the time I took my medication it was too late. Although, the symptoms subsided the affects were still there - especially the exhaustion. I remembered an article I posted in 2008 and would now like to share this with you again. Allgery season is upon us and peppermint can come to your rescue!

Peppermint is sometimes known to be the world's oldest medicine. There is archaeological evidence dating this plant as far back as 10,000 years. Peppermint flowers are large nectar producers and honey bees as well as other nectar harvesting organisms forage them heavily. The uses of peppermint are plentiful. You will find peppermint in cosmetics, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, culinary delights, topical agents, and is taken internally.
Some of the properties in peppermint are as follows: antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, astringent, stomachic, antispasmodic, sedative, antiseptic, digestive, expectorant, stimulant, tonic (nerve), and vasoconstrictor to name a few.
The benefits of this wonderful plant are also incredible and may be used in many different ways. Such as an inhalant, topical applications, taken internally, added to a bath or lotions and oils to help relax and act as an anti-inflammatory for muscles, a great ingredient for soaps, and may be added to many foods as a flavoring agent. Here are some of the ailments that peppermint will help alleviate: acne, bronchitis, clears the sinuses, colds, coughs, dermatitis, eczema, flatulence, indigestion and irritated colon, mouth or gum infections, muscular pain, mental fatigue, headache, migraine, motion sickness, hysteria, insect bites, and poor circulation. As you can see there are many ways in which peppermint may be used. Also, a recent report from Italy has shown that patients who took peppermint oil capsules for 4 weeks had a major reduction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
Another interesting fact about peppermint oil is that it is an "all-natural way" to deter ants from being inside and outside your home. Just apply to desired areas in sparse amounts until the ants are discouraged from returning. Please note that the application will have to be reapplied every few days.
To grow peppermint it is best to do so in a container - it expands quickly by underground rhizomes. Plant in part-sun to shade areas and needs a good water supply.
As you can see, peppermint essential oil and the plant should be in every home and garden. A beautiful way to enhance your well being.

Welcome Back

Oh, it feels good to be back. It has been a long 6 months but I am ready to get, shall we say, "Back in the saddle again"!
Gwendolyn's Gate is now returning with a new format. I will still continue to offer recipes for natural health care and of course my product. But, in addition to this I am reviewing product, will list relevant links to my posts such as where to buy and other information. I will also be able to answer any questions you may have in regards to natural care - calling it "Ask Gwendolyn".
If any of you would like me to review your product and link your website please feel free to post a comment and I will get back to you with the information needed, terms and conditions.
Stay tuned & I look forward to working with all of you again!
Wendy

Coming Back Soon - Gwendolyn's Gate With A New & Exciting Format

Look for exciting news about Gwendolyn's Gate return. I look forward to working with you all again after Labor Day. So stay tuned to learn more about my return!

News About Gwendolyn's Gate Retail Location

Due to unforeseen circumstances Gwendolyn's Gate retail location at 117 W. Slade St. in Palatine, Illinois is closing. But, have no fear our product line Chrysalis and the scent your own products will be available at Mane Street Hair Salon just down the hall from the original Gwendolyn's Gate. Also, note that Mint Julep Bistro will be expanding into this unit!
Lois and Beth of Mane Street have been so kind as to carry our lines continuing to offer you our products. You may also call me personally at 847-714-6836 to order your product in which I will deliver to you at little or no charge for shipping depending on your location. We are still promoting our home shows which have gone over well Thanks to our many loyal customers and friends.
Our last day of operation will be February 26th. Please visit us for our spectacular sales on organic clothing - all at 70% off original price and the many product lines we carry such as JR Watkins, Kiss My Face and more all at 30% off. Jewelry and other items are now 50% off.
Please note that the fixtures and decorations in the store are also available to purchase.
Stay tuned to our blogs for further information.

Celebrate Valentines Day With Gwendolyn's Gate

Can you think of a better way to say "I Love You" with gifts from the heart?
At Gwendolyn's Gate you will find many beautiful aromatic gifts for your loved ones. And you may create that special gift by choosing from our many different fragrances to be added to your choice of bath and body products. Did you ever think to purchase a bouquet of fragrant flowers or a heart shaped box filled with fragrant roses for the bath?
We also have beautiful jewelry to please, and organic comfy sleep and lounge wear.
Come pamper your loved one with Gwendolyn's Gate unique gifts!
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Be Green With WXRT FM Chicago

Last summer I was fortunate enough to meet one of the employees from WXRT. Not only did I learn that WXRT was celebrating their 35th anniversary but also how they are involved with "GREEN".
In today's world it is important to recognize the necessity in preserving Mother Nature. By visiting WXRT's web site you will be informed of ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Including products, tips, restaurants, events and other items of interest. Click on the heading above or to the right on the side bar to learn more about GREEN from WXRT - Chicago's greatest radio station!
As some of you may know Gwendolyn's Gate is in the process of turning GREEN. Currently, we carry organic products (bath & body) and organic clothing.
On a personal level my husband and myself have been going GREEN. This involves food that we buy, how we heat our home, conserving on natural and man made energy, and discarding of waste. It's not an easy task and living the way we once did many years was a lot easier. But, we think not only of our Mother Earth but also our grandchildren and what the future will hold for them.
Let's join together in saving our beautiful planet.