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 & epso... Read Full Story

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 t... Read Full Story

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 ... Read Full Story

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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 F... Read Full Story

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 ho... Read Full Story

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... Read Full Story

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! Read Full Story

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 f... Read Full Story

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 i... Read Full Story