LilSugar

Lindsay Lohan Used Coke, Alcohol to 'Mask Her Problems'

kty — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:39:46 -0800

By Tim Nudd
In a new interview, Lindsay Lohan admits she feared for her life while abusing substances including cocaine to deal with family problems – but has learned to embrace life instead of drugs since her hellish days in 2007. "I tried to mask my problems with alcohol, cocaine and mind-altering substances," the actress, 23, tells the British newspaper The Sun. "Now I'm in a place where I don't need to use anything and I can feel emotions because I choose to." Lohan gives a blow-by-blow account of 2007, her annus horribilis, when she was arrested for drunk driving twice and cocaine possession and went to rehab three times. The underlying cause of her erratic behavior, she says now, was her father Michael's airing the family's dirty laundry in public. "That's when I hit rock bottom," she says. "I abused substances too much, and it wasn't the answer to my problems. People need to know that."

Tub Overflowed

Lohan first checked into rehab in January 2007, after taking the sleeping pill Ambien and passing out while running a bath at a hotel. She woke up to find the tub overflowing on her. "I was so scared," she says. "I called my therapist and said, 'Can I just go somewhere for a month? I'm around bad people and I need to take care of myself.' " She was arrested that May for drunk driving in an incident she now calls "stupid and childish," and again in July, when police discovered cocaine in her purse. "I was only aware of cocaine because of my dad," Lohan says. "I was terrified of it. But I tried it because I was stubborn, stupid, and wanted to see what it was like." After each of those incidents, she did another stint in rehab.

Therapist Twice a Week

These days, she says she sees a therapist every two week and attends weekly alcohol education lessons. "I'm allowed to drink now but I know my limits," she maintains. She hopes her story will resonate with other young people. "I learned from my mistakes, and I'm now healthy and happier," she says. "I've made some dreadful mistakes but learned from them – that has probably saved my life."

Design your bedroom into desire

PinkNC — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:04:02 -0800

Make your bedroom a place for a night of romance you’ll both desire...Allure your significant other into a personalized romantic room that is an elegant and stunning design - especially for a late night surprise. A lovely day together...return to a romantic room lit only by candlelight and the sight of rose petals strewn about...an inviting bath with ultra soft bath towels and bathrobes...bed sheets with "love messages"...inspire desire....

Here's all you’ll need for an enchanting romantic bedroom for your perfect romantic rendezvous:

*Luxury Cotton Bed Sheets
*Heart Necklace with Earrings
*Cotton Bath Towels
*1000 Silk Rose Petals
*12 Votive Candles or 24 LED Votives
*Heart Shaped Glass Vase
*Chocolate Truffles
*Feather Boa
*Romantic Music CD
*Bubble Bath
*Rose Bath Petals
*Lavender Bath Salts
*Bath Caviar
*Bath Confetti
*Massage Lotion
*Cloth Envelope (put a sensual romantic message on her/his pillow)

How to begin….

1. Pick up a dozen of her favorite roses and place on the nightstand in a red heart shaped vase. Beside the
roses place a votive candle.

2. Make a trail of 1000 silk rose petals to lead you from the front door to the bedroom and bath area.

3. Light the path with 12 votive candles

4. Scatter 100 silk rose petals on top of the bed sheets and pillowcases. Do a fresh rose turn down, placing one fresh rose on her pillow beside a heart necklace and earrings.

5. Place a cloth envelope with your special personal gift message against the pillow.

6. On top of the nightstand, place chocolate truffles and cool strawberries - partly for decoration, partly to satisfy a craving for
chocolate!

7. Put on the romantic music CD on the CD player.

8. Place a feather Boa in a heart shape around your personalized bed sheet message, as
decoration and use the boa later for some romantic fun, such as for erotic dancing.

9. While you get settled into your little romantic rendezvous, draw a warm bath. Around the bath area, place
an assortment of luxurious bath gel, bath soap petals, bath caviar and heart bath confetti.

10. Place a 3 piece set of cotton bath towels on the side of the tub.

11. While the bath is filling with some nice warm water, put in a bit of bath caviar, then pour in several capfuls
of bubble bath to make sure there are lots of bubbles. Add some lavender bath salts.

12. When the water level is just right and you have lots of bubbles, sprinkle in some rose bath petals, and
bath confetti on top of the bubbles.

13. When exiting your bath, dry off with your cotton bath towels and slip back into
bed and enjoy a soothing massage with some nice smelling aroma moisturizing massage lotion.

14. Be sure to set the mood with ambient lighting, drawing the drapes, and setting the music.

15. After your massage, relax, put your feet up and nibble on some chocolate truffles.
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50 Cheap Date Ideas

PinkNC — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:17:05 -0800

Discount Dating

A lighter wallet is no excuse to turn date night into a luxury. Get out of your sweatpants, put down the cold pizza, and check out these 51 budget-friendly date ideas that will get you off the couch and into each other's pants.

Get on thin ice. Depending on the weather, head to an indoor or outdoor ice-skating rink - it's the perfect excuse to hold hands, "accidentally" fall on top of each other, and grab a cup of hot chocolate and cozy up to each other to keep warm.

Skip the pricey wine bar and grab a few beers at your local dive bar. Make sure you pick a place with a pool table or dartboard set up, and challenge him to a few games. Loser owes the winner a song on the jukebox.

He may hate to shop, but he'll end up thanking you if you drag him to a flea market. There's something for everyone and plenty of things you never knew existed - you might even discover he has a hobby or weird collection you didn't know about!

Settle in for a night of pampering: No pricey spa required. Use your empty wallets as an excuse to stay in - and up - all night. Run a bubble bath and then treat each other to full-body massages. Sleep in the next day.

Get an adrenaline rush at the roller-skating rink. As long as you don't mind being the oldest people there who aren't chaperoning their children, it's a great way to have fun and let loose with each other. Top it off with a bowl of ice cream when you get home.

Play house: Dress up in your most serious grownup outfit and leave your tiny apartment to visit some open houses. Spend the day arguing over where you would put the love seat, discussing the difference between eggshell and ecru paint, and giggling over strangers' hideous decorating choices.

Does he drive you up a wall sometimes? He probably feels the same way about you, so put on your sneakers and head to an indoor rock-climbing gym. Challenge him to a race to the top and relieve sore muscles with a hot shower together afterward. Just try not to gloat too much about beating him.

Celebrate the first snow of winter with a day of sledding. Pick a hilly spot in your town and use garbage can lids as makeshift sleds. Wear a bike helmet to up the dorky fun factor, and celebrate living through the experience with a cup of hot cocoa.

Spend the day picking fruit at a local farm, either one-on-one or with a few couples you know - the more the merrier. Once you've picked all the apples you can carry back to the car, get creative in the kitchen and think up some recipes with the fruit you picked. Judge each other's creations, Top Chef style.

Plan a trip. You might need to save up for awhile, but that doesn't mean you can't daydream. Plan your dream vacation with each other - it might be the incentive you need to start putting your loose change in the piggy bank.

Challenge your guy to a little friendly competition and surprise him by taking him to a rifle range. After each round, compare your targets - loser buys the next round of bullets; winner gets gloating privileges.

Spice up your movie-night routine by finding a drive-in movie theater. Stop at the supermarket on your way to load up on your favorite snacks, and bring blankets and pillows to make the car extra cozy. Let him pick the movie - you'll get points for being easygoing, even though you know you'll probably miss most of the movie.

The easiest way to booze it up on the cheap? Take a tour of a winery or brewery, and pick up some wine facts for your next dinner party while getting tipsy.

Dying to see a musical or play but can't afford the tickets? Call around to see if you can buy tickets to the dress rehearsal instead - you'll pay a fraction of the price for the same experience.

Wherever you live, chances are there are local bands dying for an audience. Check out MySpace for bands in your area and go to a show. Alternate with your guy on who gets to pick the band so that you both get a chance to enjoy your favorite music genres, and save cash on booze by bringing a flask.

Head to the bookstore and walk through the aisles together, showing each other your favorite books, bonding over the books you both hated, and flipping through a Kama Sutra book for ideas for later.

Bowl him over at the bowling alley. Psych him out by reminding him of how many gross people wore his shoes before him, and don't forget to program his sugary-sweet nickname ("Muffin Face") onto the computerized scoreboard instead of his real name.

Show him your rugged side and build something together. Ask him to help you build something like a coffee table or dresser for your place - he'll be psyched that you asked him, just as long as you can bite your tongue when the table he puts together falls apart the moment you set your cup of coffee down.

Appeal to his inner child (it shouldn't be too hard to tap into) and buy tickets for a carnival. Embrace the cheesiness - share cotton candy, let him try to win you a prize, and ride the Ferris wheel until you get nauseous. It's a great way to get to know each other if you've just started dating and will serve as a reminder of how much fun you can have together if you've been dating for awhile.

Keep up on the specials. For a break on your dinner bill, check out sites like Restaurant.com for the restaurant deals in your area. And check out the websites of your favorite bars - they might have drink specials on certain nights, like a free pizza with every drink.

Ask him about his fantasy cars and he'll probably talk your ear off. Head over to a local car dealership and test-drive the most expensive car they'll let you take out of the parking lot. Take turns at the wheel but resist the urge to nitpick each other's driving skills.

Indulge your sweet tooth with your sweetie - visit a chocolate or cookie factory. Do a quick Google search to see if there are any in your area and give one a call to see if it does tours. If it only does group tours, make it a group date and invite a few other couples.

Get spooked at a haunted house. Check out Hauntedhouse.com for listings in your state. Start off the night by watching a scary movie before you go, and then try not to laugh when he launches a foot into the air at every corner.

Get out those matching aprons and fire up the skillet for a night of cooking - for both of you. Learn how to cook each other's favorite meal and then do it together. Whether you end up with a delicious steak and tuna casserole for two or speed-dialing for Chinese takeout, you're guaranteed to enjoy the process.

Forget eating dinner parked in front of a Mad Men marathon until you and your boyfriend are tired of looking at each other. Invite another couple over that you don't know well for a potluck dinner. Ask them to bring the appetizer and dessert, and work on the main course with your guy. At least one of the dishes should come out edible, and you can bond with your new friends over your shared culinary failure.

Tap into your animal instincts by visiting a petting zoo. Bring some bread to feed the animals and spend a few hours debating him on why getting a pet monkey is a bad idea. When you get home, jump in the shower with him to scrub off the zoo smell.

Play 20 Questions. Whether you've been together for three weeks or three years, there are probably things you don't know about each other. Each of you should write down 20 questions about the other - make sure they're open-ended so you don't get boring one-word answers - and fire away. Take turns answering the questions and get to know each other a little better than you already do.

Take a pottery class together and decorate your apartment in misshapen vases and funky-looking coffee mugs. Resist the urge to make your guy recreate the scene from Ghost every time you walk into class.

Have pretentious conversations about art at a local show. You'll find them going on all year at community centers, schools, and libraries - you might even find a great piece of art to add to your home.

Take a hike. Spend the day hiking and taking pictures together. When you're ready to recover, add some extra romance to the evening - lie across the hood of the car and look at the stars.

If you're tired of a quiet dinner at home disintegrating into chips and dip on the couch with no conversation between the two of you except for requests to change the channel, grab a blanket and some food and have an indoor picnic. The best part of staying inside? No ants in your food - plus, you're free to get busy right then and there.

Take a class together. Sign up to learn something neither of you knows how to do. Community schools generally offer a lot of options for classes you can take in eight-week sessions, from cooking to karate.

Put on your walking shoes and head to the museum. Almost all museums have one day a week where you can get in for free or for a small suggested donation. Pick the exhibits you each want to see beforehand, and spend some time at each of them together.

Celebrate something special with a trip to a bed and breakfast. A one-night stay in the colder months won't break the bank, so you can put that extra cash toward a room with a hot tub or breakfast in bed. If you're in for a long car ride, grab a book on tape from the local library.

Look into the future: Go together for a psychic reading. Practice your poker faces and spend the rest of the night talking about how funny - or eerily accurate - the reading was.

Score major points and head to a baseball game with your guy. Tickets can be as cheap as $5 a person, but bring extra cash for some beer, hot dogs, and a giant foam finger.

Check the theater offerings at local colleges and high schools. Schools usually have a spring and a fall show, and it's a great way to see a version of your favorite plays and musicals for a fraction of the cost.

One man's junk is another couple's treasure. Grab your guy and see what you can dig up at local garage sales. Up your chances of scoring something great by going to the ritziest neighborhood in your area.

Rent bikes - a tandem one, if you're adventurous - and go for a long ride through the park. Pack a few sandwiches and plenty of water for a picnic, or just grab hot dogs from a stand when you're ready for a break.

See the stars without braving the cold by getting tickets to the planetarium. Sneak in a thin blanket and cozy up. For extra privacy, go during off-peak times - call ahead to see when those are.

Bummed that you can't afford a weeklong vacation with your man? Put things in perspective and volunteer together for a cause you both care about. TiVo Gossip Girl and sign up to work at a soup kitchen once a week, or cuddle up with lovable cats and dogs at your local animal shelter.

Want some quiet time? Exercise your creative talents by drawing each other. All you need are two pieces of paper, some art supplies, and a bottle of wine for a quiet, romantic night in. Go as artistic or as fun as you wish.

Get physical. Get free day passes to a gym whose membership you could never afford and have him spot you. Challenge him to a fitness competition, bribe him into taking a spin class with you, and take advantage of the gym's sauna or pool, if it has one.

You can knit holiday sweaters like nobody's business. Your man is a Guitar Hero rock star. It's great to have separate hobbies, but it's also fun to share. Pick a weekend to teach each other your hobbies, and serenade him with a guitar solo while he knits you a pair of mittens.

While you're waiting for your Netflix delivery, stop at your local library and rent a few old movies. Toss a coin to see whose pick you'll watch first, and promise not to interrupt with bored sighs, eye-rolling, or snoring sound effects during each other's choices.

Travel back in time and reminisce. If you or your guy still live close to where you grew up, give each other a tour of your childhoods. Grab a camera and take pictures of your all-grown-up selves as you visit each landmark.

Can't get away for a vacation? Sightsee in your own city. If you've lived in your area for a long time, chances are you never got around to seeing a lot of the tourist attractions. So grab your guy and pretend to be tourists for a weekend. Stop at a used bookstore or look online for travel guides for your city, put together an itinerary, and don't forget to take pictures!

Grab a cup of coffee and check out a local coffee shop's open mic night. You might luck out with a great show, or you may find a mixed bag of angsty guitar solos and bad poetry - either way, you'll have something to talk (or laugh) about on the way home.

You probably live within driving distance of a college or university. Log on to the school's website and check out the scheduled events - often, schools will open large events, like lectures and panels, to the public. Check back often - your guy's favorite movie director might be appearing at a screening at the school's drama department, or you might find a panel of your favorite authors speaking to the English majors.

Share a few laughs at a comedy club amateur night. Admission usually costs two drinks per person, and you're in for a hilarious night - whether you're laughing with the comedian or at him.
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All About Aromatherapy!

D-Lee — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:28:19 -0800

ESSENTIAL OILS - AROMATHERAPY
One of the most powerful, but the least utilized, senses among humans is the sense of smell. Humans have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. However dormant, different smells have a profound effect on the human mind and body. Aromatherapy is a tested science that employs essential oils to stimulate our sense of smell and bring in positive effects on both mind and body. It is a natural, healing modality employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit.

Smell stimulates parts of our brain that control our emotions, moods, memory and learning. Smell reaches these parts of the brain through cilia, which are the fine hair lining the nose. However essential oils also work on the physical level. Research has validated that essential oils help our body fight against harmful bacteria and viruses, fungal infections, inflammation, rheumatism, toxicity, depression and much more besides the energizing effect they provide.Essential oils are made of chemical compositions, which, when reach the brain can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Each essential oil has its own healing property. These oils can be used in isolation or in different combinations depending on the different levels - physical, emotional and mental where the healing is to take place. This science has been recognized for its potent effects and is used widely in medicine the world over. Aromatherapy is a non-physically invasive alternative stream of medicine offering remedies not available with traditional medicine.

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are used for multiple purposes and applications. Essential oils are generally used in the following ways to utilize their therapeutic properties and dispensing their fragrances and scents:
Baths
Body and facial oils
Foot Bath
Handkerchief
Therapeutic Massage
Inhalation
Compresses
Room Spray
Showers
Sauna
Scented Candles
Humidifiers
Wood Fires
Hot Tubs
1. Body And Facial Oils
Essential Oils can be used to nourish the skin. For this purpose add one 1% essential oil to carrier oil and 3% for the body for an effective healing. 2. Foot Bath
To rest to your feet add 4 -5 drops of thyme, rosemary or peppermint oil in a large tub of hot water and keep your feet in the tub for 15 minutes.
3. Handkerchief:
To treat colds, headaches, pains and running nose it is advisable to drop 3 - 4 drops of eucalyptus or any other recommended oil on the handkerchief and inhale it frequently.
4. Therapeutic Massage:
These massages are used to trigger the natural healing process of the body. These massages stimulate the lymph fluid and blood circulation of the body. Massage also tends to act upon the emotional centre in the brain and affects our thinking process. For massage mix 1 â€“ 3 % solution of oil to base oil and then massage the body.
5. Inhalation:
Steam inhalations can be used to treat colds and other respiratory disorders. For this purpose take a bowl of hot water, add 6 â€“ 10 drops of essential oil. Now place a towel over your head and bend over the bowl such that you cover the entire bowl with the towel. Inhale deeply. This will help in clearing blocked respiratory passage.
6. Compress:
Hot and cold compresses can be used in case of back pains, sprains and to reduce swelling of the joints. Take a piece of cloth or towel and pour 5 â€“ 10 drops of essential oil in hot water about 160 ml. Soak the cloth squeeze the water out and then place it on the ailing body part. Let it in this position for few minutes and when it turns cold remove it and repeat the entire process.
7. Hot Tub
Add 10 -1 5 drops of geranium, sandalwood or Ylang Ylang in the bath tub and then enjoy the hot tub.
8. Room Spray:
To make a room spray, add 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice with 100 ml of water add a preservative like pure alcohol. Shake the solution and than fill in a sprayer.
9. Sauna:
To detoxify and cleanse your body, add 2 drops of essential oil of pine or eucalyptus to 300 â€“ 330 ml of water and throw over the coals of evaporation.
10. Scented candles:
Scented candles can be used to add fragrance to your room. You can alternatively add few drops of essential oils of your choice to an oil lamp to derive similar effect.
11. Humidifiers:
Add 5 drops of essential oil to a small bowl of water that should be placed on a radiatorâ€™s top or to water of a humidifier.
12. Wood Fires:
Drops of pine, cypress or cedar wood can be sprinkled over logs of wood for some effect. But oil should be add an hour before lightning the fire.
13. Showers:
Soap your body and then rinse. After rinsing dip a wet sponge in essential oil and squeeze the sponge and now rub over your entire body while you are under the shower.

BUYING ESSENTIAL OILS

Purity and quality should be of utmost importance while purchasing or using essential oils. This is important since you would want to make sure you are using a naturally complete, whole, pure and true healing essential oil. The difference between purity and quality for oils is that pure oils are oils without any adulterations or additives. Quality here means therapeutic potency of the oil. Only genuine essential oils, which are pure and of high quality, can deliver the desired results. However, purity and quality come at a price. Again, a costly price does not guarantee the best essential oil.

Sweet Basil is imported from France and is produced by distilling the leaves of the herb. However, its origins are in India and Hindus have used it for centuries in medicine. It has a slightly sweet licorice aroma.
Sweet Basil revitalizes the body and spirit by refreshing the mind and improving concentration, especially when tired-- a good nerve tonic after a stressful day.
Basil is beneficial for relieving headaches, migraines and sinusitis. Evidence also suggests that sweet basil essential oil helps with migraines.

Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue and truly uplifting

Uses: For treating Bronchitis, Colds, Constipation, Insect Bites, Mental Fatigue, Migraine, Nervous Tension, Rheumatism and Sinus Congestion.

Chamomile German (Matricaria Chamomilla)
Chamomile Roman (Anthemis Noblis)
The Roman is well-known for its strong soothing effect on mind and body and is more expensive but superior to the Moroc. It is excellent for protecting dry skin and can be used to treat the nervous system, headaches, and menstrual disorders and is good for digestion, sore throat, sunburns and insomnia. It is a comforting oil during high pollen count and its flowers soften and lighten hair.German chamomile or blue chamomile has a blue color from azulene, which is formed during the distillation of the oil and is an absolute.The odor is sweet and adds a warm, long-lasting undertone in perfumes. It is gentle, soothing and calming and induces restful sleep and is also a powerful immune system stimulant. German Chamomile is particularly good for allergies, helping not only to relieve the immediate symptoms, but other problems caused indirectly, such as loss of appetite, stress, and aches and pains.All the chamomiles are used in massage oils and herbal mixtures.Chamomile is said to be calming without depressing and is used for treating anger.

Eucalyptus has a camphorous and woody scent and is a powerful antiseptic, widely used in baths and massage during the cold season. Eucalyptus, especially the blue gum variety, helps with sunburn. It is good for nasal decongestion and blends well with Rosemary and Sweet Marjoram, which are the classic muscular ache oils.

Properties:
Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Stimulant

Uses:
For treating Asthma, Bronchitis, Burns, Cuts, congestion, Flu, Headaches, Muscle Aches, Rheumatism, Sinusitis, Skin Ulcers, Urinary Infections and Wounds. Is an Insect Repellant and Air Disinfectant. Eucalyptus blends well with Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram

Ginger is a comforting oil and ideal for massaging on the muscles. It also eases pain in the joints. Ginger is good for treating nausea and sickness.

Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Expectorant, and Stimulant.

Uses: For treating Arthritis, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Colds, Colic, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Exhaustion, Flatulence, Flu, Indigestion, Poor Circulation, Rheumatism and Sinusitis

Combines well with Cedarwood, Citrus oils, Eucalyptus

I DIDN'T REALIZE HOW MANY THERE ARE!! So, I will be posting ALL of them tomorrow! This is just a sample of many!

San Francisco Big Cement Box: Before and After of our Loft Bath Remodel, with a Boffi Makro Red Glass Tub!

halsig — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:57:02 -0700

So, we started out with basically a gas station bathroom, and now it is --ahhhh, so gorgeous. Thassos white marble floor and walls and a beautiful cherry red Boffi Makro Glass 6 foot tub. Heaven!

View Slideshow ›

Bath Tub Test

NurseBossyBum — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:36:48 -0800

The Bathtub Test
During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director how do
you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a
teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty
the bathtub."

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the
bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."

"No." said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want
a bed near the window?"

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800

Soap Scum Stinks!

KaiLynLyn — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:54:35 -0700

I have a jacuzzi tub in our bathroom that I can never get to sparkle. It's always looks a little dull and has a soap scum feel to it no matter how much I scrub it. The combination of the polycarb material of the tub and our hard water is a constant problem. I'm afraid to use anything too strong since I bathe our 2 yr old in the tub nightly. Any suggestions on an eco-friendly and kid-friendly cleaner to get my tub to shine?

DIY Beauty: Bathtime

ALSW — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:47:07 -0700

At the end of a long day, it's always nice to come home and relax, particularly when that relaxation involves a bathtub, a glass of wine, and some music. It's the best way to destress and wash away all your cares of the day, particularly during the summer.

So, tonight, after you walk in the door and kick off your shoes, take an hour or so and treat yourself to a little time in the tub. You deserve it!

And, to enhance your experience, try one of these great bathtime ideas...

Honey & Lemon Bath Elixir
By Janice Cox
2 tablespoons runny honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons bath base (oil or bubbles)

Fold the honey and lemon juice into the bath base slowly and thoroughly. The dispersing base helps the honey dissolve in the bath. You can substitute milk, but you will get no bubbles and you will need very warm water to dissolve the honey. To use: Pour a small amount under the faucet of running bath water and enjoy a soft, scented bubble bath.

Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath
By Janice Cox
1 cup oil
½ cup honey
½ cup liquid soap
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Mix together all the ingredients and pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. To use: Shake before using. Pour ¼ cup into the bathtub under the running water.

Agatha Christie Bath
By Janice Cox
1 cup fresh apple juice or unsweetened bottled apple juice
¼ cup honey
½ cup mild liquid soap or bath soap
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Yield: 12 ounces, 3 – 4 baths

Stir together all the ingredients and pour into a pretty bottle. To use: Pour ¼ to ½ cup into the tub under running water. Shake gently to remix the ingredients.

Oatmeal Cookie Bath
By Janice Cox
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup baking soda

Combine all ingredients in a blender until it makes a smooth paste. Pour paste under running water while drawing bath.

Skin Softening Bath
From GoldenBlossomHoney.com
1/4 cup Honey

Simply add honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Citrus Bath
From http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/hair.html
Squeeze the juice of 1 orange, 1 lemon, 1 lime, 1 grapefruit and 1 tangerine into a jar. Combine peels in a blender; blend until minced very fine. Add to juice. Pour as much as desired into bath water.

Fragrant Bath Salts
From http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/hair.html
1 cup instant nonfat dry milk
1 cup baking soda
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp cream of tartar
1 Tbsp cinnamon

Combine all and store in a decorative container in the bathroom. Add as much as desired to your bath water.

Insomnia Milk Bath
From http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/hair.html
1 tbsp Almond oil
4 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Marjoram essential oil
2 drops Benzoin essential oil
1 cup of powdered milk
Pour oils into a small bowl, mix thoroughly. Stir in 1 cup of powdered milk. Add mixture to bath water.

Bath Bomb
From wildroots.com

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup citric acid
1/8 cup epsom salts (optional)
*witch hazel in a spray bottle
various essential oils & dried herbs

Sift all dry ingredients in a glass bowl.
Add essential oils (about 10-20 drops per recipe - *see below for blends*)
Spray 3 times with witch hazel and mix well. Keep spraying the mix until it clumps when you squeeze it in your hands, but make sure it is not wet.
Add dried herbs if using. Press firmly into moulds (ice cube trays, soap moulds...) Let sit one minute in mould,
then carefully take them out and place on wax paper. If your house/appartment is humid, remember to place a clean
tea towel over the bombs and place under a fan. This will prevent the bombs from activating. Let dry 24-48 hours.

Here are a few aromatherapy blends:

Stress Relief Blend:
5 drops ginger
7 drops bergamot
2 drops geramium
(use dried geranium)

Sleepytime:
5 drops Chamomile
10 drops lavender
(use 2 tbsps of dried lavender and/or chamomile)

Aphrodite's Passion:
5 drops ylang ylang
5 drops patchouli
5 drops sandalwood
(use dried rose petals or buds)

Morning Fresh:
6 drops lemongrass
15 drops Petitgrain or Neroli
(use dried lemongrass or dried lemon peel)

PMS Blend:
8 drops Clary Sage
10 drops Lavender
(use dried lavender flowers)

Melting...

Fruity Bath Salts
From kitchencraftsnmore.com
3 qt. Epsom salt
3 envelopes unflavored Kool-Aid *(without sugar, any flavor of choice)

* If layering the bath salts, use three different flavors/colors of drink mix, and mix 1 envelope of Kool-Aid to 1 quart Epsom salt in each of three bowls. Alternate colored layers in a nice container.

Otherwise use the same flavor Kool-Aid and mix into the Epsom salt. Pour into a nice container. Either seal with a cork or pour a layer of warm (not hot) paraffin on top of each. Add a raffia bow for a nice gift or just use it for yourself!

Lavender Milk Bath
From kitchencraftsnmore.com
1 c. powdered milk
2-3 drops lavender essential oil

Mix together and add to bath.

Milk Bath
From kitchencraftsnmore.com
2 cups non-fat powdered milk
1 cup cornstarch
FO or EO (fragrance oil or essential oil, a few drops until it's the right scent for you)

Mix well, add 1/2 cup to hot bath and oooh la la!

Sore Muscles Bath Soak
From kitchencraftsnmore.com
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup dry milk
1 cup epsom salt
1 cup sea salt

Mix all ingredients together in a large ziploc bag and pour into bath.

So, tonight, relax and enjoy!

10 most expensive homes

Monique Marie — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:08:05 -0700

10. Maison de l'Amitie

The kitchen at Donald Trump's Maison l'Amitie house. There's a gargantuan fountain in the driveway out front and 475 feet of oceanfront out back. Perhaps the biggest thing about the home, however, is its price tag: $125 million.Believe it or not, the famous business tycoon also known as "The Donald" ranks lowest on this list. But Trump's beachfront property has skyrocketed in value over the years. He purchased the estate in 2004 from a bankruptcy court for $41.25 million. Maison de l'Amitie is the former home of Abe Gosman, an executive in the health care industry.

Trump's keen eye for real estate is about to pay off: He reportedly put the home up for sale in 2007 for $125 million [source: Wall Street Journal]. The 80,000-square-feet of Maison de l'Amitie feature a ballroom and a conservatory, 15 full bathrooms and eight half-baths [source: WPBF]. And including the main house, guest cottage and tennis house, it has 15 bedrooms. If the ocean is simply too salty for your taste, you can even take a dip in the 100-foot long swimming pool.

Donald Trump's Kitchen

9. Aaron Spelling's Manor

The late Aaron Spelling's Holmby Hills mansion.Legendary TV producer Aaron Spelling's 56,000-square-foot mansion outside Los Angeles, called "The Manor," was sold in 2006 for $130 million. The home was built for Spelling in 1991, with all the bells and whistles the family demanded. The 123-room home, which covers 56,500 square feet of living space, spans 6 acres of prime Los Angeles real estate [source: USA Today].

In addition to the home's 123 rooms, you'll find an indoor skating rink, swimming pools, tennis court and bowling alley on the grounds. It also has some more unusual features, like a doll museum, a room used exclusively for wrapping presents and an entire floor dedicated to closet space [source: Daily Mail]. The grounds even include a private orchard, which might just keep the home's three kitchens fully stocked [source: Luxury Launches].
Spelling's House

8. Hala Ranch

Prince Bandar sold the guest house to his Aspen estate for more than
$36 million.A Saudi Arabian prince boasts one of the most expensive homes in the United States. Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, a former Saudi ambassador to the U.S., owns the 95-acre Hala Ranch (Hala means "welcome" in Arabic), located in Aspen, Colo. The estate seems fit for Abdulaziz, who's been called an "Arab Gatsby" [source: BBC]. The property is located in the Starwood Ranch community. It's replete with 15 bedrooms and 27 bathrooms tucked within 56,000 square feet of living space -- that's larger than the White House [source: CNN Money].

The ranch features heated stables, an indoor pool, a tennis court, private ski trails, a gas station, car wash and sewage treatment plant. The master bedroom even has its own salon [source: Denver Post]. In 2006, the prince put the property on the market with an asking price of $135 million [source: Forbes]. In December 2007, he sold just the 14,395-square-foot guesthouse of his estate for $36.5 million, the highest price ever paid in for a single-family home in Aspen [source: Aspen Times].

7. Dracula's Castle

Visitors to Bran Castle look from the inside the castle into its interior courtyard.Thanks to visits paid by the infamous Vlad Tepes (better known as Vlad the Impaler, or Count Dracula), Bran Castle -- built on 20 acres of a mountaintop in Brasov, Romania -- became a museum in the 1980s. In 2009, it will become available on the market. There's a catch, though -- the castle's current owner, Archduke Dominic Habsburg, is being quite selective about the person to whom he sells it [source: AP]. The asking price is projected to be $140 million [source: Forbes].

The castle was built in the late 14th century as a fortress to ward off invading Turks [source: Bran Castle Museum]. The castle boasts 57 rooms, 17 of which are bedrooms, decorated with handcrafted Old World antiques and furniture [source: Concierge]. The property does have its drawbacks, however. There are the 450,000 tourists that visit the castle each year to consider: One may assume it could take a little while before word got out that it was no longer open for visitors. Plus, the castle has no central heat and gets quite cold. But you'd get to live in the same place where Dracula stayed, which would be pretty cool.

Dracula's Castle

6. Pinnacle

With the views that surround the site of timber and real estate mogul Tim Blixseth's soon-to-be-completed estate, it's easy to understand why Montana's called big sky country. Blixseth is building a $155 million ski lodge -- called "The Pinnacle" -- in the billionaires-only Yellowstone Club he developed. It will be the largest property in the community.

To protect against chilly feet, the home's flagstone floors will be heated, and its bathrooms will include fireplaces beside the tubs [source: Forbes]. While it has only 10 bedrooms, the 53,000-square-foot home includes an extensive wine cellar and a heated driveway to guard against the Montana winters. The home's indoor/outdoor pool is conveniently located near the gym and massage room [source: Forbes]. If you're interested in the home, it may be best to jump now -- Blixseth reports that offers to buy the home are pouring in.

5. Elena Franchuk's Victorian Villa

London's Kensington district, where the Franchuk villa is located. Elena Franchuk, a businesswoman and HIV/AIDS philanthropist from Ukraine, is reported to be the undisclosed buyer who purchased a newly upgraded home in southwest London for 80 million pounds (approximately $161 million). The home is a freestanding, five-story, 10-bedroom Victorian villa, and has recently undergone 10 million pounds (approximately $20 million) of upgrades, including the additions of an underground indoor swimming pool, movie theater, panic room, sauna and gym [source: Daily Mail].

The home served as a girl's prep school until 1997. In 2006, it was purchased by developers for 20 million pounds. The company put in the 10 million pounds of upgrades and reputedly sold it to Franchuk for 80 million pounds. The selling price breaks the former English record for home sales of 67 million pounds (approximately $135 million) [source: Evening Standard].
Girl Prep School at one time

4. William Randolph Hearst's Mansion

The entrance to the famed Hearst Mansion in Beverly Hills, shortly after it was put on the market in 2007. Fans of the epic movie "The Godfather" may be interested to know that the estate where the infamous scene in which a severed racehorse's head shows up in its owner's bed is for sale. The mansion, formerly owned by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst (the inspiration for the main character in "Citizen Kane"), features 29 bedrooms, three pools and comes complete with its own disco and theater. President John F. Kennedy stayed at the mansion during his honeymoon [source: ABC News].

The Hearst Mansion shouldn't be confused with Hearst Castle of Sunset Boulevard, located a little farther north along the coast. The castle contains 165 rooms, while the mansion has only a mere 29 bedrooms. However, the castle is an established museum, not a home.

In 1947, Hearst bought the 1920s mansion and its 6-acre estate for $120,000 [source: AP]. In 2007, the estate's current owner, who bought it in 1976, put the home on the market for $165 million. The home's buyer will have some notable neighbors, including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and David and Victoria Beckham [source: People's Daily].

3. Updown Court

An aerial view of Updown Court, located outside London, England.Billed by the developers as "the most important private residence to be built in England since the 19th century," newly-built Updown Court is bigger than Buckingham Palace [source: Updown Court, Ltd.]. And it's probably a lot more fun, too. The 103-room mansion includes a bowling alley, squash court, 50-seat movie theater and five swimming pools [source: Forbes]. The mansion totals 40,000 square feet and features a 24-carat gold leaf mosaic floor among its 22 bedrooms and 27 baths [source: Business Week].

A heated marble driveway winds up to the mansion, through part of the estate's 60 acres. The staircase in the foyer is said to be modeled after the one found in Gianni Versace's old mansion in Miami. "If Elton John were a house, he'd be Updown Court," said one of the property's developers. He goes on to express doubt that Elton John could afford the $85 million pound estate. Don't feel bad for Mr. John, however. He has his own mansion around the corner, as does the Queen of England [source: The Guardian].

Updown Court

2. The Penthouses at One Hyde Park

An artists rendering of the One Hyde Park development. Each of the four towers features a penthouse selling for more than $200 million apiece.Technically, the world's second-most most expensive home doesn't exist yet. It's being built and is planned to be completed and ready for sale by 2010 -- at the staggering price tag of 100 million pounds (more than $200 million). The penthouse will sit atop the swanky flats of One Hyde Park, a skyscraper development in London's richest quarter. This posh penthouse will be the upstairs-neighbor to 82 other apartments in the building, half of which have been sold for an average of around 20 million pounds (about $40 million), or approximately 6,000 pounds (about $12,000) per square foot [source: Daily Mail].

To protect against unwanted intruders, residents of the building will be protected by watchmen from the British SAS (Special Forces) members and security features such as bullet-proof windows and iris scanners [source: The Telegraph]. The building itself has emergency exits leading to an underground tunnel to the nearby Mandarin Oriental Hotel, but the penthouse's residents could simply mosey to their panic rooms. During less stressful times, One Hyde Park dwellers can bathe in communal spas, play on the squash courts or drink wine in tasting rooms [source: ZME Travel]. Reports of the pending penthouse also include floor-to-ceiling refrigerators and 24-hour room service for when residents don't feel like cooking.

Penthouse

1. Antilla

Mukesh Ambani is building his family a $1 billion home in Mumbai, India.The record for most expensive house in the world will be set officially in 2009, when Indian trillionaire Mukesh Ambani and his family move into their newly built home: Antilla. This record could stand for a very long time. At a cost of $1 billion, Ambani's 27-story tower -- complete with helipad on top -- dwarfs the next most expensive home, both financially and in stature. Forget going to the gym -- the Ambanis will have their own health club. And their friends can drop by in droves because the six-floor garage will hold 168 cars [source: ABC News]. The tower will be 570 feet tall, and mostly glass. The ultra-modern mansion will feature panic rooms, a movie theater and a staff of 600 servants [source: The Guardian].

Ambani is the head of a global conglomerate and the richest man in the emerging Indian economy, which explains why his new home will have more floor space than Louis XIV's palace at Versailles. And because each floor is double the average height, Antilla will technically be 60 stories tall. The towering house isn't too disconnected from nature: Each level will have lush gardens. It seems a refuge fit for a shy man referred to as "a modern-day Howard Hughes" [source: Portfolio].